When I moved to Michigan for the second time, I felt pretty comfortable with what I was going to be doing and what my plans were. "I've done everything before," I thought, figuring that jumping back into everything would be as smooth as a BMW inline-6. The move? Super smooth. The finances? Oh so silky smooth. Getting back to work? As smooth as that ticking, knocking time bomb that is otherwise known as the Quad-4 found in my first car. From the very beginning, nothing was working in my favor. Trends changed, routes vanished, and nothing was there for me to find it. The one day I did see something? I didn't have a long enough lens to shoot. Someone else did and gave the world the first pictures of the mid-engined Corvette, as seen from a mile away. Insert various expletives here. 

 

Jump forward almost exactly a month and I started a new job. It's something I never would have imagined I'd have the opportunity to do. Then again, I never saw myself as Spy either. When I received the news that I got the job, it was one of the greatest moments of happiness I've experienced in my life. The sigh of relief was immense. So, with that said, I'm sure you're wondering what this job is and who it is for. Those of you who follow me on Facebook will already be aware (those of you who don't follow me on social media, see my signature for links). Without further ado... 

 

I've started working for Car and Driver as an online production assistant. It's an entry level position, but many people before have got their start in this position. It's a great opportunity to get my foot in the door for future advancement. I just finished up my first full week of work and I have to say, I love it. Every person there is a car nut and the atmosphere is fantastic. I'm looking forward to spending many years here. 

 

Now, I just need to address this hour-long commute...

 

Congrats, always that much more rewarding to follow a career path that happens to align with one's personal interests. Good luck.

Good Luck!

 

PS: You did say  for us to fill in various expletives...

In Quebecois...

 

Osti de Crisse de Tabarnak.

Saint Sacrement de Calisse.

Ciboire!

 

 

That would be how I would have handled the swearing!

Edited July 24, 20168 yr by oldshurst442

Congrats Cory! I know you've wanted this for a while.

Awesome, way to go, look forward to hearing many crazy details about your job.

 

Drive Hard!

Thanks!

Congrats, you are fortunate to love what you do.  Sounds like an an exciting job, and you have to start somewhere, never know where it will lead.

Congratualtions, Cory!! That's freakin' awesome news! 

Congratulations Cory! I hope it leads to even greater opportunities for you.

Congrats Cory!!!

 

So very cool....

Congratulations on the job.  You've come a long way since your angst-filled youth.  Glad things are working out for you.

mega congratulations!

Thanks, everyone. 

Oh hai again. 

Just an update on my life. I've since been promoted in the Car and Driver world and now in charge of Buyer's Guide Production. Basically, I spend my days playing in photoshop and doing spreadsheets and the like. With the hours I work and the distance I travel, I'm finding that I have far less free time than I expected, hence my absence from the forums as of late (also, I really hate the new update—viewing recent content is practically impossible).

Any how, as mentioned, Josh got a new ride and it's orange. Me? I'm still rolling in my GTI for the time being. I'm still, STILL, fighting it out with the dealership about my warranty. I have finally gotten word that I will be receiving it so hopefully they follow through this time. Especially since I am now fighting a vehicular life and death situation with my GTI's engine. The timing chain tensioner is starting to go, something I expected to happen eventually, but not something I wanted to pay out of pocket for. I am to the point that I don't even want to start the car anymore in fear that it will finally let go.

This, of the various issues this car has had since I bought it, may be the one to break me from my enjoyment of it. Knowing my engine can grenade itself at any moment and that VW won't recall the cars for it makes me more than a little uneasy. The main prospect of a timing chain is being maintenance free, not being more dire than a traditional timing belt. For reference, I'm at 47k right now, which is traditionally far too soon for a timing service. 

So, what's my plan? Will I keep it? Will I sell it? That's for another day. 

that's an awesome update! glad to hear you've quickly moved up the ladder! 

Congrats!!!!!

Congrats! Sorry for the problems with the vW, would love to replace my TDI with a GTI, but I have known far too many people to have issues like you are having with VW/Audi products.

Glad all is going well for you, sir!

Thanks, y'all. 

So, remember that vague plan I mentioned? Part 1 has officially occurred. Details will come in a few days.

Awesome!

 

Looking forward to the details!  

Alright, I've been trying to get semi-professional photos, but I haven't really had the time. Fighting work and daylight, it's been nearly impossible. Combine that with the election changing some of my plans, I may not have a chance before winter hits. So, with that said, I might as well just spill the beans.

This will seem backwards to everyone, but hey, why not?

First, I'm parking the GTI for the winter to keep the miles off it. Originally, it was just that simple, but now the plan is to sell it come spring once its value stabilizes, if it does. It doesn't really seem logical for this car's value to drop in the winter, but it seems to. I've never understood it. It was great in the snow, it's not exactly a RWD roadster or anything. 

Second, speaking of a RWD roadster, I bought a Miata. Currently, it's sole duty is as a winter beater. Yes, I am crazy and yes, I am going to freeze my ass off. I also have my doubts about making it through the winter, but I've already committed to the plan so there's no going back now. I managed to make it through a Pennsylvania winter with an 80's Cutlass, so hopefully I can survive a Michigan winter in this. It's mostly flat here, so that gives me some hope. Hills were the only issue I ever really ran into with the Olds. 

Here's a cell phone picture:

Wish me luck...

Not much of a Miata fan, but sweet buy. Should make for some fun drifting this winter!

I have driven them through several Ohio winters with snow tires and nothing else. they are a ball of fun...congrats!