Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
FMJ - Day 518
August 29: Ajay found a quarter and a penny at In-N-Out Burger on Stearns St. I found a penny in the parking lot of the post office.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.27
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $6.19
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.72
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.72 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $828.12 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 423 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $962.38
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.27
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This Month: $6.19
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.72
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.72 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $828.12 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 423 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $962.38
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
FMJ - Day 517
August 28: I found a dime and a penny. The dime was found in front of Subway on Cochran St. behind our Wal-mart. At Wal-Mart, the penny was found at our checkout. Did the school supply hunt -- this year our schools require every kid have a three-day supply of emergency food -- we're getting there.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $5.92
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.45
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.45 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $827.85 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 417 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $962.38
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $5.92
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.45
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.45 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $827.85 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 417 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $962.38
The Bottles and Cans from Our Trip
As with every trip, this trip was no different, we saved all our bottles and cans for recycling. How many were we able to stuff in the two large suit cases, one racquet bag, and a duffle bag? 95! Worth $4.75! The nice thing about trips out of state is that we don't pay the California Return Deposit. So, whatever we collect from the recycling is pure profit.
I discovered that a lot of bottles and cans used out of state are "marked" for deposit return is California. If "CA CRV" or "CA DEPOSIT" or "CA CASH RETURN" is written on the labeling, it can be recycled for cash in California.
My parents and siblings are going to start mailing their bottles and cans to me rather than "pay" for the curbside recycling in their hometowns. You can ship dry water bottles quite cheaply as they don't weigh very much. Also, the bottles make great stuffers for those Xmas and Ebay packages. Just a tip.
Recycling Update: Last night, the kids and I returned $6.65 worth of bottles and cans.
Some Stats
Bottles & Cans Collected: 95
Bottles and Cans Collected: 412 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $962.38
I discovered that a lot of bottles and cans used out of state are "marked" for deposit return is California. If "CA CRV" or "CA DEPOSIT" or "CA CASH RETURN" is written on the labeling, it can be recycled for cash in California.
My parents and siblings are going to start mailing their bottles and cans to me rather than "pay" for the curbside recycling in their hometowns. You can ship dry water bottles quite cheaply as they don't weigh very much. Also, the bottles make great stuffers for those Xmas and Ebay packages. Just a tip.
Recycling Update: Last night, the kids and I returned $6.65 worth of bottles and cans.
Some Stats
Bottles & Cans Collected: 95
Bottles and Cans Collected: 412 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $962.38
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
FMJ - Day 516
August 27: Return trip home. We had to leave Philadelphia at 8:00A.M. to make our flight home from BWI airport in Baltimore. We flew Southwest Airlines by way of Kansas City to Los Angeles LAX. It was a very bumpy flight... Why does Southwest always used the Reverse Thruster when landing? I think they do it to get to gate faster... somehow it saves time, I think. It sure make the landing an event though.
At Kansas City, I found a dime near gate 32. Ajay found a New Zealand 20 Cent Coin and two pennies in LAX. (We brought back cans and bottle from our week long trip in our suit cases -- I'll count them tomorrow.)
Glad to be home.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $5.81
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.34
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.34 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $827.74 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
At Kansas City, I found a dime near gate 32. Ajay found a New Zealand 20 Cent Coin and two pennies in LAX. (We brought back cans and bottle from our week long trip in our suit cases -- I'll count them tomorrow.)
Glad to be home.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $5.81
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.34
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.34 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $827.74 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
FMJ - Day 515
August 26: Nirav's and Archana's Wedding Day. Their wedding was held in the Liberty Ballroom at the Marriott Hotel on Market Street in Philadelphia... What a grand wedding! Family and Friends attended from all over the world... arriving from India, London, Toronto, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Syracuse, and elsewhere unknown. Totally International!
Indian Weddings are quite the party... lots of food, elegant Saris and entertainment. Colorful!
Maya and Ajay dressed in newly tailored traditional Indian garb... they looked like the Maharaja's prince and princess. My wife wore one of the finest Sari I've ever seen... dark blue silk beaded in gold, ruby and emerald... WOW!
Archana, our bride, wore a pink and gold Sari... It was out of this world. Uncle Nirav wore a gold Punjabi, long string of flowers, and a festooned Crown. It was quite a sight to see... you felt as if you had been transported to 12th century Princely India!
Traditional dances and singing... I had sung a song in Hindi I've rehearsed many times in the car and shower. The song, Ajanabe, is from an Indian Movie called Dil Se. The crowd loved it... I totally nailed it! One lady thought I should compete on "Indian Idol!"
Om Thrushdhi!
Indian Weddings are quite the party... lots of food, elegant Saris and entertainment. Colorful!
Maya and Ajay dressed in newly tailored traditional Indian garb... they looked like the Maharaja's prince and princess. My wife wore one of the finest Sari I've ever seen... dark blue silk beaded in gold, ruby and emerald... WOW!
Archana, our bride, wore a pink and gold Sari... It was out of this world. Uncle Nirav wore a gold Punjabi, long string of flowers, and a festooned Crown. It was quite a sight to see... you felt as if you had been transported to 12th century Princely India!
Traditional dances and singing... I had sung a song in Hindi I've rehearsed many times in the car and shower. The song, Ajanabe, is from an Indian Movie called Dil Se. The crowd loved it... I totally nailed it! One lady thought I should compete on "Indian Idol!"
Om Thrushdhi!
FMJ - Day 514
August 25: Well, now the fun begins... on this day, we had to drive from my brother Terry's house in Gaithersburg, Maryland to my parent's place in Bethany Beach, Delaware then back-track to Baltimore to pick-up my wife at BWI airport for our final trip of the day to Philadelphia, PA. WHY all this driving? Dry Cleaning!
Not knowing how our adventurous week might go, I put my suits in for dry cleaning near my parent's home. Our trip to Gaithersburg the prior day was totally unplanned... just on a whim we went there. So, my drycleaning was not to be ready before Friday at 5:00p.m. So, I required my suits for the wedding and there you have it. DRIVE!
NO finds for this day... next time think I'll drop of my drycleaning near the airport.
Not knowing how our adventurous week might go, I put my suits in for dry cleaning near my parent's home. Our trip to Gaithersburg the prior day was totally unplanned... just on a whim we went there. So, my drycleaning was not to be ready before Friday at 5:00p.m. So, I required my suits for the wedding and there you have it. DRIVE!
NO finds for this day... next time think I'll drop of my drycleaning near the airport.
FMJ - Day 513
August 24: We left my parent's home in Bethany Beach, Del. to enjoy a day back home in Gaithersburg, Maryland... I took my kids around to the places where I grew up. I showed them the first court where I began my love affair with the sport of tennis 32 years ago. We ate a Chinese lunch at Wok Express in Montgomery Village Center... that restaurant has been there forever. Good Food always!
In the afternoon, I took the kids to our old neighborhood in Potomac Falls, Virginia. We made a surprise visit upon her best friend, Alma. They shared 4 hours of story telling about "Maya's California Adventure." Amazing how grown-up Alma seems since we left... Girls do mature faster than boys. Super smart kid!
Our last stop before moving on to Philadelphia for my wife's cousins wedding was a stop at Tyson's Corner Mall. Wow, they've expanded... It's a mega mall now! You could spend an entire day in that place... new food courts and theaters and a Barnes and Noble! Even I might shop there!
We found 69 cents in the form of a quarter, 3 dimes, a nickel and 9 pennies in this day's journey.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.69
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $5.79
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.22
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.22 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $827.62 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
In the afternoon, I took the kids to our old neighborhood in Potomac Falls, Virginia. We made a surprise visit upon her best friend, Alma. They shared 4 hours of story telling about "Maya's California Adventure." Amazing how grown-up Alma seems since we left... Girls do mature faster than boys. Super smart kid!
Our last stop before moving on to Philadelphia for my wife's cousins wedding was a stop at Tyson's Corner Mall. Wow, they've expanded... It's a mega mall now! You could spend an entire day in that place... new food courts and theaters and a Barnes and Noble! Even I might shop there!
We found 69 cents in the form of a quarter, 3 dimes, a nickel and 9 pennies in this day's journey.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.69
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $5.79
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $183.22
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $367.22 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $827.62 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
FMJ - Day 512
August 23: On our third day of Vacation, we enjoyed the company of my sister, Debbie and my nephew and neice, Nicholas and Sara. I hadn't been with them in a year... my how big those two have gotten... Sara is such a cutie pie... So, sweet... just like her mother. Nicky is going to be a great tennis player when he comes out to California next summer... he's an athlete all around.
No finds again for this day 512. We did enjoy a fine evening of dining together at Ponzetti's Pizza! It was great to just get together with family.
No finds again for this day 512. We did enjoy a fine evening of dining together at Ponzetti's Pizza! It was great to just get together with family.
FMJ - Day 511
August 22: Uncle Robbie drove to the beach to meet us for more family fun... Baja Go-Karts on Rt. 50 in West Ocean City... Maya and I race the "Stock Cars." She's going to be an "excellent driver." Ajay and Uncle Robbie race in the twin-seaters.
There's nothing funner than Go-Karts!
Grotto Pizza Again!
NO FINDS ON DAY 511.
There's nothing funner than Go-Karts!
Grotto Pizza Again!
NO FINDS ON DAY 511.
FMJ - Day 510
August 21: An evening walk along the Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk... the kids and Uncle Terry rode the rides at Trimper's Boardwalk Amusement Park. Ajay rode on the Himalaya! Along our stroll, we found a quarter, dime and 5 pennies. If your ever in Ocean City, you've got the have a bucket of Thrasher's French Fries... absolutely the best fries in America! Uncle Terry and Aunt Mindy spoiled Maya and Ajay with gifts... their favorite was a digital picture that turn them into Annakin Skywalker and Padme from a Star Wars poster. Our day was filled with eating all the "bad food" we crave... Grotto Pizza! Fisher's Candied Popcorn! Thrasher's! Super Pretzels! Utz Potato Chips!
Our first East Coast Meal was a stop at Waffle House for a "real late night breakfast."
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.40
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $5.10
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $182.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $366.53 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Our first East Coast Meal was a stop at Waffle House for a "real late night breakfast."
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.40
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $5.10
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $182.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $366.53 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
FMJ - Day 509
August 20: On our first day of our trip back east, we found 11 pennies. A single penny was found at LAX. After landing in Baltimore's BWI Airport, we picked up our rental car for the drive to Delaware. A stop at 7-11 in Havre de Grace, Maryland for some wake-me-up coffee brought the FMJ 10 more pennies... all found in a parking space out front of the store.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $4.70
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $182.13
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $366.13 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.53 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $4.70
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $182.13
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $366.13 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.53 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Sunday, August 19, 2007
FMJ - Day 508 "Start of Vacation"
August 19: We found 34 cents while strolling the Topango Promenade Mall to escape 100 degree weather today. There were 2 dimes, a nickel and 9 pennies in our take.
We're (the kids and I) leaving for the East Coast... Bethany Beach, Delaware. Going to visit the "Grands" in their new beach home. We will return the following Monday night.
Have fun... Let's hope the economy doesn't fall apart while we're away. Any of you watching all this mess in credit markets... Glad I'm not looking to finance a house anytime soon. OUCH!
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.34
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $4.59
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $182.02
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $366.02 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.42 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
We're (the kids and I) leaving for the East Coast... Bethany Beach, Delaware. Going to visit the "Grands" in their new beach home. We will return the following Monday night.
Have fun... Let's hope the economy doesn't fall apart while we're away. Any of you watching all this mess in credit markets... Glad I'm not looking to finance a house anytime soon. OUCH!
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.34
Bottles & Cans Collected:
Running Stats
This Month: $4.59
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $182.02
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $366.02 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.42 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Saturday, August 18, 2007
FMJ - Day 507
August 18: $1.02 found in the form of 4 quarters and 2 pennies. All of it at Weinerschnitzel on L.A. Ave. in Simi Valley.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
This Month: $4.25
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $181.68
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $365.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.08 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $1.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
This Month: $4.25
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $181.68
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $365.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $826.08 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 317 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
FMJ - Day 506
August 17: We found 26 cents. At In-N-OUt Burger in Moorpark for dinner, a dime and nickel were scooped from their spots on the floor. After dinner, Target for sundries and we find a dime inside and a penny along the sidewalk out front.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.37 including finds from the last days.
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $3.23
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $180.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $364.66 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $825.06 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 308 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.37 including finds from the last days.
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This Month: $3.23
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $180.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $364.66 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $825.06 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 308 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
FMJ - Day 504
August 14: On a trip to Topanga Promenade Mall with our friends from Washington, D.C., the kids and I found 29 cents -- a quarter and four pennies.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.29
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $2.86
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $180.29
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $364.29 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.69 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 296 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.29
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
This Month: $2.86
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $180.29
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $364.29 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.69 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 296 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Monday, August 13, 2007
FMJ - Day 503
August 13: Maya and I had a father/Daughter day. We played tennis, shopped and had a "long lunch" together. Along our trails, we found a nickel and penny. We also collected 20 bottles and cans.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 20
Running Stats
This Month: $2.57
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $180.00
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $364.00 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.40 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 291 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 20
Running Stats
This Month: $2.57
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $180.00
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $364.00 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.40 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 291 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Sunday, August 12, 2007
FMJ - Day 502
August 12: Found 25 cents -- 2 dimes and 5 pennies. In the morning, I played in the Northridge Summer Men's 35 and Over Singles Tournament for the finals match... I WON THE MATCH 6-0, 6-0! There was only one other player in the tournament and he was rated a 3.5 player. Easy Win -- Nice Trophy! I found a penny on the way to the courts... it was lying near the sidewalk on Zelzah Ave.
After the match, I enjoyed some nice Chicken with Cashews at Pick Up Stix in Porter Ranch. Then, I took the kids to Baskin Robbins -- found a penny on the floor and one outside. A stop at the Albertson's on L.A. Ave & Stearns St. -- we found 2 dimes and 2 pennies in the coin counting machine.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.28
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This Month: $2.51
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $179.94
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $363.94 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.34 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 271 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
After the match, I enjoyed some nice Chicken with Cashews at Pick Up Stix in Porter Ranch. Then, I took the kids to Baskin Robbins -- found a penny on the floor and one outside. A stop at the Albertson's on L.A. Ave & Stearns St. -- we found 2 dimes and 2 pennies in the coin counting machine.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.28
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This Month: $2.51
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $179.94
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $363.94 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.34 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 271 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
FMJ - Day 501
August 11: We took our friends to LegoLand... Can you say, "Yawn?" Found a penny in the park and two pennies on the way home. I'll add them to Day 502.
Friday, August 10, 2007
FMJ - Day 500
August 10: I found three quarters resting in the coin return shoot of a newspaper vending machine outside of the Ralph's on Sycamore Ave. Ajay found a penny inside the store. Our friends have gone to San Diego this evening and we will meet them tomorrow at LegoLand in Carlsbad, CA. Might be good coin hunting...
Earlier, Ajay and I went to bottle return machines... But, they were out of order -- not working. Luckily, someone just earlier than us also stopped by to find the same disorder and left a bag full of bottles by the machines. We happily accepted them.
Recycling Update: Today's turn-in netted $20.05 for the B&C Fund. We also found a penny near the machines.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.78
Bottles & Cans Collected: 30
Running Stats
This Month: $2.23
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $179.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $363.66 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.06 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 261 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Earlier, Ajay and I went to bottle return machines... But, they were out of order -- not working. Luckily, someone just earlier than us also stopped by to find the same disorder and left a bag full of bottles by the machines. We happily accepted them.
Recycling Update: Today's turn-in netted $20.05 for the B&C Fund. We also found a penny near the machines.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.78
Bottles & Cans Collected: 30
Running Stats
This Month: $2.23
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $179.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $363.66 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $824.06 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 261 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $955.73
Thursday, August 09, 2007
FMJ - Day 499 EARTHQUAKE!
August 9: I found a single penny at McDonald's. We experienced our first earthquake at 12:58AM since moving to Simi Valley, California in October 2005. The earthquake measured 4.6 on the Richter Scale and was centered about 3 miles away from our house.
What did the Quake feel like? To start-off, we were completely asleep when it struck. At first, the french doors to our master bedroom shook extremely violently and there was this constant rumble sound. My first thought was that someone was breaking into our house. Then, the bed started shaking and hopping! Next thought I had was that we were start to float then tumble. Then, after about 5 seconds, I was asking myself... could this be an earthquake? Sure was! THE HOUSE SHOOK FOR A GOOD 30 SECONDS! We have some friends from the east coast staying with us this week. What a welcome for them! Their first quake, too.
What happened after the quake? A few pictures and books fell. All motion detector lights in the neighborhood turned on... From pitch black to bright light. And, many car alarms were blaring. For us, we incurred a few cracks in the stucco on the house, a crack in our cement driveway and a drain pipe under the sink which dislodged from the Drain's downspout... PLASTIC PIPES SUCK!
My thought about quakes are that you will never know what one feels like until you experience it... It's scary, violent, and EVIL!
The "expert" on T.V. called this one, "a good quake" as it most likely release a lot of ground pressure and may have forestalled a larger quake. Let me tell you, THERE ARE NO GOOD EARTHQUAKES!
What did the Quake feel like? To start-off, we were completely asleep when it struck. At first, the french doors to our master bedroom shook extremely violently and there was this constant rumble sound. My first thought was that someone was breaking into our house. Then, the bed started shaking and hopping! Next thought I had was that we were start to float then tumble. Then, after about 5 seconds, I was asking myself... could this be an earthquake? Sure was! THE HOUSE SHOOK FOR A GOOD 30 SECONDS! We have some friends from the east coast staying with us this week. What a welcome for them! Their first quake, too.
What happened after the quake? A few pictures and books fell. All motion detector lights in the neighborhood turned on... From pitch black to bright light. And, many car alarms were blaring. For us, we incurred a few cracks in the stucco on the house, a crack in our cement driveway and a drain pipe under the sink which dislodged from the Drain's downspout... PLASTIC PIPES SUCK!
My thought about quakes are that you will never know what one feels like until you experience it... It's scary, violent, and EVIL!
The "expert" on T.V. called this one, "a good quake" as it most likely release a lot of ground pressure and may have forestalled a larger quake. Let me tell you, THERE ARE NO GOOD EARTHQUAKES!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
FMJ - Day 497 Recovered Glued Quarter!
August 7: Another trip to the 99 Cents Only store today. This time, we went to the one on Tapo St. -- the store just got in a shipment of bagged salads and cantaloupe. I couldn't resist the price -- 99 cents, of course. Anyway, Ajay found 2 pennies inside the store. Upon leaving, there was this quarter laying near the entrance which some very mischievous youngsters had glued to the sidewalk as a joke. Just happens that the boys who glued it were sitting on the wall of the flower beds outside the store to watch the shoppers leaving who tried in vain to retrieve the coin. I gleaned this fact from Maya who happened to overhear them talking about doing it in the store. Jokes on them, after stowing my purchase in the car, I returned with my iron 3 lb dumbell and a chisel which I always keep in the trunk of my car for times like this -- ONE SWING AND THE QUARTER WAS MINE!
Prior to the entertaining 99 Cents Only store event, the kids and I had lunch at the nearby Taco Bell -- found a dime and a penny in the parking lot.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.38
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $1.45
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.88
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.88 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $823.28 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 231 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Prior to the entertaining 99 Cents Only store event, the kids and I had lunch at the nearby Taco Bell -- found a dime and a penny in the parking lot.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.38
Bottles & Cans Collected: 0
Running Stats
This Month: $1.45
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.88
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.88 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $823.28 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 231 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
FMJ - Day 496
August 6: We found 2 dimes and three pennies at the 99 Cents Only store on L.A. Ave.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.23
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This Month: $1.07
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.50
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.50 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $822.90 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 231 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.23
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This Month: $1.07
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.50
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.50 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $822.90 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 231 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Sunday, August 05, 2007
FMJ - Day 495
August 5: 19 cents found. While shopping for the umpteenth time for a rug for Mayma's Family room, Ajay and I found a dime and a penny. In the morning, I stopped at Carl's Jr. on South St. in Cerritos for some early morning grub... found three pennies. After tennis, I stopped at Border's -- found a nickel.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.19
Bottles & Cans Collected: 32
Running Stats
This Month: $.84
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.27
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.27 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $822.67 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 220 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.19
Bottles & Cans Collected: 32
Running Stats
This Month: $.84
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.27
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.27 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $822.67 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 220 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Friday, August 03, 2007
FMJ - Day 493
August 3: Ajay and I found 52 cents along our morning walk -- 2 quarters and two pennies. The quarters were curiously found along side some discarded McDonald's food along Canby St. behind the McDonald's on Reseda Blvd. Maybe it was the Found Money God's way of punishing litterbugs?
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.52
Bottles & Cans Collected: 40
Running Stats
This Month: $.65
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.08
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.08 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $822.48 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 188 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.52
Bottles & Cans Collected: 40
Running Stats
This Month: $.65
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $178.08
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $362.08 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $822.48 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 188 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Thursday, August 02, 2007
FMJ - Day 492
August 2: In the morning, Ajay and I walked from the Tennis Camp at Northridge along Zelzah Ave. up to Chatsworth Blvd. and back to CSUN. It was quite a walk and we found three pennies along the way.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 62
Running Stats
This Month: $.13
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $177.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $361.56 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $821.96 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 148 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 62
Running Stats
This Month: $.13
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $177.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $361.56 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $821.96 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 148 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
FMJ - Day 491
August 1: Found a dime at the Von's on Yosemite Ave. We picked up 86 water bottles at the tennis camp this morning.
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 86
Running Stats
This Month: $.10
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $177.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $361.53 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $821.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 86 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Today's Stats
Money Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 86
Running Stats
This Month: $.10
Last Month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $177.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $361.53 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $821.93 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 86 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Recycling Update.
July 31: Late last night, Ajay and I found a new recycling center in Chatsworth to return our bottles and cans. Our cache fetched $29.70 for the B&C Fund.
Bottles & Cans Fund: $935.68
Bottles & Cans Fund: $935.68
End of the Month Stats for July 2007!
End of Month Stats:
Total found - June 2007: $112.11
Average Amount Found per Day: $3.62
Stock Held:
15.191 Shares/PEI Worth: $591.54
20.487 Shares/GRT Worth: $435.55
Total Stock Value: $1,027.09
Value at June 30, 2007: $1,175.62
Stock purchase cost: $735.31 (includes reinvested dividends & interest)
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $291.78
Other Funds Owned
Non-deposited FMJ Funds(still in the jar): $196.81
FMJ Savings Account: $18.91
Income
This month: $9.65
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $45.54
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $145.89 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)
Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $1,279.23
Bottles & Cans Fund: $935.68
Increase in B&C Fund: $91.39
This month's Total Value of Both Funds: $2,178.49
Total Value at June 30, 2007: $2123.52
*Increase from Prior Month: $54.97
* Increase due to higher money finds and bottle & can redemptions as share prices for REITs continued to slip.
July 31, 2007 - Running Stats
This month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $177.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $361.43 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $821.83 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 965 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
June 30, 2007 - Running stats
This month: $9.07
2007 Finds: $65.32
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $249.32 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $709.72 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 489 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $844.29
Total found - June 2007: $112.11
Average Amount Found per Day: $3.62
Stock Held:
15.191 Shares/PEI Worth: $591.54
20.487 Shares/GRT Worth: $435.55
Total Stock Value: $1,027.09
Value at June 30, 2007: $1,175.62
Stock purchase cost: $735.31 (includes reinvested dividends & interest)
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $291.78
Other Funds Owned
Non-deposited FMJ Funds(still in the jar): $196.81
FMJ Savings Account: $18.91
Income
This month: $9.65
Savings Interest 2007: 98 cents
Savings Interest 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Dividends 2007: $45.54
Non-reinvested Dividends: $17.10
Total Dividends Received: $145.89 (Since 2003 merger of CWN & PEI)
Total Asset Value of FMJ Fund: $1,279.23
Bottles & Cans Fund: $935.68
Increase in B&C Fund: $91.39
This month's Total Value of Both Funds: $2,178.49
Total Value at June 30, 2007: $2123.52
*Increase from Prior Month: $54.97
* Increase due to higher money finds and bottle & can redemptions as share prices for REITs continued to slip.
July 31, 2007 - Running Stats
This month: $112.11
2007 Finds: $177.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $361.43 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $821.83 (since 1-1-2000)
Bottles and Cans Collected: 965 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $935.68
June 30, 2007 - Running stats
This month: $9.07
2007 Finds: $65.32
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $249.32 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $709.72 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 489 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $844.29
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