My Minivan...

You'll never guess what I'm 'zoom-zooming' around in now... that's right... a MINIVAN! Joy! Not.

I made arrangements to take my car in to have them look at that same vibration/power loss/terrible noise issue. So I went over to the dealership today and dropped it off. Hertz wanted to put me in a Ford Focus (Yikes - fold me in 7ths please) so I am paying an extra $6/day to get the upgrade... and what did that get me? A Mazda 5... which is their minivan. Let's just say 'soccer mom' wasn't the look I normally go for.

Anyways, I got a call from the dealer this afternoon and was told that Mazda wants them to drive the car as much as possible with the computer-reader thing attached in order to figure out the problem. OK, so that leaves me with two questions.

First, if Mazda says you can hook it up and constantly be recording what's happening... why the heck didn't they do that one of the first two times it was in for this problem?!

Second, I've been told it is against the law to drive with that thing attached... so if that is the case, why would that be the official recommendation from Mazda?

Oh well, I made it ... shall we say 'clear'... that I didn't want to see the car until it was fixed. And no more of this me having to call them junk either - I told them I expect a phone call daily with an update on the progress. And, since the tech is going to be driving it home again like last time... I told them I wanted the seats wrapped and the thing detailed afterwards because the last time the tech drove around in it I ended up with grease on the headliner! As I always say... the busier you are... the more proficient you become at... shall we say... 'explaining your position'. So, I'm hoping that all gets taken care of right this time.

The other things that are supposed to be getting taken care of is the wind noise that starts at 60/70 mph in the driver's window area and the rattle that appears to be a loose shock in the rear.

By the way, the oil analysis came back and said the only out of the ordinary thing was the high levels of copper but that was due to engine break-in.

Let's see what else is going on...

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm completely unpacked now... no more boxes anywheres... not a piece of clutter or mess. Makes it so much easier to live here now. ;-)

Oh, and I'm quite excited because I get to go to an advance screening of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 tomorrow night with friends from downtown. So, I'll try and let you all know how that goes.

Oh well, can't think of anything else critical to report on tonight... later all...

Back at last?

Wow - the last post said 'a week or so'. With reliability like that I should be a politician. Anyways, let me attempt to cover the major bases and we'll move on from there. Clearly, I cannot update everyone with all of the details, but I'll try my best.

First, some major happenings... I moved from Mesa last month to my new apartment in Chandler. Brad came out and visited for his Spring Break. He was here from March 29th thru April 9th (I believe). I've officially finished my last college class for my degree, and this week and next should wrap up the majority, if not all, of the remaining work I had to do with the College District after I left. I'm really excited to finally have some 'free time' again. Not that it is free in the traditional sense, but that I can unpack, get caught up on paperwork, my reading, and perhaps get some sleep worked in there as well. I also need to focus some on my health, as I'm very worn down of late. OK, moving on categorically...

Apartment
OK, so I'm officially in my apartment... that doesn't mean, however, that I'm un-packed. Far from it, unfortunately. Anyways, here are some details on the complex. I'm in the small one bedroom - c. 730 sq ft. - so it is bigger than my last apartment, and the balcony and storage is larger too. It's just about right. I would like a small den or larger bedroom so I have room for my full desk, but this is fine. I got new carpeting when I moved in, so I'm thrilled about that. I hate getting carpet that has been shampooed. It always has left over stuff in it and is all stiff. It is a lot quieter here than where I was in Mesa as well - neighborhood is still in good shape. It's about 10 years old or so I think (which is pretty old for the Phoenix area). However, they have kept it all up and don't seem to be cutting corners and letting the place slide. Some of the things I particularly like is the fact that there are 9 ft. ceilings (more important for us cursed tall people), ceramic tile floors in the entry/kitchen/bath, and wood cabinets. For pictures, floorplans, and other details on the place - click here. I'm in floorplan A1.

Brad's Visit
Brad was out here around the same time I moved. In fact, I feel bad for the poor guy because he had to help me move the first few days he was out. Then we had a chance to relax on Sunday - well my version. We went in streetwork at 6am, we had meeting at 9:30, then I went dancing at 6 - then we went to dinner at 9 up in Phoenix. (delux - great place - click here)

Unfortunately, one of my friends we were with in streetwork and at dinner was sick - and managed to give it to every single one of us. :-( Brad and I were sick by Monday night. After the Memorial we went to a dinner thing in Phoenix (about 10) and by the time we got home, I felt terrible. So, we spent the next three days in bed - so much for the poor kid's vacation.

On the up side, we did manage to get some fun stuff in. I took him to the Malls shopping and got him a bunch of new clothes (good thing too... we all know how much those North-Westerners have such a great appreciation for style *eyeroll*) We also went to see the BodyWorlds3 exhibit at the Science Center (Bodyworld's site here). And we got to go to Jillian's and use up some of those billion credits I have had forever. It's a great place - 65,000 square feet of food and fun. (Site here) It isn't all old people either - there is a massive arcade (where we were headed). Afterwards we went and ate at Islands' which is a great burger place. (Site here - location here) We also were able to do go-kart racing - which was a first for Brad. We went to the F1 Race Factory downtown (site here). That was fun - Brad did really really well! We didn't have a chance to do much else because all of that time we had been sick - but it was great to see him!

OK, so I will have to do a more comprehensive update on my car and school soon. I'm trying to get a bit caught up so that I can start doing little posts each day.

Talk later ~~

The Search for Apartments...

The time of my lease expiration is rapidly approaching (end of March) and so I've begun to look around for apartment options. To me, the size doesn't matter as much as the quality does. Unfortunately, the majority of the Valley appears to be chock full of the same ol' hackneyed cookie-cutter apartments of plebeian suburbia you find everywhere else. I'll keep looking for some hidden gem, but I don't think I'll find one.

The closest I've discovered so far is Grigio at Tempe Town Lake. (To visit their site, click here) It has the correct urban feel, more like something you'd find in a city such as New York, or LA.

Here are a few pictures of the lobby:


But, there are some shortcomings. They are a bit overpriced for the quality of the units. Don't get me wrong, the member's center and multi-use community facilities are top-of-the-line. High in quality.

However, the suites don't have the same standards. Yes, they are better than standard apartment fare. But, they want top dollar for them, and they charge hefty prices for any "upgrades". For example, to have bamboo flooring instead of carpeting in the studio you have to pay an extra $100/mo. Want a pool view? Better tack on another $100. So, for a studio apartment just under 600 sq. ft. w/ bamboo floors... you're looking at $999/mo. or $1014/mo w/ tax.
Prices are a little more reasonable if you're looking at two bedrooms (of course this would require a roommate). I can get a 800 sq. ft. 2 bedroom w/ bamboo and pool view for about $1500/mo. That's a more reasonable. Still high - but more in the price range I'm looking for. And you can sign for up to 2 years. But as I said before... r-o-o-m-m-a-t-e. Oh well, decisions decisions.

I'll keep posting other communities that I tour and let you all know.