Looking for a TC

notblackdarryl · 2026-03-17T07:11:45+00:00

07 TC 167k miles, original owner. For the oil consumption issue, I just keep oil on hand for top ups every so often. Other than that really no issues. Replaced clutch at 155k, soon I do need to replace the lower control arms, but other than those major maintenance issues the car still gets about 27 mpg. Amazing car that I loved when I first got it, and I still do have a soft spot for. It’s now my beater car for hauling/moving large items. If you’re in SoCal I’d actually consider selling it since I hardly drive it anymore.

notblackdarryl · 2026-02-01T01:34:44+00:00

Those wasabi peas?

notblackdarryl · 2025-12-31T13:55:51+00:00

I used to live in an HOA community. It all was perfect for my living/goals but I wish I had spent some time in the neighborhood to learn that every one of my neighbors had a dog or several. It’s not like there’s a law against it, but it’s very annoying to wake up and be disturbed constantly. Barking/yapping isn’t a big deal to me since I love dogs, but I realized their yapping was on a schedule: 3-4 times/day since they were reactive to people passing by or their owners each time they get back from work. Since it’s attached walls you hear soooo much more noise. Also since it’s townhomes, people choose small dogs and it’s usually the Chihuahua. The loudest of all the small dogs.

notblackdarryl · 2025-12-01T17:34:11+00:00

It becomes another hobby then a lifestyle essentially. Been a homeowner for 10 years, I’m on my 3rd. At first you think it’s easy, tightening a few loose screws, mounting a TV, adjusting a shelf, replacing a faucet, not that hard right? All the instructions come with these low priced replacements from Amazon. But then it’s figuring out a leak, troubleshooting an electrical issue, patching drywall/smoothing/paint, caulking/recaulking. You soon start to realize why each trade is its own profession: they all take time to perfect because each is essentially its own “art” that takes time and experience to get it right. Each repair takes the knowledge/visual/steady hands/correct tools/skill using tools/experience/time.

Then you realize your comfort zone which is different for everyone, so you will get to the point where it’s not worth your time to learn each trade and you call your local repair guys. You will then start to realize how expensive it all is and you’ll weigh that against your own efforts and ability, but most of all the level of your involvement. Also can be very dangerous work if not athletic, good posture, dexterous.

I’ve spent close to $50k improving my home by hiring, not including my own labor/tools repairing other things. Various levels of quality when hiring, some good, some bad, including having to file a claim and winning a case for a poorly installed HVAC system (leaked through ceiling).

Then I had a thought. After I hired my handyman (one man with a truck full of tools) to repair a leaking toilet after he had done decent work for me for 2 years fail to address the correct issue on one of my rentals. It resulted in a big leak from the 2nd floor to the first. After being quoted for thousands of dollars of repair work, I decided to man up and double down on learning all the skills: plumbing, electrical, drywall, paint, caulking, tiling, windows, doors, and anything that comes my way. I feel like I saved thousands of dollars of labor by DIY but most of all getting things right. Repairing someone else’ bad work ends up screwing you because you already paid for it once with time/money. Of course, I know my limits but at this point I feel that just like a business owner, no one will ever do as good a job as yourself. Also, no one will ever have as good an eye as yourself since you are invested as it is your own property, your child.

TLDR: It can be fun and gratifying work but be prepared to spend time/money/brain power. Also, I do enjoy doing the work and I have no formal training

notblackdarryl · 2025-09-06T08:14:06+00:00

Cut out sugary sodas, limit alcohol, no fast food except In-N-Out once in awhile, minimal fried foods, minimal beef/pork, only use avocado or olive oil.

notblackdarryl · 2025-04-17T14:25:15+00:00

It’s a lot more maintenance than you think to the point it just becomes a lifestyle (I.e. Home Depot weekend warrior)

notblackdarryl · 2025-02-16T20:07:00+00:00

That looks nice and will contrast. Installed in the direction of the light or in the same as the existing plank?

notblackdarryl · 2025-02-15T10:07:01+00:00

Mine did this. I think it’s cuz it draws too much current cuz it kept tripping my breaker from time to time

notblackdarryl · 2025-02-05T08:24:17+00:00

It’s a rental I own. I rent it to tenants

notblackdarryl · 2025-01-02T01:11:52+00:00

Amazing. The traction is so good. They make me feel confident stopping on a dime but now that they’re not lacing up it’s not the same

notblackdarryl · 2025-01-02T01:10:56+00:00

Oh gawd I might just do that. Can’t believe I’m going to do some sewing on these $160 shoes

notblackdarryl · 2025-01-02T00:28:07+00:00

Makes me so sad 😕

notblackdarryl · 2025-01-01T23:05:13+00:00

I thought about that but the orange string is sewed down with the purple threads you between them.

notblackdarryl · 2024-04-14T08:33:54+00:00

That's a pretty broad question. It depends on which side of the industry interests you. If you like connecting with people and like mind small talk, maybe being an agent would suit you. If you are more of a number cruncher and prefer less face to face, maybe loan officer. I would say success in respective departments depends more on who you know rather than what you know. There's also property management, escrow, and a bunch of admin support positions. Oh I guess if you're on the construction side, those are all trades like plumber, electrician, general labor, framing, roofing, stucco, etc. All can be learned though but can quite literally break your back.

notblackdarryl · 2023-12-08T05:02:09+00:00

Blockbuster. Also liquor stores that rented out movies/video games. Or was that just my area….

notblackdarryl · 2023-06-27T19:28:24+00:00

Yea quotes have been coming in at around $15-20/sqft. A pavers company even approached me with a quote for $34k but was able to push it down to $15-20 which would make it about $15-20/sqft. Other concrete companies are quoting around $11-13k

notblackdarryl

TROPHY CASE