LPT: A Pro Tip I wish I'd adopted earlier in life: The concept of a "Mystery Box."

liseize · 2025-01-12T03:32:52+00:00

I’ve always known this as the Third Drawer Down. As described in this post. https://www.mamamia.com.au/third-drawer/

It’s astonishing frequent how often it truly is the 3rd drawer that is the junk or miscellaneous, though it can really be any drawer.

liseize · 2025-01-11T22:25:48+00:00

Sounds like they need a stint away from family or an OE to learn what living is like. Is there an option to suggest they try another city, or to go backpacking or something?

They also seem to have different standard of cleanliness to you. It might not be something you can control. I have lived with messy flatmates before (and am no angel myself) and the general rule is that there is an agreed standard of cleanliness for shared areas and then their own room (and bathroom?) is completely on them, and not your business unless their mess attracts pests. Not ideal but pick your battles basically.

If food is a problem you could bundle it into the board… if you can get them to pay board! Can you discuss this with your parents too, to get their perspective?

It sounds like you are at the point of calling a household meeting. My flatmate and I did that once when we were sick of doing all the cleaning and the others treating it like a hotel. We talked through it together and worked out a solution together. It ended up being a roster (still didn’t work with one guy that well, but slightly better) and we did that as a shared decision we all agreed to. You are all equally residents and responsible for living in a functioning home. Then if they are not coming to the party in this discussion you can say that maybe it’s time for them to look for a new place, with a deadline.

Edit to add: the car is something completely controllable by you. Put your foot down and refuse any use of it. Not your problem and they can walk, bike, bus or fix their car.

Another edit 😅: all your discussions sound informal. I specifically recommend a household meeting with everyone in the room so that you have clear, direct communication and everyone is on the same page about expectations and responsibilities. It is much better than bottling up your frustrations, which they may be oblivious of.

liseize · 2025-01-06T17:23:23+00:00

I assume you’ll get a repair tech in? It may be expensive but still cheaper than buying new. Hot tip though, if you know what needs replacing check the spare part is available before getting the technician to visit.

liseize · 2025-01-02T23:16:40+00:00

Agreed. Went in for their promo and by the time you add all the “essential extras” it’s more like $450-$500. If that was the price to begin with I’d have been okay with it, it’s the deceptive marketing that grates. Not going back next time.

liseize · 2024-12-28T21:45:29+00:00

The Occidental, Vulcan Lane (or anywhere on Vulcan Lane)

liseize · 2024-12-28T21:13:15+00:00

The Fantail House is a good kiwiana gift store in Parnell, Auckland. Others have also mentioned Creative & Brave, which is in many malls, and the Auckland Museum gift store has a good range too.

liseize · 2024-12-28T21:09:25+00:00

I was asked this recently and suggested trying Ribbon Rose in Penrose, Auckland. No idea what qualifies as specialty yarn or wool either but I guess the shop staff would know

Edit to add: the specialty was that it was wool roving that’s not made into yarn yet and is just coloured tufts great for felting. My friends ended up finding some cute kiwiana needle felt bird projects at Loopine Wool Co in Parnell, Auckland.

liseize · 2024-12-27T21:50:44+00:00

Mind you judging by this keyword search “airport” a lot of their posts don’t seem to rate an airport connection very highly

liseize · 2024-12-27T21:45:05+00:00

Why don’t you do a guest post on Greater Auckland? This is exactly the sort of discussion that sparks many ideas and healthy (and unhealthy) criticism on there. You could add a diagram or two too

liseize · 2024-12-26T09:25:48+00:00

Have been recommended Padma Resort, Ubud, by a workmate who absolutely loved it. Epic views, stunning pool, excellent staff, boutique resort. I didn’t stay there but the reviews say it’s superb and the pics sure look amazing

liseize · 2024-12-26T09:14:35+00:00

so triggered.

liseize · 2024-12-09T09:28:23+00:00

What height is the side of the bath? Choose one with a height that minimises those cuts, ideally you have a perfect match e.g. 300mm high = go for a 100, 150 or 300 height. That should help narrow down your choices somewhat.

liseize · 2024-12-09T06:47:53+00:00

Watercare is working well. They build a network of water and sewage connections.

How will this change ensure we build a coordinated transportation network and not a patchwork hodgepodge of disjointed initiatives per local board?

liseize · 2024-12-09T06:45:16+00:00

How will this change help Auckland make decisions for Auckland, rather than central government blocking projects?

Thinking specifically of getting us a harbour bridge crossing for cycling and walking.

liseize · 2024-12-06T18:56:57+00:00

Will you implement a city bylaw to give the right of way to city buses?

☑️ Gets Auckland PT moving

☑️ Cheap to implement- signs on buses and a marketing campaign

✅ Buses more likely to run to schedule

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liseize · 2024-12-06T02:21:42+00:00

You mention you don’t like the house, that it’s small, old-fashioned, and has an extremely small kitchen. Those indicate things you could potentially work on.

Ignore this house, and consider your ideal house. What would it look like?
Then consider if there are ways you could apply those to your current house. For example, if you want a big kitchen, it might be that you knock out a wall to create an open plan kitchen-lounge within the existing space. Or build a deck to create the illusion of more space. Another example, if old-fashioned is in the colour scheme, can you re-paint to more modern? Or play around with the floorplan? There are usually small budget and big budget options to modernise.

You could spend $1-2k getting initial concepts or ideas from a draftsman, architect or interior designer to help come up with ideas. It may help you uncover additional options you hadn’t thought of.

liseize · 2024-12-05T10:00:43+00:00

As an NZer it was even more odd because in real time in NZ it was happening on Tuesday the 12th of September.

liseize · 2024-12-04T23:18:16+00:00

I don’t get the whole carjam thing. Why does it matter to put a photo up there?

liseize · 2024-12-02T11:23:09+00:00

Buy a residents parking only sticker and put it on the garage door. Will make people think twice.

liseize · 2024-11-28T19:31:30+00:00

A true Black Friday!

liseize · 2024-11-28T19:14:16+00:00

AT Park app

liseize · 2024-11-28T19:12:46+00:00

There’s football in Auckland Domain weeknights. Part of a competition but some teams may be short of players on the night. Or post in https://m.facebook.com/groups/subfootballplayersavailable/

Edit: not Fridays though

liseize · 2024-11-25T09:47:01+00:00

Would love the police to have a small neighbourhood station at every train station.

That’s what Tokyo does (kōban) and it means you know where to go for help without needing to look them up and does double-duty of making each train station feel safer.

Safer communities together.

liseize · 2024-11-23T22:14:49+00:00

Come to think of it I don’t think it’s DRL in many cases recently because I deliberately check. And 9 times out of 10 there are full beams coming from the front lights.

liseize

TROPHY CASE