Otis in the Suburbs (2 Viewers)

[Otis]

Hey O>Did you guys close yet? When is the remodel going down? Be prepared to be a bit stressed. New baby, move, remodel. That's a lot.

We are going through 1 and 3 (on a smaller scale) and I believe my wife may murder one of us (hoping it is the contractor).

We are ready to close (I had hoped to do it today), but the sellers apparently aren't ready yet. My guess is they are trying to drag it out to coincide with May 1, which is when they probably signed their leases for (which is fine, I understand they have kids and the family is going through a lot, but I just wish they would have come out and told us that, since we now have thousands of dollars worth of furniture sitting in storage in various places waiting to be delivered somewhere, and the storage fees will start kicking in soon).The good news is that our apartment isn't selling. It's not good news since we'll be strapped with two mortgages for a while, but at least we'll be able to live here for the 6-8 weeks the construction is going on at the house, and so it won't be interfering with us too much. Our plan is to drive out there on weekends with the baby, hang out, do some planning, light painting, paint the nursery, that sort of thing, so that once the kitchen is done we are all ready to rock. So I'm hoping it won't be super stressful. I think that really kicks in when you are living in the place with the construction -- that's a nightmare. Also, knock on wood, but the baby after 1 week has been a dream. She already basically sleeps through the night, except for the every-three-hours she wakes up to be fed and changed. Otherwise we sleep pretty well. We already had her out at a local Brooklyn spot yesterday for a little brunch, wife and I crushed a margarita and a beer each, was a nice day. Things are pretty well under control. If she stays like this and doesn't turn into a colicky baby, I think we're in good shape.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Hey O>Did you guys close yet? When is the remodel going down? Be prepared to be a bit stressed. New baby, move, remodel. That's a lot.

We are going through 1 and 3 (on a smaller scale) and I believe my wife may murder one of us (hoping it is the contractor).

We are ready to close (I had hoped to do it today), but the sellers apparently aren't ready yet. My guess is they are trying to drag it out to coincide with May 1, which is when they probably signed their leases for (which is fine, I understand they have kids and the family is going through a lot, but I just wish they would have come out and told us that, since we now have thousands of dollars worth of furniture sitting in storage in various places waiting to be delivered somewhere, and the storage fees will start kicking in soon).The good news is that our apartment isn't selling. It's not good news since we'll be strapped with two mortgages for a while, but at least we'll be able to live here for the 6-8 weeks the construction is going on at the house, and so it won't be interfering with us too much. Our plan is to drive out there on weekends with the baby, hang out, do some planning, light painting, paint the nursery, that sort of thing, so that once the kitchen is done we are all ready to rock. So I'm hoping it won't be super stressful. I think that really kicks in when you are living in the place with the construction -- that's a nightmare. Also, knock on wood, but the baby after 1 week has been a dream. She already basically sleeps through the night, except for the every-three-hours she wakes up to be fed and changed. Otherwise we sleep pretty well. We already had her out at a local Brooklyn spot yesterday for a little brunch, wife and I crushed a margarita and a beer each, was a nice day. Things are pretty well under control. If she stays like this and doesn't turn into a colicky baby, I think we're in good shape.

DON'T EVER SAY THIS AGAINI did, about a month ago.

 

[Otis]

Hey O>Did you guys close yet? When is the remodel going down? Be prepared to be a bit stressed. New baby, move, remodel. That's a lot.

We are going through 1 and 3 (on a smaller scale) and I believe my wife may murder one of us (hoping it is the contractor).

We are ready to close (I had hoped to do it today), but the sellers apparently aren't ready yet. My guess is they are trying to drag it out to coincide with May 1, which is when they probably signed their leases for (which is fine, I understand they have kids and the family is going through a lot, but I just wish they would have come out and told us that, since we now have thousands of dollars worth of furniture sitting in storage in various places waiting to be delivered somewhere, and the storage fees will start kicking in soon).The good news is that our apartment isn't selling. It's not good news since we'll be strapped with two mortgages for a while, but at least we'll be able to live here for the 6-8 weeks the construction is going on at the house, and so it won't be interfering with us too much. Our plan is to drive out there on weekends with the baby, hang out, do some planning, light painting, paint the nursery, that sort of thing, so that once the kitchen is done we are all ready to rock. So I'm hoping it won't be super stressful. I think that really kicks in when you are living in the place with the construction -- that's a nightmare. Also, knock on wood, but the baby after 1 week has been a dream. She already basically sleeps through the night, except for the every-three-hours she wakes up to be fed and changed. Otherwise we sleep pretty well. We already had her out at a local Brooklyn spot yesterday for a little brunch, wife and I crushed a margarita and a beer each, was a nice day. Things are pretty well under control. If she stays like this and doesn't turn into a colicky baby, I think we're in good shape.

DON'T EVER SAY THIS AGAINI did, about a month ago.

Oof.

Sorry for your loss of sleep GB.:fingerscrossed:

 

[RudiStein]

If you're going to be doing a lot of work on the house yourself a truck is the way to go. As far as being asked to help people out/loan out your truck it could be an issue. But then again with a baby you can always use that as an excuse. Around here it seems like everybody has a truck...except me. I borrow my brother's.

 

[Tiny Dancer]

If you're going to be doing a lot of work on the house yourself

He isn't going to be doing a lot of work on the house himself. He keeps thinking he will but I give it about a month before he gives up. Just long enough to fill up his garage with tools and a lawnmower and other crap that he'll never use again.

 

[RudiStein]

If you're going to be doing a lot of work on the house yourself

He isn't going to be doing a lot of work on the house himself. He keeps thinking he will but I give it about a month before he gives up. Just long enough to fill up his garage with tools and a lawnmower and other crap that he'll never use again.

I've never known Otis to be a slacker. Although he did give up rather prematurely on his music career IMO.

 

[Tiny Dancer]

If you're going to be doing a lot of work on the house yourself

He isn't going to be doing a lot of work on the house himself. He keeps thinking he will but I give it about a month before he gives up. Just long enough to fill up his garage with tools and a lawnmower and other crap that he'll never use again.

I've never known Otis to be a slacker. Although he did give up rather prematurely on his music career IMO.

I don't think he's a slacker. I just think its an unrealistic expectation given the other demands on his time. If he goes around and asks all the other partners in his law firm about how stuff gets done around their houses, he will learn that a small army of brown people do all the cleaning, yard work, maintenance and home improvements for them.

 

[Otis]

If you're going to be doing a lot of work on the house yourself

He isn't going to be doing a lot of work on the house himself. He keeps thinking he will but I give it about a month before he gives up. Just long enough to fill up his garage with tools and a lawnmower and other crap that he'll never use again.

I've never known Otis to be a slacker. Although he did give up rather prematurely on his music career IMO.

I don't think he's a slacker. I just think its an unrealistic expectation given the other demands on his time. If he goes around and asks all the other partners in his law firm about how stuff gets done around their houses, he will learn that a small army of brown people do all the cleaning, yard work, maintenance and home improvements for them.

I'm not one of them damnit.

:rollsupsleeves:

 

[Sammy3469]

Hey O>Did you guys close yet? When is the remodel going down? Be prepared to be a bit stressed. New baby, move, remodel. That's a lot.

We are going through 1 and 3 (on a smaller scale) and I believe my wife may murder one of us (hoping it is the contractor).

We are ready to close (I had hoped to do it today), but the sellers apparently aren't ready yet. My guess is they are trying to drag it out to coincide with May 1, which is when they probably signed their leases for (which is fine, I understand they have kids and the family is going through a lot, but I just wish they would have come out and told us that, since we now have thousands of dollars worth of furniture sitting in storage in various places waiting to be delivered somewhere, and the storage fees will start kicking in soon).The good news is that our apartment isn't selling. It's not good news since we'll be strapped with two mortgages for a while, but at least we'll be able to live here for the 6-8 weeks the construction is going on at the house, and so it won't be interfering with us too much. Our plan is to drive out there on weekends with the baby, hang out, do some planning, light painting, paint the nursery, that sort of thing, so that once the kitchen is done we are all ready to rock. So I'm hoping it won't be super stressful. I think that really kicks in when you are living in the place with the construction -- that's a nightmare. Also, knock on wood, but the baby after 1 week has been a dream. She already basically sleeps through the night, except for the every-three-hours she wakes up to be fed and changed. Otherwise we sleep pretty well. We already had her out at a local Brooklyn spot yesterday for a little brunch, wife and I crushed a margarita and a beer each, was a nice day. Things are pretty well under control. If she stays like this and doesn't turn into a colicky baby, I think we're in good shape.

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

 

[Koya]

Wait, it ain't O-town yet? I thought you were already moved in and seeding the lawn big O.

 

[Otis]

If I didn't have one of these already I'd be tempted:

http://www.woot.com/

Hitachi 18 Volt 1/2” Cordless Driver Drill Bundle

$79.99

+ $5 shipping

CONDITION:

New

PRODUCTS:

1 Hitachi DS18DVC 18V 1/2” 13mm Cordless Driver Drill

2 Hitachi BCC1812 1.2Ah 18V Ni-Cd Rechargeable Battery

1 Hitachi 728079 Seven-Piece Drilling & Driving Bit Set w/Case

 

[Rohn Jambo]

I have a 6-pc craftsman screwdriver set from Sears for many years. Frankly, the only time I used it was to put together some shelves before I started buying furniture that didn't require assembly. I think one regular and one philips style in the medium size would have been just fine. Unless I build my own house, I don't see a need for the power tool - most screws are less than 1-inch long and do not need that many turns.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

If you're going to be doing a lot of work on the house yourself a truck is the way to go. As far as being asked to help people out/loan out your truck it could be an issue. But then again with a baby you can always use that as an excuse. Around here it seems like everybody has a truck...except me. I borrow my brother's.

Another option may be to get a trailer like this:Link

The upside is you don't have to buy a truck, just a tow kit for whatever you have now. The downside is that you need room to park it when not in use.

 

[the moops]

If I didn't have one of these already I'd be tempted:

http://www.woot.com/

Hitachi 18 Volt 1/2” Cordless Driver Drill Bundle

$79.99

+ $5 shipping

CONDITION:

New

PRODUCTS:

1 Hitachi DS18DVC 18V 1/2” 13mm Cordless Driver Drill

2 Hitachi BCC1812 1.2Ah 18V Ni-Cd Rechargeable Battery

1 Hitachi 728079 Seven-Piece Drilling & Driving Bit Set w/Case

Hitachi is garbage. So aren't the nickel-cadmium batteries.Get a Panasonic Driver Drill Combo with lithium-ion battery.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

Hey Otis. Check out these links about the essential tools for home owners.

Link

Link

 

[mr roboto]

Seriously considering a pickup as our second car. I could see myself finding all sorts of excuses to spin over to home depot on a Saturday am. Gotta get some gravel. Bricks. Mortar. Whatever. Just some stuff to haul. Used Ford F150 a good choice here? What are you hillbillies driving these days?

Something to think about before you do this...I grew up in small-town MN. Almost every family had at least 1 pickup truck. Moved to the affluent suburbs of Chicago (somewhat similar to NY I would imagine) and NO ONE has a 'real' pickup (lots of SUV's, minivans). If you get a real pickup, you will be the ONLY one most of your neighbors and friends know with a real pickup. Which leads to a lot of requests to help move, pick up lumber, landscaping material etc.

Someone above mentioned this, and several friends have as well. Seems like a potential downside. Then again, maybe being the guy who can help out friends, relatives, neighbors with that isn't such a bad thing. But yeah, I can see how it could become a PIA

You will likely be too busy to drive it for whatever they ask you for help. So then they may ask you to borrow it. Then it gets tricky.If I'm right, you are...selling an apptbuying a houserenovating said houserecently a partner in a NYC law firm, with a longer commutenew daddyThat's a lot of busy.

 

[Otis]

I'm lookin a year or more down the road for this truck. Don't have the scratch to do it right away with all else going on and you're right, we're busy enough now as is.

 

[Britney Spears]

I have a 6-pc craftsman screwdriver set from Sears for many years. Frankly, the only time I used it was to put together some shelves before I started buying furniture that didn't require assembly. I think one regular and one philips style in the medium size would have been just fine. Unless I build my own house, I don't see a need for the power tool - most screws are less than 1-inch long and do not need that many turns.

Screw that. Get a compact driver. Especially with an older home. I have a Bosch lithium-ion and love it. There are like a jillion uses for it.

 

[ShaqAttaq]

If I didn't have one of these already I'd be tempted:

http://www.woot.com/

Hitachi 18 Volt 1/2” Cordless Driver Drill Bundle

$79.99

+ $5 shipping

CONDITION:

New

PRODUCTS:

1 Hitachi DS18DVC 18V 1/2” 13mm Cordless Driver Drill

2 Hitachi BCC1812 1.2Ah 18V Ni-Cd Rechargeable Battery

1 Hitachi 728079 Seven-Piece Drilling & Driving Bit Set w/Case

Hitachi is garbage. So aren't the nickel-cadmium batteries.Get a Panasonic Driver Drill Combo with lithium-ion battery.

don't make the mistakes that many of us did and buy junky tools prior to being forced to buy good ones that actually work & last.

 

[ShaqAttaq]

I'm lookin a year or more down the road for this truck. Don't have the scratch to do it right away with all else going on and you're right, we're busy enough now as is.

i acquired a truck 4 years ago, and i don't anticipate going back any time soon.

 

[Otis]

Closing likely next week. Then we take rightful, legal possession of our little chunk of the suburban dream.

 

[Tiger Fan]

This stuff really does a great job wrt organizing your garage. Got about 9 of them up and it's great. Gets everything off of the floor.

 

[ArcticEdge]

This thread is still going... Did you buy a lawnmower yet? I'm on the edge of my seat..

 

[Otis]

Closing tomorrow, moving in the next day, and then comes my first weekend as a suburban husband and dad.

:lawnmower:

 

[Otis]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

 

[RudiStein]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

 

[cstu]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Unless you have a BMI over 30 you won't get invited to any barbeques.

 

[Otis]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

 

[RudiStein]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

You're good for another 12 lbs or so.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Closing tomorrow, moving in the next day, and then comes my first weekend as a suburban husband and dad.:lawnmower:

glll mangfind meat and drink to celebrate.

 

[RudiStein]

Shoot me your new address. I've got a housewarming gift for you.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

Order a truck load of mulch to spruce up your place.Shovel/Spreadreap the benefits

 

[Sarnoff]

How's the roommate doing today?

 

[Otis]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

Order a truck load of mulch to spruce up your place.Shovel/Spreadreap the benefits

Mulch is just basically fancy looking dirt, right? I'm assuming I only need this if I plant something. Maybe this weekend I'll plant something.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

Order a truck load of mulch to spruce up your place.Shovel/Spread

reap the benefits

Terrible advice.The good:

1. It can sometimes look nice.

The Bad:

1. It goes EVERYWHERE

2. It attracts termites.

Oat, please answer my question in the Oo thread.

Tia

Your pal,

SLB

 

[DA RAIDERS]

250# should be the goal

Get a 30 pack of domestic beer, or better, buy 4-5 of them. Have 30 ready to drink at all times

 

[glock]

Closing tomorrow, moving in the next day, and then comes my first weekend as a suburban husband and dad.:lawnmower:

Lawn Guyland cornhole in 3, 2, 1...

 

[glock]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

Order a truck load of mulch to spruce up your place.Shovel/Spread

reap the benefits

Terrible advice.The good:

1. It can sometimes look nice.

The Bad:

1. It goes EVERYWHERE

2. It attracts termites.

Oat, please answer my question in the Oo thread.

Tia

Your pal,

SLB

<click

 

[the moops]

<click

Mulch is still stupid. And it looks terrible 95% of the time.

 

[jwb]

<click

Mulch is still stupid. And it looks terrible 95% of the time.

Depends on the mulch, and depends on what you are using it for. A few bags of pine bark nuggets can make any desolate area look pretty nice. Plus, it's cheap and real easy to work with (a few shrubs, some landscape fabric and a few bags of mulch = a really good afternoon beer project.)

 

[Otis]

What's the point of mulch?

 

[Otis]

Closing tomorrow, moving in the next day, and then comes my first weekend as a suburban husband and dad.:lawnmower:

Lawn Guyland cornhole in 3, 2, 1...

Seriously, maybe we'll have NY FBG BBQ/dinner party, open to all. Mrs. O is a badass cook.

 

[Otis]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

Order a truck load of mulch to spruce up your place.Shovel/Spread

reap the benefits

Terrible advice.The good:

1. It can sometimes look nice.

The Bad:

1. It goes EVERYWHERE

2. It attracts termites.

Oat, please answer my question in the Oo thread.

Tia

Your pal,

SLB

Can't find the thread GB. It get axed?

 

[glock]

<click

Mulch is still stupid. And it looks terrible 95% of the time.

moops... Linky

Why Mulch?

Here are Just A Few Reasons Why

Mulch is Beneficial:

1.Mulch reduces the need for weeding. Not only does this save time and energy, but your plants will not have to compete with the weeds for moisture and nutrients.

2.Mulch conserves soil moisture. Mulching protects the soil from the direct rays of the sun and air. This stops the hard baking effects. As a result, you water less!

3.Mulch regulates soil temperature. In the summer months mulching keeps the plant roots cooler. This also promotes good soil bacteria, and protects earthworms as well as other soil life. As a result, plants and soil life flourish. In the winter, mulch insulates plant roots as well. Plants still need water in the winter and mulch keeps the water from freezing so that the roots can drink.

4.Mulch greatly reduces if not eliminates soil erosion. Mulch fibers lock together to absorb the impact of heavy rain. With the exception of nuggets, mulch stops mud from splattering against homes and businesses.

5.Last but not least, mulch is beautiful! It can accent as well as transform any landscape project. Choosing what type of mulch to use is a matter of personal preference.

...and in case you are thinking, "Sure! American Soil and Mulch would say that- they have a vested interest..." here's more:

What is mulch?

Mulch is like magic. Mulch is anything that covers the soil to prevent moisture loss, promotes the growth on beneficial micro organisms in the soil, and improves your garden soil quality.

'Mulch' can be almost any material applied to the top of your soil.

An 'amendment' is anything that is mixed into your soil - they are not the same thing!

Mulch can be anything that covers the soil, from garden cuttings, leaves, grass clippings, chopped tree trimmings, even plastic sheeting or rock. Plastic sheeting actually raises the soil temperature by 10 degrees and can sterilize the soil (known as 'solarizing' the soil) and is a way to control soil-borne pests and disease organisms. This is a special case, however.

Most mulches are organinc in nature and will lower the temperture of the soil. They also conserve water and supress weeds.

To be an effective weed prevention, mulch needs to be 4" thick. Beside conserving water, mulch actually improves the soil beneath it. Many disease organism, like root-rots, are inhibited by mulch layers; their cell structure is also cellulose, the favorite meal of compost digesting bacteria!

 

[glock]

Closing tomorrow, moving in the next day, and then comes my first weekend as a suburban husband and dad.:lawnmower:

Lawn Guyland cornhole in 3, 2, 1...

Seriously, maybe we'll have NY FBG BBQ/dinner party, open to all. Mrs. O is a badass cook.

Well, as a good "neighbor" out here on the Isle of Long- ensuring that that badass cook wife of yours doesn't push you above and beyond that 230lb mark would just be the right thing to do...

 

[TLEF316]

Closing tomorrow, moving in the next day, and then comes my first weekend as a suburban husband and dad.:lawnmower:

Lawn Guyland cornhole in 3, 2, 1...

Seriously, maybe we'll have NY FBG BBQ/dinner party, open to all. Mrs. O is a badass cook.

still waiting for the invitation to the wedding ifriends table......

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

How many pounds do I need to put on to fit in out there?

Current weight and height?

6'4" 230Which can be carried like T.O. or instead like that guy from everybody loves Raymond. I'm not in very good shape, but I just don't know if I'm in bad enough shape for my new surroundings.

Order a truck load of mulch to spruce up your place.Shovel/Spreadreap the benefits

Mulch is just basically fancy looking dirt, right? I'm assuming I only need this if I plant something. Maybe this weekend I'll plant something.

its like lipstick for your lawn.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Closing tomorrow, moving in the next day, and then comes my first weekend as a suburban husband and dad.

:lawnmower:

Lawn Guyland cornhole in 3, 2, 1...

Seriously, maybe we'll have NY FBG BBQ/dinner party, open to all. Mrs. O is a badass cook.

no derby party invite for you!

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

with our patio, ect., mulch is a necessity. keeps the weeds down, "refreshes" the entire yard. makes a huge difference.

 

[shuke]

<click

Mulch is still stupid. And it looks terrible 95% of the time.