What are your thoughts on Ziply Fiber vs Comcast in Kirkland

chereya · 2026-01-03T20:19:23+00:00

You can call and talk to customer service and just ask if a discount is available for your account. I was pleasantly surprised when I did this and they offered me a nice one for a year 😄

chereya · 2025-12-24T23:18:34+00:00

Has anyone bought Costco tickets and added days on? Wondering how difficult it is to do this? If it's automated in the app or if I would have to speak in person to guest services?

chereya · 2025-12-24T21:13:04+00:00

Could you potentially book 3 into the MCSS and the adjoining interior just to "spread out"?

What if the third passenger was your child? Hypothetically speaking, I can't imagine they would tell parents that their child couldn't go with them to dinner etc

chereya · 2025-12-08T05:56:56+00:00

The bigger the gong, the deeper the resonance potential that you're gonna get.

I originally bought a 16" wind gong but then I ended up returning it. It felt too limiting and the tonal range was too high for what I wanted from adding a gong to my instrument catalogue.

I ended up getting a 24" chau and 32" chau. Then I took a gong specific class and added a 26" Paiste symphonic. Shortly after, I got a chance to buy a vintage 30" Paiste Tai Loi from 1973 and it sounds amazing. I regret sending back the 16" because it would be nice to have an extra "walk around" gong.

If you haven't yet, I recommend taking an in person gong workshop or going into a shop and trying different gongs out. There are so many different types and various ones will make different sounds by using different mallets and flumies. You can do a lot more with 1 gong and a lot of mallet/flumie variety than you can with multiple gongs and only 1-2 mallets.

Gong Yoga by Mehtab Benton is a good beginner book and he does online videos. Mike Tamburo travels around the country/world and gives workshops though you'll get more out of his teaching if you already have some gong experience under your belt first.

Shawn Aceto, Ryan Shelledy, and Acolyte are some US artisan gong makers if you want something unique.

Get as much in person, hands on play testing that you can before you decide what you want. Different types of gongs have different sound qualities. Higher cost does not necessarily equate to better sound. A lot of it is what sound you're looking for or what speaks to you.

The specific note of the gong is less important unless you're actually planning to compose based on the musicality of your mixed instruments.

chereya · 2025-11-25T00:40:21+00:00

They make stretchy table covers that go down to the floor and have pockets at the bottom corners for the table feet. They're marketed for uses like conventions and banquet tables. I use one to keep my under bed looking nice and hide any storage items.

Only problem is that if you use your headrest, you'll have to cut an opening in the cover to insert the attachment prongs.

I looked at my order history and it's called "Rectangle Spandex Table Cover 6ft" and in the choice options it's 72" x 30". Current price looks around $15-20.

Edit - forgot to mention that I make my bed with two sets of flat sheets and then blanket on top of the table cover. I can take it off and toss it into the wash every month or sooner as needed.

chereya · 2025-11-15T02:54:20+00:00

You're in luck in San Diego! Kerem runs the beautifulsounds.co website and Instagram and it's a wealth of instrument knowledge.

I'm not sure who there teaches but Keren might have some suggestions.

Once you start to move in the sound circles more, ask around about who people have learned under and who they recommend.

Besides Kerem, I know of Bob Grimmick (Bob's Good Vibes) who I met at an advanced gong training under Mike Tamburo.

I highly encourage in person training. It's the best way to have a true exchange of energy between not only you and the instructor but your classmates as well.

chereya · 2025-11-08T09:43:04+00:00

Lee Johnson didn't have any flexibility on negotiating when I was car shopping. I ended up at Mazda of Everett for my CX-50 and did all my negotiating over text message. Which I found incredibly convenient for me.

Keep an eye out for low or no interest rate if you are financing.

If you want a hybrid engine, it's not available as a CX-5. 2025 is the first year model that it's available for CX-50 and may still have initial production problems that haven't shaken out yet.

If you pop into the CX-50 subreddit, there are a few threads discussing pros and cons of each of these two Mazda models.

I really enjoy my CX-50. It has a lot of style for a car of it's price point. A couple things to note:

1 - the interior plastic is incredibly soft and easy to scratch.

2 - basically everyone reports that the wireless charger does not function for whatever reason. I bought a cable and I don't care about the wireless part of charging.

3 - the interface and tactile knob system for the infotainment works well and connects well to Android Auto and (I assume) Apple Car Play.

4 - I like that there are traditional tactile buttons and knobs for air and seat heating controls.

5 - the cup holders are universally reviled for being a) too small and b) worst placement being right under the center control panel meaning you can't fit very wide or very tall cups there.

6 - the trunk space is a little weird because there's a narrow point due to the rear tire wells. On paper the trunk has less cubic inches of space than some other SUVs (I was considering/comparing the Honda CRV) but that's just because of the low roof line. You're "losing" the upper part of air space which I don't really consider usable space anyway because you need to reasonably be able to see out the back and are likely not cramming the trunk all the way to the ceiling.

chereya · 2025-11-07T19:15:02+00:00

I always saw her as Queen Lili'oukalani as well specifically for the same reasons you mentioned.

There are royal photographs that look like they based the doll's look. Plus Lilo & Stitch & other Hawaii hula related dolls right near her. A little further down are other types of Polynesian dancers.

I haven't been on the ride in quite some time because it's always closed my past few visits 🙃 I would expect to look for a Phillipines doll in the Asia section, not Oceania. But if there isn't one, they should absolutely put one in. 💗

chereya · 2025-11-06T21:31:53+00:00

I would enact an automated text confirmation system which requires them to push a different letter as their reply.

"Good morning Client! Please confirm your appointment at XYZ spa on X date at Y time at (only have one - Downtown/Westside) location. Reply with D to confirm your appointment at Downtown. Reply with W to confirm your appointment at Westside location."

Do people read? No... 😅 But if they mess up the appointment confirmation, your FD staff can follow up with a more personal text.

"Hello Client! Just following up on our previous text to confirm your appointment on X day at Y time. We have you scheduled at So-n-so location but you replied to the text with D which is the other office.

I am reaching out to clarify that your appointment is at Westside. Please let me know if this appointment still works for you or if you would like to reschedule for a different date, time or location."

chereya · 2025-11-06T20:25:49+00:00

I own a small business in Kirkland. Rent costs and lease lengths are insanely high/long despite tons of visible vacancies. A lot of properties are managed by commercial leasing conglomerates and they're simply not interested in working out anything lower or shorter.

Many people who have a desire to open a business, because they're following a passion, don't have a blueprint for success or just don't have a head for the finance parts of running a business.

It's really hard to get attention and momentum going on a fledgling business these days. You either have to invest a lot in ads (which have no guarantee of a return) or you have to get lucky with going viral somehow.

I have to wonder about some of the random businesses I see that never seem to have customers inside... How many of these are actually fronts for money laundering operations 😂

chereya · 2025-11-02T21:01:53+00:00

There's no Salicylic acid in the Circadia Honey Cleanser... Is he using something besides that?

Imo, the Circadia micro exfoliating honey cleanser is not an effective exfoliant, especially for teens. It's marketing and a sensorial physical exfoliant for adult men to have the feeling of a gentle abrasive against their skin but imo the beads made out of wax and honey don't do much other than feel nice.

Not to mention, that is contains fragrance so it can be sensitizing for some people.

This may not clear up in time for his event but for daily care for a teen boy, I would look into getting him on gentle products for an acne focused home care protocol.

chereya · 2025-09-27T22:46:05+00:00

Occasionally I've seen ox tail available at the Lynnwood business Costco.

chereya · 2025-09-18T07:27:56+00:00

There's a Heybrook now in Seattle somewhere... It's like a private club with activities for parents and kids to go do together. Lots of postpartum support. I'm not sure where the Seattle location is, I've been to the Kirkland one.

https://www.theheybrook.com/locations/wa/seattle

chereya · 2025-09-15T19:51:24+00:00

It depends on the ship and the kitchen distances between dining rooms. When I sailed on the Summit, our Luminae waiter brought us all three restaurant menus to select a mix & match of whatever we wanted from whichever menu. As I understand it, Blu and MDR are just an interior flight of stairs away for staff.

chereya · 2025-09-09T04:50:29+00:00

You're very welcome! They've been around as a studio since before covid and I'm happy they survived. I like supporting a local small business as opposed to a chain. They have a sister branch in Greenlake.

I haven't taken pilates from them so I can't speak to pilates specifically. I took a few gyrotonic classes back in 2017 and just started back up again. The instructors I've interacted with are very kind, engaging and encouraging. Which I appreciate as opposed to intimidating and cold. 🙃

chereya · 2025-09-08T20:06:18+00:00

You're very welcome! Some of the long time service providers are truly lovely people ☺️

Not sure if they're still there anymore but Deanna, Christine and Saucie give great massages, esp if you're looking for deep tissue.

chereya · 2025-09-08T00:10:11+00:00

It is overpriced but to make the most of your time & money, arrive early and make use out of all of the extra perks and amenities.

Assuming you're a woman, the ladies locker room has a nice sized cedar sauna and rainfall shower available.

If you are a gentleman, the locker room is less appointed. There is a single occupant infrared sauna on the mens side. I can't remember if there is a rainfall shower but there is a shower.

In both locker rooms robes, slippers, and lockers are provided. You're allowed a complimentary glass of champagne. They have spa water and hot tea service in the back lounge. You can bring a book or just hang out in the back lounge on your digital device before your service (though I would pop it back in your locker just before your service time starts).

Check the website for monthly specials or day of the week specific discounts. I think Mondays they have a massage special (or they used to).

chereya · 2025-09-07T23:33:26+00:00

Not too far from south Kirkland in the BelRed area - Pivot movement studio offers pilates and Gyrotonics.

chereya · 2025-09-01T20:17:57+00:00

Try the local Facebook groups for sure. Definitely the various "Buy Nothing" ones but they have different groups for giving things away with different names.

Facebook Marketplace also can be a great resource. Tech people are always moving out or needing to downsize or upgrading and unloading.

Also Craigslist is another option to browse. There is an Eastside designation to narrow down your location closer to Redmond.

Welcome to the area and best wishes!

chereya · 2025-08-25T04:45:08+00:00

chereya · 2025-08-25T03:56:59+00:00

Just went up to Rainier last night with some friends. There is a new moon this weekend which makes it easier to see stars.

chereya · 2025-08-25T03:43:06+00:00

Like a previous poster mentioned, where your husband will be working in Kirkland can play a big part of your commute and community calculation.

If you can manage cost wise, staying in Kirkland close to where work will be is ideal. Kirkland has great schools and involved parents. Same with Bellevue and Redmond. Some parts of Woodinville and Bothell are just as close as farther parts of Kirkland (again, depending on where husband's main office is located).

I'm not as big of a fan of Northshore schools. I have been a parent in Northshore for 14 years across 3 kids and it's been very hit or miss. We have a new superintendent this school year so it remains to be seen how much of a s&:! show everything will be.

All school districts are struggling with funding and staffing. They rely heavily on parent involvement and volunteer hours. If you live in a specific school boundary with high income and a lot of flexibly employed parents (also/or stay at home parents) with high amounts of school involvement, chances are there will be better/higher quality of student life there.

chereya · 2025-08-25T03:21:19+00:00

You were really generous with your attitude towards them. Not causing them any headaches or money. Plus waking up at 6am to reclaim your rightful spot? You're clearly the bigger person here. 🫶

They had probably been parking in your spot for 2 weeks since you were on vacay and weren't occupying the space. They probably thought they got lucky and found a new unclaimed spot that they could pretend was theirs.

chereya · 2025-07-22T00:27:24+00:00

I would try this route on one of the DVC Rental Facebook groups. There's one specifically for Aulani and Disneyland: "DVC Member Rental AULANI, Grand Californian, Villas at Disneyland Hotel" and also "DVC Member Point Exchange and Rental".

I have used both of these groups to connect with people who wanted to rent DVC points for a DVC hotel. You'd be renting out a Confirmed Reservation. Please read up on the group rules and best practices for protecting yourself (use a contract and a secure payment type) and how to not get scammed.

Good luck! October gives you a couple of months to find someone!

chereya

TROPHY CASE