The Perfect Truck

Okay maybe not perfect, but almost perfect for me. If you read my last post, I mentioned how I needed a truck to fulfill multiple roles. I found a vehicle that will:

• Haul practically everything I need for work
• Haul a camper (when we get one)
• Seat at least 4
• Provide a fair size box
• Get decent mileage
• Have a manual transmission (I find autos boring)
• Not new (Brand new is just too expensive)
• Power steering/brakes
• Air conditioning (I'm spoiled)
  

So here's what I came up with...

This little baby is a crew cab designed to seat six, but I think 4 North Americans is more comfortable. It 's a 2.5L diesel with a pile of available torque. It has a box that is slightly larger than most trucks with a quad-cab, and has a payload capacity of 1,500 KG. (This photo makes the box look much smaller than it is.) I also lucked out and got a great heater and AC. One more thing, the tailgate and sides each drop down for super easy cargo access. I am thrilled. Hell, it even has duallies.

Sure it needs a little TLC, but I can manage a few updates and repairs myself. The vehicle has been checked out thoroughly and runs like a top.
Are there any drawbacks to this truck?
Of course I will struggle to find info on this, due to it being imported from Japan. You simply can't go to a Mazda dealer and get things you need, like parts and service (as far as I know). There is service available at the place of purchase and perhaps in a few more locations. As well, Internet research (fancy name for Google) comes up with very little in helping me determine what some of the Japanese symbols mean. I think I like the challenge.

I am tempted to create a webpage and fill it full of anything I can find, in the hopes that it might help other Titan owners.

A bit of an update (Can't think of a good title...)

A quick update to what's going on.

Not much. (That's must read like, "Stop reading here. Not worth it.") Seriously not a whole lot going on. The weather isn't exactly perfect for shooting at the range. When it's minus 29 with the windchill, I don't really want to crawl behind a rifle on a frozen bench. I guess I can prep some cases until things warm up, whenever the hell that is. I did go to the monthly Muzzle Loading Club meeting. That at least made me feel somewhat involved in firearms for at least a couple of hours. I am now a full member (probation is over, yah!) and can't wait to get out there this spring and develope my skills with my new Traditions front loader. Tammy is now strangely interseted in going to. I think she appreciates teh simple beauty of the range facilities, with it's clubhouse, camping/RV area, and other amenities.

Work is going well. I have a lot to learn. I am picking things up as I go along that help a great deal (no, I'm not stealing tools), I am beginning to see that carpentry is huge area, and finishing/cabinetry area I mostly work in is really involved. Spend some time working on a new door without any routing or prep done in advance and you'll see what I mean.

One issue I have with the job is the tools. I'm not crazy enough (or rich enough) to run out and get all the needed tools, which would costs multiple thousands, but I already possess enough tools to make carrying them from job to job or just getting them in and out of my tiny Kia Spectra a pain in the ass. I need better tool boxes, a large job box on wheels, or a bigger vehicle. Hell, I'll take all of the above. Placing tools in multiple, easily carried boxes, and placing those in a large truck toolbox and rolling that large box in and out of a truck would be perfect. I need a truck.

On that note, I have researched trucks and finally decided on a used vehicle. I need to have a decent box size (it has to fit a table saw, job box, tools, etc.), possess a large cab, provide decent efficiency. Getting anything large enough to seat 4, and have at least a six foot box turned out to be very expensive, and this also means that this sort of truck would have a huge, gas sucking engine. So I looked around and actually found a good, large truck that seats 6 (4 very comfortably), has enough box area, and has an efficient engine. What is this magical truck? Sorry, but you'll have to wait for the next update, as I plan on taking photos and describing it in more detail. I'm proud of what I foulnd. Here's a hint. it's foreign.

Work has been rewarding in that it isn't always the same place day after day, after day. I don't return to the University campus for some time, and have already been involved in the completion of a new bank in Prince Albert (just a few days of driving, we don't work out of town much), and installed beautiful cabinets at the Credit Union Center too. I like the variety.

Valentines was okay. I typically hate Valentines day, as I think that I don't need a prescribed day to tell me to treat Tammy special and buy her shit. But... Tammy treated me to a gift so I picked up a little something for her. Tammy got me the Planet Earth set on Blue Ray. Wow, what a jaw dropper. It is simply amazing to watch. It is an awesome production showing the beauty and complexity of Earth, and does it with breath-taking cinematography. I could watch this over and over.

That's all for now.

Winter, and all this fresh powder.

I got lucky and found a few cans of Varget powder at the local gunshop recently. They usually get cleaned out pretty fast so I grabbed four 1 pound cans. It was either that or get some via mail-order, and that is expensive due to hazmat fees and the cost of shipping.

So now I realize that I actually have powder for a change. I am normally too broke to afford anything other than a couple of pounds a year. So here I sit with enough IMR 7828, H 4895 and Varget to get some serious reloading happening. There is a catch...

It's freezing out there. The windchill in the last few days actually freezes exposed flesh in as little as 5 minutes. It also snowed a fair bit and I don't feel like snowshowing my way to the 100 yard targets. I have braved the cold in the past to get in some range time, but this cold snap is too much for me.

Living in Saskatchewan, you'd think I be used to the fact that some activities are just not going to happen from January through February. I wish I was rich enough to have a winter home, maybe somewhere down in Texas or new Mexico (whoever has he friendliest gun laws).

Later.

Okay, so it's not an iPhone...

I grabbed a new phone.

Does the world need another cell phone review?
NO !!

This is just for people who may be a little like me.There are those out there that haven't got great eyesight, and love a bigger, more readable cellular phone screen (Hell the LG Voyager has 2 big screens). Maybe you are like me and hate typing messages or notes on the dinky little numeric keypads most phones offer. Well then, you will probably enjoy the nicely sized QWERTY keyboard on the Voyager too.

Here is an obligitory picture...

I finished Fallout 3

I played the hell out of Fallout 3. It was such a great game, I just couldn't stop playing almost daily. Bethesda designed it so well, that if I didn't want to follow the main quest, I could just wander around the massive world of Washington DC and explore. I did just that. I played every side quest I could, and explored 95% of the massive map.

I won't spoil it for anyone by describing the ending, but will only say that it was awesome. I highly recommend this game as a completely fun RPG. I'm pretty sure this game may be the most enjoyable game I have ever played. I have to admit that I'm sad that it's over

Big update. Big changes!

It has been ages since I have made time to sit down and update little corner of the net. (Seriously though, who is really that busy?)

A lot has happened since my last entry. First and foremost I changed careers. I was getting pretty sick of my old job. I was only there a couple of years, but had taken part in setting up numerous web servers, FTP servers, Samba servers, Terminal Services servers (in the States, all remote control), a mail server, Virtual Server systems, and fielded dozens of hardware, software and network requests from coworkers. Lots to do. The only problem was the fact that I was hired as phone support, and never was under contract for any of the above mentioned. Then my Brainiac of a boss decided to tell me that I basically wasn't working hard enough, and that I was not putting in that extra effort like some of the others. He even compared me to a coworker that did nothing but support, but only hung around after work (not answering phones at all) for 20 to 30 minutes. Ridiculous! That was enough for me.

I guess his ignorant response was a good thing. I had been thinking for quite some time that I needed to do something different with my life anyways. I have mentioned in earlier posts that I was getting way out of shape, and frankly was getting grumpy. So I did a 360. I am now in construction, and I love it. I enjoy being my own boss (again).

I relaxed for a week or so after I said goodbye to the old place and only a few days later got myself involved in a great contract for multiple construction projects. It is mainly finishing work, but often involves other aspects of construction such as framing, sub floors, door and window installs, etc. I am involved in residential, commercial and university. I love the variety.

Even though I have to adapt to physical work and training myself to think along different logical patterns, I have to admit I love the work. I should have switched careers a long time.
I did sprain my left knee about a week into work. I get on trucking. I was tough, as it hurt like hell. I missed many Muay Tai classes due to the injury. When I finally returned to class, I hurt my knee again, due to my over-doing it. When will I learn.

I am still running Computer Help Canada, and now need to register another company for the general contracting I engage in. I need to think of a great company name. Any ideas?

Man, do I need exercise !!

I went to my first Muay Thai kickboxing class the other day. I knew going in that it has been years since I did any real exercise, and that it would feel like hell. Even with that expectation(not too positive, eh?) I couldn't believe how much I was sucking wind. I was sweating so much, it was burning my eyes. Iwasn't sure I could actually complete the hour, but I did. I think it may be over 10 years since i did any really workout.

After the class I hopped in the car for the long ride home and realized that I really enjoyed myself. What's not to like? I actually enjoyed sweating and getting my heart working again. I also think that learning how to punch and kick is great. Stretching was awkward, but that will improve in time. Of course, the folks at Scheer's are great too. At the end of class so e of the other students encouraged me by telling me I did a great job. I chatted with a few others and found that they are all really nice.

I am really looking forward to my next class. I will take at least one class per week at first, then after a few weeks I will begin taking two or three classes a week. This strategy and my new eating habits (Thanks Weight Watchers) will have me in great shape in no time at all.

NOTE: In my last entry I explained that I joined Weight Watchers. Well, in just 6 weeks, I am about one pound away from loosing my first twenty pounds. Not too bad ?!

Adios to my Traditions Tracker 209

I sold my Traditions Tracker 209 muzzleloader. I simply didn't like it. There was nothing really wrong with it. It worked well enough, but I just didn't feel right holding it (or some damn thing). No offense to anyone that already owns one, or is considering one, but that muzzleloader and I didn't jive.

So I will see if I can scrape up enough bread for a new one. Nothing too fancy. Maybe I'll grab the T/C Z-5 or the CVA Optima. Both are considered "magnum" muzzleloaders in that they each can handle three 50 grain pellets. Would I ever use three pellets? Doubtful, but using 120 grains of loose powder might be okay for some big beasts.


I am leaning towards the Optima right now, as it's more within my budget and I like the fact I can easily break it down with the removal of one screw, and have the barrel ready for a super cleaning if needed.

My dream muzzleloader would be the Lyman Great Plains rifle in either 50 or 54 caliber (left-handed of course). Those are around $520 up here where I am, so that dream rifle will be quite a ways off.

I need a reliable online note storage system

Okay, in the unlikely event that anyone besides myself reads this little web blog of mine... I am throwing out this request.

I need a decent online note storage system that I can install on my own webserver.

I record a lot of notes. To be more accurate, I keep more than notes. I keep URLs, short documents, chunks of programming code, Linux scripts, and other little goodies. I have been using my Gmail account for this, but this doesn't seem right.

I know there are free services out there for note storage, like Helipad (which is really nice), but I want to host a note app myself. Why, you might ask? Well, what if something happened to Helipad, where would all my important notes go? If I hosted my own notes application, I could back it up myself (or at least blame only myself if that failed).

I was considering TiddlyWiki as an alternative. It is really cool, and easy to use, and even has a search function. But... there is one big catch, it is intended for local systems only, meaning you run it on your desktop, and not online. Sure there's a handful of online versions of TiddlyWiki, but most require a mySql database, and that makes easy backups and restores a pain in the ass (unless you know a super easy way to back and restore these suckers).

So what are my alternatives?

UPDATE

Ignore my comment below about Dokuwiki.
Dokuwiki worked great, but only for about a month after that it starting giving me errors. It was actually working great, then one day it just started giving me annoying errors, and even lost it's own editor icons.

I posted on the forum, but really got nothing helpful.

Looking back, I find it odd that a wiki wouldn't include an "Add New Page" button, forcing me to install a plugin instead. Come on Dokuwiki, is a simple "New" button too much for ya?

Quick, what is it?

I needed to identify a new firearm lately [not exactly new, but new to me]. What a challenge that was. The limited number of books I have did not help, and I was not having much success searching the Internet either.

So I relied on the good folks at www.canadiangunnutz.com and they kind enough to point me in the right direction.

This is what I was dealing with.

I will provide another hint; it's now a shotgun.

Still haven't figured it out. Here is an image that includes some proof marks:

It sure was a challenge, but sure enough the informed folks on the gunnutz forum figured it out. It is a Chassepot rifle converted to a 12 gauge shotgun in Belgium, as Liege. Pretty cool isn't it?
Apparently it is a black powder shotgun, so I don't know if I'll be shooting anytime soon, but you never know.. I have shotshell reloading equipment, and perhaps after some research, and a quick trip to the gunsmith [make sure it is safe], I might try it out.