Ode to My Clunker

After most recently putting ~$800 in engine repairs to keep Suzy (our Dodge Stratus) running, I’ve drawn a line in the sand. Simple comparison of the last years maintenance: our recent hand-me-down 1990 Honda rusted-out Civic with no A/C and manual everything—alternator $90, thermostat $10; our ‘nicer’ 1996 Dodge Stratus—broken ball joint + leaking oil sending unit $550, glitchy computer modules + bad electrical distributor $800, along with a failing ABS module and noisy valves (newer isn’t always better, huh). I came THIS close to junking it. So, Suzy, consider this your ultimatum:

In case you were wondering, you ARE expendible. I am not too attached to you to keep draining my account into keeping you running. I’ve said before that if it got to the point where I was putting over $150-200/mo into keeping you running, then I would rather put that money into payments on a newer car less temperamental and more comfortable to drive. You can say, “Oh, you would dare!” Well, missy, just try me. I already have a wonderful woman in my life to take care of. I don’t need a winy, high-maintenance nag on top of that. If you force me to choose, she stays, you go.

So, I just wanted to let you know that your days are numbered. Your retirement is fast approaching. I alone make the decision as to how soon that will be. Consider yourself on a four-month probation. You have this time to prove to me that you deserve to stay. This is last and final warning to shape up or you will booted out on your lazy, no-good, free-loadin’, pollutin’ rear-end.

Vacation, Facebook, and Birthdays

Last month was a nice break from the norm of rotations. I got to spend a ton of time at home with my awesome family. We got a Nintendo Wii with Wii Fit for our anniversary and have been loving it ever since. Michelle was completely surprised. I got her good this year...hehe. My beautiful daughter Lizzy had her first birthday which went wonderfully. Her biggest feat was the smearing of cake on her face, and the placing of her frosting-laden plate on her head. But seriously, I have never seen a kid attack a piece of cake like that with such speed and amazing fury.

I have slacked off on blogging this past month because I use it quite a bit as a stress relief, and I haven't been stressed out while on vacation. Plus, I have been dabbling in Facebook and discovering many long-lost friends who I haven't talked to in ages. Michelle is officially addicted to YoVille, a minigame within facebook. However, I must qualify that statement. 'Addicted' for Michelle is just normal gaming activity by my standards. She is not a game person to begin with, so when I see her playing something every day, she must really like it. That's all for now. I'll try to add a few pics later.

I Hate to Steal Thunder From My Previous Post...

I saw this news video and couldn't see not sharing this awesome story that really touched me. It really brings home the important message about families. Here's the LINK.

The Results Are In!!!

I logged onto the computer this morning... are you all in a lot of suspense, yet??? Wait for it, wait for it...
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(see comments section for results)

T - 2 Days and Counting...

I officially find out where I will be spending the next three years of my life on Wednesday, December 17. It is just so exciting to finally find out my fate. I'm not really nervous, it's more just excitement. I mean, I could be on the West Coast, East Coast, Hawaii, or down in Texas. Of course I have my preferences, but I know we'll make due wherever we end up, and it will be such a fun day. On a side note, as an update about the Radioshack drama, I filed the complaint with the Better Business Bureau a week ago and a rep from Radioshack personally called and left a voicemail today and up'ed the offer to $20 off the original $129.99 price tag. They had previously only been willing to offer $10 off. So, while it's still not nearly good enough to satisfy me (the BF sale price was $49.99), it's a step in the right direction, and maybe it's a sign that they are willing to negotiate a more reasonable and realistic deal on the phone. If not, oh well, I haven't lost anything by trying, and it will only look bad for them, not me. Let's all hope this impacts their customer service policy in the future, so other people don't get taken for a ride like this, or maybe they don't learn from their mistakes and they go under, time will tell.