Funny how after months of inactivity, I suddenly have so much to write in just two weeks! Life does that, though.

My problems with the Mazda were getting on my nerves so badly that I decided to borrow the money for a down payment from my folks and buy a new Volkswagen Jetta about a week-and-a-half ago. I went in on my day off and took it home the same day. It’s a bright blue color, known as Blue Lagoon Metallic. I haven’t seen many Jettas with this color, though it’s popular for the New Beetle. I didn’t live out any of the very clever VW ads, but I am loving every bit of the feeling of driving a new car. I haven’t decided completely on a name for it – I’ve never been so sentimental as to actually name a car before – but I’m leaning toward “Gunther.” Suggestions are, of course, welcome. When I finally get a picture taken, I’ll post it.

My company, Mirim, moved its offices last Friday. We had been in a separate building from our parent company, Quark, Inc., but the owner of both companies decided he wanted to sell our building. We’re on the 8th floor of the Quark building at 1800 Grant St. now. The view’s pretty cool, but it’s been a little chilly the past couple of days. We’ll see if it gets better once the temperatures climb back above freezing.

This Friday is moving day again for me. After six months of living with my parents after college, I’m getting back out on my own with a new apartment a couple blocks from work. It’s a cool little building dating back to the 1920’s, with some nifty architectural details and a really tiny kitchen. I think I’ll like it anyway. It’s pretty exciting.

I got a really exciting surprise today. The president of the company called me into her office this morning. At first I thought I was in trouble, but then she told me I had been doing a really fantastic job, and they wanted to make sure they kept me around. She said they realized they weren’t paying me enough! (Strangely, I thought I was doing pretty well for being straight out of school.) She gave me an 18% pay raise, effective first of the year! It’s been all I could do to keep from shouting it all over the building, I’ve been so excited. Hopefully, none of my co-workers read this page, and if they do, hopefully they’re not the jealous type.

Man, things are really going well these days. Too bad the Supreme Court rubber-stamped the coup last night. It will be interesting to see what Gore and Bush have to say this evening, but I’ll miss it the first time around because of choir practice. Christmas concerts and important masses are right around the corner.