Hammy

So here it is. The Versa Post.

I really do love my new car. It's an '08 Nissan Versa. Purchased with 14,000 miles, it's considered "just broken in." Times are hard. This summer I don't expect to make a lot of money. Here's the rough break down of my jobs and how they sustain me. 

• Guitar teacher: No current student. (If I have a student this covers gas and entertainment.)
• Server: I've been cut to two days from my original four. Among other reasons, someone left to have a baby, we hired someone else, mommy came back, so we squeezed her in. Summer months are extremely slow as people don't want a big hot bowl of pasta when its 95 degrees at nighttime. Plus with the way the economy is right now, people seem put out to even tip 15%*. (This covered my '05 Nissan Frontier pickup truck, and apartment utilities.)
• KidsCare: Midweek child care for Bible studies, classes, and choir rehearsals. They still don't know if there will be a need for child care during the summer months. (This covered my rent.)
• Barista: Still working consistent hours early week. This is my long hour job. What it lacks in tips, I'm able to make up for in salary. Thank God I have friends who work their who are willing to give me extra shifts. (covers cell phone, cards, etc.)

• Summer B.L.A.S.T. (Bible Learning And Special Trips) This gained me at least $3000 the past two summers which made life so much easier. I ethically disagree with the program and how it uses it's staff members so I've opted out of the program. Goodbye good life.

*I just wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of tipping. You have to factor in the cost of living, with at least a hint of compassion, pity, or common sense. Lets say you are at a restaurant. You look around, and it's not busy at all. Your server gives you great service! All of your food comes out perfectly, your glass is never below half full; He was charming and didn't hover over you.

If your bill comes out to $40.00 a 15% tip is only $6.00. Imagine if you were the server. Its not very busy, you might only have 4 tables with a bill like this. That's $24.00; but lets not forget you have to tip out bus boys, and bartenders. That leaves you just around $18.00 for the whole night!

Now look at your bill. You had a great night out, why wouldn't you reward the good work? 20% is now the appropriate amount to tip. Your server will not only be grateful, but they'll know they've done a good job. They can clock out pleased to have almost $25.00 in their pocket. They will not be disappointed that they got the bare minimum. It turns a slow night into a productive night.

Now lets say you are one of those people who tip 14% or below... how do you sleep at night?

So now that I'm not going to be making much money this summer, I knew it was time to buy a new car! This car however, will financially benefit me as maintaining it will be greatly cheaper than Hank Sr. the truck.

Purchased at Honda Santa Ana

Body:

Interior:

Plenty of head, and leg room:

Arm rest opens for storage:

Pulls up for more:

Deep glove box:

It's keyless!

Six Disc changer, with Auxiliary input: (This has got to go. Must get better head unit with USB iPod hook up. Possibly need new speakers if I'm gonna want it any louder; which I do.)

Cruise control:

Steering wheel radio control with bluetooth. (The Bluetooth works great by the way!)

This little antenna is awesome! 

Simple dash display.

Soft door interior with lots of storage. (Front and back.)

Hamster Home:

This is the reason I named this thing Hamster. It's also the reason I miss Hank Sr.

Hammy lives, and drives my car from inside here:

He keeps his food here:

His waste is processed here and returned into fresh food:

All in all, I'm very happy with my new car! Its already saving me a bundle and it will help me raise my credit. I just can't drive as aggressively as I'm used to.

Oh! and one more thing. I gave my back dealer plate a mustache!

-Randy