Leinninger.com

Every year it happens. I go through the entire winter not thinking about the race season. My shop is below zero and I have no desire to be in it. Then, the first real thaw comes and I freak out about race season. There’s so much to do and no time to do it. Sure… I could have pulled the engine, manned-up and got stuff done during the winter, but I didn’t. (Part of the reason is my demanding work/leadership training/school schedule.) Now I have about 6 weeks to do body, engine, and suspension work on my Neon. This year, I’ll be racing in ITA almost exclusively (though my car will fit into the DP class, too) so I’m upgrading to more expensive (Hoosier) tires and upgrading the exhaust (header). Panic has never been so much fun.

- Duane

I remember when I used to go to the local shoe store with my mom to get new shoes for school. The guy would come out, measure your feet with a weird little metal slider thing, and viola! Shoes that fit would come out from behind a magic curtain. You don’t really get that level of service at most stores any more. If you’re lucky, a “sales associate” blurts out “Finding & everything o.k.? … Greaaaaat…” as they whisk by.

About a year ago, Gina convinced me to start shopping at Bachrach. The sales reps there are top notch. They know clothing, what they have in stock, and when the next line is coming in. If they’re out of your size, they’ll search other stores for it, order it and ship it to you. I even have a favorite salesman (Steve at the 12 Oaks Store in Novi, MI) and he knows what I like, where I work, and what I should/can wear to work. It’s hard to find this kind of service, respect, and expertise any more.

- Duane

After nearly 5 years of marriage, I finally decided that this sausage party needed some balance. Since Duane only has one wife (that I know of) I guess it falls to me to do the dirty work. Expect me to pop in every now and again, and I’ll try not to gripe about laundry, cooking or being barefoot and pregnant — you know, that woman stuff. DO expect commentary on NIN, Formula 1 racing (which begins today, peeps!) and other awesomeness. WORD.

- Gina

New curtains all around and an “accent wall” painted and decorated with Blik decals. That’s what I call redecorating! Everything has gone smoothly and quickly. Pictures: Curtains and Blik Accent Wall.

- Duane

Christian and my dad came over to lend us a hand with the basement rough framing. We got several walls up, including the wall for the acoustically transparent screen. Christian also helped us plan the bar area (really great ideas). I can’t emphasize how important it was to get my brother’s expertise. There are things he does out of habit that I would have spent hours trying to figure out.

A week ago, Gina and I painted an accent wall in our living room. It gives the room a much more modern look, but still has a touch of a retro feel. It’s hard to explain. Regardless, the room’s layout didn’t quite fit the feel of the room any more. Yesterday, we spontaneously rearranged the room and it work much better. The fireplace is now a focal point and it’s much easier to interact with others. Once the rest of the redecorating is done (Blik decals, curtains, etc.), I’ll post some photos.

- Duane