The Good, the Bad, and the Audi

Currently listening to: Dispatch - Open Up

Two Audi related things have occurred in the past few hours. They will now be discussed.

The Good: While driving in this morning, I noticed that my wiper blades seemed really wide. This didn't really make sense, because wiper blades are a common off-the-shelf item, not something that Audi would make custom, right?
So I thought for a second "crap, now I gotta buy custom blades. Those bastards!"
However, upon arrival at Nypro, I took a look at what was going on post-parking. Apparently, there are plastic wind deflectors on the bottom edge of each wiper arm. That's right, Wind Deflectors. To help with the aerodynamic properties of the car.
Pure genius. Unneccesary, but genius none the less.

The Bad: I woke up early this morning (about 5), realized it was way too early, and went back to sleep for another hour+. However, during this little nap, I had the WORST dream ever. I dreamt that my car had been stolen. STOLEN. gone.
It was horrible. My dad, Uncle Chris, and I went driving around looking for it, but we couldn't find it. I had the car for 3 friggin days and someone snags it. Bastards.
I woke up about an hour later, pissed. Pissed that my beloved new car was gone. Missing. Stolen from me. Out of frustration, I looked out the window again to see the vacant spot where it once was, and saw it there. It was then that I realized it had just been a dream. Boy do I have vivid dreams...

It's a good thing that I don't have a girlfriend right now...

Because she would be jealous. Wicked jealous.

Wicked jealous of the amount of time, the fun level, and the amount of pure joy that has been derived from driving around in the S4. Oh man. I can't believe that I've been that happy in the Nubira for so long. I suppose that you don't know what you're missing until you've experienced it.

Tires!

Currently listening to: The Starting Line - Making love to the Camera

So I called up the dealership today to confirm some details that had to be ironed out prior to tomorrow.

They said that I can't pick up the car till after lunch instead of the morning because they are spending a little more time touching up some scuffs that were on the back bumper (sweet!) and putting my new tires on. I was confused at first, because they were putting only 2 on, how could it take that long? [side note: upon inspecting the car, Ben and I found a chunk of rubber gone from when the previous owner had curbed the rim at some point. They said that they'd replace the tire (and put 2 on so that the axle would be evenly driven) and try to fix the rim]
Apparently, they found a good deal on the sweet tires that were already on there, Toyo Proxes Ultra-High performance all season radials, so they bought me 4 new tires.

Booya.

V-Day

Currently listening to: My Chemical Romance - Helena

So I was looking at the calendar yesterday and realized that Valentine's Day is now under 3 weeks from now.

This will be the first V-Day in many years that I haven't had a girlfriend or atleast a date to go out with on the big Hallmark/FTD driven holiday. I mean, last year I didn't do anything either, but, it was 2 days after I broke up with Sarah, and going out on a date was pretty much the last thing I was concerned with at that point.

So, here's the deal, ladies of the internet. I'm single. I'll have a slick new car to escort you in (with heated leather seats, I might add). I open doors. I'll buy you something yummy to eat. There might even be a flower of some variety involved. I tip well.
That ball is in your court now. Ring the digits if you know 'em.

On a side note, this is my 200th post. Woohoo!

Like a little kid at Christmas...

Currently listening to: Death Cab for Cutie - Passenger Seat

This is ridiculous. I'm so impatient right now. All I can think about is that car.

When I was driving down the highway this morning, and needed more acceleration to pass a car, I wanted it.
When I started to slip in some snow, I wanted it.
When my butt was cold in my unheated, non leather seats, I wanted it.
When I hit every bump with my worn-out struts, I wanted it.

Basically, when the dealer asked "Can you wait till Friday?", and I said "yes", what I really meant was "give me the freakin thing now!"

Three more days....
Three more long days.......

Car pics!

Currently watching: Seinfeld - The Millenium

So by popular demand, here are some pics of the new car. These are only a few that I snapped off at the dealership. I'll have more when I actually get the car on friday. Enjoy.

NEW CAR!

Currently listening to: Nothing

So Ben and I went to Wagner Audi this morning to check out their lot of pre-owned A4's, and more importantly, a newly acquired S4 Avant. I saw it on the site yesterday and have been drooling about it all morning.

After about 2 hours of talking it over with the guys there (good guys, btw), taking it for a test drive around Boylston, and then haggling the price until it fit in my budget better, the paperwork storm begin. About an hour later, the final signature was signed. I am now officially the proud soon-to-be owner of a 2001 Black Audi S4 Avant. It's got a 2.7-liter twin-tubro engine putting out 250 hp. Electronically governed at 130 mph.

The car should be mine friday morning, assuming all goes to plan. I'm pumped.

Pictures will follow.

Go, Go, Go Shorty...

Currently listening to: 50 Cent - In Da Club

Somebody is currently playing "In Da Club" over the PA system.

The PA system, as in, over the entirety of Nypro. Offices, production floors, meeting rooms, everywhere. Shawshank Redemption style.

I love this place.

Hmmmm

Currently listening to: "Anchorman" playing in the background

So I was looking through some old pictures just now and I found this picture from about 4 years ago. It was at Sarah's house for Foley's surprise birthday party.

This brings back alot of memories, happy and sad...

Fond British Memories

Currently listening to: Coheed & Cambria - In Keeping Secret Silent Earth:3

So for some reason I was daydreaming about London today. I kept thinking of all the fun that I've had on my two separate trips to the Fog Land. I want to go back. I think that I'll make it a personal goal of mine to go back within 5 years. Well, atleast before I'm 30 or have kids. Oh geez.

So to continue the memories, here are some pics for you kids to look at and help me remember.
Here's where we stayed on my second trip (March/April 2004):

For those of you who care, here is a zoomed up satellite image. The big white flat top roof circled in red is the 11-story dorm building that we stayed in:

It had 300 rooms. It was pretty big.

This is my favorite picture from either of the trips. This was taken during the 2nd trip, at night, at Westminster Abbey:

I'd like to note that I didn't use a tripod for this. It was done with my bare hands. I'm a friggin rock. Booyah.

BORING!

Currently listening to: Hot Rod Circuit - Achy Breaky Hockey Hair

I have nothing to write about. Seriously.

All that I've done since saturday morning (FIRST Kickoff) is design robots, work at Nypro, work out (when I have time), and lament over my singleness.

However, I have been prequalified by my bank for my auto-loan. So, that's exciting. Now I can walk into the dealership all badass-like because I know that I can actually buy the sucker when I'm ready.

Public Service Announcement

Currently listening to: Dispatch - Two Coins

This is a PSA for all of you single people out there.
If there is a guy/girl that you like, JUST FUCKING ASK HIM/HER OUT.

While you're contemplating asking the person out and cultivating a set of balls to go and do so, it's a good chance that he/she will start seeing someone else in the meantime...

KICK OFF!

Currently listening to: (watching on tv) Dumb and Dumberer

This weekend was pretty sweet.

Friday I went up to Bedford, Nh to Dean's house for his pre-kickoff party, as per usual. I got to hang out with Andy, Jess, the Kelso's, and the other multitude of FIRST people. It was a blast. We then all met up at JD's bar in Manchester and hung out for a while. I got to see some FIRST adults from other team's that I know get a little tipsy. It was funny.

Today I went to kickoff for the 2006 FIRST Season with Andy and Jess and met up with the Gael Force crew. The game is pretty cool this year. Not much on the field, but still good dynamics and strategy to contend with. Should be fun.
At the meeting, Jorge let me give the run down of the comp and game design to the team, and I get to co-run the brainstorming session tomorrow. I'm pretty pumped, because I want more involvement on the team besides just designing, and he's giving it to me. Thank you.

And on the way home from Nypro today, I heard a hilarious "nothing fight" at the gas station. This husband and wife were arguing with eachother over why the cover on the gas cap of their minivan wouldn't pop open after hitting the little switch in the van, while simultaneously yelling at their children inside who couldn't get the movie to play in their dvd player. Good times...

Munich

Currently listening to: The relentless pounding of my festering ear infection

Last night I went to the movies with Gerson. We saw Munich. Holy crap.

I haven't seen such a powerful film in a while. I won't really give away any details (not like it would be a big deal anyways, it's a historical event that most people know about already), but, it was of usual Spielberg quality. It was definitely done with the same level of detail and care that went into Schindler's List.

The wierd part about the whole thing is, though, that it makes you feel bad for them. On the news, I always watch people blowing eachother up left and right as they fight for control of the Holy Land. But, while following this group of Israelis throughout the story, you feel for them, and completely understand what they are feeling.
It's on the same grounds as Grendel. From reading Beowulf, you learn that Grendel is this horrible monster that should be killed. But, after reading Grendel, you start to think that humans are evil and should die.

I like stories like this.
I thoroughly encourage YOU to go watch this. Just go to the bathroom beforehand, it's 2 hours 50 minutes long...

The New Year, and Stuff

Currently listening to: Dropkick Murphys - Captain Kelly's Kitchen

So this past weekend was pretty good. I pretty much just hung out the whole time and occassionally worked out.

On saturday, Ben taught me how to drive stick. I feel much more comfortable with it, and will hopefully have another session prior to buying the A4.
Then, right as the snow started, I headed up to Tyler's place in New Hampshire to hang out for the New Year's celebratory goings-on. I saw about 5 accidents on the way, and, thanks to someone abruptly stopping right in front of me and having to manuever quickly to avoid a rear-end, I almost rolled my car during a fun little fishtail. It was pretty creepy.
However, upon arrival, much fun was had with Ben, Trina, Ian, Caitlin, Tyler, Jon, Sander, and Becky. I had never met (in person) Sander nor Becky, so, that was fun.

There's a rumor going around that I had fun playing (and winning both games) Beirut that night. All we have for evidence is this picture:

I'm still skeptical. Also, what the hell was Ben doing with the light?

Also, I just saw this list on the INSIDER website of the Hottest Bachelors of 2006. I'm a little confused. I don't see my name nor face on there. Those people obviously have their information screwed up.