U.S. Passport

Oh, brother.  A government passport (is there any other kind?) can be a pain in butt to obtain.  So many conditions.  If you lost your previous passport, then a birth certificate is required to obtain a replacement.  But I'm an American citizen!  Doesn't matter.  But I thought that there were privileges that came with being an American citizen . . . . 

Then the woman at the window who processed my forms wore leotards instead of a uniform.  Instead of GI pants or skirt, we got her own personal leotard; this, an official of the federal government.  

While my eyes assessed this performance and perhaps took in too much, another woman behind me in line stepped forward because she heard the news that the forms needed to be filled in with black ink.  A few people in line filled theirs in with blue ink.  

They take 4-6 weeks to process and arrive at your residents.  You can pay extra to expedite it in 2 to 3 weeks.  

The costs, the costs.  Always the costs.  The passport itself costs $135. Processing fee is $1.25  Photographs (two) costs $15.  And then there is .75 for something or other.  Total came to $152.  Incredible what things cost these days.    

Birth Certificates

Birth Certificates are $28.  Plus a $6 Processing fee from VitalChek.com. Shipping is $18. Total cost is $52. Not cheap.  Now I don't know if the birth certificate is required prior to applying for a passport.  The LA County Registrar's Office phone number is 866-212-1045.  

Once you order your birth certificate online, then you have to print out an order confirmation.  Print it out and fill it out.  Before you can fax it back to the LA County Registrar's office, you have to have the confirmation notarized by a Notary Public.  Once you get this, then you can fax it to the LA County Registrar's office.  Their fax number, as of this date, is 866-283-7407.

Imperial Mailbox & Notary Services.  
12325 Imperial Blvd. Norwalk, CA  90650
562-651-1620
8:30-4:30
Notary for this confirmation document was $10.  To print the page out cost me $3.  To fax it cost me $1.  A total of $14.  So for this birth certificate I have spent a total of $66.  And I won't receive it for 7-10 days.  

Social Security Card

Social Security card replacements have to be applied for at a Social Security office.  It doesn't cost anything, except time and enduring a way too friendly receptionist whose questions sounded more like CIA techniques than anything bordering on the friendly. Social Security Card.

But it is important to learn that a replacement card, though free, takes about 7-10 days to be delivered.  It is being sent from Baltimore.  Here is a list of the offices in Southern California.

Alhambra Office
900 S. Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
800-772-1213
800-325-0778

Glendora Office
1165 East Route 66
Glendora, CA  91740
800-772-1213
800-325-0778

Norwalk Office
12440 East Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA  90650
800-772-1213
800-325-0778


Pasadena Office
104 North Mentor Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91106
800-772-1213
800-325-0778

Backhoe Case Controls

Ideal candidates should have experience in mini-excavator, bobcat, and backhoe. Class A license also a plus, but NOT required. Candidate should have knowledge of case controls and at least 3+ years of experience.

This job posting struck me, because there are guys who are going after this business of washing windows.  To make a business of it I would think that you have to offer washing windows as one in a series of services, like installation, replacement, and so forth--you know, buying windows.  The job info is here:

1-2 years professional experience.
Most of your own tools (bucket, wands, blades, t bars etc.)
Max weight 225 lbs.
Pass drug & background check
Great attitude
Desire to make good wages
Contract or piece work for well qualified pros
Reliable transportation

805-896-6989, Damion.  His email: 

• hntdz-4896088602@gigs.craigslist.org

Turf/Sod Cutter

Preparing to remove my turf lawn...front and back....seeking a estimate for removal and disposal of the turf....using a turf cutter so exposed soil is flat a ready to begin the installation of artificial turf. If you have experience in this field...get back to me with your experience.....references.....rate for removal........This project consists of 1,740 sq. ft. of existing turf. Job could include additional work if your experienced and interested in stalling synthetic turf and construction of a flower bed consisting of block/brick's.

Sod cutters are not cheap.  They run anywhere between $800 to $2000 to $4000.  The sod cutter pictured below ran for $2,000 on eBay.

Jobs for the week of 2/23 to 2/27:

1.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/lbg/4900057397.html, Cold Calling.
2.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/lbg/4899868034.html, Assembly, $12.
3.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/lbg/4899947813.html, warehouse cleaner, $22.
4.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/lbg/4870320167.html, mover, Van Nuys.
5.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/lbg/4899533557.html, tax filer.
6.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/lbg/4899075248.html, Class C Driver.
7.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/lbg/4898737343.html, Make money online.
8.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/lbg/4898506636.html, this at least piques my curiosity.
9.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/lbg/4898060509.html, warehouse worker.
10.  Find out what is required to be a home appraiser.
11.  Apply to Riverside School District.
12.  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/lbg/4875097405.html, United Construction.
13.