Pretty sad day for Christina yesterday as her Grandma passed away. She died of old age and had been suffering from Dementia for a while now. At 1am in the morning she had fallen into a coma and she never woke up.

Christina’s Grandma was like a baby again. She didn’t recognise anyone and all she wanted to do was eat! It’s almost like going full circle. Luckily for her and the family she didn’t suffer or die from a sudden death (I think passing away in sleep is something many of us wish for).

PS: Interestingly no-one really knows how old she was and she passed one day earlier than the anniversary date of her husband’s death.

The CBD was dead on new years day. All the shops were closed and the streets smelt like garbage but hey Din Tai Fung was open!

I forgot to mention that Christina bought me some Oakley Gascans for Xmas (I’ve been wearing fake ones for a year or so now). They’re awesome. She optioned them with polarized lenses (my fave!) and you can see in the above pic that the authentic Gascan lenses sit further away from your eyes. A good thing because I have long lashes (haha).

Yesterday Jamie and Richie + friends hit Mums place and made some fresh Pizzas.

They were awesome, why can’t Pizza joints make great Pizza like this?!

Matt (CoffeeBoss on JDMST) just made a great post on JDMST. I can’t link to it as you have to be a registered member to read the car diaries on JDMST so I thought I’d paste it in here:

2009 – a brief retrospective.

2009 was a great year for the Roadster and I, and we just managed some good track time (and times) as well as hitting some new circuits (Marulan a few times, and I finally spent a day at Oran Park).

For 2010 the plan is to cross some drives I’ve been meaning to do for some time off the list, including the legendary (amongst NSW drivers and car magazines) Oxley Hwy.

Some more enhancements are planned as well, including a much needed muffler upgrade.

However, 2009 has been most significant for a close friend of mine, Karl. Karl nearly lost his life in a bicycle accident only a few weeks ago. This event has put some things into sharp focus which I feel compelled to mention here in this thread.

You see, Karl is one of those random guys you meet through car circles (the Renaultsport gang, actually) who goes on to become a good friend outside of car circles. Karl’s Cliosport had a typically French dummy spit on January 3rd of 2009, when it’s gearbox catastrophically failed when we were driving back from our first outing at Marulan. The car was rendered undriveable, and was sold.

Up until this point, Karl and his Clio had become something of a legend in our circle. You see, back in 2007 when I was modding the Lexus IS200 and talking about doing trackdays with all of my mates, it was Karl who got jack of all the talk and started doing Circuit Club days.

It was at this point that I realised that I didn’t need to make this mod or that to my car before I hit the circuit, I should just stop stalling and go out there and drive. It was a defining moment in this enthusiasts journey when I first hit the track ,as it started a complete shift in the way I drove, and how I looked at the car.

Karl’s attitude to his driving and indeed to forums began to permeate my actions. You could summarise it thus: less talk, more action.

Chroist, imagine how long my posts would be if Karl hadn’t influenced me?

Karl’s journey this year has been nothing short of epic. Since losing the Clio, he has done a track day with me at Marulan in the MX5 Racing NC Roadsters, and a day at Wakefield with Chris Barry’s PRB Clubman (and his Elise). He has spent quality time behind the wheel of a host of cars, mine included.

He also started the year as one of those naysayers of the MX5. (Yes, I have to point this out!). Oh, he loved poking fun at my hairdressing ways. He’ll be taking delivery of his next car very soon… a Mazda MX5 NA8 Clubman. In Laguna blue. One of the rarest flavours of NA available in Australia.

Karl and I went to look at this car a few months ago. Stepping out of my car and into the driver’s seat of a high-mileage NA8.. well, let’s just say that I wasn’t prepared for greatness. 45 minutes later, Karl had to pry the keys from my hands, I was having waaaay to much fun. It really is testament to the determination to the whole Light Weight Sports concept – even today, after stepping out of a late model MX5, the NA Roadster still puts a smile on my face, every time. Yes, I suspect that Karl’s actions will continue to influence my own in the years to come.

So that’s really what this post is about. Props to Karl. One of those cool car guys that, through actions alone, influences the actions of those around him.

And, in a small way, I hope that some of my actions in this thread can inspire the same. Don’t worry too much about your car’s offset, or what swaybars your going to get. Just get out there and enjoy driving the thing!

Everything seemed to be last minute for NYE this year, plans fell through and I got a few SMS’s from mates who weren’t sure what to do. Perhaps we should have had the usual party at our place but two of Christina’s good mates Kay and Caroline had found a great spot at Watsons Bay, at the park, right at the front. They had set up a tent there since 11am! We decided to check it out. Suga and I got there at about 5pm, great view and a pretty big crowd. 9PM fireworks were spoiled by a few low hanging clouds but the bit fireworks at 12 were great, throw in a few dramas (wouldn’t be NYE without them!), booze, adventures and it turned out to be a fun night!

Here are a few hazy pics:

I love sunset light.

Little bit windy but the rain held out.

Suga.

Moi.

Caroline and Kay.

Suga + me.

The girls.

Countdown!

Quick everyone do something with their fingers!

Me, Suga, Richie + Jamie.

Sydney Motorshow 2005

OK I know it’s NYE but I couldn’t help myself. I called a guy with a Subaru MY06 Liberty Tuned by STi. It’s not a “real” STi but one made by the STi division in Melbourne (300 were made and sold in 2006).

I’ve always had a soft spot for it since seeing one at the 2005 Motor Show. In Melbourne I got a good look at Glen’s one too which confirmed that I liked it.

Anyways, 35,000kms (low!) and the car was immaculate inside. The paint outside was perfect, not a scratch but the rear boot didn’t line up perfectly on one side. I assume a rear end accident, nothing major though (well I doubt it).

He wanted $34k and I offered $30k and we walk over to the bank to sort it out, unfortunately the guy wasn’t so keen. I’m not too fussed, hey I tried. We’ll see what happens next year!

Have a great one all!!!!!!

Flowers, like babies, never been a fan of them (haha) but I bought this bunch for Christina almost a week ago and they’re only just opening up now. I’m converted?!

Suga’s workplace. Suga’s grandma is in a bad way at the moment. We were off to visit her in hospital but Christina had to drop in to work for a little bit. I sat on a computer while we were there and just couldn’t dig the vibe. No offence to the studio, but sitting under flouro lights and an open space where everyone can see what’s up on your screen just makes me feel super uncomfortable. I couldn’t last in a corporate environment, way too spoilt.

Mormans spotted in the window. Who would buy this?!

We went for a nice walk this afternoon. They’ve been trying to connect the beaches together for a while now (The Coastal Walk). Unfortunately the path ends at the cliff on the far right, you go up some stairs and hit the road and have to follow the road for some time before it begins again into Coogee.

Still lovely though.

Little crabby!

Dom and Jo

Last night Christina and I were treated to a visit by my old buddy Dom and his wife Jo. Both Dom and Jo live in Melbourne now (I went to UNI with Dom here in Sydney) and they’ve recently had a baby (Isobel!). Unfortunately Isobel didn’t make it over (she was in bed at Dom’s Mums house) but it was great to catch up, talk house rennovating (which is what they’ve been doing in Melbourne) as well as talk about babies, and how having Isobel has affected their lives (my ears were pricked up!).

I’ve never wanted to have kids, never felt the need to, it’s never been a dream of mine (more of a nightmare) but lately I’ve somehow gotten over the phobia of the idea of having my own kid/s (I say “one or none” and Christina says “Two or shoo!”).

I’ve always known that I’d never be “ready” to have kids. I don’t think it’s been a time issue. For a while I was secretly hoping that my sister Jamie would have a kid first as I like the idea of playing with her kid and maybe getting over the phobia of picking the wigglig little things up but it seems like Jamie’s a little like me too when it comes to having kids (poor Mum I’m sure she’s itching to have grandkids).

Despite not ever wanting kids I’ve always respected the people that do. I’ve hopped in many a cab (usually off my face and on my way home). Some cabbies are absolute angels and the conversations I’ve had with random cabbies are up there with the best. I’ve let a few cabbies with kids know that they’re “the man”, real men as they’ve had kids, that you’re not a real man until you have a kid. Somehow it’s gone from being a phobia, into a challenge and one that I’m sure I’d be pretty good at!

It was a grey day but we had a BBQ anyways! Christina and I have yet to buy a BBQ but her friends brought one over and we used coal instead of gas (what a pain that was to get going!!!). Food was awesome, company was even better.

Slammers!!! I don’t think I’ve ever drunk so much this year.

Jon, Smith and Caroline.

Dirty stuff.

Stevey with his new toy.

As it is every year, it’s been great hanging out with the family. Eating, drinking, caring and sharing. This year Christina and I tried to make it to both family Christmas parties and it worked out pretty good. Here are a few pics:

Suga’s new Camera. It’s like my IXUS only smaller, thinner, lighter, sharper and well, just better all round! I want it!

Dinner at the Locks with my Mum, Jamie and Richie too (always a treat!). Black Chicken Eggs, they’re so cute (tiny) and so creamy. I’m converted (I love eggs).

Mr. Locks Vietnamese Salad was awesome.

Mum brought the prawns.

Mr Lock’s main, kumquat duck!

My arrabiata went down AOK, not great but hey it wasn’t shocking!

My sister Jamie is THE dessert queen. She made this, it’s so pro.

Family group shot!

Jess. Christmas Day at the Locks.

Peppa gets toys too.

Will and I. Small world stuff. Will’s a fellow car enthusiast too, he’s on the JDMST forums and he’s Christina’s cousins guy.

Prawns.

Mango pudding.

Ham!

Oysters.

I got a back massager, just what this old man needs. HAHAHA.

I then headed over to Mums place just in time to pressie opening time!

Muffins.

Dogs everywhere!

Richie.

My auntie Filian being attacked by Coco the dog.

Photo by Jing Li.

This would have to be one of the most epic & intriguing cars I’ve ever driven. Read the spec sheet & it sounds like a monster, but drive it & you could be convinced this is a factory effort by Honda to create one of the most thrilling small cars of all time.

I just came across a test drive review of my own K20A Honda Jazz (which I’ve lent to David for a week, he’s the new owner now). I was confused as I thought it might have been an old review when Eddie owned it, then I saw the date on the posts! This is a recent review of the yellow monster, read and enjoy:

http://www.carandimage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19180