I thought this was a great link since I'm such a movie nut and a car nut...
I don't completely gree with all the selections, but oh well...
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/hollywoodautoshow.html
Personally, I want to know where the 77 Trans Am is from Smokey & The Bandit...
Sorry I've been quiet this week... It's been a stressfull week and I'm just now getting back to normal.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
How lucky we are.
In our hustle and rush thru our daily lives, we often forget just how fortunate most of us really are. We whine and complain about work, when there's many people that would kill for 1/2 of what we make in a year, or just to even have a job in the 1st place.
We complain about our friends and their "trivial" drama lives, yet there's so many out there that have no one to turn to when they need a hand, or just a shoulder to lean on.
We compain about not having the best of whatever... but there's people that have to walk miles to work, live in less than acceptable places, and haven't had clothes that were just theirs in years.
This weekend, I was reminded of how lucky I am, both as a person, and a son. A very good friend of mine, actually it's the whole family I'm close to... had a birthday party this weekend to celebrate their's son's 1st B-day. I was the only "non-family" person there. I know they look at me as family, as I do to them. A few years ago, my friend's father , who is diabetic lost his legs from sugars. This man while not perfect, has been one of the most influential people in my younger years shaping the car-guy that I am.
When I was a kid, there was always some really cool cars in the garage, driveway, or stories about the cars he owned and the times he had with them. The oldest boy came home in the family's 1967 Corvette 427 Stingray which was in the family for close to 30 years. I remember as a young boy sitting with his youngest boy ( my age ) in the car in the garage taking turns "driving the car" and having a blast. Waiting for the day I might get to go for a real ride in the car. Thru the years, he always had old muscle cars and new fast cars in there... but the Vette was always there...
It was my 1st exposure to that car, and is the main reason I'm as passionate about the model as I am.
His dad has changed alot of the past few years. No doubt that his situation has had a grand effect on his outlook. Instead of being someone that feels "why me" and wants to just sit there and let everyone wait on him, he's become very independent and says he can't wait to get his "new legs" so he can get back out and do things. He's waiting on his new powered wheel chair, and when asked about what color he wanted, he told them he wanted bright flames on the side... wants it to be set on thei highest power range so he can go fast...
He and I talked boaut modern cars and when he mentioned he was out of touch on what was out there these days, he said "Hey, do you have any old car magazines that are recent? I could really use to get up to speed on what's cool out there again.."
I told him that it would be NO PROBLEM to get him some to read. So, before he left, I decided that I was going to do one better... asking the mother about his address ( they're since divorced but still close ), and explaining WHY I wanted it, to get some subscriptions sent to his place, she about broke down. Telling me i didn't have to do that...
I feel it's the least I can do. They always welcomed me in their home, treating me as their adopted son, shaping so much of who I've become ( on my car side ) that I can't think of a reason NOT to do something.
Here's a man that is trying to rebuild himself and while he's not 100% perky and positive all the time, he's far more happy about life than people I know that are far better off.
Funny how something like that can have such a profound affect on you.
We complain about our friends and their "trivial" drama lives, yet there's so many out there that have no one to turn to when they need a hand, or just a shoulder to lean on.
We compain about not having the best of whatever... but there's people that have to walk miles to work, live in less than acceptable places, and haven't had clothes that were just theirs in years.
This weekend, I was reminded of how lucky I am, both as a person, and a son. A very good friend of mine, actually it's the whole family I'm close to... had a birthday party this weekend to celebrate their's son's 1st B-day. I was the only "non-family" person there. I know they look at me as family, as I do to them. A few years ago, my friend's father , who is diabetic lost his legs from sugars. This man while not perfect, has been one of the most influential people in my younger years shaping the car-guy that I am.
When I was a kid, there was always some really cool cars in the garage, driveway, or stories about the cars he owned and the times he had with them. The oldest boy came home in the family's 1967 Corvette 427 Stingray which was in the family for close to 30 years. I remember as a young boy sitting with his youngest boy ( my age ) in the car in the garage taking turns "driving the car" and having a blast. Waiting for the day I might get to go for a real ride in the car. Thru the years, he always had old muscle cars and new fast cars in there... but the Vette was always there...
It was my 1st exposure to that car, and is the main reason I'm as passionate about the model as I am.
His dad has changed alot of the past few years. No doubt that his situation has had a grand effect on his outlook. Instead of being someone that feels "why me" and wants to just sit there and let everyone wait on him, he's become very independent and says he can't wait to get his "new legs" so he can get back out and do things. He's waiting on his new powered wheel chair, and when asked about what color he wanted, he told them he wanted bright flames on the side... wants it to be set on thei highest power range so he can go fast...
He and I talked boaut modern cars and when he mentioned he was out of touch on what was out there these days, he said "Hey, do you have any old car magazines that are recent? I could really use to get up to speed on what's cool out there again.."
I told him that it would be NO PROBLEM to get him some to read. So, before he left, I decided that I was going to do one better... asking the mother about his address ( they're since divorced but still close ), and explaining WHY I wanted it, to get some subscriptions sent to his place, she about broke down. Telling me i didn't have to do that...
I feel it's the least I can do. They always welcomed me in their home, treating me as their adopted son, shaping so much of who I've become ( on my car side ) that I can't think of a reason NOT to do something.
Here's a man that is trying to rebuild himself and while he's not 100% perky and positive all the time, he's far more happy about life than people I know that are far better off.
Funny how something like that can have such a profound affect on you.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Finally here...
So, it's Friday.. It's supposed to be SPRING here... It's beautiful today although a bit chilly and we're supposed to get snow tonight / tomorrow..
It's been a long week. I've not felt much like working and when I AM there, my head is not completely there, wandering to places it would rather be. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and enjoy what I do and who I work for. I can just think of a place or two that I could better be spending my time.
I bought more parts for the car, and will be ending up buying more for the upcoming season again as well this coming two weeks. Tires and more tires it seems. Picked up another set of brakes today from a local shop that I've been dealing with. Great guy to do business with and since he's a local, it's easy to call or email and get help.
My new glasses are working out, but the sunglasses had to go back today to get re-done. Apparetnly they messed up one lens and I was getting sick ( think car sick ) when I wore them becuase my eyes were fighting to adjust and focus... ick!
So I have 2 weeks before they'll be back. Glad this isn't my travelling season yet.
You maybe will be surprised that I'm not working at all this weekend. Just not into it right now. I'm acutally looking forward to Monday alot. Long story why, but I am. Who really ever looks forward to Mondays??
Had a good time last night with my cousin, Ryan. We worked on his car for a few hours and then went to a local bar and got some food. We stayed up way later than I planned to talk about the upcoming season and also his part in our trip to Nationals this year. He's going to be co-driving my car with me and wanted to talk to him about all the various things we need to get done and WHEN they need to be done by.
I'm exhuasted.
But... I can sleep anytime
It's been a long week. I've not felt much like working and when I AM there, my head is not completely there, wandering to places it would rather be. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and enjoy what I do and who I work for. I can just think of a place or two that I could better be spending my time.
I bought more parts for the car, and will be ending up buying more for the upcoming season again as well this coming two weeks. Tires and more tires it seems. Picked up another set of brakes today from a local shop that I've been dealing with. Great guy to do business with and since he's a local, it's easy to call or email and get help.
My new glasses are working out, but the sunglasses had to go back today to get re-done. Apparetnly they messed up one lens and I was getting sick ( think car sick ) when I wore them becuase my eyes were fighting to adjust and focus... ick!
So I have 2 weeks before they'll be back. Glad this isn't my travelling season yet.
You maybe will be surprised that I'm not working at all this weekend. Just not into it right now. I'm acutally looking forward to Monday alot. Long story why, but I am. Who really ever looks forward to Mondays??
Had a good time last night with my cousin, Ryan. We worked on his car for a few hours and then went to a local bar and got some food. We stayed up way later than I planned to talk about the upcoming season and also his part in our trip to Nationals this year. He's going to be co-driving my car with me and wanted to talk to him about all the various things we need to get done and WHEN they need to be done by.
I'm exhuasted.
But... I can sleep anytime
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
a whole new world...
I picked up my new glasses today...
1st new pair in almost a decade... I can't believe the difference... It's like new eyes.
My body is rejecting them, and making me nauseous while it tries to adjust. My nose hurts becasue the pads sit differently...
But... I can see, and I'm told they look good on me. We'll see how others think...
1st new pair in almost a decade... I can't believe the difference... It's like new eyes.
My body is rejecting them, and making me nauseous while it tries to adjust. My nose hurts becasue the pads sit differently...
But... I can see, and I'm told they look good on me. We'll see how others think...
Monday, March 17, 2008
Weekend and today... all in one
Happy St. Patty's day to you all!
This weekend was a very busy one for me. I had to work on Saturday ( well.. HAD TO is inaccurate... I chose to...) and then traveled to a friend's place to wrok on his drag racer. I nice 1981 Camaro that he's had for as long as I can remember. This time around, we put the freshened motor back in it's place with all the accesories as well. He had most of the WORK already in place... I was basically an extra pair of hands for him and I got to learn more about everything there. Spent about 6 hrs that day working and felt good to get dirty, greasy, and bloody.. wouldn't be a night working on a car if one of us didn't walk away with a new wound.
We later went out after a parts run and got some MUCH needed food, and some "needed" beverages. Watched the Pitt vs. Georgetwon Big East championship game... Go Panthers!
Sunday, it was MY car's turn to get worked on. My car has ALOT of miles on it and some parts are starting to wear, and also I wanted to upgrade them for the upcoming season. I helped my friend and co-competitor Justin install new Adjustable shocks on the SS ( Konis-yellow ) and it was quite an adventure. The car fought us a bit and Justin wasn't used to the GM way of doing things as he's normally wrenching on Subarus, but it all worked out and made for a fun day. I learned more about how things work and got more grease and dirt in me ...
UPDATE: Here's the pics...
This weekend was a very busy one for me. I had to work on Saturday ( well.. HAD TO is inaccurate... I chose to...) and then traveled to a friend's place to wrok on his drag racer. I nice 1981 Camaro that he's had for as long as I can remember. This time around, we put the freshened motor back in it's place with all the accesories as well. He had most of the WORK already in place... I was basically an extra pair of hands for him and I got to learn more about everything there. Spent about 6 hrs that day working and felt good to get dirty, greasy, and bloody.. wouldn't be a night working on a car if one of us didn't walk away with a new wound.
We later went out after a parts run and got some MUCH needed food, and some "needed" beverages. Watched the Pitt vs. Georgetwon Big East championship game... Go Panthers!
Sunday, it was MY car's turn to get worked on. My car has ALOT of miles on it and some parts are starting to wear, and also I wanted to upgrade them for the upcoming season. I helped my friend and co-competitor Justin install new Adjustable shocks on the SS ( Konis-yellow ) and it was quite an adventure. The car fought us a bit and Justin wasn't used to the GM way of doing things as he's normally wrenching on Subarus, but it all worked out and made for a fun day. I learned more about how things work and got more grease and dirt in me ...
UPDATE: Here's the pics...
Today was a beautiful day here weather wise, and I got to drive home with the moonroof back. Felt good to know spring is not far away... I even left work early today... only putting 8 hrs in. That's a short day for me...
Got alot done tonight... Got my bills all wrote out... got my Autocrossing stuff organized for the upcoming test and tune event I'm running this year... that's a whole other story...
BUT... after all this... It's going to be a long quiet week.... the reasons are many...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Just a little nugget
I've been very busy lately with work, car shopping and fixing the car I have now. I've been slacking here and quite honestly, I haven't had the energy to think stuff up...
I'm going to have alot more on my mind this next week... a close friend of mine is going away on vacation and I won't get to talk to her the entire time. That's a bummer. I love our talks we have, and it's nice to have that person on the other side that looks forward to hearing your voice or seeing that email from you as much as you do them.
We find ourselves saying "I'll miss you, or I miss you.." and it hurts to think it. That someone you have known for only a relatively short time that you can become so attached, or spoiled that they're always there... to think they're not at your disposal is a traumatic event in a way...
That fear of the unknown... what will they be like when they get back? Will they really miss you?
How will the act when you see/talk to them again? Will everything be different?
I know where I stand. I know she knows where she does. It's that fear of what we think the other COULD decide in the absence of each other... sounds stupid, but it's true.
How well do you really know anyone? People that you know for decades pull stuff, so how can you expect someone you've known months to blindly trust you and vice versa...
Faith... faith in them... faith in the "us" factor. Belief in yourself that you're strong enough to weather a tough spot and also to stay the course no matter what it brings...
And in the end... faith that no matter what happens, you know it's ok... that everything will be ok.
I'm going to have alot more on my mind this next week... a close friend of mine is going away on vacation and I won't get to talk to her the entire time. That's a bummer. I love our talks we have, and it's nice to have that person on the other side that looks forward to hearing your voice or seeing that email from you as much as you do them.
We find ourselves saying "I'll miss you, or I miss you.." and it hurts to think it. That someone you have known for only a relatively short time that you can become so attached, or spoiled that they're always there... to think they're not at your disposal is a traumatic event in a way...
That fear of the unknown... what will they be like when they get back? Will they really miss you?
How will the act when you see/talk to them again? Will everything be different?
I know where I stand. I know she knows where she does. It's that fear of what we think the other COULD decide in the absence of each other... sounds stupid, but it's true.
How well do you really know anyone? People that you know for decades pull stuff, so how can you expect someone you've known months to blindly trust you and vice versa...
Faith... faith in them... faith in the "us" factor. Belief in yourself that you're strong enough to weather a tough spot and also to stay the course no matter what it brings...
And in the end... faith that no matter what happens, you know it's ok... that everything will be ok.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Changes abound
It's been a while since I last posted anything.... and for good reason I guess.
I've been EXTREMELY busy, mostly due to work, and also as a result of work creating the ability to do things...
Over the weekend, I bought a new cell phone and upgraded my service, so now I'm getting closer to being up in the same level as the rest of you, with getting txts better and cheaper, and more minutes since i have been using more lately.
I went and got new glasses. I've not had an eye exam since Bill Clinton was president and I think I was due. My glasses have seen better days and are really scratched. So, I got both a new pair of regular ones, and also some for sunny days... 1st pair of those in years.... I really need them with the amount of time I spend both in the car and in front of the screen ( like now ).
I had an ordeal getting them ordered today... long story... but that's done.
I took the car in today for service... and that was a fun time.... found a few little issues with the car that I wasn't thrilled about, but it's gotta be done I guess... REALLY thought hard about just getting something else... and I would have if the miles were lower on the car...
Oh well.... more to come :)
I've been EXTREMELY busy, mostly due to work, and also as a result of work creating the ability to do things...
Over the weekend, I bought a new cell phone and upgraded my service, so now I'm getting closer to being up in the same level as the rest of you, with getting txts better and cheaper, and more minutes since i have been using more lately.
I went and got new glasses. I've not had an eye exam since Bill Clinton was president and I think I was due. My glasses have seen better days and are really scratched. So, I got both a new pair of regular ones, and also some for sunny days... 1st pair of those in years.... I really need them with the amount of time I spend both in the car and in front of the screen ( like now ).
I had an ordeal getting them ordered today... long story... but that's done.
I took the car in today for service... and that was a fun time.... found a few little issues with the car that I wasn't thrilled about, but it's gotta be done I guess... REALLY thought hard about just getting something else... and I would have if the miles were lower on the car...
Oh well.... more to come :)
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