Vol 1, Issue 2

No changes in lattitude, but good changes with attitude.

Despite what the meteorologists tell me, it is a proven fact that winter is over at least in the Midwest United States.  How do I know this?  Back on Tuesday the 2013 Spring Edition of the Quadratec Jeep parts catalog arrived in my mailbox.  As usual this brings to mind many questions.  Such as: do I want a new soft top this year?  If so, do I do a classic style or one with the a flip-back front option?  Would upgrading to LED head/tail lights be a good investment?  New door retainer straps?  Tubular bumpers?  New feul hatch from Drake Offroad?  How about the new Roughrider Spare Tire Organizer from Bestop?  Maybe some of the GEAR storage from Smittybilt?  And just how old is the gal on the cover of the catalog?

Granted the majority of the stuff I can/will probably do without...but it would be nice to have at least one new addition to the TJ this year.  As in previous years I am also torn between going with a rugged/almost military style look vs. a cleaner/sleek styling.  On the one hand the rugged style is something I'm very familiar and comfortable with.  Yet on the other hand the cleaner/sleeker look does seem to work best when the top is down/off.  The VDP Overhead Storage Console also pulls me towards it in a way, yet I've never really had the feeling I need more storage up front.  Decisions, decisions...

Another sure sign of Spring, Tax returns are on their way.  Granted they won't be as large this year as previous ones, but I will be able to pay off my remaining debt and be back "in the black" financially.  I think that will help with new Jeep parts and possibly a vacation later this year.

Finally the ultimate sing of Spring, my son's birthday is only a few weeks away.  Not sure what to get the little guy this year.  He has been asking for a good number of Doctor Who Lego-style building sets.  More than likely I will be ordering him some as they would combine two of his favorite things: Legos and Doctor Who.  Altho I am a bit envious that the internet wasn't around when I was his age therefore preventing me from seeing if any such toys were available way back then.  Perhaps if I ask nicely he will let me check out the Dalek mini-figures.

Its been cloudy this week, but I find myself opening my curtains (its been almost six months with them closed) and letting what sunshine is out there find its way in.  I know that probably doesn't sound like much to most people, but between the PTSD and the possible seasonal disorder I am taking it as a good sign.  I'm also cooking much more than I have in a while.  Actual recipes, not just box meals.  My dSLR is also charged and ready to go on an outing.  I haven't been able to even look at my Nikon in a very long time, so its definitely a good sign I'm showing interest in it again.  Oh, and I've starting playing Rally Sport Challenge 2 again.  Definite sign of Spring when the racing/off-road bug hits me.

Purchased an issue of a beach house style magazine over the weekend.  If the prices listed are any indication of what the average cost is, I am beginning to understand why average people don't have beach houses.  It did give me plenty of ideas though.  Thinking the picture frame style that resembles unfinished wood with rope going through is kind of cool. May have to try that if I can ever find any prints I like for around the house.

There you go, my thoughts and ramblings for this week.  See ya' around and until next time:

Aloha