I rarely gush about things (shut up), but I have to give some mad love to Gama-Go.

While Ed and I were in San Francisco in May, one of the more extravagant purchases I made was this bag. We had already agreed that we (ie: me) were not going to go crazy with the spending on our trip, and also that we would forego our annual ridiculous birthday gift exchange. For the most part, I behaved myself admirably – even Ed agreed that I didn’t blow wad after wad on awesome things (as I am so very often wont to do).

Still, I really wanted this bag. It was a little more than I usually spend on my army of messenger bags, but when would I be in San Francisco again? I love Gama-Go products, and this was a gorgeous bag that would go perfectly with my Gama-Go wallet. I bought it and giggled to myself (I love messenger bags, okay) even as Ed rolled his eyes at me.

Unfortunately, after using the bag for about a month, I noticed that a large hole had formed in the body of the bag where the strap is attached. The material was disintegrating, causing the fabric to fray and the hole to get bigger with every movement. I was very sad. I hadn’t abused the bag at all, and now it was unusable – not even my sub-par but effective sewing skills could weave nylon back together.

I was so very sad about it that I did something I never do – I emailed the company to tell them. I wasn’t really expecting anything to come of it, as I’ve had pretty lousy luck with customer service lately (midtownshoes.com, I’m looking at you and you still suck). Still, I dashed off a heartfelt letter – I was a big fan, I have tons of Gama-Go stuff (true story: both Oscar and Lola are decked out in Gama-Go stickers in additional to my standard adventure wallet), but my bag is very broken and I am a sad girl.

Later that same day, I actually received a reply! Simon apologized for the bag and said he would send me a replacement! I did a little dance and sent him my info. In all honesty, I still wasn’t expecting anything but I was glad that someone had actually answered my email – I have low expectations, apparently.

That was on July 3rd. Today, our receptionist messaged me – there was a package waiting for me at the front desk. I impatiently waited out my conference call, then ran to get my mail. Inside the large white box: a replacement Pomegranate Palisade Go-Right, just as promised. YAY! THANK YOU, GAMA-GO! I loved you before, but now you have a true devotee for LIFE!

Hooray for happy endings!

I need a monster truck.

What seemed an innocent parking bee has turned into a full-fledged pissing contest: we appear to be caught up in trying to out-do one another.

When I first started parking in the Secret Area, it was just Oscar and a little gray Dio. Eventually we were joined by a third scooter; a gray Vino 50. We lived in harmony for a while, but then the game started: the Dio disappeared and was replaced by a shiny new Vino 125. Not content to have something the same (but clearly more awesome) as someone else, I went out and accidentally came home with Darth Lola.

For a couple weeks, we lived in harmony with my penis clearly being the largest: the Vespa 250, the Vino 125, and the Vino 50. YEAH! I win! I’m the best and my dick is the biggest of them all!

.. someone upgraded to a Kawasaki Ninja Something or Other.

FUCKER.

Obviously, my next move must be epic – and that’s where the Monster Truck comes in. A shiny black one, with 3-storey high tires and a naked lady straddling a unicorn in front of a full moon with a howling wolf and maybe a dragon wizard airbrushed on the side. Let’s see you guys top THAT.

So hey, the Province is doing a “Best of BC” blog list. They’re looking for people to nominate their favourite blogs via email:

Send us a link, tell us what they blog about and why you like them. Once we’ve received enough nominations, we’ll post links to these popular blogs on our website.

Blogs can be about any subject, as long as the individuals behind them are based in B.C. and operate independently rather than as part of a media outlet. There is no limit on the number of blogs you can nominate.

.. if you have a spare second, would you consider nominating me? I am in BC, I blog with passion and without pants, and I’m definitely not a media outlet or a self-aggrandizing jerk (even when I try to be). Just an idea. No pressure.

A whole bunch of you have apparently emailed in, and thank you! I think we’re pissing them off, though – the replies I’ve been hearing have been getting curter and curter with every email. I hope they’re not mad – it certainly wasn’t my intent to flood them with love from my seven readers – but I think my existence has been noted :D

Who wants a ride in my Monster Truck?