What made me happy today? Hello battlestar!
About 2.5 months ago, I blogged about how I would be saying goodbye to my battlecruiser. Yesterday, the day had finally arrived! I took the battlecruiser (the Ford) for it's last drive to work. It felt kind of weird, because even though the car had it's flaws, it served me well.
But a little before 11 o'clock, I got a call from the reception. My new car had arrived! Eagerly, I dashed towards it. The first thing I noticed was that choosing a red one was a great idea! Good thing the man delivering my car took me through the basics of this car, because otherwise I would have been lost. So many buttons, thingamagicks and dudemabobs! No complaints about the service either, they delivered it right to the door of the office. And if I ever need to have maintenance or repairs done, I just have to call the garage. They'll pick it up at 10, and deliver it back at 4. Service much?
So I turned the keys to the battlecruiser over to the rental company. No teary goodbyes, but I'll always remember the battlecruiser fondly.
Time to get in to the battlestar, and put her in the parking lot. That's where I encountered a small issue. I couldn't figure out how to get the car in reverse for the life of me. After about 5 minutes of fiddling and messing with the clutch, I decided to call the garage. Turns out, you have to push the clutch down in order to get it in reverse. Boy, did I feel silly. Any way, embarrassment aside, off we were to the parking lot. Too bad it was only a 150m drive :-)
But driving home, I got to put the battlestar to the test a bit more. And let me tell you, that car is a smooth drive! She pulls up really well (one of my main complaints about the Ford). She handles the turns smoothly, and is very comfortable! The engine purrs like a little kitten :-)
The battlestar has little nooks and crannies for storing items, which is very convenient. Most certainly if you spend a lot of time in your car, like me. The trunk space is generous, I could easily fit in there. Of course, the battlecruiser had more trunk space, but I didn't need that. The pedals of the batllestar are arranged much better, the gears on the clutch are closely together, which makes for easy gear shifting. The placement of the hand brake is a bit odd, but in no way cumbersome.
I could go on and on about all the options and features, but I don't want to bore you to death ;-) Suffice it to say: I love my brand new red batllestar! I'm going to have a lot of (safe) fun driving her around! The Volvo V40 is an awesome car :-D
Showing posts with label driving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label driving. Show all posts
Friday, November 1, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The road less traveled.
What made me happy today? The road less traveled.
I had to be in Brussels for work today. As I know traffic to Brussels tends to get very busy in the mornings, I got up bright and early. Good thing I did, because there had been a rather large accident near Jette with more than 2 hours of delay. So I told my GPS to try and avoid all that mess.
The good thing is that I have a rather smart GPS (sometimes). It decided to make me drive through Brussels. I really don't like driving in Brussels. It's very busy, and it seems like there's a set of slightly different traffic rules in operation there.
But on the other hand, I'm glad I drove that way. It's the road less traveled, but it's nice to see places you haven't been that often. Plus, it's great driving practice (even though I already have my license).
I had to be in Brussels for work today. As I know traffic to Brussels tends to get very busy in the mornings, I got up bright and early. Good thing I did, because there had been a rather large accident near Jette with more than 2 hours of delay. So I told my GPS to try and avoid all that mess.
The good thing is that I have a rather smart GPS (sometimes). It decided to make me drive through Brussels. I really don't like driving in Brussels. It's very busy, and it seems like there's a set of slightly different traffic rules in operation there.
But on the other hand, I'm glad I drove that way. It's the road less traveled, but it's nice to see places you haven't been that often. Plus, it's great driving practice (even though I already have my license).
Thursday, October 10, 2013
It's over 9000!
What made me happy today? It's over 9000!
What is over 9000? No, it has nothing to do with DragonBall Z. It has everything to do with my car! I just noticed that I already drove over 9000 km since I got this car. Which kind of baffled me. Until I started thinking about how much time I actually spend in my car.
On an average day, I'm in my car a little under 2 hours. But on some days it can be as much as 7 hours. No wonder I've driven so much in about 7 months.
And it makes me happy to know I've driving this much, without any accidents!
Now I just hope I didn't jinx it...
What is over 9000? No, it has nothing to do with DragonBall Z. It has everything to do with my car! I just noticed that I already drove over 9000 km since I got this car. Which kind of baffled me. Until I started thinking about how much time I actually spend in my car.
On an average day, I'm in my car a little under 2 hours. But on some days it can be as much as 7 hours. No wonder I've driven so much in about 7 months.
And it makes me happy to know I've driving this much, without any accidents!
Now I just hope I didn't jinx it...
Friday, August 16, 2013
Bye battlecruiser!
What made me happy today? Soon I'll be saying goodbye to the battlecruiser!
Yup, a new car is coming my way. And it was totally unexpected! As you may remember, I got my driver's license recently. When I went to drop off a copy at out human resources department, my colleague informed me that I still had to pick a car.
Wait. Pick a car? But I already have a car... Well, as it turns out, that was not my permanent car. I got to pick a definitive one. Sjeesj, do they spoil me or what? So I had a hard choice to make. I like the battlecruiser a lot. It's a Ford C-max grand, and has a ton of trunk-space. But once you hit 70 kph, it starts to get sluggish. It has a 1.6 diesel engine with 95 hp, but I feel like it's just not enough for a car this size. My battlecruiser can fit up to 7 people, or a ton of luggage. The way it handles in sharper turns isn't that great either. I'm also not convinced of the way the pedals are arranged, for some reason the gas pedal is a lot further away than the breaks... Again, it's a great car but it's also not very eco-friendly. It uses 6.4 l per 100 km, and has a Co2 exhaust of 120 g / km.
So keeping in mind my two most important rules for picking a car (being comfort and trunk space) I got to it. I took a look at the list, immediately eliminated several cars for being to small. And in the end I chose the Volvo V40. Fuel consumption is rated at 3.4 l per 100 km, and the Co2 exhaust is 88 g / km. It has a ton of safety options, which all come standard as Volvo is very engaged towards safety. Like it says on their website 'By 2020, nobody shall be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo.' And if you see the array of safety features and safety options that are available for the V40 I think they might even manage that. The trunk space is about 100 l less than the battlecruiser, but the Volvo should be a lot more comfortable. So the choice was made.
And then they told me I had to pick a color. Oh dear me. It took me a long time to decide on the car, and I didn't think about that! My first impulse was 'black', as my clothes always are. But then I got to thinking. Black does get warm in the summer, it shows dirt really well and is hard to see when it's dark. Most of the other colors in the range didn't really appeal to me. Several shades of grey and silver weren't for me, I don't really like those. The copper one was a big no, definitely not my thing. That left me with blue and red. I didn't like the shades of blue, and red is a very noticeable color, so red it was!
Now I have to wait a week until I get my new car. But I don't doubt that my battlecruiser will continue to serve me well :-)
Yup, a new car is coming my way. And it was totally unexpected! As you may remember, I got my driver's license recently. When I went to drop off a copy at out human resources department, my colleague informed me that I still had to pick a car.
Wait. Pick a car? But I already have a car... Well, as it turns out, that was not my permanent car. I got to pick a definitive one. Sjeesj, do they spoil me or what? So I had a hard choice to make. I like the battlecruiser a lot. It's a Ford C-max grand, and has a ton of trunk-space. But once you hit 70 kph, it starts to get sluggish. It has a 1.6 diesel engine with 95 hp, but I feel like it's just not enough for a car this size. My battlecruiser can fit up to 7 people, or a ton of luggage. The way it handles in sharper turns isn't that great either. I'm also not convinced of the way the pedals are arranged, for some reason the gas pedal is a lot further away than the breaks... Again, it's a great car but it's also not very eco-friendly. It uses 6.4 l per 100 km, and has a Co2 exhaust of 120 g / km.
So keeping in mind my two most important rules for picking a car (being comfort and trunk space) I got to it. I took a look at the list, immediately eliminated several cars for being to small. And in the end I chose the Volvo V40. Fuel consumption is rated at 3.4 l per 100 km, and the Co2 exhaust is 88 g / km. It has a ton of safety options, which all come standard as Volvo is very engaged towards safety. Like it says on their website 'By 2020, nobody shall be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo.' And if you see the array of safety features and safety options that are available for the V40 I think they might even manage that. The trunk space is about 100 l less than the battlecruiser, but the Volvo should be a lot more comfortable. So the choice was made.
And then they told me I had to pick a color. Oh dear me. It took me a long time to decide on the car, and I didn't think about that! My first impulse was 'black', as my clothes always are. But then I got to thinking. Black does get warm in the summer, it shows dirt really well and is hard to see when it's dark. Most of the other colors in the range didn't really appeal to me. Several shades of grey and silver weren't for me, I don't really like those. The copper one was a big no, definitely not my thing. That left me with blue and red. I didn't like the shades of blue, and red is a very noticeable color, so red it was!
Now I have to wait a week until I get my new car. But I don't doubt that my battlecruiser will continue to serve me well :-)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Oops, I did it again!
What made me happy today? Oops, I did it again.
About half a year ago I made this post about passing my theoretical driver's exam on the first try. Two months later, I finished the necessary lessons and got to drive around on my own.
So 4 months and almost 5000 km later, the time had come to take the practical exam. Man oh man, I was nervous...
Good thing the exam was scheduled in the morning, it's not too hot at that time. Off to the driving school, to pick up the supervisor. We went and practiced the turning and parking maneuvers. Turning wasn't a problem. But I just couldn't get the darn car parked. That did not help with my nerves.
Then we headed to the exam center. Handed over the papers, paid for the exam, and took a seat while trying to get my nerves under control (and failing at that). After a few minutes the examiner came over to me. Time to get started. I'll spare you the details, but I was sweating all through the exam. I got to the exam center and thought I had failed miserably.
Even more so when he said that he wanted to go over the exam with me. He started summing up what I did wrong, and after the second one I was convinced I'd failed and have to come back. But I had only two mistakes and then he told me I passed! On the first try! I stammered 'Really?' and he nodded. My face must have been priceless. Right hand clasped over my mouth, left hand against left cheek, red face and tears in my eyes because I was so relieved. I could have hugged him. It felt as if a ton of bricks just fell off my shoulders.
According to the supervisor from the driving school it really showed that I drove so much. And that really helped. I was worried I failed because I couldn't get the car turned in three moves, but I drive a large car (Ford C-max grand) and had to execute the turn in a small street. They take the size of the car into account.
I am so happy! I passed on the first try! So bye bye learner's permit and hello real driver's license! Yay!
About half a year ago I made this post about passing my theoretical driver's exam on the first try. Two months later, I finished the necessary lessons and got to drive around on my own.
So 4 months and almost 5000 km later, the time had come to take the practical exam. Man oh man, I was nervous...
Good thing the exam was scheduled in the morning, it's not too hot at that time. Off to the driving school, to pick up the supervisor. We went and practiced the turning and parking maneuvers. Turning wasn't a problem. But I just couldn't get the darn car parked. That did not help with my nerves.
Then we headed to the exam center. Handed over the papers, paid for the exam, and took a seat while trying to get my nerves under control (and failing at that). After a few minutes the examiner came over to me. Time to get started. I'll spare you the details, but I was sweating all through the exam. I got to the exam center and thought I had failed miserably.
Even more so when he said that he wanted to go over the exam with me. He started summing up what I did wrong, and after the second one I was convinced I'd failed and have to come back. But I had only two mistakes and then he told me I passed! On the first try! I stammered 'Really?' and he nodded. My face must have been priceless. Right hand clasped over my mouth, left hand against left cheek, red face and tears in my eyes because I was so relieved. I could have hugged him. It felt as if a ton of bricks just fell off my shoulders.
According to the supervisor from the driving school it really showed that I drove so much. And that really helped. I was worried I failed because I couldn't get the car turned in three moves, but I drive a large car (Ford C-max grand) and had to execute the turn in a small street. They take the size of the car into account.
I am so happy! I passed on the first try! So bye bye learner's permit and hello real driver's license! Yay!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Nervous much?
What made me happy today? Noticing that there are people out there who have the same nervous habits!
Little back-story here: I'm a nervous person. I used to be very nervous for everything, but luckily that has diminished by aging ;-) A lot of things got me nervous, and as an outlet for my nerves I bit my nails. Bit, yes, because I managed to quit. With the help of a lot of chewing gum, liquorice and willpower.
And then came the time I had to start taking driving lessons. I hadn't been that nervous in a while. But instead of biting my nails again, I got a better solution: chewing gum. Helped with the nerves, and kept my nails intact :-)
When driving home today, a car from a driving school passed me in the other direction as I was waiting at a red light. And what did I see? The student driver furiously chewing gum. Made me smile, because it's kind of nice to know you're not alone!
Little back-story here: I'm a nervous person. I used to be very nervous for everything, but luckily that has diminished by aging ;-) A lot of things got me nervous, and as an outlet for my nerves I bit my nails. Bit, yes, because I managed to quit. With the help of a lot of chewing gum, liquorice and willpower.
And then came the time I had to start taking driving lessons. I hadn't been that nervous in a while. But instead of biting my nails again, I got a better solution: chewing gum. Helped with the nerves, and kept my nails intact :-)
When driving home today, a car from a driving school passed me in the other direction as I was waiting at a red light. And what did I see? The student driver furiously chewing gum. Made me smile, because it's kind of nice to know you're not alone!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Time saved
What made me happy today? Saving time!
For a little longer than the past 5.5 years I took the bus to work. Environment friendly, yes. But time efficient? Not so much.
Today I drove the car to work for the first time. I reduced my morning commute by half and my evening commute by a third. Which means I'll have ti rush less and have more time for hobbies! Yay :-)
For a little longer than the past 5.5 years I took the bus to work. Environment friendly, yes. But time efficient? Not so much.
Today I drove the car to work for the first time. I reduced my morning commute by half and my evening commute by a third. Which means I'll have ti rush less and have more time for hobbies! Yay :-)
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The car
What made me happy today? Driving the car by myself for the first time!
My car came today, and of course I had to take it for a drive. It took some getting used to, but after a while I got the feel for the car and it went great.
I got lucky as well, the roads opened up around nooon. Yes, we had snow again. So I was a bit worried about going for a drive, but it turned out okay.
Kind of exited, as I might drive to work tomorrow instead of taking the bus :-)
Now to figure out how the GPS works...
My car came today, and of course I had to take it for a drive. It took some getting used to, but after a while I got the feel for the car and it went great.
I got lucky as well, the roads opened up around nooon. Yes, we had snow again. So I was a bit worried about going for a drive, but it turned out okay.
Kind of exited, as I might drive to work tomorrow instead of taking the bus :-)
Now to figure out how the GPS works...
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Ready for take-off!
What made me happy today? It was my last driving lesson!
And because I did a pretty good job I get to pick up my certificate and 'L' from the driving school tomorrow!
So I'm ready to take off on my own, albeit carefully :-)
And because I did a pretty good job I get to pick up my certificate and 'L' from the driving school tomorrow!
So I'm ready to take off on my own, albeit carefully :-)
Friday, March 1, 2013
Lucky escape!
What made me happy today? My lucky escape!
I had another driving lesson today, the sixth one. Everything went fine :-)
At least, until I almost got hit by somebody driving the wrong bleeping way! Good thing I had just started driving after having to stop for a red light, and that I had to take a 90° left turn. I wasn't driving fast and managed to stop pretty quickly. The lady in the other car looked at me like 'why are you driving here'...
Granted, the situation at that specific crossroad is pretty complicated at the moment, as they are working on the road there. But she just kept on driving the wrong way! She seemed totally non-plussed by the fact that all the other cars were driving the other way.
I got very lucky! Good thing I never drive faster than my guardian angel can fly ;-)
I had another driving lesson today, the sixth one. Everything went fine :-)
At least, until I almost got hit by somebody driving the wrong bleeping way! Good thing I had just started driving after having to stop for a red light, and that I had to take a 90° left turn. I wasn't driving fast and managed to stop pretty quickly. The lady in the other car looked at me like 'why are you driving here'...
Granted, the situation at that specific crossroad is pretty complicated at the moment, as they are working on the road there. But she just kept on driving the wrong way! She seemed totally non-plussed by the fact that all the other cars were driving the other way.
I got very lucky! Good thing I never drive faster than my guardian angel can fly ;-)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Vroom vroom
What made me happy today? I had my first practical driving lesson!
Today, I went to the driving school to make an appointment for my first lesson. Much to my surprise they had a spot open in the early afternoon. Well, why wait? So I decided to go ahead and take it. I was there anyway. Oh boy, was I nervous...
But it went well! I had a great instructor who explained everything wery well. He gave me good tips and clearly told me what to do when. Best part was how he relieved my anxiety. I admitted that I was very nervous about learning to drive. His response? He said 'well, I can control the car from my side, so if anything goes wrong I can intervene. If it still goes wrong, you get to beat me up, because that means I didn't see it either'. Made me laugh so hard.
As it turns out, they usually do two or three lessons on the practice terrain (in this case the industrial park in Haasrode) before they take you out on the road. But at the end of the lesson he instructed me to make a left at the next crossing, and then go right. Which meant going out on the road. That's right. He thought I did a good job, so he put me on the road and made me drive home. My palms were very sweaty, but I made it without an accident! Yay!
Learning to drive might be going better than expected. Who knew? Well, I can't wait for my next lesson!
Today, I went to the driving school to make an appointment for my first lesson. Much to my surprise they had a spot open in the early afternoon. Well, why wait? So I decided to go ahead and take it. I was there anyway. Oh boy, was I nervous...
But it went well! I had a great instructor who explained everything wery well. He gave me good tips and clearly told me what to do when. Best part was how he relieved my anxiety. I admitted that I was very nervous about learning to drive. His response? He said 'well, I can control the car from my side, so if anything goes wrong I can intervene. If it still goes wrong, you get to beat me up, because that means I didn't see it either'. Made me laugh so hard.
As it turns out, they usually do two or three lessons on the practice terrain (in this case the industrial park in Haasrode) before they take you out on the road. But at the end of the lesson he instructed me to make a left at the next crossing, and then go right. Which meant going out on the road. That's right. He thought I did a good job, so he put me on the road and made me drive home. My palms were very sweaty, but I made it without an accident! Yay!
Learning to drive might be going better than expected. Who knew? Well, I can't wait for my next lesson!
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