who's soonger??

July already?!

Thursday, July 6.

I can't believe 2 months of summer have already passed. Well, I better make the most of the little time that I have here in Windsor. Working the 2 jobs has taken a small toll on me. I am very quickly developing vericose veins in both shins. Not a pretty sight, let me tell you! Well, I'd better start looking into some special socks to slow the progression in this-- man, that means spending more money!

What else has been going on? Not a heckuva lot. Went for the long-awaited test drive of a 2000 BMW 323Ci-- alpine white with premium package one. It was a demo they are trying to unload. I have to say the car rides like a dream. Too bad I couldn't push the car but let me tell you that the car has all the ride features of a luxury car. Cabin noise is at a minimum, road manners are very predictable. The Steptronic transmission was a real treat for one who doesn't know how to drive a manual. You can red-line the car with ease and it revvs for more.

As I told the sales rep, I can't say I want to purchase that car until I test drive a couple more cars-- the Acura 3.2 CL and the Lexus IS300. Both cars are in the same price range and both have the advantage of being Japanese. Although the BMW has a higher prestige status than either car, my family's experience with Japanese cars has been very satisfactory. Stories from other family friends with German cars has not been that stellar. The BMW dealership in town is notorious to be thieves. Why is it that the car has to have something repaired that isn't covered in the warranty? The Volvo and Honda dealers have always repaired things covered in the warranty when the respective cars needed something fixed.

However, the Acura and Lexus dealerships are in London-- a 2 hr road trip (one way). That is something that I don't really like to do. But I think Friday is the best opportunity for me to do this. I would invite my friend Mike (another car enthusiast) but he's working that day. Perhaps I can interest Mr Jonez to attend. Of course, I have to see if my pops is okay with the thought of me going up to London to drive cars. I'll also visit our grad student friend, Imran. So it'll be for more than just driving cars...

Back from London

Friday, July 7th.

Let me tell you that today was quite the learning experience. Left with the folks this morning to test drive a Lexus-- all wide-eyed and drooling to see what all the car reviewers have been talking about. Got out the door around 10:30 and had to do some banking before the 401 drive.

The drive turned out to be quite straightforward-- other than the odd stretch of highway under construction outside of Chatham, it was smooth sailing at 120 km/hr. First stop was lunch! We went to our typical place, Harmony Grand Buffet. Food was good-- how can you complain over $7.95 per person all- you-can-eat? I had my fill. I was a little concerned that my father did as well. As a type-2 diabetic, eating what he ate does not improve his health condition. Well, what can you do? In an environment such as that, it encourages gorging.

Since we were already downtown, I thought I should go visit the Acura dealer since it was relatively near by. A little web surfing showed me directions as well as a semi-detailed map of London. Through a little trial and error, I found my way. It was secluded inside a strip mall-- there was no direct access from the main road, I later found out! I got there and I was a little surprised by the lack of sales representatives in the showroom. The demeanor of the sales person, Larry, I have to give high marks. His laidback, no-pressure approach was gladly appreciated.

After just walking in, I asked to test drive a vehicle. Just as fast, he handed me the keys and my father and I were test driving a 2000 model 3.2TL. I had initially intended on driving a 2001 model 3.2CL (a 2 door coupe with 260 hp compared to the 225 hp 4-door) but when I walked into the dealership, the TL series caught my eye. The factory accessories (aerodynamic spoilers and 24k gold plated decals) totally caught my eye. Let me tell you that the drive was a very welcome surprise. After driving the car, I have to say it was as good (arguably better) than the BMW. Only coming in a 5-speed automatic with clutchless manual mode, I had to say the shifting was quiet, smooth and power was aplenty. What a shock it was to discover the low sticker price-- C$36K. So much car (standard everything) for so little money? Quite hard to believe that so few people know about the car. I will definitely keep Acura in mind for future reference and advice.

After the small sales pitch, he gave me all the details and breakdown of the costs (always good to see). Now it was off to the Lexus dealership. It didn't take too long to find the place. I had passed Wharncliffe Road while on the way to the Acura dealer (the Lexus dealer is on Wharncliffe...) Well, I was welcomed by the sales manager, Luciano. Danette (the BMW dealer in Windsor who formerly worked for Lexus of London) forwarded my name to Lucci. Well, I was off to test drive the new IS300. They had to photocopy my driver's license and have the main sales associate to ride along with me, John. Let me say that the IS300 drives very smooth and quiet. There's a hint of a rumble with the inline-6 225 hp engine with VVT-i (variable valve timing). The Steptronic transmission (clutchless manual shifting) is controlled on the wheel with upshift buttons on the back of the very small steering wheel and the downshift on the front. I had a chance to take the car on the 402 and 401 highways. It performed flawlessly.

After returning to the dealership, I was put under the gun and they used their pitch. Quite aggressive and quite uncalled for. When they asked for my parents to come in with me, that really crossed the line. I quickly quipped, "My parents don't have to come in. The decision is mine." This was totally unlike the approach that Acura used. They were no nonsense, very easy, no pressure approach which I really appreciated. That's the reason why I gave Acura the nod with respect to business. That's how should car sales should be! They will have my business when I have the $$$ to buy a car!

Weekend

Sunday, July 9th.

It was surprising for me to travel to the downtown yesterday evening. Typically I shun the downtown due to the numerous curt Americans visiting our local establishments but there was an epicure (cullinary) event going on in front of the casino this weekend. Having a friend at the beer tent didn't hurt, either! My friend Vince was in town this weekend before moving to Chicago for work so I thought we should go out one last time. Since I have never attended the food festival at the river before, I thought it would be a good idea.

Since there was no one in Vince's place, Vince had full access to the car. He picked me up and we went down to the festival. I was surprised to see that they charged $2 admission. I heard it was a free show from previous years but I suppose word must have gone out and they want to make more money this year. Well, I have to say it was a good show-- lots of vendors showing off their wares. Prices seemed quite affordable so there was no complaints by anyone. I was shocked to see how steep beer prices were-- $3.50 per glass? That seemed a bit on the expensive side but since they were the only game in town...

We stuck around for a couple of hours. We ran into a couple from the Sault who have now moved here for their jobs. They were to be very friendly people, which is a good thing. I think many of the big city people are very closed minded and cold-- a stereotype I shouldn't have but I do. I was a little shocked to hear how much information they disclosed. I ended up telling them that I am a (soon-to-be) pharmacist and they wondered if I knew any doctors who have open practices at the current time. My brother, a family doctor, was very tight-lipped. I didn't want to put my brother on the spot so I kept my mouth closed. Vince was silent as well-- he got the idea that my brother didn't want to accept this person as a patient (without a formal interview...)

Afterwards, Mike finished his round at the tent and so we were off. We went to the pub where the girl I know from the BMW dealership. This girl is one hard working person-- after putting all that time at the car dealership, she puts in muchos hours as a waitress. Working 80-90 hour weeks is very impressive. There's more to the story than that but since I know her only on a professional level, I didn't want to delve any further. She asked me about the test drive in London but I told her that the people up there didn't want to negotiate-- quite rigid, especially on a brand new car. I was honest in telling her that the Acura TL has sparked new interest. The price is significantly lower than either vehicle and the performance is very acceptable. She wasn't too happy by that news (obviously-- she wasn't getting a commission on an Acura!)

Anyway, us guys hung out in the patio area-- long enough to see a guy get thrown out of the pub. The weird thing is that the guy wanted to mouth off at the off-duty police officers. His friends told him to shut up (great advice) but the guy wouldn't listen. I wonder if he got carted off to jail for resisting arrest, since there were a few on-duty officers floating around in the area.

We got back home around 2:30. Today, I'm supposed to hit some golf balls with Vince this afternoon. I think I'll give the lad a phone call...

Friday, July 14th.

Well... worked another Claritin Day yesterday in the fair city of Sarnia, ON. The drive through Michigan wasn't too bad. Took approximately 90 minutes via I-94. A little construction slowed things down here and there but it wasn't too difficult. I saw 4 patrol cars with the radar round trip-- not a problem for me since I was marginally speeding. There were a slew of cars going well-faster than me that didn't get caught or slowed down significantly before being gunned.

The actual Claritin Day wasn't too shabby. I basically stood near the dispensary helping people out-- the most interesting questions came from the staff themselves than the general public. A couple of techs told me about their allegy experiences and the children's problems. I gave them info as well as samples to help them out. It's amazing how much more I could have learned in school if I had these experiences to relate to. Oh well-- so as long as I get the connection now.

What are the plans for this weekend? Not a heckuva lot. I know that my mom is throwing a BBQ party for some of her friends. Don't know who will show up but I know that I'll have to help out with the odd clean-up or two around the house. Since the weather has held up much of the week, I don't need to cut the grass or anything like that so my work will be limited. As well, the cleaning woman is here so much of the housework will be done!

My friend, Mike, called me up last night. I am assuming we'll go out some time tonight-- he finishes work around 6. Maybe cruise the town? Who knows. I don't think I'll go to the pool hall-- been doing too much of that as of late. I wouldn't mind using the cable connection to do a little surfing at his house but that sounds quite lame... but a 56K'er like me can't deal with this slow connection here at home. Plus I don't like taking up the phone line during prime hours like now!

Visit to T.O.

Saturday, July 29th.

What an action-packed week I've had! Working Sunday - Wednesday at the Shopper's had me very busy. Guess all the seniors came in to get their meds before their $100 deductible starts over again August 1st.

Thursday I had to travel to Amherstburg for a Claritin Day. It was a repeat visit. I had expected it to be a crazy day, for it was a Senior's Day (seniors receive a 15% discount on regular-priced purchases). The last time I had worked a Senior's Day-- it was crazy-- I was busy much of that day. That day, however, was much like the one I had worked previously-- not many people picking up prescriptions, thus traffic was quite limited. Nonetheless, the staff there was very sympathetic and we had good conversation.

Friday was a day off so my bro and I travelled to Toronto for a day trip. My day started quite early-- 6am to be exact. I had difficulty staying asleep so I got up and surfed he 'net. I found the Pink song, "there you go". Not a bad tune but I'm looking for the new single, "most girls". Also had an opportunity to write a few e-mails in the process.

My brother and I left Windsor a little after 8. Before taking off, we stopped of at McDonald's for a little breakfast-- I had a coupon to buy 1 b'fast sandwich, get one free so I took advantage of that! The trip didn't take any time, really. He drove up to Mississauga and I took over from there. Taking the Gardiner was perhaps not the best and brightest idea but we got there in one piece. I chose a parking lot-- not the best choice since it was $12. I think there was a closer place for less money. We walked all over downtown.

First came lunch-- we were hungry. It's a good thing we stopped for food earlier because the food at Fran's wasn't that great. I had the cheeseburger and fries while Pat had the sheperd's pie (yuck!). Well, Fran's was close to the movie theatre. The Carleton is a hole in the wall-- the theatre was tiny and the screen even smaller in proportion.

The documentary Girl Next Door was really good. In fact, I can confidently say it was one of the best movies I've seen this year. It deals with the life story of burgeoning a porn star, Stacy Valentine, for 2 years. She starts from a relatively obscure actress to the top in her business. There, you see the metamorphosis of the person, Stacy Baker, to the persona, Valentine. You even watch the various plastic surgeries she has-- in all graphic detail! There is also character development between Stacy and her parents (mom & stepfather) and her boyfriend, an actor in the adult industry.

Before we went home, I had to go see my good friend, Satwant, who was working in the residence I live in during the school year. She's a porter and basically runs the residence like a hotel / hostel. Lots of people staying over and she makes sure everyone gets what they want. She's feeling awfully burned out working all those hours in that little room / office she works out of. She also told me of all the clubbing she's doing during her off time. First she discovered alcohol, now she's finding out about the clubs. Next she'll mature and be done with all that. It's a part of growing up in T.O.

The last stop on our Toronto tour was having supper at my favourite BBQ place, KJY (better known as Kom Jog Yuen). Man, I have to say that place knows how to serve good eatin' for a low price. The boss was happy to see me, even though it was a visit. I told him I'll be back in a month's time...

The drive back was smooth sailing up until I reached the outskirts of Essex county. It started to rain like cats & dogs. Add to the mix darkness, and you have yourself some tough driving conditions! My brother was the greatest nag of all time. Doing his "I'm older and I am a better driver" tone, his backseat driving comments did not make the driving any easier. Sure, I had my sunglasses on (since they are prescription) but it wasn't that bad. I was going 90 and he insisted I go 80. Whatever. We got home safely and that should be the bottom line. The first thing we did when we got back was devour all the food from my favourite BBQ shop in Toronto. Yummy-- roast pork and duck!!!

Today things here in Windsor has been quite wet-- raining like cats and dogs! Had to go to Leamington today for Claritin. It was raining buckets there-- had to run from the car to the store several times to get all the things I needed to give away! Several streets were flooded and the visibility wasn't the greatest-- it was tricky to get around safely.

Tonight, I went out with Jonesey and Mike to a pub in Walkerville. It's on Wyandotte and Kildare-- don't remember the name but it is a quaint little tavern. Jonesey and I threw some darts-- Mike talked to his friends who invited him. It's a small world but I ran into Ceylo again (Vince's good friend) A couple weeks ago, I went out with Vince and ran into Ceylo on the street. The next day, I run into him at dim sum. Tonight, I go out to a pub and he is common friends with Mike's friends. Talk about six degrees of separation!

Tomorrow, we're throwing a b'day dinner for my dad. It's his b'day next week and we're going out to eat! (Which means I may have to loosen the belt buckle afterwards...)