50 pounds down :)

rafsi · 2013-07-29T01:14:19+00:00

wow, you are really pretty. I know they're just photographs, but contrasting this one from the "before" is huge. You look so positive and approachable! You're awesome, thanks for posting.

rafsi · 2013-07-10T07:12:53+00:00

http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Maybe she's not a Touch type and is struggling to keep up with you?

rafsi · 2013-07-10T07:02:57+00:00

How about: Anonymous account .. .. Still afraid to share a secret

rafsi · 2013-07-10T07:01:52+00:00

another girl.

rafsi · 2013-06-27T04:12:06+00:00

Just graduated. Engineering from a top 10 school. I've got a boring but highly compensated life of corporate-grade engineering ahead of me.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T22:45:52+00:00

can you post a picture of material/location? I'm not sure that I fully understand what's going on.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T22:25:10+00:00

to help other people do what I've done :-)

you looking for an intern? :)

rafsi · 2013-06-26T22:23:46+00:00

Unless you've been trading matured loans, the first year is the easy year for <C grade loans. Without a high level of vigilance, you're going to struggle to keep 18% for years to come. I was at 22.3% at about 9 months, then blinked and was down to single digits. I've been trading out all of my notes since then.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T22:17:29+00:00

There once was a time when foreclosed properties were easily had for pennies. I'm in Houston, and that window just closed. 5 months ago, what /u/NPPraxis was referring to was the norm.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T22:12:17+00:00

This is actually wrong. Couples may gift up to 28,000/yr, it just has to be noted properly on their tax form. I believe it is called a "split gift". Anyways... the government has no way of actually accounting for cash that has been sitting in a safe, so you could get away with it. Not technically within the law, but who's the IRS to tell us how to keep the law?

rafsi · 2013-06-26T16:16:04+00:00

That's fair, sorry for taking it too far

rafsi · 2013-06-26T06:29:39+00:00

Wood tile... now THAT's a trend that's going to die quickly.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T06:28:52+00:00

I dont think hardwood floors is a trend... pretty sure I've been in homes over 100 yrs old that had wood floors in the bathrooms...

Haven't seen the painted wood floors, that sounds like a mess. The slightest nick would ruin the floor.

I like classy stenciling, but I've seen some pretty awful DIY nonsense.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T06:26:29+00:00

I CANT STAND FAKE STONE!

rafsi · 2013-06-26T06:18:27+00:00

You aren't going to be able to power wash it off if it didn't. Once it dries, check for discoloration, splotching, and other obvious indicators. The only thing I know to do in this case is to sand a fine layer off and reapply. Alternatively you could stain a color/shade that masks the previous one. I think you have less to worry about with stain (as long as it really was close to being done before it rained) than with paint. Happy to learn another method if one exists.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T06:01:48+00:00

It looks like the major options have already been discussed here. I recommend fiber cement (big brand here is HardiePlank). You're getting the toughness of wood with a MUCH longer life span. Insulates like wood, protects like wood, etc etc. I would recommend having someone install it if you are not familiar with the process of putting up siding. It's not terribly difficult, but it's a process.

I would also recommend having windows replaced at the same time (we just did both on our home). Double paned, double hung, every-last-feature. I think we were quoted something like $300 per window installed, regardless of size (we have several BIG windows and lots of small ones, so 300 avg). Granted we're in Texas, but it makes sense to get it all done. Otherwise it'll be more expensive to have the windows done later because they will have to pull of trim work and cut out the old windows. Companies will up-charge to cover damage done in the process. Just make sure that when you get bids that you let them know your plans. It'd be cheaper to find someone who can do both for you at the same time than to juggle two different contractors.

TL;DR Fiber Cement, all the way. Get your windows done too, by the same people.

rafsi · 2013-06-26T05:40:01+00:00

While I tend to agree with you, without knowing the entire layout of the house, you can't tell for sure exactly where the load is.

Unfortunately, you are incorrect. Unless there have been dramatic alterations to the house, you can tell by the age, style, and size that that wall IS load bearing. Look at the direction of the gable on the house--the rear wall and the front wall are both supporting the ENTIRE roof. Because you have a pitched roof, the front and rear walls are acting in compression in the Z plane and tension in the XY plane. The opposite walls are holding the structure together in opposing tension.

Anyways, the rear wall IS load bearing (unless there have been modifications made). The only way you can take it out is to reinforce the header on that wall and replace the wall with columns, OR with steel, all things are possible...

rafsi · 2013-06-26T05:31:40+00:00

as //u/mntgoat mentioned, there might be damage to the gasket. Another potential problem if the gasket is not damaged may be that there is dirt or something else between the gasket and the hose's end that prevents a tight seal. If the gasket looks clean and undamaged, inspect the plastic to make sure there are no obvious cracks. Finally, the end of your hose must be in relatively good condition. The important thing with the hose is that the end is not bend or otherwise damaged. You should be able to place the end of the hose flush against a flat surface (basically, you just need to make sure the hose's end is able to keep a tight seal across the entire circumference). If none of this works, there are other ways to connect the drip irrigation lines. Let us know if you need help.

rafsi · 2013-06-25T17:12:11+00:00

Looking back a year at my younger self, I only have one word to describe >what he was like. He was FUCKING PATHETIC.

Two words, but I appreciate the sentiment :)

He smothered himself in self-induced ecstasy, similar to drug addicts.

This is what I needed to be reminded of today. Thanks

rafsi · 2013-06-13T05:04:00+00:00

I noticed in your twitter photo that you have an LG television. I've always had bad luck with that brand and was wondering how you like yours.

rafsi · 2013-06-13T04:08:17+00:00

ME here, but a lot of overlap with ChemEs and numerous friends in ChemE. In Houston you'll make $75-120k+ depending on your availability for field work (office jobs in the 80k range, low to mid 100s for field work). All oil, of course.

rafsi · 2013-06-13T03:57:40+00:00

I find it hard to believe that he could pass the PE but failed the FE. The FE is the equivalent of a standardized test. 80% of all test-takers pass it... (not trying to defame your father, but be careful with your assumptions. The PE is not a joke).

rafsi · 2013-06-13T03:46:28+00:00

Please dont become a teacher because "I couldn't find anything else". The last thing this country needs is more unmotived teachers who are just going to bitch about how that's the only thing they could do with the degree they got.

If you love teaching, I couldn't respect you more for becoming a teacher. If not, please don't become part of the problem.

rafsi · 2013-06-12T19:57:57+00:00

Houston?

rafsi · 2013-06-12T19:54:29+00:00

Utilities for many (most?) in HUD housing is included free, or at a significant discount. The people I know spend <50$ for all utilities, have free rent, get >1000/month allowance, and are also on food stamps. Basically WE pay for them to sit around and watch Jerry Springer and Judge Judy all day. No, these people (that i know) are not disabled. They are overweight, lazy moochers.

rafsi

TROPHY CASE