Monday, December 29, 2008

Hybrid Hibernation: Angelino's First Home Alone Holiday

I will be flying to Seattle and leaving Angelino for a week or two. Separation anxiety is setting in. But I’ve prepared Gino for his first “home alone” holiday.

He got his third and last car wash for the year this morning.

While still relishing the gifts I gave him for Thanksgiving - clear floor mats and a cargo net - he’s delighted anew with Christmas gifts I’m going to leave him with.

One is a rear bumper protector which will help avoid any blemish on his back particularly when loading stuff.


And then, a most fitting gift, which fits him perfectly I should say, is a sturdy car cover to protect him from winter elements in SoCal.


I’m particularly amused by the antenna pocket which spikes up like a shark's fin.


When I get back next year, I’ll be giving him his New Year's gift which caps the holiday presents he’s thus far received - leather seats!

See you next year, buddy.
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Photos in this post are author's property.

Angelino's First Scratch

"Nooooooooo!"

What kind of fate could one suffer so as to ululate the proverbial, most simple and single-syllabled cry of denial with utmost urgency?

When my friends got word of my new role as a proud daddy of a hybrid baby, they have warned me that it will come - a dent, a scratch, a chip, a crack - and with myriad factors to cause it.

Another car door swung open in wanton abandon. Something sharp in someone's accessory brushing against the pristine coat. An ill-conceived prank tantamount to property damage.

In preparation, I have conditioned myself that, indeed, come it inevitably will. And so it did today!

"Nooooooooo!"

I was parking Gino (a nickname I use when I baby him) head first and did not see the pavement was too high for his front. A loud creak and screech sent signals to my brain and down my spine that my baby is hurt. And it's his first!

"Nooooooooo!"

I immediately reversed, ran to Gino's front and assessed the damage. The black hard plastic underneath took the beating. "Gino, nasugatan ka!" I said in shock and remorse. Darn pavement! :)



Oh, well. The consolation is that at least it was I who caused it. I'd go ballistic if it was someone else. I'm sure it will heal with an appropriate cleaner and conditioner.

Oh, man!
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Photos in this post are author's property.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Angelino's First Guest

From the moment I was ensconced on Angelino's driver seat, I have always wondered who will have the honor of being the first person to take the passenger seat.

That question was answered today. My friend from work, Gladys, and I went to the Music Center to catch the final show of "Spring Awakening" in L.A.

Though I wanted Angelino to be fully accessorized before meeting anyone up close, today was an exception since "Spring Awakening" is a must-go-to thing and carpooling with a hybrid makes more environmental sense. Also, there are only a handful of people in my immediate circle that are into the arts scene.

Too bad I didn't bring my camera so no picture of Gladys & Angelino. I'll get them together some time for a photo shoot and add a late entry image.