Car Shopping

Via discussion with my dad, and my own thoughts, we decided to do a little car shopping and try to find a vehicle that will get me through the next 5-6 years (aka. grad school). It was a fine decision since my current car (a '97 Ford Taurus with 135k miles) had car cancer. The transmission was getting goofy, only high worked on the AC, and my check engine light has been on for what seems like forever. In general, it has been a good car and I have no complaints. Last weekend, I did some car shopping, and was in general disappointed. I think the dealers I looked at were trying to take advantage of the young unknowning college kid. At one, though I was taken seriously, and went through the negotiation stages for a car. I had Dad look at it on Monday and then do some checking up on it, we talked, decided the price was right, but the intangibles and future were not as bright (it was a '96 Buick Riveria with 52k...V6 supercharged and duel muffler = power, but poor gas mileage).

This week in Terre Haute, the fair grounds hosted a tent sale for dealers. My parents looked around and checked on some cars. I came over yesterday and test drove one and we did some negotiating. Today, I came back to Terre Haute to sign the paper work and turn over the keys to my diseased Taurus. In short, I have purchased my first car (all the others in my life...Geo Metro, Grand Am, Cadillac Sedan Deville, and Ford Aerostar were courtesy of my parents...aren't they great). So, I am the proud owner of a 2001 Dodge Intrepid with 62k. It's a really nice car, drives great, and looks pretty solid (dark maroon would be my description of the color). If I knew how to post picutres on here I would...of course, I'd have to take them first.

Anyway, time to go eat with my parents and then take it for a cruise back to Indy!

Hello Mid-20s!!!

For those of you who know me well, I turned 24 last Friday (for those who don't know me well....I turned 24 last Friday). Anyway, if the average age of a male lifespan is in the neighborhood of 72-75 years, then I've lived nearly 1/3 of my life. But as one ages, especially into their mid-20's, it makes one recollect. Here's what I've figured. I've honestly not done a lot yet with my life (it's primarily been school...preschool...grade school...middle school...high school...college/pharmacy school). I've only not been in school or 3 years (started preschool at 3). So, all I've done is learn stuff (and forget things...I think...I don't really remember though). But all in all, I've really enjoyed myself.

And what's a little recollecting without some future looking. I've done a little five years from now thinking. Here's how it looks. In five years, I expect I will be an Uncle (probably twice over and probably from each my bro and sis...I will be the cool uncle...sorry bro and Brit). I will be finishing graduate school and will be a Dr. Dr. I will be seeking employment in the real world (unless I hit the lottery, at which point I seek another degree...he he...student for life). I will anticipate moving on from Colorado (remember, I like this moving every 5-7 years). With a wishful change of fortune, I might find myself married or considering marriage. I will probably only be in touch with a handful of people from my Butler life. It will be an exciting time though, and I am looking forward to it. The past has been good and the future is bright. And really, all I can say for sure from my 24 years is....

God is good....All the Time !!!!!

Absolutely, Positively, My Next to Last time....

Of course, that's what I said last year too. That's the official saying/slogan of the Peterson Classic (a bowling tournament) in Chicago (officially Hoffman Estates...but it's all the same to me). This year contained my two best games in a Peterson, but it also contained a solid handful of junky games. I posted two 200 games, but had a 120 game and 3 140 games. I also added a couple of 170s for a solid 1320 something for my 8 games. Oh well, it was fun and I got a good steak dinner out of it (mmmm....steak....). To think next year, I will have to fly in for this kind of enjoyment (and if time and money allows, I will be flying back too).

Also, I've started working at Walgreens, and let's just say that the first impression made by the company is less than stellar. I've had too many hoops to jump through and a solid run-around given to me...but I'm working now, so that's good.

Alrighty, that's all for now. Time to play video games!!!

The Young'uns Wedding

Yep, you read correctly. The Young'un (aka my sister) got married this past weekend. It was a very nice service and I believe most things went off without a hitch. At least, there were no major goofs. Of note, my brothers tux and mine came with the wrong shirt, but due to the vests and ties the difference was hardly noticeable. And they forgot to do the bouquet and garter tosses while guests were actually present. It was nice to see a lot of people that I've not seen since my brothers wedding 3 years ago. And who knows the next time I'll run into those people. It was a shame that people left the reception so quickly. I only caught up with about 1/2 of those I wanted to talk to. Oh well, their loss for not talking to me...right?

My thoughts: my sister looked way too young to be getting married. This is really nothing new. She has never quite looked her age and she looked like she was 16 in her wedding dress (which was a nice dres...I guess...I'm a guy so it's tough to tell). She hates looking young now...but give it another 10 years and she'll be loving it. Well, my extended family now contains people across the pond. I guess there is only 1 thing left to say then: Welcome to the Fam, Englishman!

Ok, one more thing.

America 2, England 0 ... HA HA!