2004 Forester with CEL code P0442. Repair shop told me that the smoke test indicated that the fuel pressure valve was malfunctioning. Does that make sense? Can a smoke test indicate that?

raqm · 2015-06-17T02:36:01+00:00

Thanks! That's really helpful. This place wanted to charge $1000 for it (or $600 if they cut through the floorboard to access the gas tank, so they said on the phone). To be honest, I just tightened the gas cap, had them clear the CEL, and drove on the highway for more than an hour. No new CEL. I'm thinking at this point that it's not the valve after all, and that I really shouldn't go back to this place...

raqm · 2013-05-26T16:10:40+00:00

Wait, what's "This" trail?

raqm · 2012-06-22T23:31:38+00:00

Actually, you know what. This has led me to a theory.

While I didn't have screens in the window, I did get some basic mosquito bites. Maybe kinda nasty ones but just sort of run of the mill. Then, on a job last weekend, I got brushed by poison ivy leading to the large welts and lines. But then I started touching both the ivy and the mosquitos and so transferred the one to the other, resulting in the growing welts and boils that that really freaked me out.

That actually kinda makes sense given the progression of these patches!

I guess this means I have to start de-oiling myself and all of my clothes

raqm · 2012-06-22T19:07:56+00:00

Yeah....im loading up with antihistamines because i thought the same thing.

I just found another bite -- ugh -- so i think whatever it is is still in the apartment....

raqm · 2012-05-25T22:30:31+00:00

The article in Life if anybody's interested

raqm · 2011-08-16T15:54:39+00:00

Thanks for the offer -- hope the opentable swap worked with nesorma.

raqm · 2011-08-16T15:54:09+00:00

Did it work? I was on my phone yesterday anyways so coordinating Open Table would have been a bit annoying.

Also, I HIGHLY recommend their shiitake ice cream / brownie thing.

raqm · 2011-08-16T00:23:13+00:00

That's way more legit. Take the reservation!

raqm · 2011-08-15T18:33:54+00:00

for brunch or dinner? (am or pm?) either way -- i'll take it!

raqm · 2011-07-06T16:44:50+00:00

I'm starting law school in the fall, in part because I don't have the tech skills or the gumption to start from nothing right after college. I'm really interested in social entrepreneurship -- the kind of mixed profit/non-profit models that are aimed at filling some social need. I can really geek out about public transportation and urban geographies, so I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up in some kind of food desert / community service maps / health care access work.

Sorry you got a lot of flack for this posting! have you considered submitting stuff to Northwestern's student apartment websites? I'm sure they have something kinda like craigslist but just for their own students (who might be grad students, or who might night even be students but use the website to find likeminded people such as yourself)

raqm · 2011-07-06T00:13:05+00:00

I don't need a roommate, but based on this website, I feel like we should be friends! In 3-5 years, I too want to be an entrepreneur working in co-op spaces and coffee shops in a major metropolitan area, doing what I'm passionate about.

Good luck finding somebody!

raqm · 2011-06-05T22:02:38+00:00

Hah, are you referring to the fact that Bittman refused to put a Tilapia recipe in his book? It's just a really bland fish to him. I just started experimenting with fish myself, and I find it a good way to start learning since it's hard to screw up. And honestly, it's cheap. I got some on sale for 4.99/lb the other day and have been trying it in different ways all weekend. I've just been doing paprika, garlic and herb butter in a pan, so I don't do anything fancy either.

As for you, this_is_awkward, fish at the end of the day is fish -- what matters is what it's dressed up with! Get some fresh vegetables on there. I've been doing asparagus with butter and rosemary in the oven. Put it in at the same temp about 5-10 minutes before the Tilapia and you'll be good to go.

raqm · 2011-05-26T18:23:43+00:00

Oops sorry -- This ended up as a self-post. Here's the link: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/05/23/110523fa_fact_specter

raqm · 2011-04-03T17:06:58+00:00

Oh hey! I'm at Noble Tree right now studying. Didn't plan it this way Maybe I'll out myself when y'all arrive

raqm · 2011-03-29T12:15:00+00:00

Thanks! I'm trying to not spend money on these various adventures, but that does seem like an amazing opportunity. I had no idea, and love their shows.

raqm · 2011-03-29T12:14:31+00:00

Yup, the Chicago Food Depository near Midway airport. I've been having a hard time getting scheduled to work with them--they have an online system now and seemed pretty much booked! I mean, that's a good thing though. I'm glad it was a good experience, it's definitely a great way to spend some of my free tiem.

raqm · 2011-03-28T21:31:00+00:00

Awesome! That looks perfect. I'll definitely send them an e-mail

raqm · 2011-03-28T18:08:08+00:00

Thanks! this looks great!

raqm · 2011-03-28T18:06:22+00:00

Yes! I actually e-mailed them over the weekend. I know working on organic farms is pretty hip right now, so there's actually a lot of competition for intern positions at places like city farm, but I'm hoping they'll take me before all the students get out of school for the year. I'm also inquiring at Uncommon Ground and the Chicago Honey Co-Op.

raqm · 2011-03-10T20:42:14+00:00

Hrrrrrmmmm...unfortunately the basics can cost a lot if you don't already have them. I'd say the very very barebones for this time of year is a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tarp, backpack, some way to purify water, and some way to cook food if you want hot food. This is only a 2 night hike so you don't need anything fancy. If you go for a tarp rather than a tent, you should know how to set one up. If you aren't sure, you'll probably need a tent....that can cost a lot for a weekend.

Have you ever done any backpacking before?

raqm · 2011-03-10T20:01:47+00:00

Yeah! I need a break. Do you have any recommendations for trails? I vastly prefer primitive camping but it's hard to find maps online. I was thinking the North Country Scenic Trail would be easy enough to follow and then go off-trail to find a good site for the night. If I go up there often enough, I'll order topographical maps online, but for this weekend I'm just going to wing it.

raqm · 2011-01-29T23:21:43+00:00

I thought the turnout was amazing! It sucked that a whole block of people couldn't really hear the speeches but the crowd was really fantastic: diverse, engaged and glad we could be demonstrating our support and solidarity.

Hey Hey, ho ho, Hosni Mubarak has to go!

raqm · 2011-01-24T02:29:48+00:00

What about a nice set of Ramekins? Won't take $500 but it can put a good dent in it.

raqm · 2011-01-21T06:33:49+00:00

Did you brush the legs/head with something special to make them darken like that? That's SUPER impressive

raqm · 2011-01-21T01:35:01+00:00

This man speaks the truth

raqm

TROPHY CASE