Aug
22
Cars
August 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I’m still car shopping.
But I’d thought I’d share a few pictures.
So far this summer, I’ve driven.
My old Accord:
A ‘52 Chevy truck
A ‘98 Chevy 3500 Dually
A ‘86.5 Audi Coupe GT
Also, her car, a 2000 Accord V6 Sedan, but I can’t find a picture.
So whats next… ?
Aug
21
Weddings, and a bit of silence.
August 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I’m disapointed in myself this summer. I have really been neglecting documenting my life. As few people as follow it, it shouldnt affect others however. Yet to myself, its a change. I have never been a diary like person, and I really enjoy having the reference points, as well as a link and story to go with the images which I archive.
So at some point, I need to catch up…
Only a few weeks left and Ill be done with weddings. This year has brought I believe 10 weddings, with only two left now. So nearly every weekend I’ve been traveling around the west coast (I already spoke of Chicago) watching beautiful (and long) ceremonies of love. I feel like a character in the movie wedding crashers, being able to tell you exactly what happens next in each. The only advantage of that knowledge is the ability to assist others in the process, and know where people get lost. I still get a chuckle of how much time people alot to pictures, and how little they alot themselves to eat. I mean seriously people, you’ve been up for hours, starving, and possibly drinking, eat some food! But I digress…
The other change this summer was the addition of French. Two to four hours a day, Monday through Friday, mandatory attendance. I’ve so far completed French 101 and French 102 (A-’s in both!). Plus de francais ensuite plus de francais….mais je l’aime beaucoup…c’est la vie….je voudrais le savoir et je reussirai!
I yearn for days of relaxation, vacation, bbq’s, and nothingness…but until then…my stories and pictures will have to wait.
Aug
20
Phantom of the Opera
August 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Last week, I had the opportunity to be in Portland on a Thursday night. Turned out to be the second night of Phantom of the Opera being presented in town.
We went to it, and it was awesome. It was my first major show, ie, professional theatrical presentation. I really enjoyed hearing familiar music, amazing dancing and singing, and the o’so familiar story of the Phantom and Christine.
I don’t know much about the past history of the show, but I’d been slightly disapointed when I’d read that the original traveling show had been canceled. Now its back! And apparently, with most of the same cast. The old Raoul is now the Phantom (he grew up! awww…), but Christine is the same.
It was a nice break from normal life, and a wonderful gift.
Aug
6
Car Shopping
August 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
So…I’ve been neglecting posting.
Thats partially because with all of my spare time, I’ve been car shopping.
In the past, every car I’ve bought, I’ve had a very strong definition of what I wanted. Unfortunately, this time around, I have no such boundaries to work with.
I’m currently driving Mike’s 1986 Audi Coupe GT (Commemorative Special Edition). It’s an experience to drive an old unreliable car again. At the same point, it gets me from home to work, so I’m not completely stranded.
Each night, on craigslist, I’ve been car searching. So far all I’ve done is create questions, learn extreme detail about the prices of certain models, and seen a zillion pictures of cars for sale.
A part of me wants several different things. Unfortunately, theres no replacing or improving on the Accord I just had. It was pretty much everything I’d want in a car…manual transmission, sunroof, decent power, decent handling, decent gas milage, and it had perks, leather, a/c, power mirrors, outside temperature sensor, fog lights, heated seats, keyless entry.
Driving the Audi has shown me really which features are ‘necessary’ and which are frill. I have to say though, it doesnt help me in searching for a new medium length vehicle (not quite LONG term).
I’ve found and looked at the following models.
Acura Integra
Acura TL
Acura CL
Acura RSX
Acura TSX
BMW 323/325/328/330
BMW M3
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Honda Fit
Honda Odyssey
Ford F150
Ford F250
Ford F350
Lexus ES 300
Lexus IS 300
Lexus GS 300
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mazda 3
Mazda 6
Mazda Miata
Subaru WRX
Subaru Outback
Subaru Legacy
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
and a zillion others, which I neglect to consider with any sort of seriousness.
However, what do I reach at the end of this? Nothing. I can’t choose what I want in a car.
I can define things I find interesting in a vehicle:
Sunroof, Leather, Power, Handling, Ground clearance, Gas milage, Keyless Entry, (with the exception of big trucks) Manual Transmission, Navigation.
Overall though, I think I’m just waiting for some amazing deal. And right now, theres nothing amazing about the car market. The only real “values” are the large trucks/suvs, because of people’s amazing fear of gas prices. However, I can’t quite tell if the market is going to rebound, or continue to tank on those. So…if you know of a car deal that is really amazing, or have a cheap old car that is reliable you want me to buy, let me know.
Otherwise, Ill be on craigslist.
Jul
15
Crazy things happen
July 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment
So,
Two weeks ago, I posted my car for sale.
Tonight, my first serious contact looked at the car.
Two hours later, we had agreed on a deal.
He is paying my full asking price for my car. Holy crumbah.
So, I can now reference, I set up a website to sell my car, http://pleasebuymyaccord.blogspot.com, and posted to Craigslist in both Eugene and Portland.
This was the easiest sale I’ve ever done.
The question is now…what do I buy to replace the perfect car?