Today I felt like the I was watching grass grow. Not that I didn't have stuff going on and work to preform. But it all felt like it was taking forever. Later in the day I did make it out with a friend for some drinks and good conversations which made the day a good day overall. When you are sitting in such an environment all day you have lots of time to think, read, and follow up on ideas. I couldn't tell you all the stuff I read or searched or listened to today. It isn't that I don't remember it is that I don't care to go in to that much detail about my grass growing day.
There are a few things worth sharing. My next new MINI will be a 'Speedster'!! I have been looking forward to that MINI since I heard and saw the first concept rumor and sketch 3 years ago. If BMW really gave them the green light on production I will be a happy owner in about 2 years. It will be something very different then I have now and just as much fun to drive.
I also decided to try a different Twitter software... TweetDeck. I like it so far but I haven't fully learned all the possible options with it yet. Give me a few days and I will see about writing about it a little more. Well in the mean time if you need a wonderful software for managing all our chat and email and social networks. Digsby is the best I have used. You do loose some features compared to the direct clients but it uses almost no system resources and is easy to setup. Again, I think I will write a little more about that in a later blog.
This was such a endlessly boring blog! Good night.
Andrew
Showing posts with label MINI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MINI. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
My MINI
For those that don't know, my MINI is a 2006 Space Blue Metallic MINI Cooper S. It was built in Oxford, England in January 2006. It is powered by a supper charged 1.6L 4 cylinder engine. Just like all other MINIs, my MINI is unique. No two MINIs are the same. They all portray different personalities, they compliment their owners. In many cases their owners are not the same without having their MINIs with them. I believe I am one of these people.
When I am behind the wheel of my MINI, I feel like someone else. My MINI takes me places, like work and home, but those journeys are more then just getting from place to place. They are my therapy, my escape from reality. I become part of my MINI and it part of me. The feeling is like nothing I know how to describe. It is a rush to merely drive to work in the mornings, and twisty roads are like crack! I spend many hours on many days making sure my MINI runs and looks great all the time. It is a matter of respect to give back to the MINI that gives me so much. I know some people can't understand this relationship with my MINI, it isn't common to have a car that is more than a car to it's pilot. Many owners name their MINI, but not this time for me. I have never been able to find a name that describes and matches my current MINI. I have had two other MINIs and they both had names. This MINI has always been more than any name I could provide. Maybe I don't really want to name my MINI, because, it may diminish it as a memory. If one day a name surfaces that matches this wonderful machine it will then become that name and be remembered by that name forever. If this day never comes then my MINI will be remembered by the feelings it created within me and that seems like so much more than any name. So, for that reason, I don't think it needs a name. I think being known as my MINI works just fine!!
I don't look forward to the day my MINI has to leave me. It will be a sad day. But, at the same time, I will have a new MINI to create new experiences with and earn respect from. Just as my previous MINIs have done, this MINI will remain in my memory as one that gave me every joy of driving it could. I will miss this MINI and it will always be remembered.
Maybe my MINI life is weird to some of you, but it isn't something I ever want to loose. I would rather be looked at with strange faces then not feel the rush of a twisty road. It is part of me and without it I wouldn't be the same. Life would not have the level of happiness it has today, and the loss would be hard to bare.
Make sure you enjoy your drives through life! I know I will be!
Andrew
When I am behind the wheel of my MINI, I feel like someone else. My MINI takes me places, like work and home, but those journeys are more then just getting from place to place. They are my therapy, my escape from reality. I become part of my MINI and it part of me. The feeling is like nothing I know how to describe. It is a rush to merely drive to work in the mornings, and twisty roads are like crack! I spend many hours on many days making sure my MINI runs and looks great all the time. It is a matter of respect to give back to the MINI that gives me so much. I know some people can't understand this relationship with my MINI, it isn't common to have a car that is more than a car to it's pilot. Many owners name their MINI, but not this time for me. I have never been able to find a name that describes and matches my current MINI. I have had two other MINIs and they both had names. This MINI has always been more than any name I could provide. Maybe I don't really want to name my MINI, because, it may diminish it as a memory. If one day a name surfaces that matches this wonderful machine it will then become that name and be remembered by that name forever. If this day never comes then my MINI will be remembered by the feelings it created within me and that seems like so much more than any name. So, for that reason, I don't think it needs a name. I think being known as my MINI works just fine!!
I don't look forward to the day my MINI has to leave me. It will be a sad day. But, at the same time, I will have a new MINI to create new experiences with and earn respect from. Just as my previous MINIs have done, this MINI will remain in my memory as one that gave me every joy of driving it could. I will miss this MINI and it will always be remembered.
Maybe my MINI life is weird to some of you, but it isn't something I ever want to loose. I would rather be looked at with strange faces then not feel the rush of a twisty road. It is part of me and without it I wouldn't be the same. Life would not have the level of happiness it has today, and the loss would be hard to bare.
Make sure you enjoy your drives through life! I know I will be!
Andrew
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Another Another MINI update
This is what I posted on my MINI club fourm.
So the repair shop called me today and said I could come pickup the MINI. I stopped by knowing that I would find something wrong with their work, and sure enough they didn't even touch the mushroomed strut tower top. He even tried to show me another MINI they had in there that had looked "exactly the same" as mine. I took one look at this PS Cooper Convertible and noticed that strut tower was flat and I said that is how it is supposed to look "flat". The guy started to argue with me, here a small part of that conversation.
Repair guy: It looks like the other MINI sits up higher on that side too.
(I didn't even dignify this with a response, He was trying to tell me that a all MINI strut towers sit higher on the passenger side. I almost laughed, but held my tongue)
Me: This isn't repaired and is not acceptable.
Repair Guy: We pulled it right down to spec. I even have numbers for you.
Me: It is still damaged and it would void my warranty on my suspension.
Repair Guy: If I get a dealer to sign off on it will you accept it.
Me: If you get a written guaranty from the dealer that my warranty is not voided by the damage, yes. My advisor at the dealer ship is Justin Grey.
Repair Guy: Is he at the Chandler dealership?
Me: There is no Chandler dealership. The only one is North Scottsdale. No one else is certified on MINIs.
Repair Guy: Are you telling me that the place that sold me the parts doesn't have anyone certified on MINI's?
Me: Yes
Repair Guy: Who told you that?
Me: MINI
Repair Guy: Well I am going to take it down here to my parts supplier (I guess Chandler BMW) and get a sign off on it.
Me: Fine
I got a call later in the day… They are taking it to MNS to get a signoff that the mushroomed strut tower is ok. I have already called Justin at MSN and let him know the situation. So much for getting his supplier to sign off on it.
Anyone want to guess what MNS is going to say?
I don't think I will take it even if he gets the signoff. I have contacted my insurance and put notes on the claim that they are not wanting to fix a damaged piece and that I don't think having a damaged item on the MINI is very safe.
Here was the Final Estimate:
PARTS 5868.10
PARTS DISCOUNT $ 5443.26 -5.0% -272.16
BODY LABOR 18.7 HRS @$ 42.00/HR 785.40
PAINT LABOR 5.2 HRS @$ 42.00/HR 218.40
MECHANICAL LABOR 9.7 HRS @$ 65.00/HR 630.50
FRAME LABOR 5.5 HRS @$ 42.00/HR 231.00
PAINT SUPPLIES 5.2 HRS @$ 26.00/HR 135.20
SUBLET/MISC. 253.02
OTHER CHARGES 195.00
----------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL $ 8044.46
SALES TAX $ 5780.42 @ 7.8000% 450.87
----------------------------------------------------
GRAND TOTAL $ 8495.33
So the repair shop called me today and said I could come pickup the MINI. I stopped by knowing that I would find something wrong with their work, and sure enough they didn't even touch the mushroomed strut tower top. He even tried to show me another MINI they had in there that had looked "exactly the same" as mine. I took one look at this PS Cooper Convertible and noticed that strut tower was flat and I said that is how it is supposed to look "flat". The guy started to argue with me, here a small part of that conversation.
Repair guy: It looks like the other MINI sits up higher on that side too.
(I didn't even dignify this with a response, He was trying to tell me that a all MINI strut towers sit higher on the passenger side. I almost laughed, but held my tongue)
Me: This isn't repaired and is not acceptable.
Repair Guy: We pulled it right down to spec. I even have numbers for you.
Me: It is still damaged and it would void my warranty on my suspension.
Repair Guy: If I get a dealer to sign off on it will you accept it.
Me: If you get a written guaranty from the dealer that my warranty is not voided by the damage, yes. My advisor at the dealer ship is Justin Grey.
Repair Guy: Is he at the Chandler dealership?
Me: There is no Chandler dealership. The only one is North Scottsdale. No one else is certified on MINIs.
Repair Guy: Are you telling me that the place that sold me the parts doesn't have anyone certified on MINI's?
Me: Yes
Repair Guy: Who told you that?
Me: MINI
Repair Guy: Well I am going to take it down here to my parts supplier (I guess Chandler BMW) and get a sign off on it.
Me: Fine
I got a call later in the day… They are taking it to MNS to get a signoff that the mushroomed strut tower is ok. I have already called Justin at MSN and let him know the situation. So much for getting his supplier to sign off on it.
Anyone want to guess what MNS is going to say?
I don't think I will take it even if he gets the signoff. I have contacted my insurance and put notes on the claim that they are not wanting to fix a damaged piece and that I don't think having a damaged item on the MINI is very safe.
Here was the Final Estimate:
PARTS 5868.10
PARTS DISCOUNT $ 5443.26 -5.0% -272.16
BODY LABOR 18.7 HRS @$ 42.00/HR 785.40
PAINT LABOR 5.2 HRS @$ 42.00/HR 218.40
MECHANICAL LABOR 9.7 HRS @$ 65.00/HR 630.50
FRAME LABOR 5.5 HRS @$ 42.00/HR 231.00
PAINT SUPPLIES 5.2 HRS @$ 26.00/HR 135.20
SUBLET/MISC. 253.02
OTHER CHARGES 195.00
----------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL $ 8044.46
SALES TAX $ 5780.42 @ 7.8000% 450.87
----------------------------------------------------
GRAND TOTAL $ 8495.33
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Another MINI update
Well I have another update. I will have my MINI back on the 23rd... If all the parts and everything arive on time.
I was able to see it the other day. It was cool to see the MINI all tore down and everything all laying on racks. Some for repair and some for replacement. I guess I hit the something with the AC unit and they are having to replace everything. Well I guess I will have a good suspention and new AC work.
I am confused about one thing.. They were going to straighten the frame. If they can't straighten it to specs then will they total the MINI? that is a question I can't answer.
Good night all
Andrew
I was able to see it the other day. It was cool to see the MINI all tore down and everything all laying on racks. Some for repair and some for replacement. I guess I hit the something with the AC unit and they are having to replace everything. Well I guess I will have a good suspention and new AC work.
I am confused about one thing.. They were going to straighten the frame. If they can't straighten it to specs then will they total the MINI? that is a question I can't answer.
Good night all
Andrew
Monday, June 9, 2008
MINI update and my day
So the MINI will most likely not going to be totaled. The initial parts estimate. 6800-7000. I fully expect that it will go higher as they dig in to the damage more. Now I am hoping that they can fix it up right. I will not take anything less than perfect. It should look and drive better then the day I hit the curb. I mean I am getting an entirely new suspension on the one side and depending on how the other side looks... maybe that one too. So if it doesn't drive better then there is a problem.
So life throws curve balls at you all the time. This one is costly but it shouldn't be to bad. I have good insurance and I shouldn't even have my policy premiums go up any. I think I will get away will very little out of pocket.
Well all I did today is work. As usual it was a shitty day at work. We are in this new office building that sucks, No high speed internet, no phones, no fax. It is like working in a sweet shop without any cloth to make cloths with. There isn't a point. We are stuck in this new office for 4 weeks because our office is under construction.... We will see if I have something better than a cube when I get back... I doubt it.
Good night all. I hope you all had a great day.
Andrew
So life throws curve balls at you all the time. This one is costly but it shouldn't be to bad. I have good insurance and I shouldn't even have my policy premiums go up any. I think I will get away will very little out of pocket.
Well all I did today is work. As usual it was a shitty day at work. We are in this new office building that sucks, No high speed internet, no phones, no fax. It is like working in a sweet shop without any cloth to make cloths with. There isn't a point. We are stuck in this new office for 4 weeks because our office is under construction.... We will see if I have something better than a cube when I get back... I doubt it.
Good night all. I hope you all had a great day.
Andrew
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