Have Drill, Will Travel

April 3rd, 2013

(Although you may have sussed out the stores I visit and the particular brand, I decline to name them as I am not acting as an official spokesman nor I want to reveal trade secrets/proprietary info. I do not want my opinions to affect the general reputation of the company. The ugly Donglegate saga pretty much sealed it.)

A few weeks ago, the new palette for children’s rooms came out and paint specialists throughout the United States visited the stores, get the unwieldy box out of the back room, and installed the endcap at the color centers. First, I received a box of tools- a huge flat screwdriver to pry away the signage, a hammer to knock out screwed-on fixtures, some goggles and gloves for protection, and a regular Phillips screwdriver. I was quite excited that I got actual tools, so I can save them for my collection. I get to watch a video on how to dismantle the old endcap. And we were informed that it will be a 3-hour project per store. In my territory, I have 11 stores to do, plus bonus coverage for stores that needed help for one reason or another.

The first few days was somewhat tedious. Putting screws into the particleboard is actually a longer task than expected, so I borrowed a drill from the bike assembly department the first few stores. Then I figured that I could buy my own drill and save some time. When I drove to Marion, I went to Lowe’s and bought my first serious drill. It is a DeWalt, 18 volts and it was on sale. And considering that I will be visiting other stores, I did not want to buy a product that would crap out. $138 later, I got a drill, two batteries, a charger, and a bit set– plus a tool bag to store my tools. I recouped the cost after several store visits. Yes, several. I got periodic emails requesting help in Northern Indiana, and even the Upper Peninsula. Was tempted to do that UP assignment for the lulz. Preggie said: no dice. But I did Muncie, Winchester, Portland, Michigan City, and La Porte in addition to my territory.

The result, after installs and ancillary store visits: Two 50-hour work weeks. I enjoyed sleeping in after that!

The longest part of my installs? Putting away the paint chips in their places, all 100+ colors. The trickiest part? Putting up the long, plastic wraparound signage. The challenge? My hunger changed. I ate small lest I got sick from a heavy stomach.

I was proud of my work. Some blisters and dirt under my nails. That’s visible proof I did my job. Next week, I will take on a different challenge– the second wave of assignments for a relabelling project. And I will pace myself and eat better so I won’t crash. (And considering that next week Sephora will have a F&F sale next week, I will visit– if I have time.)

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Mash-up of the Moment: Rancid+Mallrats

March 3rd, 2013

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Kneel Before Zod!!!!

March 3rd, 2013

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Thank you, Saks! Le Metier de Beaute’s Face Kit

February 24th, 2013

Some time ago, Saks Fifth Avenue had a promo for their new loyalty programme. The first 500 people who ordered online and used their card would receive a $100 credit. At the same time, I hit my first Weight Watchers milestone. That was a great excuse to reward myself, so I ordered a Burberry lipstick in Military Red.

So imagine my happiness when about 2 weeks ago, I got the $100 credit. I knew what I wanted to get next, so I got Le Métier de Beauté’s ‘Flawless Face’ Kaleidoscope Face Kit, with a package of Shiseido’s facial cotton to round out my order.

When I was assigned to visit stores in Muncie and Anderson, sometimes I would drive an extra half-hour or so to Indy and visit Saks. It was one of those visits in December when I was introduced to the face kit and the lady who helped me applied this to my face. I was very impressed and when I return to Fort Wayne and arrived home, the first thing Preggie did was he complimented me on how I look. That was when I said that when my work hours increase with the paint season, I will save and scrimp to get that kit, even if I have to eat TV dinners. When I receive the $100 credit, I was excited and I knew what I wanted. I still eat Smart Ones microwave dinners, though.

This kaleidoscope has this stacking system that makes getting the right look easy. You get a bronzer, a blush, a highlighter, and a finishing powder. The shades are ‘universal’ and suitable for woman of all tones. I can make my face into an elegant canvas just with that kit. On the go? Just pack the compact in your purse or overnight bag. (I did hear that a make up artist encountered a fashion emergency at a fashion show in Boston, and he whipped out that compact and worked on the models’ faces, with positive results.) The price for this is $95.00. Yes, the price is steep. I was blessed to get this for free. But I will say that it is a kit worth saving your hard-earned money.

This week, I will bring it to the local Sephora counter and have the ladies teach me how to use these products. I think I can do the blush, but I forgot how to apply bronzer and highlighter.


Once again, thank you Saks for that promotion. I am excited to get what I wanted and will be using the kit. And I am looking forward to the day I can visit Indy again so I can visit your beauty section.

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So You Want to Paint Your Room Red

February 22nd, 2013

Disclaimer: The following article is strictly my view, and not the official view of my employer or the stores I work in.

If someone asks me what is my profession, I would say that I am a merchandiser. And if I was asked what products I promote, I say that I promote house paint in one of the major retailers in North America. I make visits to 13 big box retailers in NE Indiana and Ohio, I order paint chips, I organize and spiffy up the paint center, and teach the associates and customers the qualities of various brands of paint. I made sure the paint equipment is functioning correctly, and I even get my hands dirty and tint the paint myself. (And if my hands are not dirty, I am not doing my job right!) It is a very good job. I am proud of my work. And today, I want to take the time to give you some advice.

Red. It is the color of passion and hot warmth. The corporate raiders would wear red power ties as a symbol of aggression and ambition. Decorators would use red objects to make monochromatic rooms less boring. And it makes any room fun. However, there are pitfalls to red paint that could frustrate any consumer. So before you paint your accent wall or anything else, consider the following.

–Most reds in a given palette is actually made of two types of red pigment. You choose your red shade and when we tint your custom paint, chances are we will use a combination of these colorants to get your red: “Exterior Red” and “Magenta”. The color code corresponding to these pigments will differ with each retailer, but they all use these pigments.

–Using budget paints may not get the red you want. Budget paint is quite thin and has more liquid content than their more expensive brands. I tint the paint and the pigment will dilute the formula. The result is less coverage. And when a customer select a red shade from the premium palette, I have to tell them that the recipe adapted for the budget paint will be off. To achieve some colors, the can of budget paint would overflow. So it might be better to save your money for the more expensive paint.

–You may need to use a gray primer. I have customers come to me with stories on how they used multiple coats but the whiteness of the wall would peek through and make the resulting color look more magenta/pinker than intended. Usually this happens when someone buys the budget paint and painted a white wall. When a customer wanted red paint (especially if is a budget paint), I would recommend getting a primer that is tintable to a gray shade.

–After tinting, wet red paint looks pinkish. That is because the red you chose is a combination of the two pigments described above. But when I dry your swatch with a hair dryer, the swatch will cure to its intended color. Don’t Panic!

That is what I want to say about red paint, as I really want you to have a successful project.

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Shut Up, Be Happy

February 21st, 2013

I was watching some Catholic men’s programme on EWTN and two guys were talking about cultivating a positive attitude. You must not grumble. You will reap your destiny. The first thing I thought of was Jello Biafra’s spoken word on the Ice-T album.

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Urban Decay F&F Sale Haul

February 16th, 2013

I have eyeshadows from various brands, but most of them comes from Urban Decay. I like their wide range of colors and it is affordable. I remember going to the newly opened Hot Topic at Northridge Mall and I would get the nail polish and ABC Gum colored lipstick. Now, they “matured” and got acquired by L’Oreal. I feel like a stereotypical hipster when I say I missed the days UD was alternative. But even with the changes, I still come back to UD, especially when they have their semi-annual Friends and Family Sale.

These sales are great: UD would even include already reduced items to be discounted. So I jumped at the chance to get their discontinued Deluxe Eyeshadows and the Smoked eyeliner set at a great price. With the promo code, I got seven shadows at $4.80 each and the eyeliner set for $19.20. It was cheaper than going to the drugstore! The shadows I ordered were Fishnet, Freakshow, Frigid, Graffiti, Honey, Peace, and Ransom. You may know some of them from an earlier palette (Deluxe Shadow Box). The eyeliners are a great deal. Temptalia gave the set high marks and you can see the swatches.

I am happy with my purchase and I am looking forward to using these products.

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Goodies Co Box received

February 15th, 2013

Some weeks ago, I got an invite to Walmart’s Goodies Company subscription service and February was my first month. For 7 bux per month I receive a box of snacks. I liked looking at pics of past months’ boxen and I wanted to have some interesting stuff. So, I subscribed, and got Box 6.


What do I see? A Nabisco Snackwell’s packet? That does not sound “gourmet”, but if it’s a new product, I give it a pass. Besides, it might be Weight Watchers friendly. Yay, snack with my coffee and bananas!


And here are my six items. We have Plentils lentil chips, two items from Nabisco (Snackwell’s Yogurt Pretzels and Chips Ahoy soft cookie), Peanut Butter & Co’s Dark Chocolate Dreams, Wai Lana’s Fruit & Nut Bar, and J&D’s Bacon Cheddar Popcorn. The God Whisperers would approve of that popcorn. But the lentil chips? When I think of lentils, I think of hapless Neil from British cult classic The Young Ones:

I have not tried these yet. I’ll try all but the Chips Ahoy, as I do know it would be a WW points buster. Preggie could eat it. The choco peanut butter reminds me of Nutella, and I will have to spread that sparingly for my peanut butter and banana sammich.

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The Renaissance of My Mind

February 14th, 2013

Several things prompted me to update my blog, but one factor came out: My mind is more clarified and light-hearted. No, I did not attend some cultic “auditing” session. How my mind got more motivated is quotidian: my medicine is Just Right. Not only that, I eat better.

It started when I was taking medicine for bipolar disorder (do not know whether it is I or II or in between). I found out that autistic people tend to have co-morbid disorders. That is, if someone is autistic, chances are he is struggling with other disorders. I was no different. What happened to me in 2005 triggered the whole damn thing. Tried various medicines, including one for ADHD. (Ended up in an emergency room when the Concerta speeded up my heart.) So I did some research about how autistic people cope and I found a psychiatrist that also does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. After tell her my story, she asked me some questions, and she said: “Your previous doctor should not given you that Concerta in the first place. You do not have ADHD, you have bipolar disorder.”

“What?” I then told her about the various stereotypes of bipolar folk I heard over the years via media: periods of happyhappyjoyjoy…then ohf*ckIwanttodie; the periods of wild and manic behavior– wild sex, wild shopping, impulsing Type A behavior that would fit well in an 80s drama movie. She told me that in real life, it’s more of a period of irritability than the high joy. At last I had an explanation, a diagnosis that made sense.

Over time, I tried some types of medicine and found one that really helped me. But it came at a price: I gained weight. I returned to Atkins and stuck to it for over a year, but it did not work. And I still have those sad episodes, though less frequent and I was in a doldrum-like state. But it was better than the alternative.

I was driving from an assignment in Warsaw IN when I had an episode. I called Preggie on my cellphone and he told me that I must stop my low carb diet. He has suspected that my diet made my mind crummy, despite the positive treatment. So I ended up going to a pancke house and ate pancakes and hash browns. One hour later, something happened. That fog lifted. I arrived at my assignment in Columbia City very energetic, as if my medicine actually worked better than ever. Later, I found out that my brain must function with carbohydrates.

Voraciously, I ate plenty. Granite City pretzel breadsticks… Thick fries at Red Robin… Ample portions of spaghetti, and other things passed my lips. I gained 40 pounds, but I did not care, for I had to choose between my mind and my body and I chose my mind. It was only when Preggie told me that he was concerned with my weight and increased risk of diabetes. I finally have to care. I cannot buy new clothes every month when I gain a size. So I am now on Weight Watchers, and it does work, so far– about 7 pounds lost.

Today, I regularly take Symbyax and Nuvigil to counteract my drowsiness caused by Symbyax. My regimen works very very good. I am grateful for that, for I have heard that other people who have bipolar disorder would try every type of medication only to have nothing happening or worse, adverse effects.

Yesterday, one of the fieldworkers at my church told me he misses seeing new articles on my blog. And who can deny him his enjoyment? I have no excuse to let my life get neglected because I work and what had happened to me. I had an idea to write something on the prophet Joel and the calling of a ‘Sacred Assembly’ as I remembered my former pastor at the Assembly of God church used that verse to do some revival service.

My mind is better. Thank you for your prayers. And I hope I continue to feel better.

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Song of the Moment: Lost Years

February 14th, 2013

Does this music sound like it came from the 80s? There are people who loved 80s synth so much they made music just like that. This really makes me want to dress up in 80s aerobic gear and dance like a fool. Hat tip to Synthetix.fm for the find.

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George Wollenburg’s Letter to the Lutheran Reporter, September 2003

November 19th, 2012

(There is a thread at one of the Confessional websites, and it is about a sainted friend, Rev George Wollenburg. Someone posted a cached copy of Wollenburg’s letter and I want to preserve the letter before the Internet sends it to /dev/null. So, here is Pr George’s letter to the Reporter, dated September 2003.)

“I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (1 Tim. 5:21).

An article in the June Reporter quotes the Commission on Constitutional Matters: “Subscribing to, or requiring a ‘confessional statement’ in place of or in addition to the confessional position of the Synod … is a violation of the covenant relationship in the Synod (Article VI 1; Bylaw 1.03). …”

President Kieschnick is quoted as citing a document titled “That They May be One” as coming under the CCM opinion and names it divisive. He asks district presidents to exercise ecclesiastical discipline, if necessary, against the authors and signers of the document, which uses theses that begin, “We believe, teach, and confess,” and antitheses that begin, “We reject and condemn ….”

Dr. Kieschnick stated that his concern is over anyone “who does not follow the Synod’s agreed upon procedures for making doctrinal statements or expressing their disagreement with synodical doctrine and practice.”

No mention is made of a document from the Atlantic District, “That We May Be One,” which uses the same language: “We believe, teach, and confess …,” and “We reject and condemn ….” This document also was mailed out to members of the Synod. No ecclesiastical discipline is called for.

A similar appeal was made in the December issue of “Jesus First.” Eight theses were presented with the words “We affirm …,” and one antithesis with the words, “We reject ….” The theses were introduced with the statement, “We call on church members to be advocates for Jesus-First leadership and to endorse these affirmations.” No ecclesiastical discipline is called for.

In 1998, a document titled “Eucharistic Understanding and Practice, a Biblical and Confessional Study” that challenged the Synod’s practice of “close communion” was circulated in the Synod, calling for subscribers. This document also was written with the words, “We believe, teach, and confess …” and “We reject and condemn ….” Eleven former district presidents and a large number of others signed the document. No ecclesiastical discipline was called for.

I do not agree with or endorse use of language that purports to prepare a new “confession” for the Synod by using the words, “We believe, teach, and confess,” or “We affirm,” and the words “reject” and “condemn.” This language has a specific confessional meaning. I said so in 1998, and since then as well.

I am also committed to the words of the brother of our Lord: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:17, 18).

Dr. George F. Wollenburg, President, Montana District, Billings, Mont.

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Songs for your Halloween

October 31st, 2012

Here is something from my early years, when I used to listen to KROQ’s Flashback Lunch daily during summer (as well as the Flashback Weekend).

Heard this Siouxsie song in my first year of college, after trick-or-treating at the nearby gated community.

No Halloween would be complete without Rocky Horror.

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MAC Dear Diary Swatches

June 19th, 2012

The Beth Ditto collection is out and I ordered only one thing: the Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Dear Diary. I passed on the other items (shadow/liners, Powder to the People) for several reasons (quality/cost ratio, other reviews, and a recent trip to Indy allowed me to shop at Saks).

On Specktra, I enjoy looking at product swatches from MAC fans and I return the favor by subbing my own swatches and make my own comparison.

As seen, I swatched Quick Sizzle and Maybelline Fuchsia Fever for comparison. I’ve heard that Fuchsia Fever is a cheaper dupe for MAC Candy Yum Yum, so I swatched that. QS is a smidge darker than DD. I would not order DD if you already have QS.

Fuchsia Fever is lighter, so if you want a more work-friendly alternative to CYY, than Dear Diary is a good choice.

Under bright sunlight:

Under shade:

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Superpup!

May 6th, 2012

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A Little Bit Hungry

March 11th, 2012

After one of my visits, I saw this for sale, Hunger Games mini collectable figures:

Those collectibles reminded me of the imported Re-Ment mini sets and they are mystery boxes– you never know which figure you will get until you open them. According to the dispenser box, there are 27 different figures possible. There are no ratios printed (e.g. 1:9 chance you’d get Katniss or Peeta, etc.) on any box.

When I got home, I opened the box… and I got Glimmer from District 1.


Look how tiny and detailed the figurine looked! Small cargo pants pockets, little eyes, and a small archery set. Right now, Glimmer is back in her box on my shelf of doohickeys. Do not know whether to try for any major characters as there are 26 other figures available. And it cost me $3.48– which was less than what I would have paid for a Re-Ment collectible in Portland, but I have better use for $3.48.

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