Saturday, April 28, 2012

This video illustrates Scott's ferocity when working on a project.  Often times we will simply stand in amazement and watch him (just like Sten does in this clip).  He can get more done in a day than most and we have been guilty of snickering at his cartoon-like intensity.  Work is play to him; especially if it involves "working" in a shop.   That familiar phrase - "going at it like your killing snakes" - comes to mind.  Scott's philosophy - it ain't hung up - you just need to pull harder! Looks like I better fire up the sewing machine and patch those coveralls - oopsie.

Mr. Weld-er
Warning!  Don't stare at this picture too long, it may burn your eyes:)

Dirty, sweaty and greasy - surrounded by power tools.  A perfect day. 

Shop Rules:  If sumpthin moves and it ain't s'post to - use duct tape.  If sumpin is s'posta move and it don't, use WD40

Busy @ Bucks

OUR TEAM! 
 We have 2 weeks under our belt and it's beginning to feel like "home"- maybe it's cuz we've been nearly living there.  We are in a cramming mode right now - learning new computer and phone systems, people, prices, vendors, events . . . I'm looking forward to it becoming a tad mundane - but I think that's a long ways off. 

Oh yeah - those mismatched door stickers are a priority.  Any ideas?  Milah came up with a winning slogan that I think we will use in marketing - "It's always Buck's Season" 

We determined that we couldn't work in the existing conditions as they were too filthy and bleak, so we've been busy updating the place as well . . .

The Main office.  Chose gray and a funky green color. Would never choose these colors at home, but thought it would be fun to do something way different.  Lively, clean and friendly

The small office.  Carpet was installed in the 70s and rarely, if ever cleaned.  We ripped out the nasty stuff, painted the floor and grabbed a remnant.  Clean and fresh.

The laundry is continual - washing rags.  Cleaned/organized and painted- makes a HUGE difference. An unbelievable transformation


Shop - painted.  Continuing to organize and clean.


Bathroom - nasty icky walls painted and cleaned.  I wasn't picky about the colors - just went to the Lowes mistint section and grabbed a gallon for 5$ and a quart for 2.50.  Lowes is a few blocks away (oh yeah baby)!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Lots of Loos



So, here’s a bit of scoop . . . You may find it long and uninteresting, but it is a milestone at this house.

As you know, back in November, we received news that our shop was selling, and we would be “kicked out” in March. It was devastating news and we were, quite honestly, miffed about the situation. Door (slammed) Closed. That very afternoon, a visitor presented an unexpected opportunity. Hmmmm, door (slightly) open.

There are copious details that I'm sure you don't want to hear —but as of yesterday - we are now the owners of Buck’s Sanitary Service in Eugene Oregon. Whoo Hoo! Pew Wee! The sense of déjà vu is legitimate as we owned this business (with 2 other parties) from 1995-1999. In ’99, we sold to Waste Connections, but it simply doesn’t fit with their core assets as they do garbage, not toilets. We are excited to tackle this opportunity as it was a grand passion of ours. (portable toilets + passion = yeah, we’re weird)

We were certain that Advanced Waste Automation (AWA) would fit perfectly with this new arrangement. However, the company that we had the dealership with—purchased a much larger truck manufacturer that has an established dealership in Oregon. As of now, the decision is that all the business will be handled by the older company, leaving AWA with nothing. Now that’s a punch in the gut! Scott loves this niche and has loyal and satisfied (downright thrilled) customers (who are screaming mad about the new arrangement). We started AWA, knowing that customer service was going to make the difference. We knew it wasn’t going to be a “get rich quick” scheme. The dedication and patience was beginning to pay off and Scott’s knowledge and tenacity were slowly changing the market in our region. We are certainly not ready to “throw in the towel”, but for now, it is a waiting game.

For awhile, blog posts may be infrequent and highlight portable toilets. Of course, while I’m learning new software programs and answering phones, I’ll be dreaming about painting the office. My focus will be marketing which is right up my creative alley. As we introduce the new logo— we welcome you to “Scratch and Sniff”—just kidding:)

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Sunny Saturday

Sniff Sniff. What is it about that first mowing of the season? It smells yummy and triggers visions of sunshine, flowers, picnics, swimming and mosquito bites. The girls couldn't resist the urge to play barefoot in the freshly mowed grass.
Don't know if you are familiar with Real Deals, but it is an inexpensive and unique source for home decor. They are only open 2 days/week and if your frivolous spending envelope is empty for the month - you'd better stay in the car. I couldn't resist this metal tin with scalloped lid, chalkboard surface and distressed wooden knob - it was an absolutely essential purchase (home decor is essential - correct?!).
I am helping "stage" a wedding in June. We (the Mr. &I) - plan to build a lemonade stand (he is so excited - errr, maybe not). I am beginning the "collection of items" process and made this sign the other day. There are a bazillion wedding ideas on Pinterest - crazy creative ideas.
The Mr. whacked himself with a hammer today (no- it wasn't while constructing the lemonade stand). He nailed his index finger good (I mean bad). Yowza! His method of relief - heat up a sharp object til red hot . . .
. . . and quickly plunge it through the fingernail to relieve pressure. I cannot watch this procedure. He hollered some and jumped around the room. I closed my eyes and covered my ears. YUCK!
Oh yeah - while he's in the house, he has been rockin' my reading glasses. They are zebra print with rhinestones. He has been known to wear them in public - just saying.

Reflection

I had an occasion to write a resume this week. It is not impressive. A short list of the jobs I have held and my accomplishments is not lengthy and would not stand out in a stack of prospective employees. But, "between the lines", there is so much more.

Years ago I read an article on obituaries - a brief biography of one's life summed up in a few paragraphs is utterly inadequate. It is difficult to truly know someone from those words. In the day to day, quiet moments - did they make their loved ones feel special? Did they stand for what they believed? Did they take time to enjoy the simple things? Did they "pay it forward" with unselfish motives? Or did they have a spirit of bitterness, envy and strife (I have, sadly, read some of those obituaries). These are the things that matter most.

My initial reaction to my disappointing and drab resume, was that I needed to get busy adding value to my "name". It was followed by a wiser and kinder voice - "those words don't tell the story". My role, it seems, is to support, encourage, and listen. I am beyond fortunate.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Bad Timing

Walking through the laundry room I spot a small serrated knife on the dryer. Hmmm, that doesn't belong there. I grab it and head for the kitchen. At the exact moment my hand falls to my side, Maren gives me a hug. Her thumb grazes the blade of the knife. She stares up at me - eyes widened in disbelief that her mother has just stabbed her. There is blood. There are apologies. There is more blood. There is a wet rag. There is a bandaid. There is another hug. I think there may be a "bad mom" citation in the mail tomorrow - Yikes!

Tasty Morsels

My family does not share my fondness for pinterest. They claim since I've discovered the site, the food at this joint has become "pinteresting", which is not a complimentary term. They whine - what's wrong with our normal food - whaaaa -

I was summoned to bring snacks to an event this evening, and I turned to Pinterest for a unique idea - something that didn't take forever. BINGO! Partially hollowed out baguettes, stuffed with dip and veggies. Obviously, you cut one side of the baguette straight - but the other end - is cut at a severe angle to showcase the design.

I did a cheer - "It looks like the picture - it looks like the picture!!" My food never looks like the picture. Maybe that's what makes it so pinteresting.

I smell a RACKET!

We are new to the world of eyeglasses. Just last year, we discovered that Maren needed glasses and we went to a warehouse style store (yeah- you know the one - famous for their (icky nasty) hotdogs) for a test and glasses. They did not accept insurance - price for the glasses was appx 100 bucks. We also grabbed 2 pairs at Wallies when the others were lost - appx 70 bucks/pair.

This year, I decided to support the local dude. I regretted that decision when they tallied the bill and it has continued to burn my conscience. Today I was informed that they undercharged us, by 76$. We are going to get 1 pair of glasses for $344.00! What!!?? I feel like I've been robbed! I'm all for supporting the "little guy", but this is foolishness.

What's your experience? What's the best deal?

Swimming, Swiss Style

Aaaah, bliss. Dad & Mom are enjoying a few days in Leukerbad Switzerland. This hot springs is nestled high in the alps - once you survive the death defying bus ride up the mountain, you never want to leave. You feel like you are "in" a postcard. There is a large pool indoors, connected to the outside lower one - you just swim thru a vinyl strip curtain and you are outside! We were in the upper pool one evening, the silhouetted snow covered Alps surrounding us, and a group of men began yodeling under the fountain. Goosebumps I tell you - it was incredible. One of those moments that are seared in the memory.

Another unique experience . . . one portion of a route to/from this area is only accessible by train. So, you drive your car onto the train and sit in darkness as it takes you through a gigantic tunnel (think it takes about 15 minutes). Underneath the Alps? No way? Yeah Yeah, Oiu Oiu, Ja! Ja!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Trash Talk

The Mr. is out of town - enjoying the balmy weather of Southern California. No, he's not lounging poolside or hanging with Mickey Mouse - he is completing inspections on 6 newly delivered garbage trucks and fixing problems that he finds.

What a beautiful sight - look at those perty Pendpac trucks lined up in a row - they have more than 30 of them!