Dinero Para Nada

Yesterday I was offered the oppertunity to attend a "Focus Group". 'What's that?' I asked. Not really sure, was the answer, but basically a round table discussion on some issue or other. I didn't really want to, being the shy person that I am, but then I found out I would be remunerated $75 for my time. Anticipating 2 hours of discussion, that's a better hourly wage than I've made for a long time. So I agreed to go.

Not knowing quite what to expect, I showed up at the hotel just before 5:30. I was glad I had someone along whom I knew. That made it easier. Then I ended up sitting right in front of the tape recorder, which actually made sense, because I generally talk quietly. I was given the responsibility to flip the tape when it finished one side.

Our discussion started with a question about the major issues facing Albertans today. Then we zeroed in on Health Care. Specifically, they were giving us hypothetical sitautions that are currently not possible under today's legislation, and then asking how we felt about changing that legislation. In some ways (as my roomate pointed out) it felt a little bit like a biased poll. It could have been, but I think we did have some good discussion, and it was nice to hear a little about what our government might be planning as far as changes to the Health Care system here in Alberta.

All in all, it was an enjoyable evening, and I got $75 out of the deal. Now... what to do with my new found wealth :)

Peace River Bible Institute

Well, last week we launched our new college website. Its been an interesting process as I've headed up the development team. The location is still the same... www.prbi.edu but the look is all our own. Now I'm looking into some site promotion techniques, and got a free e-book from seobook.com (he donates it to charitable organizations). Thanks Aaron.

Go on over and have a look if you haven't already, and let me know what you think.

Ahhhh.... the Joys of owning a vehicle...

Well, today I found out I didn't have to pay $700 after all. Let me back up a bit.

Through the month of January, I've noticed that my car has been, well, wandering occasionally. Its been very inconsistent, and I ignored it for a while. I was starting to wonder whether it was all in my head, but then Jen took the car in for the afternoon, and confirmed that it was quite bad. Finally last Friday I got a friend to take the car in to TireCraft to get the front end checked out. They called me back and told me that my ball joints were gone, both uppers and lowers on both sides. With labour and parts and alignment, they quoted me $700 for the repair. This kind of floored me, but they did say that it wasn't serious yet. "Nothings falling out at this stage" was what they told me.

Chris (they guy who sold me the car) heard about this, and told me that he had replaced the lower ball joints less than a year ago, and that they should be fine. This started me wondering, so today I took the car in to Rainbow Automotive (I know, why the odd name?) to get them to check out the ball joints. I was able to watch while the mechanic took the tie rods out, and showed me how the wheel turned freely, with little resistance. He admitted that driver's side tire offered a little more resistance, but not much, and nothing to be concerned about. Then he found out that the lower joint on that side wouldn't take any grease. Still not a problem, but it will wear out.

It cost $30 for the Tirecraft inspection, and $50 for the one at Rainbow. So after $80 bucks, I know that I don't really have a problem... at least with the ball joints. The wandering problem has seemed to lessen, so we are wondering if it is cold related... anywhoo, Chris is gonna get the receipt for the defective ball joint, and I may get to experience the fun of changing it before too long.