New car features.

by | Aug 24, 2002 | Personal

I some how completely forgot to mention which model it is. The Matrix comes in 3 models: base, XR and XRS. The only difference between the XR and the XRS is some “sporty” rice-rocket-ish molding along the side pannels. I’m serious. Same engine, same everything. So, not wanting to go with simply the baseline, we opted for the XR. Now, the regular Matrix is cool, but the Matrix XR adds some cool features. We also added some additional features because they were available and it seemed like a good idea. The additional feature we get with the XR are:

– Remote keyless entry system
– Rear window wiper (yes, this doesn’t come standard. odd.)
– Power windows
– Power door locks
– 3-spoke “sport” leather wrapped steering wheel
– One 115-volt and two 12-volt auxiliary power outlets (yes, that’s in addition to the normal one or two “cigarette lighter” outlets. The 115v outlet is a huge deal. Think about the war-driving capabilities. hehe)
– variable intermittent windshield wipers (instead of the on/off variety)
– Driver’s seat vertical height adjuster
– Passenger’s seat vertical height adjuster
– Interior mirror-mounted maplights
– Moon/Sun roof

The features we added:
– Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM ETR/Cassette/CD with 6 speakers
– Integrated fog lamps
– Cruise control
– 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

All that random crap, plus the standard stuff (airbags, cup holders, etc) makes this an attractive little package. We stuck with Toyota because we’ve purchased so many cars from them before that they were willing to give us insain deals. This will in fact be our 8th (!) Toyota. Our other Toyota option was a Carolla LE which was very attractive as well but simply doesn’t offer as much cargo room. I liked it a lot as soon as the test drive began but it took a test drive of their own to convince the parents. As soon as they drove it they loved it too. It’s really really easy to drive. It feels just like the Carolla and Camrys we’ve had in the past. There was practically no learning curve, no “where the hell is this button” problems. It’s a Toyota and they have a habit of using nearly the same designs all across the board. Anyway, I was looking at the Toyota site and found something I think Chris would find amusing. Buddy, if this isn’t convincing… I don’t know what it.

I haven’t decided on any names yet, any one have any suggestions? And yes… it is a requirement that boys name their cars. Well, at least with Chris and I anyways. Tehehe. Just ask Chris about Winona.

So, after all the fun and excitement of picking up a new car, what’s left but to play video games? I assume the game night is still on. Odds are that it’ll just be Chip and I but we usually have more fun that way anyways. I’ll have to give him a call later.

That is all.

Sick Day

by | Aug 12, 2002 | Personal

I hate being sick. Especially when I’m not really “sick” just “feeling like ass.” While Lauren was here she developed a bit of a cough and now I think I’m coming down with it as well. My throat has been hurting for a few days now and I’ve started to get a little bit of a cough. Nothing major mind you and nothing thats so debilitating that I need to stay in bed for a week, but it’s enough to have me sucking on cough drops and drinking lots of OJ.

I don’t really have much going on at the moment so it’s not like I’m staying home for work or anything. Adecco hasn’t called in 2 weeks so I’ve pretty much given up on them. When I feel up to it I’ll go back to helping my Dad as a carpenter. For the moment though, I’m content to sit here and work on designs for webpages. Sites such as BlogProject.com for instance. I’ve taken a new direction with the design at the moment. Before I was working under the “it’s going to be fantastic” ideal where as now I’ve switched to the “wouldn’t it be nice to have something done before christmas” approach. I’ve simplified things I bit and will be going with a simple “top and both sides” design. It’ll look nice, but it’ll be simple for the moment until creative vision strikes me and I redesign it. Once I’m finished I’ll pass it along to either Chip or Chris who will add whatever content system we’ll be using. Most likely Moveable Type since thats what we’ve all been using lately.

That is all.