Cars, Gym, and Project Wrap-Up

So I'm surrendering. I have finally had enough of car repair shops. This is getting ridiculous. I go to get a much needed oil change on the car at Jiffy Lube (say what you want, I can already hear people say "Oh they will rip you off" - If you would like to tell me where to go where they won't, be my guest, but I doubt it will be true) and they ask about my car. So I made the mistake and told them what was going on since my last oil change - an alternator change, a giant argument with Canadian Tire, a (from what I thought) was a power steering leak - and they decided to check it out. What do I get? Oh, by the way, your coolant and transmission fluid need to be flushed and the power steering isn't leaking. As well, being laughed at over choosing a company - BY A DIFFERENT COMPANY - is the most frustrating thing on the planet. Yes, whatever, Canadian Tire isn't the best option - but if I wanted to go have the dealer tell me that it's going to cost me an arm and a leg to fix a car that's nearly 10 years old, I would have. Seriously, I cannot believe how many different answers I've heard about every issue with my car. I'm sorry I don't know a damn thing about cars, but that's not my job to - this is why I go to a mechanic... and quite frankly, after going to 3 different companies, getting at least 6 different answers and multiple prices - I feel like I'm getting taken advantage of. How about if I walk into the shop in a tank top and a pink thong, would it make a difference?!! No, even better - how about if I just dress like a man (which I get mistaken for ALL THE TIME, even though I don't think a man could have a chest as large as mine). Would this work?!

So... this is my last plea... if there is a man out there reading this blog, I WILL PAY YOU to take my car into the shop and get them to tell you everything that is wrong. All I want is a straight answer - none of this beat-around-the-bush crap. Take it wherever you want that will have a reasonable price for repairs, and I have I will go in after and pay for it. I've had enough. I'm going to use the "I'm a girl" card this one and only time. I just want a straight and final answer, and I want to get it all fixed at once so I don't have to care about the damn thing for at least a full month. Is that too much to ask??? Apparently so.

Okay. Apart from that - work is good :) I finally wrapped up 2 of the 3 projects I have on the go, and I will have the last one done this weekend. However, I miss the gym. I have still been going every day, but a half-hour of pushing myself to the limit isn't cutting it. I want to go for at least an hour... and a swim would be awesome right about now.

Oh ya, my big move - I started e-mailing businesses locally to get more projects. So far, nothing yet, but I have mainly been trying to get end-of-year recitals at the moment. The more different types of video I can try, the more options for business contact I will have. Networking, networking, networking!! Another task I need to do tonight.

Another big move? I'm also meeting with an accountant next week :) I have to prepare an excel sheet of expenses, but that shouldn't be too bad. Just a matter of inputting the numbers I already have.

Apart from that, I am so excited for a weekend off :) Not sure what I'm going to do yet... something not involving money thanks to the car... but sleeping will be excellent :)

PS - If you like my blog, I'd love to see who is actually reading - please subscribe!!

Projects, Travel, and Work

It's Wednesday and it feels like Friday... this can't be good :P

The last few days have been very interesting to say the least. Scheduling to burn DVD's, picking up other DVD's, then a wide assortment of editing will pay off by the end of the week. Its sad to say that I am beyond excited to go home and cook a real meal tonight, as well as catch up on my TV shows (while editing of course!).

I'm really starting to hate driving... the radio is SO boring (apart from midnight shows and AM1010 after 10am), playing the same songs over and over. As well, I normally take the exact same route to work, so there isn't much variety. On top of that, the endless repairs to the car are driving me crazy. Right now, its just general maintenance, but cramming that into an already busy schedule is brutal. This isn't mentioning the cost - I am pushing $1500 in repairs over the last 2 months, and have yet to replace my power steering. If I won the lottery, the first thing I would buy is a chauffer... I don't care if he has to drive MY car - this would vastly improve my life. As well, I want a personal jet on retainer 24/7 :) But that's thinking big :P

Okay, that's enough of my rant for the day. As much as I complain about the random stuff that happens with me, don't confuse that by saying I am not liking where this is going - I am really happy with what I have accomplished so far, and I will be making a (hopefully) big business move next week once I get some projects out of the way.

Have a good day!

Business Plan Developments

This week has been relatively slow, which is very welcomed :) Still working lots, but no crazy hours. I took the night off last night - went to the gym, read my book... it was nice.

During some free time at the computer during the day, I managed to work on my business plan. I have most of it done right now, but I am confused by one part - a financial statement. I don't understand how I can forcast what I will make in a year... I have an idea of what I would like to make, but I don't think I can go off that without any hard facts. I will just have to adjust it for what I have lined up right now I guess.

The uncertainty of when projects will come definitely makes it hard to plan what I will do. I have some goals in mind - make this my primary job within the next 3 years, make enough to go on some sort of trip every year - but how I will reach them is something I'm still figuring out. New ideas for projects are coming in, which is a big plus, but I would love to get a long-term project to work on... I'll find something amazing soon I'm sure.

Anyway, I will leave this with a question - Anyone know of a great accountant? Let me know!

I have made some minor changes to the website if you would like to take a look - http://www.wix.com/ahartery9891/amandahartery.

Talk soon!

Keeping Grounded in a Busy Environment

Last week was insane... simply put. I am shocked and amazed that I got everything accomplished (even with a little help) that I set out to do. 2 shoots in Oshawa and Caledon, burning wedding DVD's, editing clips on a short deadline, attending 3 meetings, a concert shoot on devil's night, and keeping afloat with Rogers and Perimeter - when did I sleep? Did I eat anything but Tim Horton's all week? I honestly can't remember!


I know what I'm like when I pack my schedule like this - cranky, frustrated when people get in my way (even though they are more likely trying to help), and unable to hold a conversation for more than 2 sentences. To those I ran into last week - thank you for your patience :) To those people who are important to me - I rely on you to help keep me grounded. I can't show my appreciation enough to you - thank you for making me smile.


Now comes the fun part - editing these videos together. 4 hours of capturing ahead of me, another meeting about a wedding next year, and editing all the videos together :)