Five things that have happened
Added 2021-07-26 18:52:03 +0000 UTCTwo of my best friends got married
To each other! Very practical. My love language is making gifts, which is a double edged sword because:
A. there's no receipt and return policy
B. you would probably feel very guilty about throwing it away.
A week before their wedding, they joked that if they had a coat of arms, the slogan would be "patience and relentless optimism." So I sneakily wrote it down on my phone, and made this, featuring their dog Gremmie as a griffon:
Made using laser cut parts painted with acrylic paint. The back plate is made out of MDF using CNCelia.
I am a competitive wedding crier, and I started crying the moment they started the music for the ceremony. Fortunately, there are no photos of that, but here's a reference from when my parents got married:
The Companion Chair is for sale!
But unfortunately, not by me. Someone sent me a screenshot of this facebook ad and wow. Is it bad that I'm tempted to buy one? But also I can't imagine that they'd send me anything for $35.
I made new AC floor vents
Just another tiny house project, I had these very sad floor vents that were falling apart:
So I spent the weekend designing and making these custom floor vents for the house! All I want in life is to make minor improvements to trivial things.
I'm building a puzzle table
Background: I love working on jigsaw puzzles, but I don't love the amount of table space they take up. So, what if you had a table with two table tops, that you could switch between depending on the activity? There are some solutions out there, but none of them solved the problem quite the way I wanted to.
I have spent an embarrassing amount of time thinking about this, and roped in Stu from team to help figure it out. Here's our design:
So there's a tambour top (with all the slats) that you can have dinner on. Then you turn the hand crank to move them away and lift up a secondary table surface, which is were you have your puzzle/homework/board game/taxes. Basically anything that you don't want to have to clear away just to have somewhere to put your dinner plate.
I've made probably 10 prototypes for this project, and not filmed a minute of content. It has just been one of those builds where I feel like I'm stumbling in the dark, and have no idea how to tell the story as I go. But I'm planning to start filming this week! Except....
... I'm in a weird immigration twilight zone
I don't want to bore you with US immigration law, but my green card application is taking longer than anticipated, and I'm not allowed to leave the country until it's figured out. And due to unfortunate timing, my visa expired two days ago, and my driver's license is about to expire, and I can't apply for a new one until my green card comes through.
So, in short: I'm currently not allowed to leave the US, but also not allowed to work and also not allowed to drive. Hopefully it'll be resolved within a couple of weeks, but until then I'll just... sit on this chair over here, twiddling my thumbs? Maybe I can build a machine that twiddles its thumbs for me. Actually I kind of like that. I'll put it on the to-build list, right next to "instant noodles shaped like a brain."
XOXO
Simone
Comments
Sorry to hear of your visa status complications. Well, these things just have to take their own sweet time, right!? Don't the size of the holes in a floor vent have to be smaller? Scraps, for example, could stick a foot in there. You could snag a toe-- or some unwitting guest. I say back to the cutter and reduce the pattern size. The wood also needs to have thicker connecting regions-- for strength. So spread the smaller size patter shapes out a bit.
Eliot R. Brown
2021-09-15 00:52:41 +0000 UTCI somehow missed this post! I hope that in the month+ since you posted it that your green card has come through and you are now once more legally permitted to terrorize the streets in your Truckla. <3
Scott & Sora
2021-09-09 03:57:30 +0000 UTCWell, now you have! Let me know how they turn out.
J-Mo
2021-08-05 17:52:53 +0000 UTCcool table! Since it is on a track though why not just have it work like a role top desk? The hand crank feels like it is going to be slow to transition from one activity to the other.
Trevor Jones
2021-07-30 00:27:02 +0000 UTCNaughty cats AND toddlers. Though I occasionally have trouble distinguishing between them...
TwoRavens
2021-07-29 16:30:18 +0000 UTCBoth your senators, and your congressional rep. should have staffers to help with these things. Call them all. You pay taxes for just this sort of stuff.
TwoRavens
2021-07-29 16:29:32 +0000 UTCThat was the most brutal thing I've ever seen, and she was classy about it, to boot.
TwoRavens
2021-07-29 16:27:36 +0000 UTCI didn’t know your father was Craig Ferguson. :)
Alan Gavazzi
2021-07-28 21:09:18 +0000 UTCThey used a lot of pictures from Simone’s blog. Very suspicious. I wonder if they use other blog entries for similar scams… maybe you can order a Proud Parent as well? 😃
Fred van der Windt
2021-07-28 12:34:42 +0000 UTCPossible. The website is gone but google has cached it: https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:hW68cS9W5WMJ:https://www.leslieta.com/products/pet-office-multifunctional-chair+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nl&client=safari
Fred van der Windt
2021-07-28 12:31:19 +0000 UTCOr maybe just a photo? lol
Larysa Jaworski
2021-07-28 08:58:39 +0000 UTCI just got my US citizenship and I still have my British passport. There’s nothing in the US or UK immigration laws that says you can’t have both passports, only that you “swear loyalty” to the US (just words innit?). So unless Sweden has anything like that you can have citizenship of both.
Robin Holden
2021-07-27 19:21:13 +0000 UTCThey take their sweet time, that’s for certain. Pandemic times mean they’re even more leisurely than usual.
Robin Holden
2021-07-27 19:15:25 +0000 UTCThe copy of your chair is probably a 7cm tall plastic model. And they will be happy to send to you for $35. 😃
Fred van der Windt
2021-07-27 15:59:50 +0000 UTCThe pet chair copy: do as Bernadette Banner (whose medieval dress was copied and sold from China) did, buy one and compare to yours in a dedicated video https://youtu.be/J80J4oaGVnY
Anne ROBERTZ
2021-07-27 11:19:51 +0000 UTCWow. You are so creative. Floor vents amazing and beautiful. Great seller. That jigsaw table ? Wow. Except I’d want a wide enough one (52cmx75cm) for my sized jigsaws 🧩. Lol. Great seller too. Sorry to hear you can’t drive etc. Maybe it’s a Chance to keep working at home - with these amazing ideas. Sorry bout that fake knockoff site too. That sucks. Sending you best wishes. I’m off to a fancy dress murder mystery tomorrow night in wintry Tasmania, and will also be wearing a curly black wig so nobody will know it’s me dressed as a buxom dance hall girl from the early American west era. I’ll be driving 100km dressed up like this so can only imagine the looks of passing drivers if they go past when I’m opening and closing the gates. Lol It should be a good laugh. I’ll be wishing you some hearty chuckles too. Alli XX
Allison B
2021-07-27 04:36:04 +0000 UTCCongrats to your friends, and who wouldn't be thrilled with that gift?! And also, USA immigration laws are keeping you from leaving the country? That's the first positive thing that I've heard about our immigration laws since November 2016! But seriously, I hope you regain your freedom to go where you want, when you want, and you return because you like it here, not because we are forcing you to *like* it here. Finally, if you do choose to leave someday and live in another country because of all the 'Murica and stuff, will you take us with you?
Greg Smith
2021-07-27 04:05:32 +0000 UTCPlease don't lose faith, Simone. You and your stuff are magical!
Jim S
2021-07-27 02:20:37 +0000 UTCI feel like making minor improvements to trivial things is my motto as a maker. I've had so many little improvements on things over the years that I i amaze myself when I find them after forgetting about them.
Ucitymetalhead
2021-07-27 00:00:37 +0000 UTCAh...running around naked using grunt communication... The good old days....
Linus Björnlund
2021-07-26 23:31:10 +0000 UTCWait... is your fridge sitting over a heating vent??
Martin Brennand
2021-07-26 23:22:14 +0000 UTCWe need someone to buy that chair from facebook for science, just to see if they actually send anything 🤔
Alicia P.
2021-07-26 23:17:45 +0000 UTC@Bob , thats what I thought. There was a SCOTUS ruling in '67. So you can be a dual citizen in U.S., and btw most E.U. countries allow it also.
Tree Carcass Mangler
2021-07-26 21:52:00 +0000 UTCThe longer the slats, the thicker they must be. Also, I’ve never seen a load bearing tambour door. It doesn’t mean that they don’t exist, only that I’ve never seen one.
Bob
2021-07-26 21:49:41 +0000 UTCOk so if the Americans mess you about come to Australia! We need people like you and it’s warm and sunny and you could have a pet wombat… yea probably not… but I think you could stand for parliament as we need practical people there! Anyway hope everything gets sorted!
Dalek Supreme
2021-07-26 21:49:30 +0000 UTCYou had to at one time, but not any more.
Bob
2021-07-26 21:46:19 +0000 UTCSimone, trivial improvements are why humans aren't running around naked using grunt communication. I think relatability is why people find your "creations" so interesting. 😊 It is hard to make an "impressive" advancement and become a billionaire.
Chris Wyma
2021-07-26 21:15:46 +0000 UTCI've tried a bunch of stuff and ended up getting one of these! Will need to modify it a bit though https://www.rockler.com/tambour-router-bit-set?gclid=CjwKCAjwuvmHBhAxEiwAWAYj-MuPFq8HouWEjsiUM6pvMZN-fJlWijWJhD0GO85Y4IwT8T7KJ8HFNhoCnUIQAvD_BwE
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 21:01:37 +0000 UTCSpeaking as an engineer (sort of; I have the degree but work as a programmer), I would feel like working with someone with your artistic skills would feel like cheating in much the same way. :)
Brooks Moses
2021-07-26 20:45:27 +0000 UTCIf you're having trouble with US Immigration, it can be very helpful to contact your US Senator's office (you are a constituent, even though you're not a citizen). Let them know the problem you are having and they can apply a cattle prod to the process. Having other constituents contact them as well can help too, i.e. Significant others, employers, someone you volunteer for. The system is corrupt and icky, but don't be afraid to ask it to work for you; the billionaires aren't. Plus we need more kind, smart, creative citizens. Good Luck!
Andrew Schumacher
2021-07-26 20:37:29 +0000 UTCI was going to suggest building a robot and marrying it to get your green card (are they actually green?). But then that would be like marrying one of your children (which might fly in certain parts of the South). So that whole plan went out the window.
Chad McIntyre
2021-07-26 20:32:59 +0000 UTCWhat a coincidence. I’ve been trying to make a tambour top for an electric piano desk for seven months. The design is similar to yours. My problem, aside from procrastination, is how to reinforce the slats. The length of the keyboard is five feet and the slats are 3/4" sq’ walnut. Hmmm…
Lisa
2021-07-26 20:32:01 +0000 UTCGood luck on the government red tape Simone. I like the floor vent, be sure to mention it here if you decide to make it a product.
Harley Grantham
2021-07-26 20:27:25 +0000 UTC"Hi, here are all the documents I can think of. I'm an open book. Now let me wait a year for what used to be a couple months in normal times. Then give me my new visa weeks after the old expired. Just so in the meantime I can do awesome RNA science in your name." *sigh* Sit tight and let USCIS catch up. And maybe don't get in trouble in the interim.
Kathrin Leppek
2021-07-26 20:25:42 +0000 UTCfrankly, all things considered? you're healthy,, take THAT to the bank,, HUGS
TomT
2021-07-26 20:19:29 +0000 UTCI didn't think you had to give up Swedish citizenship, but if you do, then yeah, "home" sounds really good!
Tree Carcass Mangler
2021-07-26 20:19:17 +0000 UTCItem number 1001 on the to-do list is always the most fun!!
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:15:23 +0000 UTCThanks for the update, such awesome projects again! Success with the immigration stuff <3
Geerten
2021-07-26 20:15:11 +0000 UTCoooh hadn't thought about that! I'll add it to the list of selling points 😎
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:14:21 +0000 UTCI think I'd definitely try to get a citizenship if I had kids here. But would never want to give up my Swedish citizenship, knowing that I can always go home brings me so much comfort.
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:13:42 +0000 UTC"hiiii please let me pay taxes and employ people in your country! would be really nice thanks"
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:11:21 +0000 UTCMaking a video about it, for sure!
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:10:19 +0000 UTCI haven't been home in two years, can't imagine 4! The fact that you get to get home soon is making me tear up, in a good way 🥲
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:09:57 +0000 UTCI don't think I've ever been sent any puzzles tbh! 🥸
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:08:11 +0000 UTChaving a very good time with it! working with an engineer sometimes feels like cheating, but I'm learning so much, plus the project comes out better, so not sure where the harm is!
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 20:07:28 +0000 UTC"All I want in life is to make minor improvements to trivial things." - same here. All. The. Time. I bought an old house in the spring and it has 1000 things that need to be done. A couple weeks ago I spent the day retrofitting an old gas lamp to a solar powered light. Of the 1000 things that need to actually be done, that was probably 1001 on the list. But oh so fun! Also - that floor vent is AWESOME!
tim harincar
2021-07-26 19:59:42 +0000 UTCYour own COVID protocol
Louis Corsiglia
2021-07-26 19:59:33 +0000 UTCThat's okay, my Polish wife was an illegal immigrant. Overstayed her student visa. Married her late husband (not me) and got a green card. Remember, it's not work if you enjoy it. So do all the (fun) work you want! And always film your shitty prototypes -- remember, we're here to see you fail!
Russ Nelson
2021-07-26 19:57:39 +0000 UTCAlso best of luck with the immigration stuff - can’t imagine the stress but fingers crossed it all works out sooner rather than later
Angela
2021-07-26 19:55:38 +0000 UTCOmg loving those vents! And the table! Great design and thank you for sharing. I could see that being useful for someone like me who sews/crafts/eats in the same small studio space. Also, I became a competitive crier late in life - it’s great 😂😭😭
Angela
2021-07-26 19:54:35 +0000 UTCI love the table design! Looks like a good way to keep naughty cats away from one's puzzle or other projects in progress.
erin
2021-07-26 19:50:43 +0000 UTCShe mentioned Tambour in the post...
erin
2021-07-26 19:48:44 +0000 UTCI love that table design! But I also kinda dig the idea of a thumb twiddling robot and brain ramen. So I guess whatever next video ends up being I'm gonna enjoy it.
Viniter
2021-07-26 19:45:25 +0000 UTClove the floor vents. good luck with immigration limbo
slugbiker
2021-07-26 19:40:30 +0000 UTCI’d be happy to call my NH senator if it helps!
Jeff
2021-07-26 19:40:18 +0000 UTCI am actually hoping you are working on becoming a U.S. citizen. Pretty sure that U.S. & Sweden allow dual with each other.... Anyway I hope your green card problems are resolved ASAP.
Tree Carcass Mangler
2021-07-26 19:28:14 +0000 UTCSorry to hear about the immigration issue. My head hurts every time I hear a story about someone trying to get a green card or citizenship in this country.
Stephen Hager
2021-07-26 19:22:42 +0000 UTCPlease register the copyright for your chair and file a DMCA plus press a fraud charge against the advertiser.
Sons of Lorgar
2021-07-26 19:20:16 +0000 UTCEither way, they should be reported for copyright infringement and fraud
Sons of Lorgar
2021-07-26 19:17:49 +0000 UTCI'm sorry our immigration labyrinth is so exhausting. I hear nothing but nightmare stories from people who've had to deal with it. I hope you get through it quickly.
Greg Reed
2021-07-26 19:15:30 +0000 UTCUS visa limbo is the worst kind of limbo. Just been through it (again). Even though you know it should be fine, you still worry. But it’ll be fine! Hang in there.
Kathrin Leppek
2021-07-26 19:14:07 +0000 UTCI am sure there are lots of iand willing to taxi you around or even marry you to get your citizenship. Simone is awesome.
ERIC JENKINS
2021-07-26 19:11:05 +0000 UTCIt seems I'm lucky in never wanting to move to another country, I've never heard a story about how easy it was to get everything sorted... Looking forward to the table build, I could use one of those because my table is always filled with mess that I have to clear away before we can eat.
Koen Smeulders
2021-07-26 19:06:09 +0000 UTCI also love jigsaw puzzles! I love your solution! I would love to see the final result someday if you ever want to share it 😊
Chelsea Asp
2021-07-26 19:04:30 +0000 UTCI'm in the same situation with my green card
Craig Danby
2021-07-26 19:04:27 +0000 UTCThat vent is so cool. I love how will it fits with the floor!
Taylor Pridgen
2021-07-26 19:04:17 +0000 UTCI just looked it up, the process is called Tambour Edit: it was just pointed out that you mentioned it, my bad
Aidan Jeffes
2021-07-26 19:02:21 +0000 UTCThat wedding picture cracked me up lol Also, just giving you a few words of support for the green card process. I was in your situation recently and in two weeks I'll finally fly back to visit family for the first time in almost 4 years (covid didn't help). I was not allowed to work or drive for 7 months either, it was (not) fun! I hope your case will get processed real soon 🤞🏻
Julie Ledon
2021-07-26 19:00:52 +0000 UTCDo you get sent many puzzles? I was thinking about sending you one, but thought it would turn out like the old "potatograms" from back when.
J-Mo
2021-07-26 19:00:46 +0000 UTCAmazing projects again, and the picture from the wedding is pretty amazing and somewhat relatable :D Good luck with your green Card!
Anton Steenken
2021-07-26 19:00:00 +0000 UTCI LOVE those vent covers! That table you and Stu are working on looks pretty awesome too. I'm really happy to see you two working together on these projects ☺️
Justin McMurry
2021-07-26 18:59:55 +0000 UTCI LOVE YOU SO MUCH PLEASE DON'T FEEL GUILTY IF YOU END UP THROWING IT AWAY
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 18:58:59 +0000 UTCUnless I'm mistaken that's your companion chair in the photos so I doubt they're actually selling one, just taking people's money.
Damien Tonkin
2021-07-26 18:58:41 +0000 UTCFor the table project, look up Michael Alm on YouTube as he made a really cool sliding slat mechanism for a table thingy, albeit in a different direction. Might help with the design process of the mechanism
Aidan Jeffes
2021-07-26 18:56:59 +0000 UTCPlease don’t get deported!
Dave Treadwell
2021-07-26 18:56:56 +0000 UTCWOW WHOMSEVER GOT THAT COAT OF ARMS IS VERY LUCKY AND LOVES YOU VERY MUCH
Alie Ward
2021-07-26 18:56:28 +0000 UTCWe all have phds on immigration law at this point
Nikhil Harithas
2021-07-26 18:56:02 +0000 UTCit's truly such a confusing process.
Simone Giertz
2021-07-26 18:55:03 +0000 UTCHard same on the green card Kafkaesque nightmare
Nikhil Harithas
2021-07-26 18:53:49 +0000 UTC
