4,440 miles

Uploaded pictures of my ever deteriorating soft-top. I hope my new top is trouble-free.

4,440 miles

Quick note for now. I finally got around to scheduling an appointment to have my roof replaced. It looks like Prestige will take care of my roof (yea!). Unfortunately, I will need a loaner and the earliest one will be available is August 10. What? I already have a second car? Of course! Gertie my GMC Sonoma! But I do not have anyone to take me to the dealer (which is 40 miles out). And besides, I am always up for a new ride (albeit temporary one). So there!

Much more to discuss... but I'm at work right now (currently taking a brain-break).

4,436 miles

I took Leroy to Prestige MINI to have the service group look at my roof (read prior journal entries). They did not think there would be a problem replacing it, however they need approval from a BMW Service Rep before any work can begin. The rep is currently on vacation until 07/25.

Had I known the rep was out, I would not have bothered driving Leroy to work (50 miles round trip) and the extra 40 miles (round trip) to Prestige. Which brings me to my next topic...

I do not know why I worry so much about driving Leroy... he's paid off, it is the summer, MINI beats Sonoma (my daily ride) hands down in the fun department, and regarding safety and fuel efficiency? My Sonoma doesn't even come close. The only reason I can offer is that I enjoy the 'new car' feeling. Like any parent, I worry about Leroy constantly; always under covers when not in use, Zaino applied religiously, I drive him like I'm driving 'Miss Daisy'... and I do not like putting unnecessary miles on him. But like any good parent, I will eventually let Leroy loose (that's where the real fun begins!).

Given the above, the drive to Prestige last week was fun nonethless. There are a lot more MINIs up in Bergen County than in Hudson County and for those MINI owners who feel waving to other MINI owners is important, rest assured this act is alive and well in Bergen County.

Change of topic; I bought a baseball cap yesterday (07/23). I realized that 50 SPF does not do enough to keep my skin nice and pale. Why did I buy a 'vert given my propensity to avoid the sun? Oh yeah... 'cuz the 'vert is a MINI!

Last item; my co-worker Elie finally got to take a spin in Leroy. The day I drove Leroy to work (so I can take him to Prestige), Elie and I made plans for her to meet Leroy. She was so happy for me! She also reprimanded me for not driving Leroy around more often.

4,269 miles

I finally got around to blurring out my tags from my OL pictures... something I've been meaning to do but never got around to it.

4,267 miles

Nothing really, I replied to a posting on the OL's bulletin board from someone relocating to New York City when it occurred to me: I never drove Leroy into the City. Why you ask? Hmmm... I guess it's due to fear of NYC's horrible road conditions and overly aggressive taxi/limo drivers (I prefer public transportation to get around the City... NYC is so accessible!).

So the next time I find myself going into the City, I will see if Leroy can take me. Gotta get over these fears.

4,267 miles

It's official, MINIs on parade won 'Best overall Group' (see 07/04/2005 entry). I am sure everyone who participated felt particularly proud of their efforts (me included!).
Leroy has been under covers since the parade. As promised, I plan on taking Leroy to work more often, but the weather is expected to turn sour any day now and I don't want Leroy subjected to the rain (do I fuss over Leroy or do I fuss over Leroy?). Oh when will I drive Leroy again?
In the meantime, I am updating my mini-blog at my website www.yomamali.com. My brother showed me how to attach pictures (yup, I'm that dumb!). It is great that I have an extremely computer literate older brother. Currently I am scrambling to find all my original pictures I uploaded to this journal. This will take some time, but I've time!
I have also decided to post my 'photo album' onto this journal as well. I take pictures of everybody that took a ride in Leroy. Sadly, I don't have too many people in this album... I think only 9. As mentioned earlier, I really need to get out more...

4,260 miles

I met up with a bunch of MINI owners to take part in Ridgefield Park's July 4th parade. Ridgefield Park is a small town nestled in Northern New Jersey's Bergen County. I didn't think small-town parades still existed... but they do, and I honestly believe the whole town came out to watch. Parade officials asked us to decorate our vehicles, and thanks to TerryO's suggestion, I covered Leroy with silver stars and attached flags where I can. Of the seven MINIs that participated, the owners concluded that Leroy was the 'best dressed'.

As we crawled through the parade route, onlookers kept commenting and pointing not at my car, but at my hat. I bought the silly top hat upon suggestion by TerryO . It was partly a joke, but it also served to keep my head protected from the burning summer sun... and it was also on sale at Party City (so there). I caught a glimpse of myself from a store window and had to laugh... I sure looked ridiculous with that oversized novelty hat... but who cares! The crowd sure loved it, and it definitely kept my head cool.

This event marks another first for me. It was my first MINI event! No surprise here, MINI owners -- yes, even non-OL'ers -- proved they are a fun friendly bunch. More group MINI events in my future?!? You bet!

4,167 miles

Driving around town when a pigeon came to rest between my right windshield wiper and the windshield. I was at a stop when the pigeon alighted and immediately it closed its eyes. I guess it was trying to sleep. When the light turned green I resumed driving. It eventually opened its eyes and flew off... I guess even pigeons like MINIs.