Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Impending Strike

Calgary Transit is once again considering the merits of going on strike. I have to say, I don't have an opinion one way or the other on the union's complaints, I'm just annoyed that I am now in the process of making contingency plans - figuring out how the heck I'm going to get to and from work every day should the strike actually happen.

Last I heard they're trying to schedule a strike vote for Tuesday, after which they have to give 72 hours notice before beginning to strike. Apparently they may try other job action first, but who knows? I heard one of the things they might try is wearing street clothes instead of their uniforms - because it makes a huge difference in how they drive the bus or train if they're wearing jeans instead of ugly grey pants.

All of this has got me thinking about my forthcoming purchase of a car. I wasn't actually planning to start seriously looking until July, but now, who knows? I was scanning my way through used car ads online at lunch, and found some possibilities, though I don't yet have all the money in my budgeted range. I may try and convince my parents that it would be more convenient for them to loan me the rest of the money I would need to buy a car than it would be to drive me to and from work, or give up one of their cars every day so I can drive myself.

So, if anyone knows of a good deal on a reliable car without excessive mileage, an automatic (this is very important, as anyone who followed the blog and my adventures in trying to learn to drive a standard will know), that will get me around the city, and let me make some weekend trips to see friends and to the mountains, let me know. Particularly if the car is green - it would make my friend Rae very prophetic if I end up with a green car (a bit of a joke, a bit serious, from a conversation and prayer time we had about eight months ago).