a-fi-cionado

My first KLOS event!

aficionadoscooterdiary — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:09:47 +0000

So, I totally survived! The hours just flew by and I by 2:30ish all of the kittens in my display were adopted (yes, I got to work with the kittens after all) and I got to work with the older cats. I think I got Bernie adopted. This couple were looking for a cat that is good with dogs and Bernie is the perfect cat with the perfect temperament. The couple fell in love with Bernie. Unfortunately the husband is extremely allergic to Bernie, but it sounds like they really want him. They’re discussing it and will come back tomorrow, so we’ll see. Bernie was cool as a cucumber the whole time. If he gets adopted I’ll miss him because he is the best cat to clicker train. But yeah, when it was time to go back to the cattery, Bernie jumped right into the cat carrier. So, cute, so awesome, and it really impressed the potential adopters.

So, on my lunch break I went by the KLOS booth to see if Mark and Brian were there. I didn’t see them. So, I get lunch, and made a conscious effort of what I ate, and finish rather quickly, on the way out I see this tall man pass me to my right. As he is right next to me I realize it’s Brian. I do a double take, and just when I start to get excited he’s gone. I went to the booth to look for Mark, but I couldn’t find him. By the time I wrapped up the tent was being dismantled and Mark and Brian were long gone. Oh, well… next year!

I’m so impressed by the people there. All the volunteers are awesome. I love meeting all the new people from all walks of life and talking about random happenings and the animals and anything really. I love that place.

Fall 2009 schedule revised

aficionadoscooterdiary — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:07:17 +0000

So my schedule for the fall changed a bit.

Monday & Wednesday
8:00 AM- 8:50 AM Aerobics
9:30 AM- 10:45 AM Psych 6: Physiological Foundations of Psychology
11:00AM- 12:15 PM Philosophy 11: Critical Thinking
12:30PM- 1:45 PM History 2C: The Modern World

5:30 PM- 8:30 PM Psych 220 Research Methods of Psychology (at Cerritos College)

Tuesday & Thursday

8:00 AM- 8:50 AM Cardio Fitness
10:30AM- 11:45AM History 2B: World Civilizations
12:30PM- 1:45 PM Polisci11: Intro to Political Theory

Online Health 4: Women’s Health Issues

I also am going to audition for the dance concert in the fall on August 26th. If I make it I’ll try to squeeze that in there. So yeah, that’s 23 units, but I think I’m up for the challenge.

It’s time for an update….

aficionadoscooterdiary — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:06:04 +0000

So, I guess I haven’t been the best blogger. I guess an update is in order. When it comes to the scooter, I will get it whenever there is space in the garage, which seems like never to me, but I’m hopeful. Fall semester starts August 17, and I’ll be taking a class at Cerritos college on Monday and Wednesday nights so I will need to get my motorcycle license before then. I’m super excited though. My scooter will be so effin’ sweet. That’s right, effin’ sweet.

Anyway, life is so hectic right now. Hectic, yet oddly amazing. Funny how that works. I’m taking Aerobics, Physical Geography, and Anatomy in summer session right now, meaning I’m at school from 7am-5:30pm with a one hour-ish break for lunch Monday thru Thursday which kind of makes me dislike my ambition quite a whole lot. Anyway, I’m hanging in there. I’m half way through so just three more weeks and I will be totally done in addition to feeling really really super duper proud of myself.

Aerobics is awesome. I love it and push myself as hard as I can in that hour and a half. I am still extremely sore from going up and down the stairs at vet’s stadium. Man, those stairs are insanely HUGE for some reason. I’m feeling way healthier thanks to the regular exercise and the healthier diet that I have adopted thanks to my not-so-good blood results. Apparently I have high cholesterol (thanks mom and pop) and I’m at risk for heart disease. Honestly, it could have been way worse, but I’ve never heard that. It was so hard to hear. I teared up a bit. Plus, I’m totally paranoid about my heart. I feel like I lucked out with the hole that was accidentally found in my heart by Doctor Lumus, which I recently found out could’ve been the death of me if he found it any later, and that I’ve been way too lucky to have had no complications with my heart since. There is this paranoia in me that is anticipating some kind of heart failure or disease or something. I don’t know, but the point is, these results were not by any means comforting. So, I hope that taking care of myself a bit with diet and exercise, which I wasn’t doing during the move, will help with some of my health issues.

Physical Geography is pretty awesome. I really really like my teacher. He’s super eccentric and I am obviously learning stuff which is apparent through my random “quiz questions” that I throw my mom’s way. For some reason, she always thinks I’m making up the information I give her. Like she totally doesn’t believe that I could know that stuff for some reason. Its pretty amusing actually. Anyway, physical geography is a breeze compared to anatomy. I originally thought that my anatomy teacher is an asshole, but I’m learning that yes, he is a guy so that can be a given at times, but mainly he’s just misunderstood. I mean, hes human, but something about him having an actual conversation with me and a couple of other students after class on Thursday made me change my mind about him. The class is super intense and now I can spill out random words like OBTURATOR (which my friend Chris in that class says like Arnold Schwarzenegger would say TERMINATOR) FORAMEN and Olecrannon and Alantoaxial joint or whatever. I don’t know the words are all pretty haunting really. They randomly just pop into my head and voices whisper them constantly throughout the day. Am I schizophrenic? Anyway, yeah. It’s a lot of information, but I’m definitely learning a lot. I’m the only one in there who isn’t a nursing student, but I like it. That class has definitely shown me that med school is for me. I’m just so fascinated by everything.

Oh, and I’ve met a girl! She’s pretty awesome. I honestly wasn’t expecting to find a love interest. I met up with her expecting to find a friend in the gay community, but we hit it off. She’s totally sweet. We’ve never run out of things to talk about. It’s all very natural. She’s local. I find her attractive. She’s not the “I just want sex” kind of horny people that tend to be rather abundant. Anyway, I originally felt like I needed to be a lone wolf for a while and enjoy the single life. But, the more I think about it, the more I change my mind. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still not embracing it with open arms, but we stumbled upon each other and why push away a good thing? I’m going to see where it goes. She definitely makes me smile.

So, today I saw Margot, who I haven’t seen in a year. She is one of the people I met at Wilson and we just instantly hit it off. She was a little overachiever then, and she still is now, but I mean she has mellowed out a bit which is kind of cool to see. It was nice to catch up with her. Neither of us can believe that its been a year since we’ve graduated. Totally crazy!

The more I talk to Diane the more I remember how awesome she is. Like honestly, she is one of my favorite people. I hope I’ll get the opportunity to spend more time with her. The other day we had this really awesome conversation about religion and gay rights and politics and the environment and the world and the big bang and the universe and just some really nerdy awesome things. I love that shit.

Anyway, tomorrow is the KLOS event, which I’ve been anticipating since I’ve started volunteering at the shelter. I really hope that I’ll get to meet Mark and Brian and get a picture with them. I’ll feel like a total failure if I don’t. I totally see myself sinking into this shy little girl person that is still very much in me and being too scared to ask them for a picture. My goal tomorrow will be to overcome that. Volunteering there has been the best thing that I’ve done all year. Total new year’s resolution worth. I said I’d stop making excuses and that’s what I did! I’ve always wanted to volunteer there and now I’m doing it! I’m now HEAL trained meaning I can work with the dogs, which will be awesome. I felt so badass the other day when I walked a 90 lb German Shepard. I’ve never walked a big dog like that. I like having power like that. I also like making animals happy and people especially. So, tomorrow I’m working with the cats. The old cats that is. I wasn’t HEAL trained when I signed up for my duties and I didn’t know that kittens would be a separate job or that I could work at a booth, so I’m with the older cats. It should be fun though and super chill. I expect a bunch of people going in and out of the catteries just to pet the cats and leaving. But who knows? Maybe a lot of the older cats will get adopted. I hope so. If I’m in the cattery with all the big fat girl cats that we have, my goal will be to get at least one of those cats adopted. For some reason no one wants any of our fat black girl cats. C’mon people! That’s racist, sizist, and sexist!

Okay, well I really should get to bed. I need to get up early to claim the bathroom (oh yeah, 1 bathroom for 4 people) so that I can take a shower and get ready for the craziness of tomorrow. Good night!

Oh, I forgot something. My mom is totally proud of me. She sees that I like school and that I’m learning a lot and that it’s really helped my ambition and confidence. She’s really proud of my outstanding grades, and that I’ve been going to school EVERYDAY and waking up early EVERYDAY to exercise. I feel thinner, I hope I am! I’m going to take two aerobics classes in the fall to keep it up. If anyone’s interested let me know!

This American Life.. No really this one. MY American Life.

aficionadoscooterdiary — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:02:55 +0000

I am so exhausted, which in the scheme things isn’t the worst thing considering that I’ve made it a habit to fall asleep at 3 or 4 AM and wake up around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. So, I have my iTunes on party shuffle after I deleted more than half of my music. I decided that if I didn’t listen to it then I wasn’t keeping it. So, at least now my overall queue of music reflects myself a lot more than it did before, which is good.

Anyway, This American Life LIVE was GREAT! I went with my new friend Erynne and had a blast. I was kind of disappointed when they said that this “one night only event” would replay on May 7th, but at least those who missed it will be able to see it. I might go see it again, but who knows. If you didn’t get the chance to see it, it is definitely worth the $20. Plus the proceeds benefit public radio, which lack government funding.

Okay, anyway MY life is crazy. I have a philosophy paper due by midnight tomorrow and I haven’t started. I haven’t even read the chapter so I’ll have to do it last minute like I always do in that class. My new purse that I LOVE has disappeared, which is driving me crazy. It is somewhere in this house and the last time I saw it was Tuesday. I might have packed it up in a donation bin somewhere or something, but I doubt it. My camera and my planner are in there, so nothing urgent, just enough stuff to frustrate the hell out of me! AH! If I get through this weekend without losing my mind it will be a miracle. We have to be out of this house on Tuesday, meaning that we will need to pack up the whole house in a matter of three days. I’m looking at all the stuff in this house thinking, “It’s not all going to be in boxes by Monday,” but it has to be. UGH. I remember packing my old house, which was way bigger and had 20 years of stuff in it, in a matter of three days. We didn’t sleep much. I’m anticipating the same story to repeat itself. Fun!

Well wish me luck and we’ll see how it goes.
Ciao!

My Summer Classes!

aficionadoscooterdiary — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:17:30 +0000

Okay, call me a total weirdo, but I really like school, and I’m really excited to take summer session this year. The only bummer might be Physical Geography, which I have to take, because I really don’t want to take more lab classes than I need to take. Well, anyway this is what my summer will look like Monday thru Thursday. There are only a couple weeks where all of these classes fall under the same week, because they’re pretty staggered.

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM Dance Aerobics

9:00AM – 11:15AM Physical Geography

LUNCH BREAK!

1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Human Anatomy (Lecture)

3:15 PM – 5:30 PM Human Anatomy (Lab)

So yeah, 8 units for the summer. I just want to get my shit done with. I really don’t want to treat city college like a 4 year university.

My class schedule for Fall 2009

aficionadoscooterdiary — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:17:14 +0000

So, I spent today, trying to get my school schedule together for the fall, so that when the registration day comes up (in 1 month) I’ll be all ready. I am a total nerd, and made color coded note cards to arrange my classes in the perfect order. Anyway, this is what my last semester at City College looks like.

Monday & Wednesday

9:30 AM- 10:45 AM Psych 6: Physiological Foundations of Psychology

11:00AM- 12:15 PM Philosophy 11: Critical Thinking

12:30PM- 1:45 PM History 2C: The Modern World

Tuesday & Thursday

9:00 AM- 10:15 AM Psych 2: Research Methods for Psychology

10:30AM- 11:45AM History 2B: World Civilizations

12:30PM- 1:45 PM Polisci11: Intro to Political Theory

Online Health 4: Women’s Health Issues

And yes, that’s 21 units. I’m so excited.

15 reasons to get a Buddy Scooter

aficionadoscooterdiary — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:24:42 +0000

1. It’s inexpensive($2,600 for a brand new 125cc and $3,200 for a 150cc). Its made in Taiwan so it is a quality scooter. (NEVER buy Chinese)
2. You’ll be able to pick the EXACT one you want.
3. There are MANY accessories out there that are easily to purchase and add yourself.
4. Buying new relieves the hassle and confusion of dealing with vintage Vespa scooters from the 70′s. No restoration needed!
5. 90+ mpg. This is not a bogus figure. You are saving on gas!
6. People love it. There is always someone looking at you when you are on it. (I know I always stare at them when I see one.)
7. 2 year warranty & 2 year roadside assistance. It comes free when you buy one.
8. Wide variety of colors available.
9. Cheap insurance rates! Its $182/year for me! That’s $15 a month. Not too bad considering that I’m 18 and a new driver.
10. The scooter community is amazing. Always really willing to answer your questions and I hear that the events are so much fun.
11. There is a thrill/excitement/adventure quality to riding one.
12. Parking. It won’t be hard to find parking by the beach anymore! Easier to park at school too! Motorcycle/scooter parking at school is also cheaper and closer to classrooms.
13. Its a GREEN way to travel! Do it for the environment!
14. Its exciting to take love interests on rides with you. Very fun, exciting, and charming.
15. If you get one, I will go on rides with you. We can start a scooter gang!

JUST GET ONE! You’ll love it. Everyone who has one does.

The “Pearl” is winning over my heart

aficionadoscooterdiary — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:20:38 +0000

So, I found out today that Genuine Scooters just released the “pearl “Buddy. It was supposed to be a “special edition,” but Genuine just might change their mind about that. It looks like it fits in nicely with the color variety already available in the125cc scooters. They are already in some Buddy dealerships. I must say, I LOVE the look, and was always disappointed that they Buddy didn’t come in white, but now it does. Here are some pictures of it:

It sure looks nice doesn’t it? Of course, now that I’m considering getting the white one, I’m liking the seafoam more than ever. I think I will get the white one though. White vehicles are the least likely to be in an accident, and it does look really nice. I love the white Vespas and I now love the white buddy. My only apprehension is my ability to find one in the area, and whether or not I will be able to find a buddy topcase for it in white. I haven’t been able to find the topcase online and I really, really want a topcase. I tend to carry around too much crap, so I’ll need it to hold all my stuff. We’ll see what happens, I guess when the time comes I’ll call the two dealerships close to home, the one in Hollywood and the one in Santa Ana, and see if the “pearl” Buddy will be a available and when I would be able to find a topcase for it.

Just thought I’d share. I hope you like the look! Let me know what you think. I am now looking forward to enjoying spring break… WOO HOO!

Ciao!

BUST!

aficionadoscooterdiary — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:01:58 +0000

Ok, so I know that yesterday I said that I might be getting a Vespa instead of a Buddy. Well, today, I went to check it out with my Dad and it was a total bust. Said Vespa was actually not a Vespa. It’s funny because even when we were there the guy insisted that it was. He called it a Vespa Tank. It really was just a Tank. He said that he got it for $2500 from a dealership that was going out of business. He was selling it for $2000. I told my dad upon leaving that I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Chinese made, and GUESS WHAT? It was made in China! Oh, and we found it online for $1500 NEW. That guy was trying to rip us off!

In case you don’t know, (It is something I learned only AFTER researching scooter buying and scooter ownership) Chinese scooters are really cheaply made and the quality flat out sucks. They don’t last and they are the biggest rip off ever. As someone on ModernVespa said, “If you buy Chinese, you get a scotter. If you buy Italian, Taiwanese, or Japanese, you get a scooter.” It’s frustrating, but hey, at least I know that I didn’t miss out on any big deal, and now, more than ever, I am more sold on the Buddy.

If you haven’t noticed I am head-over-heels IN LOVE with the Buddy. I love the colors, I love the look, I love the accessories, I love the price! I love how easy it is (supposedly) to ride. I still haven’t test driven one, but everyone loves the comfort able seat and how easy it is to drive. It is said to be the perfect ride for a first time scooter owner/rider like yours truly.

People keep saying how “me” a scooter is. If you can only see the big smile on my face every time I hear this. I’m glad that it fits with my character and style and that it will put a smile on other peoples’ faces in addition to my own.

I wonder who will want to take a ride on it with me first!
Ciao!

My buddy might turn into a …..

aficionadoscooterdiary — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:34:04 +0000

VESPA! Yes it’s a big maybe right now. I found a new Vespa on craigslist that’s super cute, and after a lot of digging to ensure that it is NOT a scam (I’m questioning the guy like crazy, my parents will be with me, and my dad will test drive it, IF we get that far) I might just get this scooter.

It’s quite cute; I can totally see myself on it. The top cases are three times as much though. It’s pretty ridiculous. I really like the white, I wish the Buddy came In that color. It used to come in a crème, but not anymore.

I’m still pretty much in love with the buddy. The buddy gets 90+ mpg, while the Vespa only gets 55mpg. That’s quite a difference. I’m still pretty set on the Buddy. I’m coming up with ideas to eventually paint it and personalize it. It will be the cutest scoot in town. Anyway, this Vespa is a possibility. They tend to hold their value pretty well, especially if you take good care of them. Surprisingly enough, a lot of people buy them and don’t ever ride them! They end up trying to sell them super cheap just to get them out of their garages ASAP, or so they don’t have to tow it with them when they move. They are very cute, I will admit.

It’s really weird, today I got all excited when I saw this guy riding a Yamaha Vino (50cc I’m guessing, because he wasn’t going too fast) on the way to school. They are definitely a one person scoot. There isn’t enough room for a passenger. I don’t like that. I’ve seen the Vino compared to the Buddy in a review before and everyone preferred the Buddy. Supposedly the Buddy is extremely comfortable and easy to ride. Well, I will be getting my scooter whatever it is soon, hopefully, so we’ll just see what I get.

Ciao!