You too can change a window!

From 2005-2011 I worked as a commercial and residential glazier for Jones Paint & Glass. During my time there I found that even experienced tradesmen in other fields would shy away from changing their own glass. Thankfully for me they never really caught on to just how easy it can be. Rest assured though, it is far easier than most think and maybe I can save you a dollar or two with some information.

The most common type of windows found in modern homes are constructed with vinyl frames and insulated double pane glass. This insulated double pane is known as an I.G.U. or Insulated Glass Unit.  Often times a Unit requires replacing when it has become cracked or suffers seal failure resulting in internal condensation.
One:
In order to replace a failed unit first you want to order the new glass to reduce the amount of time your home is open to the elements. To do this you're going to need to know what to order.  Industry standard for measuring for a new vinyl unit is to  get a daylight measurement. This measurement is taken by measuring from the edge where vinyl meets glass from one side across the pane to where vinyl meets glass on the other side. You will measure width first, then height. Once you have this measurement add three-quarters of an inch to each measurement, this will be the size you order.  For example, 26"x37" becomes 26¾"x37¾". Once you have this size you will need to know the overall Unit thickness. Industry standard is ¾" although it does vary slightly with some manufacturers. If unsure of the unit thickness then it's time to grab a thin putty knife and a soft face mallet and head outside to the exterior of the window.
Two:
Once you are looking at the window's exterior ascertain where the glass meets the vinyl and look for a line in the vinyl about ¾ of an inch in. After finding this crease place the blade of the putty knife into it and pry against the frame as if to slide the portion contacting the glass along the surface of the glass. You should hear a small popping and the vinyl piece known as the stop will loosen. Work your putty knife along the entire edge of this crease until this piece is removed. If it is stubborn you may need to give the putty knife a gentle tap to work in and free the stop. Once the stop is off you will be able to see the edge of the unit. There will be some space between the edge of the glass and the vinyl frame. Gently slide your putty knife into this gap until you touch the vinyl the interior pane of glass is contacting. Now take a sharpie and mark where the outer pane contacts the putty knife. Remove the putty knife and measure the distance from the edge of the putty knife to the edge of your line nearest this edge. Replace the stop by pressing the short edge back into the groove it came out of. You may need to coax it with a mallet gently again.
Three:
Upon receiving your replacement unit now it's time to remove the old one.  Take a thin bladed utility knife or putty knife and slide it along the interior surface of the glass pressing it between the vinyl and the glass. Run it along all 4 edges, this is cutting a double-sided tape which serves to hold the glass as well as seal against weather. Once this tape is cut proceed outside and repeat the stop removal process described above, this time on all 4 sides saving the top for last.  Before removing the top stop make sure to put on some grippy work gloves. This will help you avoid laceration and mortification. Remove the top stop making sure to brace the glass with one hand as you get the last bit of it out of its groove.  It should then lean outwards to you as you allow it. If it doesn't use your putty knife again on the top between the unit and frame, prying against the frame to tantalize it out. Place the old unit in the trash.
Four:
Now it is time to prepare and install the new unit. Begin by scraping the remnants of the old double-sided tape from the vinyl lip the inside pane contacts. Replace with new double-sided tape.   Check to make sure that at the bottom there are 2 flat vinyl blocks which support the unit. Space them  one fourth of the opening width in on each side. Remove the protective film from the tape and retrieve the new unit.
Five:
Finally set the unit into the opening bottom first making sure to space it equally from side to side with both panes contacting the vinyl blocks. Then slope the unit  in making contact with the sides and top. Replace the top stop, followed by bottom, and then sides. Wash the exterior of each pane, and of course remember to clean up your mess and put away your tools before a woman  gets after you for it.

Fishing for Rainbows

Fishing for Rainbows
Positive:
As the evening air began to cool and the sun slowly took its leave for the night, the beautiful sight of rippling waters marked each moment a rainbow would rise. With a rhythm recapitulating many earlier casts my tippet commenced forth upon the latest beacon of a rise. The Stimmy at the end of my line landed only inches away from the focus of my gaze; Sending out a signal of its own on impact, It was only a brief respite before the rainbow rose again, this time in pursuit of my fly. Aptitudinally my arm crested back stealing the slack from the line, lacking was the fighting tension I sought. Pleased with an evening well spent I hiked back to the Jeep wearing a  grin.

Negative:
As the evening air began to cool and the sun slowly took its leave for the night, a shiver crept over me; The  sight of rippling waters seemingly mocking me  each time a rainbow would rise. Once more I heaved forth another cast attempting to accost the taunting rise with my tippet; The 'Stimmy' at the end of my line landed  lamentably distant from the focus of my gaze, Sending out a signal of its own on impact. a lifetime passed as my fly began to sink suddenly the rainbow rose again . Daftly my arm crested back stealing the slack from the line, 'too soon' I thought as I became increasingly aware there was no fight on my line. Disappointed I began the walk of shame back to the Jeep, cold and without a prize.

Reflection:
In writing both the positive and negative aspects of this paper, reinforced in my mind is  that there are no real facts when it comes to the human element of observation. The positive portion could be used to convey to the audience that fly-fishing is an enjoyable experience even on the worst day out. Whereas the negative may lend impression that fishing is only worthwhile if you are successful.  A great deal of the emotion available to the audience for interpretation is leant by the optimistic or pessimistic perspective of the writer. It is therefore important to apply narration which conveys the intended mood one wishes the audience to receive.

Oh No, Don't Judge Me!

Lots of posts going around about "don't judge me.", hell judge me all you want. Just don't tell me about it. Nothing anyone thinks of me is ever going to be better or worse than what I am capable of thinking about myself given how much I know about me. Even when I care about what someone else thinks or feels it is because of how I think or feel about them, not some intrinsic desire to think and feel for every person who is capable of an opinion. Because of this I admire the company of dogs over the majority of humanity. Now before you respond having taken offense heed this reminder, offense is taken not given.

One of the great things in life is that if you don't like the direction something is going you can change it. Today at work I was thinking about the many ways in which I could modify my life in order to achieve my goals far more expediently. 

I placed two quarters into the vending machine and hit the button to select Pepsi. I put my headphones on started blaring 'Needed Change ft 12th Planet - Skrillex'

Cracked the can and took my first cold sip. Every few feet as I walked to the Jeep I took another sip. Just as I reached the final door to exit the building I had finished my Pepsi. I yelled "done" as I cast the can in the garbage bin and made egress.

Now I am packing my things to move tomorrow. It is a good day.

Yup

Cleaning, it's not so bad as it seems when we're kids.

But left unchecked it can mount to proportions that will overwhelm

those with even the least operational of noses.

As you choke back the gag reflex scrubbing what might

if left unchecked become the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,

a sense of accomplishment slowly builds.

As all is done and the scent of pine and lemon fade...

The evenings meal finished.

Once more, a dirty dish meets sink......

MRI

My condition has worsened, I now have no control over the left side of my face.
Today I went in for an MRI after work and am awaiting the results. The look of surprise on my family doctors face as he observed my condition explained a few things to me. Watching him write note after note while I sat in silence in the overly plush chair, a smile across my face. Life is good... it matters not what negativity dwells there is always the beauty to behold.
I was watching a man who truly cares about his patients take detailed notes for the neurologist and MRI tech that would be dealing with me in only minutes.
Once at the hospital in a neighboring city I was treated with only kindness and efficient motion.
Making sure to thank them for effort I felt a satisfaction in my misfortune. I was able to observe in depth the good will of my fellow human being. Once again I feel incredibly fortunate.

Earlier today I was able to install with a couple of coworkers a house full of windows, then come to my own neighborhood and install a few for a woman I've known most my life. Still capable of achieving things I feel not unfortunate but the swelling of capability. I only now know in a very small way what it is that drives the optimism of those with far more adverse circumstances.
I hope to never again look upon my own with discomfort or depression, life is good. All that needs be done is to live it to the best of ones ability. I am grateful for this experience no matter the outcome.

Appreciation.

It's been just over a week since my concussion, the symptoms have yet to fade. The opposite is in fact the case. I'm experiencing mild paralysis of several of my left facial features. My sense of taste is gone, and so is that of smell. My smile is one sided like a gold medal olympic snowboarder. My left eye blinks very slowly and continues to water.

The surprising part of it all is that it's not really bothering me, it's as if some part of my mind has been unlocked. I find my optimism at peak, my humor seems intensified, and my will to accomplish tasks I usually put off is reborn.

I believe in all experiences there are two courses of action to be taken mentally.
1. Blame your circumstances and become a victim of them.
2. Assess the situation, take from it what lesson you can, and apply it to make your future better.

Optimism is the route I have most often chosen in life, learning from the unfortunate situations in life and turning them into a positive lesson builds you into a stronger person.

I feel fortunate for my current experience, it has brought me to realize the blessing of good health I've enjoyed most my life. It has also shown me how other people whose situations may be more permanent learn to cope and excel. I will most likely recover fully from my injury, and this lesson gives me the opportunity to enjoy my previous health to a fuller extent.

One cannot truly enjoy the view from the mountain tops without having ascended from the valleys bellow.

It is with this though that I would encourage all those who read this. Find the beauty and hope in all things, poor and fair. When one does so they have the opportunity to live a greater life.

That's all for now. A good life to you and yours!