Monday, July 21, 2008

The First Ones on the House

I took the Jeep in for its first oil change today. Last week the automatic message came on telling me that, according to the miles driven and driving behaviors, it was time. So I tried to bring it in Friday but the dealership was all booked up. Apparently, without an appointment, theres a 3 hour wait. Well, I didnt feel like waiting more then 5 times as long as the service would take for them to start. I made an appointment and went in tonight. The service was fine and they were pretty quick. Ill probably go back as long as were living in Phoenix but hopefully well get a house with a garage when we move and Ill be able to do the work again.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Who Wants to Live Forever

Weve been in our new apartment for a month now. Its wonderful. As much as I hate moving, theres something exciting about a fresh start. Were the first people to live in this apartment since the major remodel and everything is in good working order and clean and nice.

Weve received all of Jacks bedroom furniture and many of the other wonderful gifts and have begun putting everything in its place so that when he comes home hell have the best bedroom a newborn could ever want. Many thanks to everyone who went to Jaimes baby shower and to those who couldnt make it and sent us gifts. They are all greatly appreciated.

All, that is, except my mothers. The Sunday prior to the baby shower my mom calls me up and asks, "What big items are left on your registry that you really really want?" This took me by surprise. My mom doesnt like showing her love by buying things or spending money. She prefers using guilt and manipulation. I took a moment to think about it and told her that we would really like the "travel system" (super fancy stroller that can also be used as a car seat) or the "pack and play" (fancy play pen). Both of these are on our registry at Babies R Us. Well, she was going to get the travel system, says a reliable source, but it was too expensive. Now Ill admit. $270 is a large price tag, but your the grandmother, very well off financially, AND ASKED WHAT BIG ITEMS WE WANTED. In the end, we received the $80 crib mattress that we registered for. Yes, thats right, $80 from grandma for the first grand child. Im pretty sure some of the people Im not related to (and didnt raise me) spent more then that and Im certain almost all my relatives spent at least that much.

This past week was quite exciting. Dan is living in Phoenix again, Jenna came out for a few days and my lovely wife returned from her week in MI. On top of all that I got myself a big birthday present. I got my truck. The one that I intend to veggie convert. Its a 1996 Ford F250 4x4 with a 7.3L Powers Stroke Turbo Diesel. Its glorious. Now I just need to figure out how to pay for the conversion kit and Ill be driving cheep.