The Air Conditioning Woes

This past Thursday, I took the day off work because Zelia and I were expecting a new member to the family. Our new air conditioner.

When our old one died, we looked around at lots of different models. We had only a few left to go through before we decided which one would be the lucky winner. Then, Zelia's dad found us a great deal, and even though it was a little more than we wanted to spend, it was so worth it.

So we placed the order over the Internet and the order form actually had dates that we could have the air conditioner delivered. So we picked a day that I would be able to stay home from work. No problem. The big day arrives, and I'm waiting at the apartment. Granted, I was able to do some things that needed to be done, but I couldn't stop thinking about the cool air that soon to be ours.

In the early afternoon, the phone rang. The name on the Caller ID was some kind of warehouse. This was it. I answered and the voice on the other end said that our air conditioner will be delivered the next day between 12 and 5. I then told her that won't work, as no one will be here to receive it. I also told her that I had taken today off because this was when it was supposed to be delivered. She then told me that the air conditioner arrived from some other place in the morning, but after their trucks left. So there was nothing they could do. She told me that it could be delivered on Saturday. I told her that I would call her back and let her know what day would be good.

I called Zelia at her work and told her what happened. Just as I was, she was a bit upset. After some discussion, we decided to see if they could deliver to an alternative address the next day, as we weren't willing to wait another two days for it. I called back and was informed that another address would be fine. So we had it shipped to Zelia's parents. Zelia picked it up on her way home and we had it Friday afternoon.

We opened it up and found that it was an air conditioner designed for a double hang window and not our "apartment-style" side sliding window. Of course, nothing on the website or even on the box specifically said what type of window the air conditioner was meant for. So we called a few people for some ideas on how to adapt the installation for our windows. We decided to wait until Saturday before we tried to install it.

Next morning we tackled the problem of fitting the air conditioner in a window it wasn't really designed for. However, we lucked out because the support bracket we installed for our previous air conditioner was in the perfect spot to support the new one. We measured the space above the air conditioner for some plywood to fit and bought some weather-stripping foam and got started. A few hours later, due to some unexpected problems, it was finally installed. And it works beautifully.

It has a remote control (not necessary, but cool) and even has a timer so that you can have it turn on at a specific time. The best thing about it is that it pumps out 10,000 BTUs of cool (and sometimes cold) air. It has done wonders for the apartment. You can feel a big difference when you come in from just the hall.

The only part of the apartment we don't cool off is the bedroom and that's because it's being used as a quarantine area for Oscar (check out Zelia's blog for more information about Oscar) before he mingles with our other cats. Once that happens, we'll be putting up a barrier so that cats can't get into the bedroom but still allow the cool air in. That will be absolute bliss.

Long Time No Type

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, and trust me, it’s not my fault. It’s the weather’s fault.

A couple of weeks ago, the apartment’s air conditioner died. This unfortunate situation coupled with the hot, very humid weather we’ve had makes for a very uncomfortable apartment. So uncomfortable that sitting at my computer even for a short time is difficult.

However, I don’t want to disappoint all my loyal readers, so I’ve sucked it up and typed this out. Not much has happened, but I’ll bring you all up to speed.

Zelia and I got a kitten a few days ago. Oscar is a male orange tabby, full of piss and vinegar. But he’s so cute, no matter how many little bite marks and scratches I have on my feet and hands. Interestingly, Zelia told me that there are only male orange tabbies. There are no, and never will be, female orange tabbies. Cool, huh? That reminds me, I’m going to look on the Internet to see just why that is. Zelia and I have our theory, and yes, it’s genetic, but I’m going to see if any experts have written anything on the subject. I’m sure it will be quite interesting.

My supervisor is on vacation (that evil, evil man) and I’m filling in for him. Fortunately, not many problems have crept up. Just the occasional surprise shift here, the odd after-hours call there. But carrying two phones around sucks. It just plain sucks.

Zelia has been busy this past while putting together her new computer. Stronger, faster, better than her old one. This means that my laptop won’t be the pinnacle of technology anymore. I’m not sure how I’ll cope, but I always do.

For any of you out there (I’m talking to the men) looking for a new cologne, aftershave or shower gel that’s unique, may I suggest the Nomad line from Crabtree & Evelyn. Yes, Crabtree & Evelyn. When Zelia and I were in Ottawa on our vacation, we did some shopping and checked out the Crabtree & Evelyn store because she always finds something in there that she wants. Well, they were having a big push for Father’s Day and all of their men’s products were on sale. Needless to say, I was shocked. I had no idea C&T catered to the male segment of the population. So, while Zelia was perusing her stuff, I was checking out the men’s products. They actually have quite a bit and in different scents. However, the Nomad scent caught my nose and I called Zelia over to see what she thought of it. She took a whiff and said she really like it. So, that sealed the deal. I picked up some aftershave balm. And I have not regretted that decision. When we got back from vacation, I actually looked forward to shaving in the morning because that meant I got to use my Nomad aftershave balm. I’m such a geek? Nerd? Anyway, one day last week, Zelia brought me a surprise – she picked up the Nomad shower gel. Well, now I look forward to having a shower. In a few weeks, I’ll be spending five days in Toronto doing a trade show, and I’m thinking I may have to pick some more Nomad stuff up so that I smell fine at the show. Besides, they have this deal where you can buy a travel bag with Nomad stuff in it. I’m pretty sure it’s a deal or you get the travel bag for free or something like that. And I’m in desperate need of a new travel bag for my toiletries. Think I’ll have to do that soon. Very, very soon. If any of you are interested, check out the C&T website. You’ll be amazed how much stuff they have for guys.

Rented Hostage a few days ago and it was pretty good. I recommend that you watch it. NOW!

Hmmmmm, since I’m in a typing mood (I just love the way my laptop keys click as I type) I’ll have to keep typing. Question is what to type about? Oh, I know!

A while ago, I found a little fun test on the Internet – Dante’s Inferno Test. It’s a fun test that tells you what level of Dante’s Hell you’ll be going to. When I first took the test, I was going to The Fifth Level of Hell. That level was for blasphemers, I think. Well, I took the test again just to see what I would get. Surprise, surprise, I got the same answer. But I’m going to the Sixth Level of Hell – The City of Dis. When I was reading the description I remembered a few lines from the last time, so there you go. I’m going where the heretics go, not the blasphemers. Yippy! So, give it a try. It’s fun. I promise.

Soon, oh so very soon, Zelia and I will have a new air conditioner. Then, maybe I’ll blog more regularly, as the computer room will be nice and cool – a pleasure to be in. I can feel the cool air now…