Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS) - California

Due to weather forecasts of high winds with low humidity, Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) imposed a massive power shutdown in the San Francisco Bay Area.

My neighbors to the north in Marin County and many down south in San Mateo County had their power shutoff around 8:20 pm last night. Approximately 1 in 6 San Francisco Bay Area residents are without power.

Power is not expected to come back until at least tomorrow morning. Therefore, no bowling practice this morning. And who knows if I'll bowl league tomorrow. Bel Mateo also had their power out.

I was lucky. San Francisco County was not affected. Neither was my office at the Oyster Point Marina in South San Francisco.

The high winds containing ash, pollen and other particles is wreaking havoc with my sinuses. Lots of sneezing with a runny nose.

Welcome to a new week.

DIY Weekend

source: Amazon
Skil Compact Cordless Screwdriver

From the time I returned to the single world in 2011, I'm slowly but surely gathering household tools to help me tackle DIY projects that previously would have intimidated the crap out of me.

Like my rant about the lack of women's choices in bowling shoes, I can say the same about suitable tools for women.

Choices are out there, but it takes some digging. As a former history major/current operations and finance analyst, this is well within my skill set.

Started out with a Stanley hammer and a 5-in-1 screwdriver with a donated tool box from Pauline. The most basic of house tools. During my time as an account manager on Lubricant account visits, I bought a tape measure and goggles (I somehow now have 3).

First power tool, a compact cordless screwdriver by Skil (see 1st photo). I bought it to assemble a platform bed for the spare room I rented out a few times in the Outer Sunset.

source: Amazon
3-step ladder with tray

Next, 3-step ladder. Bought this a few months ago. After Wil moved to Florida with Jen, all I had was a folding step stool. Knew there'd be ceiling lights I'd have to change and replace. Came in handy for changing smoke alarm batteries at 2 am. Equally useful for yesterday's DIY project for hanging curtain rods.

The curtain brackets that came with the rods did not require drilling. It came with nails to hammer directly in the wall. Easy concept. Not so easy to implement. I found it hard to pound the nail fully flush to the wall with the 16 inch Stanley hammer.

With one more curtain rod not yet installed, I began a search for hammers with short handles. I see several "stubby" hammers from Craftsman, Pittsburgh, Stalwart, and the brand that really catches my eye,
Apollo Tools.

source: Apollo Tools
4 piece Stubby Set

Click the link to see the vast selection of tools they offer. Most of the tools are made with soft grip handles.

Another great reason to support Apollo Tools is a portion of their sales is contributed to breast cancer research (many tools come in pink).

I originally intended only to look for the hammer, but when I saw the soft grip stubby wrench and screwdrivers, I had to have them all.

More tools. For an already stuffed tool box. Time for a bigger one.

I ordered that from Home Depot tonight.
My Stanley hammer, Stanley tape measure, Dewalt goggles, picture frame nails, glue, sanding block, 5-in-1 screwdriver and soon-to-be stubby tools will all share the same home.

I suspect the stubby ones will be out often, to the point they'll need to be put on curfew.

Hawaiian Invitational at Gold Coast Las Vegas

2019 Hawaiian Invitational
Gold Coast, Las Vegas

Last weekend, I headed to Las Vegas to bowl in my fourth Hawaiian Invitational, the second year at Gold Coast. My previous two Hawaiians were at the Orleans (see October 30, 2016 entry).

I went into this tournament with little expectations. I have yet to bowl a series at my average. This year wasn't any different. My overall 8-game average was about 10 pins below my entry average.

What was different this year was a couple of minor, but notable inconveniences.

Upon arriving in Las Vegas, I got my luggage from baggage claim. Grabbed my suitcase and my bowling bag. Found the retractable handle on my bowling bag was stuck. After a few tries of moving the handle back and forth, I got the handle to lock. When I got to the cab, the release wouldn't retract the handle. The cab driver was very accommodating and put the bowling bag in the trunk as is.

Now at the hotel, it took me less than 10 minutes to check-in. Got my room keys (see photo) with the tournament's logo. Entered my room and immediately noticed the room is stuffy. I tried to turn on the air conditioning from the wall thermostat and nothing came on. Thermometer reads 79F. I called the front desk, woman on phone said Engineering will be in about 45 minutes to look at the air conditioning unit. They're currently working on another issue.

Almost an hour later and no one's come. I called the front desk again and told them I want to be put in another room if this can't be fixed. As soon as I'm off the phone, 2 men from Engineering knocked on the door. They got the fan turned on, tell me to wait about 15 minutes for the room to cool.

I left the room for about 20 minutes to give it time to cool down. Thermometer has gone down to 75F but won't get any cooler. There's barely any air coming from the unit. I really didn't notice until I saw the bedside clock radio read 2 am. I was too occupied trying to fix the bowling bag handle.

Damn. Suck it up, Lani. The handle is broken. Go to sleep. Go to the pro shop before the 2 pm squad. Buy a new bag. It's the second accessory I have to replace in less than 2 years (replaced my shoes 3 weeks earlier - see September 22 entry).

i woke up around 8:30. Texted my Bel Mateo teammate Ronnie to confirm he made it in from his drive from Redwood Shores to Vegas. Grabbed breakfast at TGIF's. Come back to the room. Thermometer now reads 78F.  Called the front desk again.

Within 15 minutes, a different person from Engineering knocked on the door. Walked over to the unit, puts his hand above the vent. Told me right away he has to take the unit apart to fix it. Perfect time to head to the pro shop.

At the pro shop, I immediately eyed the bag in the new color I found online. It's the same price as the lowest priced one listed online. I played with the retractable handle to make sure it worked, then bring it to the register to buy it. I casually mentioned to the pro shop guy I'm here for the Hawaiian Tournament. Gave me a 10% discount.

Storm Rolling Thunder 2

Bag is the same size and dimensions as the current bag. It'll be an easy transfer to move everything from the not-so-old bag to the new bag.

Mini woo-hoo.

After the Saturday afternoon squad, I met my Bel Mateo Monday night league mates Ronnie, Will and Julina for a fun Cantonese dinner.

When our 2nd and final squad ended late Sunday morning, I tagged along with  teammates Jason and Darrick to the airport. We were on the same incoming and outgoing flights. Killed for our first time before our flight at The Centurion Lounge, thanks to a recent upgrade to an American Express Platinum Card. Buffet style menu and wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For FREE.

Nice way to end the weekend trip.