Smart Anyone?

In March of 2007 my wife paid $99 and got on the reservation list for the new Smart Car.  About every 3 months or so we get an email giving us some Smart news and an update on our status.  Well, last week I got a notice that her Smart was built and ready for shipping and should be on our door step in 45 to 60 days.  Wow, a new car.

The car she ordered is a white cabriolet with black trim and red interior.  It should look something like this:

Right after I get the announcement that her car was built and soon to be delivered I get an email from the local SmartCenter offering us an 'Orphan' Cabrio.  I email the local SmartCenter informing them that, since her Smart was already built, that we would be passing on the 'Orphan' and waiting for hers.  The next day I get a call from the 'Smart Rep', conversation ensues:

SR - "Mr. H, since you have such an early reservation number, I'd like to make you an offer on the 'Orphan'.  If you are interested, I'd like to offer you the Cabrio we have at MSRP, no markups.  Your wife drives it for the next couple of months while you are waiting for her Smart.  When her Smart arrives, she brings the 'Orphan' back and we give you full price, including any fees, towards her Smart."

Mr. H - "Are you on crack?"

SR - "No,  What do you mean?"

Mr. H - "I have never received an offer to, basically, drive a new car for a couple of months for free.  You are going to give me every dime I put into this 'Orphan' back after my wife's Smart comes in?  Taxes, fees,.... everything?"

SR - "Yep."

Mr. H - "So, how do you get away with that without losing your proverbial butt?"

SR - "Well, Smart requires, by contract, that I sell all new Smarts at MSRP.  Not so with used Smarts.  With a wait of 1.5 years for a new Smart I can easily sell the 'Orphan' for 10 to 15 percent over MSRP even after you have driven it for a couple of months."

Mr. H - "Oh.  How about I just sell it then?"

SR - "You lose your reservation spot if you do that.  You don't get the one your wife ordered.  Got it?"

Mr. H - "Hmmm.  OK.  Sign me up."

So, after a trip to the SmartCenter and some exchange of moneys, my wife is now driving her new 'Orphan' Smart.  Looks something like this:

Sure is a tiny little sucker.  But, my wife really seems to like driving it around.  I've driven it a couple of times and it really isn't bad to drive, I just don't like all the attention you get.  People staring at you while you drive down the road, coming over and talking to you when you stop, asking all sorts of questions, exclaiming how cute it looks.... OK, can't deal with the 'cute' remarks.  I am, after all, of male persuasion and do have a trace of testosterone.  Maybe after the novelty wears off I'll like it more.  It is one hell of an urban commuter vehicle and will help us to do our little bit to lessen our carbon foot print.  Hopefully, even cut into Exxon's 3rd quarter profits.... maybe?

Cheers!

Time for an Update!

Checking the ol' blog, it appears that I have not posted anything since my accident, so.....

First; Six weeks and I am beginning to heal quite well. I am no longer on crutches and I have tossed the boot. Pain in my lower back is minimal and bothers me far less now. The broken fibula is healing and I am dealing with only minor pain in the region of the break. The bruising and hematoma on the left hip is almost gone, I can finally sleep on my left side!!!! The left ankle has healed pretty good and range of motion is almost back to normal. Right ankle, well that's a different story. It is beginning to feel better and swelling is not as dramatic but it does swell with use and is still quite painful. Range of motion is slowly getting better with a lot of effort on my part. I was getting on the bike trainer for a bit and I thought that it was going well but, once again, I over did it. I have had to back off for a bit but I'll start trying it again next week. I promise to take it a little easier. I still have hopes of returning to running by early in August.

Not so good news about the big GS. Insurance has declared it a total loss. (big sigh) I spent a lot of time and energy, not to mention money, getting that bike set up exactly the way I wanted it. I am going to miss it a lot. My son has bought it from the insurance as salvage and is going to rebuild it and return her to her former glory.

Me, well I have found a replacement for the beast:

Welcome the new Beast! This is the newly updated 2008 version of the R1200 GS Adventure. The new version comes with 105 HP, an enduro transmission with a lower first gear, On-Board Computer, ASC (automatic stability control), ESA (electronic suspension adjustment), TPM (tire pressure monitoring), and some styling changes. It will take me a little time, but I will get this bike as well sorted as the previous one. I am definitely eager to begin the break-in process and get some miles racked up.

I will get a good start on this right away since the bike is in Sacramento. I'm flying down to Sac to pick up the bike and then I'll ride to Monterey for MotoGP. Nothing more exciting than watching Casey Stoner tear up the track!

This year I happened to get really good tickets that include the flag room! Free food and booze while watching the races in air conditioned comfort. Life doesn't suck!

Work is picking up and we are busy once again which means that we should start actually making money soon! We have some really interesting work to keep the guys from getting bored and no one is going to miss any hours on the near term. It shouldn't be too much of a stretch to keep the momentum going into the fall, and hopefully, winter.

Thanks for your time!

Cheers!