Moving, Laundry, and Scooters

[rowyn]

I said I'd do a longer update during lunch, didn't I? I've been trying to catch up a bit on my friends list; I'm around 30 entries back, I guess, and only going to get farther back over the weekend.

I have bruises all over the front of my thighs. Hiring movers doesn't seem to have spared me that. At least I've only got a couple of little ones on my arms. Moving always does that to me. It's the way the boxes bang into my legs when I'm hauling them around. Also, I lift with my legs, which means I'll crouch down, put the box on my thighs, then push up -- which probably causes some of them. They don't really hurt, and I don't notice it when it happens. The paper cuts from packing annoy me more.

Most of our stuff is still in boxes. I started to unpack the kitchenware, but Lut spends more time in the kitchen than I do, and is more particular about arranging things in it, so I'm going to try to leave that to him.

One of our piece of furniture -- a Techline armoire that's, I dunno, 84" tall or so -- doesn't fit in the house. I wanted it in the basement. I really wanted it in the basement, because there are no built-in closets in the basement. THe house came with a couple of 5' Techline armoires down there, but they're not in great shape. Never buy Techline products -- they're really disappointingly flimsy. Anyway, the 84" one is too tall for the basement ceiling. By about a quarter inch, the mover said after he tried to set it up. Drat it. There's no space for it on the first floor, and we have plenty of closet space on the first floor anyway. (Each of the two bedrooms has a 7' long closet, with a ceiling of, I dunno, 7.5'? The first floor ceilings are pretty generous.)

I dunno what I'm going to do with it now. Try to sell it, maybe. If I lived near kagetsume I'd try to get him to cut down the boards to fit. :D But I don't think Techline products cut well, anyway. It's double-weight pressboard or something like that.

I haven't bought a scooter yet. I really need to do some research on that, before I go to the scooter shop downtown and plunk down a wad of cash for their very pretty ones. I am probably going to wind up postponing buying it for a couple of weeks, at least, until I know how much money I have left after more essential projects have been attended to. My bank account balances are still health, but I haven't bought a washer/dryer yet, for example. Among other things.

Anyone have any recommendations on washer/dryers? Greywolf? I know you just got one, how do you like it? :)

Information on motorscooters would be cool, too. I found out that my state does not have a limit on speed for scooters; I can buy one that goes 55! Whee. :) The only limit is on engine size; has to be smaller than 49.9 ... cubic cm, maybe? I'm sure one of the motorheads out there would know.

Another cool thing about motorscooters in this state: no vehicle tax! No required insurance! No licensing, even! As Lut put it: it's a very libertarian vehicle.

I'll get back to work now. Anyone with advice on washer/dryers or scooters, please leave a comment. I'll check 'em before I leave for the day. Otherwise, I'll be offline again until I get back to work on Monday.

Comments

[jim-lane.livejournal.com]

If you REALLY need the armoire storage, then grind that quarter-inch off the thing any way possible, even if you have to GNAW it off. Borrow/rent a belt sander or power saw (with a REALLY fine-tooth blade!) and get serious about figuring a way to remove that quarter inch!

Speaking as a long-time biker (who no longer rides, mainly due to TRAFFIC!) I can only suggest that if you're DETERMINED to ride a little scooter, get a BRIGHT-colored one with a BRIGHT headlight and GOOD brakes. You want the idiots to be able to SEE you (as well as the average idiot can see a two-wheeler...which isn't much) and you need good brakes for the times when they DON'T see you. Also, make sure YOU wear a MOTORCYCLE helmet (even if your state doesn't require it), not one of those useless foam bicycle lids, and be sure you wear SHOES (not sandals!) and LEATHER GLOVES (not fabric ones) for the times when you'll hit the pavement. The motorcycle helmet will help protect your noggin, the shoes will help protect your ankles, heels and toes, and the gloves will help you keep at least SOME of the skin on your palms and fingers when you go sailing off the scooter and land hands-first on the pavement---which is like landing on REALLY coarse sand paper. Oh, and don't EVER ride wearing shorts/tank top. Dermatologists can only do so much when trying to re-grow the HIDE that pavement grinds off, especially when the hide had absolutely NO protection before it came in contact with the pavement. Also, make sure you have REALLY good hospitalization, and that your insurance doesn't have a "motorcycle/scooter" exclusion.

If I sound terribly negative about riding powered two-wheelers, it's because I rode everything from mopeds to GoldWings for many years, crashed only once on the highway (and was lucky enough to survive with only MINOR permanent injuries) and in my decades of news work, I covered a LOT of "bad" bike crashes. There were never any "good" ones...

Would I ever ride again? As much as I love bikes, I still really don't know.

[rowyn]

Okee-dokie, I won't get the black one, I promise. They have pretty ones in red and silver, too. Is silver sufficiently bright, do you think?

I own a rather nice motorcycle helmet, in fact, and plan to wear it, no matter how silly I look on a little scooter with a great big helmet.

[jim-lane.livejournal.com]

Heh! Silver is fine, although it tends to blend into the background under
dawn/dusk conditions (really!). Any *bright* color, especially on scooters, is a plus (and if YOU like it, that's even BETTER---! Heh!)

Sorry if I came across "preachy"; I just hate the thought of you getting hurt while trying to save on commuter expenses. Guess I've seen too much "ugly" in this old world...

Regards!

[rowyn]

Sorry if I came across "preachy"

No need to apologize. Safety concerns are one of the main reasons I never bought a motorcycle, lo those many years ago. And I really hand't considered the visibility issue of a bright color, either, so that was useful.

I quite believe you about silver blending in -- I wasn't being sarcastic when I asked about it! Yellow/orange/red seem like they'd be the best stand-out colors, though none of them appeal to me asthetically. Maybe red.

Anyway, I've put the scooter purchase on to the back burner for now. Lut's been giving me a lift to and from work; it's not much out of his way. Not the best long-term solution, but it works for now.

[jim-lane.livejournal.com]

Heh! Red has been a popular scooter color ever since there have BEEN scooters. You can't help but smile seeing one of the little red bugs buzzing down the street, especially when it's carrying a pretty woman. (grin!)

Scooters can be an aboslute HOOT to ride, especially in a small town where the traffic doesn't move too frantically. In a metro area (IMHO) they are suicide, since they're SO small, and not really "zippy" enough to keep up with the dense, fast traffic. No matter how good a rider you are, scooters are LESS stable than a full-size (large-wheel) motorcycle, and are sometimes simply "crowded" off the road by aggressive car/truck drivers.

The best thing would be to study/observe traffic in your city, and try to determine if it will work within a scooter's limitations. If so, then by all means give one a try! If not, then consider a second-hand basic econo-box car (Ford Escort/Kia Rio/Hyundai Accent/Suzuki-Geo Metro-Sprint/Nissan Sentra. You're looking for "cheap wheels", so stay away from small Honda/Toyota cars, since even worn out, they'll be expensive.

Of course, if Lut doesn't mind playing chauffer, then you're ahead of the game! (heh!)

Good luck!

[koogrr.livejournal.com]

Perhaps you could answer a question for me.

I've been trying to get this into perspective. For a couple years I commuted by bicycle in downtown Toronto. Frequently I was run off the road or almost into poles. Once had an accident with a car. Pretty much everyone I talked to who cycled regularily had been hit by cars.

It's been my general thoughts that bicycles were more dangerous to ride, as they couldn't keep up with traffic so there was always the danger of being hit from behind, or passed-and-cut-off. Plus the driver attitude that: "It's a TOY for your BACKYARD, not a real vehicle for the road!"

Granted, one can't easily get up to a speed where a spill sands skin down to the bone, but one can certainly get up to speeds where launching over a car is possible. Sliding around on the road surrounded by other vehicles is never good, regardless of the method to get there. Anyhow, having no motorcycle experience to compare with, I have no idea if one ends up on the ground more or less often on those than with bicycles.

What are your thoughts on the relative safety of bicycles vs motorcycles when the bicycles are used on regular streets without the caveats of bike lanes, etc.

[jim-lane.livejournal.com]

Hello, John!

OK, here goes:

Speaking as a retired journalist (I worked over 20 years as a photojournalist, but I also wrote news, features, etc.) I can say that I heard LOTS more scanner rescue calls for BICYCLE crashes with injuries than I did motorcycle/scooter/moped crashes (which ALWAYS produce injuries). However, we have almost NO "dedicated" bicycle lanes, and most bicycle riders do NOT wear helmets. Bike lanes make a BIG difference, and without them a poor rider must contend with innattentive drivers who will simply squeeze the bike rider off the road...and never think twice about it. I lost count (in the years I road a bicycle on the road) how many times I had to dive off the edge of the road to keep some moron from nailing me. And yes, I *always* rode with a rear-view mirror---and I watched it, too! On the other side of that coin, *kids* often ride with NO sense of responsibility, even to the point of DARING the car drivers to hit them. So, yes, a larger-than-normal amount of car/bike crashes involve kids, often kids who were NOT riding responsibly.

Powered two-wheelers, when ridden properly, are (to me!) much safer than bicycles when ridden in traffic, but they are still FAR more dangerous than cars, mainly because the rider has NO crash protection other than a helmet (if worn) and clothing. I've hit the pavement while riding a bicycle, as well as while riding a mid-size motorcycle---and either way, the pavement is REALLY hard. Luckily for me, I've never tangled with cars, trees or curbins, or I probably wouldn't be writing this. About 6 years ago a female TV desk reporter/anchor in Jacksonville, FL, was riding her bicycle, and she took a fall. Don't remember WHY she and the bike parted company, but the result was she went head-first into a curbin. Even though she was wearing an approved bicycle helmet, she suffered critical head/neurological injuries, and never made a full recovery. To my knowledge neither she nor anybody else did anything "wrong"; it was "just one of those things" that happen to bicycle riders, although in this case it nearly cost a beautiful young woman her life and career.

As for riding motorcycles on the street, I had more problems when I was riding SMALL motorcycles/mopeds than I did when I rode BIG bikes. People in cars don't "see" small motorcycles, even though they have bright lights and often bright, garish paint. (I know; I had one that looked like a bumblebee, with a HUGE, bright headlight---and moron after moron simply "didn't see me"...) When I road GoldWings (huge Honda tour bikes) I had almost NO problems with people not "seeing" me. The Wings appear the size of a small CAR to other drivers; the small motorcycles appear as BICYCLES (which obviously doesn't go all that fast) and drivers' brains simply don't register them as fast-moving VEHICLES.

Hope these observations don't "poison" you (or anybody else!) to the FUN of riding two-wheeled vehicles, motor- or human-powered. Riders simply have to understand the dynamics of how their 2-wheeled steeds handle and respond in emergencies (an ex-motocross champion taught me how to ride dirt bikes in the woods, and that experience saved me countless times while riding my big Wings on the road) and ALWAYS ride with the attitude that EVERY car/truck driver is "out to get you"---because every so often, one of them IS!

Regards, and safe riding!

[zaimoni.livejournal.com]

It's the way the boxes bang into my legs when I'm hauling them around. Also, I lift with my legs, which means I'll crouch down, put the box on my thighs, then push up -- which probably causes some of them.

That's scary. Please review how to lift heavy objects before I hear that the best medical professional for your condition is a chiropractor. What's good for people after hip replacement surgery is good for everyone ;)

The health insurance coverage for chiropractors is so pathetic, it's even worse than neurological/psychiatric coverage.

It's not a matter of muscle, it's a matter of technique. Also, you might want to consider a Vitamin C-with-bioflavonoids supplement, (or alternatively eat the white pith when you're eating that orange). One time when I was on a 1g 2x/day schedule for Vitamin C (rutin, etc. was running about two-fifths that), I managed to "half-sprain" my ankle. It didn't bruise until the fourth day later.

Also, do take jim_lane's requirements as just that. The Laws of Physics haven't decided to take a nap just because the Laws of Man have.

[rowyn]

Heh -- so far, I've gotten advice on everything in my post except what I asked for advice on. :D Thanks!

[zaimoni.livejournal.com]

Oh...washers/dryers?

GE and Norsk are unreliable. The local appliance repairman (Pleasanton, KS) will not repair Norsks, and will use them as spare parts for other machines.

As for GE: they stay unquirked no longer than their warranty, possibly less. At least, the models that are standard in the houses they tow to the foundation.

If you're going to sink the money explicitly, even a 20-year-old Whirlpool or Maytag will serve you much better than a new GE or Norsk. I'm not sure I'd go for the 1903 Maytag in the Maytag store in Butler, MO...but it runs fine. (Yes, it has a price tag!)

As for the Norsk...

[zaimoni.livejournal.com]

One time, we had access to a Norsk that had been used about once or twice every three weeks for four years (when it had been bought new). Then we started using it.

It didn't last two weeks longer at an average of 2 loads of laundry a day. That looks like about, ah, 230 loads of laundry :(

[jim-lane.livejournal.com]

Oops! Sorry---!

I echo Zaimoni's observations on washer/dryer units.

Also consider Kenmore (Sears) units, which USED to be mostly made by Whirlpool. Don't know who does most of them now, but Sears backs their stuff pretty well. Got a top-loader washer that we've had for at least 20 years, runs several loads a week (sometimes several a DAY), and it's had minimal repairs over the years---and still works FINE.

Just my $.02---

[lady-anne.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth - on both topics:

For the most part, I buy ALL of my major appliances from Sears. I have forever (well, since the late 50's anyway) and I have no reason not to in the future. And I buy coverage for the first 3 to 5 years.

As to mini bikes - I had a Honda Express for a long time - rode it to work (about 1 1/2 miles each way) - my kids finally ran it into the ground. We had it over 10 years - I'm thinking of getting another one to carry on/in the motor home. I never wore a helmet while driving it, but I suppose I'd have to these days.

Anyway - that's my input on the topics at hand.

Best of luck always - The Lady, Anne

[jordangreywolf.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth, my parents sing the praises of Sears appliances (and Sears service), too. =)

[kagetsume.livejournal.com]

A good power saw with a fine edged blade would cut through it well. I could probably haul along a powersaw in December (if we make it). I'd prefer my tablesaw, but that's a bit too big to haul.

As for appliances, Whirlpool, Kenmore, or Maytag.

-- Kagetsume.

[rowyn]

Whee, power tools! Could you really bring it? That'd be pretty cool. If you had a truck I'd send the boards back home with you and wait 'til your next visit to get them back. :D

Anyway, with or without tools, I hope you can make it in December. It's be great to see you and Sophrani again. :)

[kagetsume.livejournal.com]

Powersaws aren't that big. It would be east to bring. A tablesaw would be nicer and easier to get a perfectly straight cut, but that *is* big and there is no way I can bring that. Just hold onto the stuff for now. I'll see what I can arrange.

-- Kagetsume

[rowyn]

Will do, and thanks for looking into it!

Misc replies

[sandramort.livejournal.com]

"The health insurance coverage for chiropractors is so pathetic, it's even worse than neurological/psychiatric coverage."

Maybe I'm just lucky, but my insurance (Cigna PPO)has covered my 2-3 times a week visits for the whole family for about a year now, no complaints.

"washers and dryers"

Dunno much about brands but I know that front loader washers are more expensive to buy but save money in water & soap and do less wear & tear to the clothes. Consumer reports, maybe?

"For the most part, I buy ALL of my major appliances from Sears. I have forever (well, since the late 50's anyway) and I have no reason not to in the future. And I buy coverage for the first 3 to 5 years."

Gotta love those warrantees!!! I, too, have been happy with them.

"Scooters"

G and I would both love one, but dunno if we'll bother. He works from home, I've got the kids & I can't wear them while I use one of those!

"altering furniture"

Me give you advice? LOL!!! As if.. I say to go yard saling and check out thrift shops and ditch the flimsy furniture.

The best of luck!!!!!! XOXOXOXOX
Sandy

Re: Misc replies

[sandramort.livejournal.com]

Crap, it ate my reply. Anyway, I was just going to say that I don't think I was so clear in my reply. I've been seeing a chiro for all the members of my family 2-3x/wk for a year -- not a neurologist or shrink. Mind you, once the kids go into day care, I'll be going to a neuro surgeon for the back problems and a shrink for the head problems. That and the physical therapist and the drugs (did you know that Vioxx is $5 per pill???) and the insurance is gonna hate me! Mind you, they saved a ton on my two pregnancies. I had uncomplicated homebirths, which are pretty cheap, and if I ever am so fortunate as to conceive again (which is looking less and less likely by the hour) then I'm considering unassisted, which is even cheaper! :) But I digress... not all insurance is anti-chiro. That was my point.

Consumer Reports

[telnar.livejournal.com]

Btw, Consumers' Union has an online site to which you can subscribe for $3.95/month (more than the cost of an issue, but it also includes a searchable archive). The only problem is that you are required to accept automatic renewal an remember to cancel by the end of a month (and their billing system isn't smart enough to remember that you're entitled to 30 days, so your subscription ends the moment you cancel).

I'm not a big fan of paying anything extra for extended warranties unless you're buying something inherently unreliable that the manufacturer is assuming most people won't use much (treadmills are a good example of this -- I once replaced one three times under warranty before the store gave up and offered me a refund).

Washer and Dryer

[jordangreywolf.livejournal.com]

Well, I got a Frigidaire washer and dryer as a set. I can find the model numbers if that'd help. I got a side-loading washer, since it had a MUCH better energy rating. (It doesn't have an agitator, but tosses the wash around like a dryer would. Considering that my last two washers suffered from a broken agitator, DOING AWAY WITH THE AGITATOR is a very nice thing, IMHO.) So far, I've been very happy with both of them, though just about ANY new appliance (unless it's a TOTAL rip-off) is going to be nice while it's new. ;) I haven't really had them for all that long to be able to give you a really knowledgeable review, except that I'm happy so far.

I got them both at Best Buy. They had a nice little sale going on, with 10% off most major appliances. While I was at it, I should have gone ahead and gotten myself a new dishwasher. ;) Ah well. Maybe next time a sale rolls around....

Re: Washer and Dryer

[rowyn]

Good point about "new is always nice". :) But the note on the agitators in your last two breaking is definitely useful -- I'll keep that in mind and avoid getting a model with an agitator. Looks like front-loader'll be the way to go, prolly a Whirlpool or a Maytag, by general consensus.