Tuesday, December 28, 2004

My very first oil change

Yesterday I experienced something I had never experienced ever before in my life -- an oil change. Since my "maintenance required" light came on a few days ago, I checked my trusty car manual to learn that the pesky flashing light meant it was time for my next (first) oil change. After pricing out my options and learning that you can get an oil change at Walmart for half the price of anywhere else, I opted to try out Mr. Lube for my very first visit. And what an experience it was! After pulling up to the garage, the bay doors opened up and some guy stood there waving me in. I pulled in, turned off my car and rolled down my window to be greeted with a complimentary paper and the offer of a warm drink. While I sat there enjoying my yummy hot chocolate, he promptly started his work under my hood and checking 21 other points in my car. 20 minutes later (and $48 later), I was finished and on my way. Now I call that express service!

I can't get over the new things I get to experience with this new car of mine. I wonder when the exciting and surprising things will stop. As long as my surprises are fun and inexpensive, I will continue to be happy :)

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Catching up...

My subject line works on two levels. One being that I am catching up on missed blogging time (note that this is my third post of the day), the other leading me into my next story about catching up with an old acquaintance.

I got an "update" email from an old highschool acquaintance recently. Allison sent out a mass email letting everyone know of her new contact info and requesting ours in case she didn't have it up-to-date. When I responded, I gave her a small scoop on my life story and asked her a bit about hers. This is the response I got:

...I am doing good. I am engaged and living in Peterborough. I went an entirely different route and became a flight attendant for Air Canada. lol Math - Flying, go figure. I did a summer at Microsoft in Tech Support, and after that and the end of the program I really started to hate Math. I am considering Teachers College in the future, but for now I am loving flying around the world and getting paid really well for it. It's really funny how things turn out.

In all honesty, her story inspired me and struck me with a small bit of jealousy. I realize that I am only living from one day to the next these days and am looking for more inspiration. Although the flight attendant thing may not seem to fit into my life plan for now, it's definitely something I have added to my "To consider" list for the future. I can definitely see it as being a potential "retired" plan... :)

Life has too many opportunities available. The key is to select the ones that make you happiest at the time and go with what your heart tells you...
Curling

So this weekend I experienced TRUE Canadianism when I went to a Curling party... yes... that's right... I spent an entire Saturday evening "curling it up" at the Elmira Gold and Country Club with some friends. In total, I think that there were over 40 people in attendance. The strangest part of the entire night was not the fact that I was CURLING on a Saturday evening, but the fact that I knew over half of the attendees from totally unrelated experiences in my life. And we somehow all ended up being connected in one way or another at this party. I attended this party thinking it was going to be a big Christms reunion for Andrew and all of his engineering friends that I have met along the years, but was surprised to see many others in attendance too. I saw Matty (who I at one point in my life met through Steve Fyke) and his friends (Andy, Dylan, etc) and his fiance (who I think was one of the organizers). And there was also Steph Ho and her boyfriend (whom I met through my sister I think), and Mike Cohen (who was there with his friend Mike Brookfield), and another guy Phil that I have met through UW math, and last but not least, Corinne Shaw who I recognized from (go figure) Owen Sound who went to my highschool but one grade behind me. What a WEIRD combination! Totally unexpected, but quite a lot of fun.

The evening was a riot and although I came home with two huge bruises on my knees from my poor "technique" and a few slips on the ice, I can't help but feel somewhat patriotic and a bit geeky at the same time. The whole evening I just kept looking out over the ice, watching my fellow curlers, and thinking about how bizarre the whole scenario was. If anyone is looking for a live version of "Men with brooms" just plan a curling party and I'm sure you will experience a whole new level of hilarity...
Bad Policies

What's the deal with Suzy Shier? I was doing some Christmas shopping there yesterday and picked out a couple of items for my sister (I will leave it at that since I know Laura reads my blog sometimes) and quickly learned about their sucky policies. My usual shopping behaviour is to go overkill and get a few more items than I need in the off-chance that they either:
a) don't fit
or
b) are bad taste
When I got to the cash with two items I was kind of excited about, I happened to ask about their return policy only to find out that they do exchange only with no chance for a refund (not even within a week of the purchase). So after receiving this unexpected news and feeling the pressures of the mall closing and Christmas nearing, I opted to leave one item behind and buy only one of the two items. I hope she likes it!

How on earth can this store get away with such poor service? If I had the opportunity to rethink my decision, I think I would have, out of protest, said no thank you and continued on to another store. Never again will I EVER buy another gift for someone at that store!


Thursday, December 09, 2004

Details

So I have been asked to give more specifics about my car... I think I am most excited about the novelty of just HAVING a car, but I guess I should show off the fun features that I got with it!...

Although the link I posted below describes all the bells and whistles, here is a summary of my favourite features:
  • colour: black
  • black leather seats (no worrying about food and stains!)
  • heated seats for my cold tush in the winter
  • power windows/locks
  • keyless entry
  • CD player
  • AC
  • moonroof
  • tinted windows (not sure what I think of these... I'm of the opinion that it looks punky)
  • manual transmission
  • good on fuel!
  • lots of leg room for backseat passengers with an entirely flat floor (no hump in the middle)
  • it even comes equipped with a leather zip case for my manual!!

Although I purchased it with 96,000 km, I am not too concerned. Given the reputation of Acura (Honda) I anticipate owning this car for at least another 100,000k! I managed to put it on my student line of credit too so until the bank notices, I'm content at paying only 2% interest above prime.

Last night I played DD for my brother and his friends after a work Christmas party (I owe my siblings big time!) and we tested out my car's ability to fit 6 people. It worked, although Laura may have a bit of a kink in her neck today ;)

I can't wait to take everyone for a ride in it. I think my car is going to be getting a few extra kilometers the next while...

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

WHAT?! I own a car!!??

So I think I spoke too soon... after posting my somber message yesterday about facing the fact that I may not find a car for another while yet, my luck turned. As of yesterday at 11am, I now own a 2001 Acura EL 1.7. Well, technically I still have to sign the papers, but it's mine! The dealer I was working with decided to go to the auction yesterday on a whim that it might be a good day. There was one and only one EL 1.7 to bid on, and after a few phone calls back and forth, we won the bid and the car was mine!

I'm sooo excited. This is by far the biggest purchase I have ever made! I'm so happy that I found this deal -- the car is exactly what I was looking for. I really can't ask for more. It's black with black leather interior. Even comes with heated seats and a moonroof! I got to see the car last night and it is SEXY!! You can read more about what it comes with here.

Wooooooooooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

Girls Night Out!

This weekend we celebrated the end of Andrea's un-wedded status and took her out on the town for her Bachelorette party. It was a BLAST! Sooo sooo much fun! Although the evening was a sudden realization that we are getting old (each time I explained to someone that I was out for my friend's bachelorette party), it was simply so much fun! Andrea was a riot and we met so many hilarious people along our adventures. We made Andrea carry the ever infamous Penis cup and the rest of us joined in style by taking Penis straws along with us to each of the bars. Andrea had no fears and our new friend Ian made the night extra special at the end by giving her a private Dirty Dance on the tables at McMullen's ;)

Check out my pictures here. They're great!



Still no car...

So I have done a complete 360 in my car searches and am back where I began - going to buy used. While this process has definitely been a good learning experience, it is starting to really stress me out. As the weather begins to get worse and Christmas nears closer, my depsperation for a car is really setting in.

My brother Mark has finally stepped up to the plate and he is assisting me with my searches. He has recommended his well-trusted mechanic to help me find my car. I am down to choosing either a Honda Civic or an Acura EL. My price range is tight though, so I'm hoping he can find what I want. Only thing I have to understand is that it may take a few weeks before he finds the car for me for the price I want. After much discussion about this last night, I'm willing to wait. More biking to work, taking the Greyhound, and carpooling for me. I can do it!

Bonus: now I can take the time to save up some money for a downpayment!

Monday, November 22, 2004

Country Music

Yesterday I discovered JUST how much I love country music. I had set my alarm to wake up at 7:30 so I could have time to get ready for my weekly Sunday run with the Running Room. I took a few minutes to just lay in bed listening to my radio cause it feels so damn good on the weekend. I was starting to consider staying in bed for a while longer, possibly skipping the run, when all of a sudden Shania Twain appeared on the radio. They were playing her latest song "Party for two" which also happens to be totally cheese. What totally blew me away was my reaction to the song. All of a sudden I got a HUGE grin on my face and I soon found myself dancing and grooving to the song while laying in bed. All the while I was considering how bizzare and psycho this moment in my life was, but that I didn't care cause it was making me feel sooo good and happy. That being said, I was up right after the song and pumped to go for a 12km run!

Offbeat oddity: For night-vision like an owl, you'd need eyes the size of a grapefruit.

Good point: Appreciate what you have before you haven't.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Two random independant thoughts

1) Today I learned that 4:20 (420 or 4/20) actually has a significant meaning. Correction -- no one actually knows what it's supposed to mean, but in some way shape or form it relates to drugs. How on earth this "expression" came about, I have yet to discover. There are a lot of myths out there, but no-one has been able to prove the origin of this.
(Side note...how this discussion came about: my boss sent an email today indicating that she had to leave at 4:20 for an appointment. My coworker started cracking jokes. Given my naivety, he had to explain.)

2) What is up with Solaris' naming convention. Today I discovered that one single OS can have 3 -- yes -- that's right -- THREE different names: Solaris 2.8 --> SunOS 5.8 --> Sun Solaris 8. What's the deal. How on earth am I supposed to know what platforms Maple is supported on when each platform can have any number of names! No wonder I feel there is so much to learn! Don't even get me started on my thoughts about Mac OS...

Man... this job is turning me into a huge geek!

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

More Bush knocking

I realize that the topic is getting old, but I had to share the latest piece of information I received today. Someone has been so kind as to gather statistics on the American voters and how their IQ ties to who they voted for. Check out http://chrisevans3d.com/files/iq.htm for the results! I probably don't even need to tell you how they compare....

Monday, November 15, 2004

Congratulations Kelly!

Congrats goes out to Kelly McCoy - the next one of my dancing friends to get engaged! Wonder who it'll be next?! :)

Sunday, November 14, 2004

Car shopping

This weekend I experienced a new feeling for the first time in my life: the excitement of test-driving and shopping for a car. Yes... after over 5 long years of "semi-independence" and "pre-adulthood", I am starting a journey into a brand new world. This new world will bring a new sense of independence. No more mooching rides from others and no more having to run all over the city on my bike!

Although I began my car shopping Saturday afternoon with little direction and knowledge of what I wanted, I feel I am a more educated person in the car purchasing area (after several hours of entertainment for my sister and Mike). I've even learned about the benefits of leasing and have discovered that it may be the best option for my financial situation at this time.

I still have more research to do and some more budget tweaking to determine what I can and can't afford. However, I hope to soon be prepared for the arrival of our first snow-fall and the end of my daily bike ride to and from work.
Almost Famous!

Congrats to Andrew for making the University edition of the Maclean's magazine this year. Check out page 52 for his full page pic or visit http://www.macleans.ca/universities/index.jsp to catch a glimpse. Andrew was even successful at getting his trademark items into the picture: his bike helmet and his Nalgene.

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Wedding Showers

This past weekend Kristy and I planned a wedding shower for Andrea. It is soooo crazy to think that this is just the first in many more to come over the next many years of our lives. It was a fun afternoon with "Crazy Hats", the "advice" game, and "Andrea & Graham" trvia. A totally girlie day! We are so excited for Andrea and Graham and wish them the best. They are eloping to Antigua on December 24th to wed. It will be such a beautiful day! I have posted pictures from Andrea's shower here.

I have also posted my pictures from Halloween weekend. Here you can see the makeshift costumes that Andrew and I pulled together from my costume box for handing out candy to the kiddies, Andrew's parents new Honda S2000 (red leather interior!) and the haircut that I gave Andrew before he left!

Monday, November 08, 2004

Mixed Blessings

I woke up this morning to the sound of someone scraping the ice off their car windows outside my bedroom window. It's funny how much my excitement for the winter season has changed this year. Any other year I would have jumped out of my bed to scramble to the window in hopes of finding a good 3 feet of snow before me. Today I groaned and dragged myself out of bed keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best (ie. minimal snow cover). It's amazing how much depending on my bike to get me to work these days has changed my hopes for the white stuff. I lucked out today as it was only a small ice covering on the cars and a thin snow cover on the roofs (rooves?). I think I'm gonna have to start looking into cars ASAP! Any suggestions? :)

In my excitement/anxiety about today's weather, I forgot one essential item when packing my bag for work. It's amazing how much forgetting one's bra can have an effect. Luckily I happened to pack a cardigan along with the t-shirt I planned to wear today and combined with my serious lack of chest, I was able to get away without the otherwise essential piece of clothing. It certainly is a strange feeling to go all day at work like that!

Sunday, November 07, 2004

Big question...

What on earth am I doing!?...

Friday, November 05, 2004

Christmas is coming!

I just saw my first tv commercial for the year that reminds us that Christmas is coming! The ad was for a cell phone company advertising their package deal for two picture phones. The couple was trying to pick out their Christmas tree and the husband was out in the forest taking a picture of the tree he picked while the wife was sitting at home criticizing the dwarfy tree. Now, ignoring the fact that that is NOT how one gets into the Christmas spirit (sitting at home while you send your hubby off to fetch the tree), it still makes me VERY excited! The countdown is already on and I can't WAIT! I love Christmas!!

Thursday, November 04, 2004

MarryAnAmerican.ca

Hahaha... so I heard about this website today on CanadaAM (my favourite news broadcast of choice in the morning). It is called marryanamerican.ca. I forwarded the link to my cousin and her fiance (living in Florida these days) in an attempt to cheer them up after the US election. This was her response:

Thanks for the sympathy. It is still hard to believe that he was re-elected. We are so depressed. We both know people that voted for Bush and none of them can tell us why they did it. They have nothing to back up there vote. It is almost like they have been brain washed and put into a cult. It doesn't help our frustration either that most of them are uneducated, red neck, racists who care more about banning gay marriage than having a job or health care.
Time to move North, in either country towards educated people.


So true... and as I will repeat from yesterday, so scary!

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Four more years!!??

So I don't usually use this space to share opinions, but I guess I have to start sometime...

I am completely awe-stricken by the results of the recent US presidential election. I honestly thought that the results would go the other way. Apparently the votes have proven otherwise. I am floored at the fact that close to 60 million Americans still think that George Bush is the best man to represent their country! I feel so sorry for the remaining other (close to) 60 million that have to endure the next four years of his continued leadership. Maybe I'm uneducated, or maybe I've just been biased by the Canadian version of US politics that I watch on TV and read in the papers, or maybe it's just that I've been watching too much of Michael Moore's stuff, but how do people of the United States think that George Bush can be a good thing for their county?! This is a scary scary time...

On a different note. Here's my offbeat oddity for the day:
Snake's fangs fold inward when they close their mouth so they don't bite themselves.