Wow, it's been over 2 weeks since my last update. So let me explain why.

First, when we moved, Bell didn't switch the phone lines over immediately. So we got stuck until Wednesday with a line that belonged to the people who were using the house as a show home. Then, they said they were missing a "card" for the internet, and had it on order. The following monday rolled around, and still no dsl, so I called and bitched. They said there was a problem with the phone line, and would get working on it - 24-48 hours max. So I called again on Wednesday, and was told to sit tight while they fixed it. Again on Friday got the same result. But get this, right after I was told that they were still trying to figure out what the problem is, I got a call from a different department and was told that none of the phone lines in our area are equipped for Bell Sympatico service. It'll be ready next month. Damned Bell Bastards.

Is it just me, or is it rather strange that the technicians working SO hard on the problem, needed a week to realize that the phone lines just weren't set up properly? More likely they were sitting on their candy asses and doing nothing.

So, I'm at Plasti-Fab right now using the internet on the comps here. I'll attempt to go to the University every once in a while and use the comps in the library. I guess that's the only option now. I ever tried to find an internet cafe, there was one in the phone book. It turned out to be a goddamn Telus store.

I've had plenty of ideas for blogs over the past 2 weeks, that's possibly one of the most annoying things. Having these ideas and not being able to follow through :(.

In other news, the move went pretty well. We worked out asses off all weekend and got it done, and basically as a direct result of having no internet, I completed my bedroom in record time. It's pretty cool, I set up what I call my "Sega Retro Entertainment". This includes my Dreamcast, Saturn, Genesis, and Master System. It's pretty great, I've been playing the best RPG of the 8-Bit Era: Phantasy Star, and the best platformer of the 8-Bit era as well, Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap. It's great nostalgia. It's also nice to finally have the stereo back up. For those of you not in the loop, I didn't have my stereo hooked up in the townhouse due to space constraints. But she's back now and all tv sound runs through there, making everything just that much better. I sure as crap didn't buy a Wega for the sound quality (sub-par), I got it for the picture (excellent).

As for work, well, it's been no different. The last week has gifted me with no less than 3 interesting encounters with glass. The first when I had a piece lodged in my foot that had to be dug out, the second when a HPS burst open and managed to cut my arm about 30 times right through the tyvek suit, the third was a broken fluorescent that sliced my wrist open. The last one bled the most. Frank on the other hand, had a bit worse luck when Tommy nearly severed his thumb by slamming the metal door to the cardboard bailer on his hand. Even a day later is was still bleeding. It's extra harsh because Frank plays goal for his soccer team. The latest news is that there may be blood tests instituted. Why? Because of the high levels of mercury and pcb's in the plant. So they need to test our blood on occasion to make sure we haven't been completely poisoned yet. Jayme and I were cleaning the retort room on friday, and Tommy came in without bothering to wear a respirator. Jayme pointed out that phosphorous powder causes cancer, but Tommy said 'oh whatever, I've been in worse'. I'd put my money on him being the first one to get bad results on those blood tests.

More news, Frank and I are probably joining a gym. We found one (Popeye's) near the freeway that's open 24 hours a day. Perfect, considering most places are closed when we get off work at 1:30am. The membership prices are altogether reasonable, and the facilities are top notch. Popeye's boasts the latest and greatest in exercise equipment of all types, as well as boxing and tanning facilities. For a paltry $25 extra up front, we're provided with a personal trainer to help us evaluate our condition and help us set up and run through a program. I'm really looking forward to this.

Now for the biggest news of all! I'm off to Europe in two months. The ticket is bought, the dates are set in stone. I'll be leaving Toronto on April 12th, and returning on June 22nd. The bulkof the 10 weeks will be spent in Glasgow. I'll be getting a working visa (Oops, haven't got it yet, sending out the application on Monday) and staying with Jon (Already there - shout out to Jonny boy for providing the accomodation) and James (joining in the fun). But don't think I'll spend the whole 10 weeks working. No, I intend on working for a portion, say half perhaps, then going exploring. The UK, France, Switzerland, Holland, Germany(Hey Heidi!), Italy, Spain, Portugal(Euro 2004!?!!?) and Greece will collectively become my playground. I'm fully expecting to have a great, great time.

For those of you who have been wondering why I would continue to work at the terrible job I've been working at, especially seeing as I hate it so much. Well, now you know why. I'm probably looking forward to quitting just as much as I'm looking forward to leaving on the trip.

Yesterday I went to the Canadian International Auto Show, and it kicked ASS. There were so many great vehicles that I've been REALLY looking forward to seeing, and some surprises as well. Here's my Top 5:

1. Chevy Corvette C6. This car looks absolutely amazing, period.
2. Mercedes SLR. Wow, this is probably the sexiest car I've ever seen come out of Europe. It looks simply awesome. I mean, the SLK's look really good, but this thing simply oozes aggressiveness. I'm suitably impressed.
3. Chevy SS. It didn't even occur to me that this out be there, and then I turned a corner and saw it in all it's glory. With the SSR now in production and on showroom floors, I think the chances of this baby coming soon are pretty high. A very, very sexy car.
4. Pontiac Solstice. It's such a shame we couldn't check this one out closer, but it was up on stage and away from my grasping hands, that didn't stop me from taking a few pictures. The Solstice looks great from a distance though, and I don't doubt it'll sell like mad when it hits the dealerships.
5. Cadillac XLR. It know it's already out, but I was finally able to see one up close, and all I can say is: Sexy!. This really is the epidomy of Caddy's Art and Science design theme, the styling is brilliant.

Runners Up:

1. Cadillac Sixteen. 16-Cylinders, 1000 horsepower. Niiiiice.
2. Pontiac G6. The mid-size that will take the market by storm this year.
3. Chevy Cobalt. Finally, GM bring out a compact that looks like it's actually better than the Civic and Corolla. Roads tests will tell the full story in the future though.
4. Numerous other concepts from Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, etc.

Disappointments:

1. Ford Mustang. It looks good, don't get me wrong. But there's nothing new about it. It looks like it came straight out of the 60's. I guess the saving grace is that the 60's produced the best looking Mustang's ever. So this though be good right? Nevertheless, I can't shake the feeling of rehash.
2. Honda. Nothing against Honda, but there was nothing new there. Their entire display was all the same cars we've been looking at for the last 4 years.

Anyhow, I gotta go.

Have a good one peeps! I'll be back as soon as I can!

~K