what are you doing right now?

[Opti]

Dec 11, 2023 10:07:08 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

While I'm talking about Pacheco, remember that I bought a jersey recently? Well, they don’t make women's Pacheco jerseys for some reason. I got a men's large. It's huge on me so I went to exchange it for a medium. Nope. No mediums anywhere. I looked at Academy, Rally House, the NFL shop and Scheels. Nothing smaller than a large.

I got a Kelce jersey because it was on sale in a women's large. It fit but I'd like a size bigger so I can wear a thicker shirt underneath. No women's XL anywhere. Maybe the jerseys just weren't meant for me.

Did you look at places like Kohls or Sears online? Sadly, the people who make the jerseys assume it will be worn by men, so they exclude even small men, the ones that usually wear Men's M or S.

[lurkyloo]

Dec 11, 2023 11:08:35 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

Dec 10, 2023 20:52:32 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Forget about "Opti type vehicle" for now. I know cars are important to you but at this time it is important to focus on the primary function of a car: getting you from point A to point B and back again. Not only are luxury cars expensive to buy, they are expensive in maintenance. A small Honda, Toyota, or even a Nissan Versa. I know you don't like the Versa but let me tell you one of those got me everywhere for over 11 years with hardly any maintenance cost and chances are I would still have that car if someone hadn't sandwiched me by not realizing that if all traffic stops you have to do so as well. Anyway, not glitzy, not as comfy as a BMW, but perfectly servicable and that is what you need right now. In a few years you may be in a place where you can buy what you want but for now you must focus on the minimum you need. 

I have had multiple BMWs and fancier VW models.  They are fun to drive but then require a big financial commitment for repairs and maintenance.  Buying a used one puts you right in the middle of the years of repairs and maintenance.  That fine German engineering is nice when the car is new, but just like any car when it gets older, it's not as fun to drive.  If image is what you're after and you think the ride is more fun and have the money to keep up on repairs and maintenance, by all means go for a well-used German car.

I absolutely agree that focusing on the primary purpose of a car is transportation.  That is how it is for me.  But that is not how it is for everyone. 

I wish easier times for you, Opti. 

Former supervisor paid something like 38K for an Audi that was maybe 2 years old.  He had a ton of trouble with it, lots of expensive repairs including I believe a blown engine…sold it a couple of years later for 2K (!) and bought a Honda instead.

I’m enjoying my inherited bmw but it’s definitely higher maintenance than my beloved 2005 Focus wagon, and I might enjoy it less were I not married to a frighteningly competent person with a mechanical inclination and well equipped garage.

[toomuchreality]

Dec 11, 2023 10:09:45 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Dec 11, 2023 9:48:53 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Why sugar coat it. Tell them you can't house sit anymore because they're assholes.

I have no experience with family drama so I try to consider that it is family. As for me I would have told them to f### off long long ago. That's why I added blood relatives. Except for my son I don't have any living blood relatives so I can't relate

I am just so glad to be home! And I slept really well. I feel better today, then I have in 2 months. I'm hardly coughing, which is fabulous! This antibiotic must finally be working. YAY!

I haven't heard from DD2, Or her husband. And I don't plan on contacting them. I'm really tired of their better than everyone else attitude. According to her husband, they don't need ANYONE else, for anything.

Because I have pneumonia, I have an good excuse for not reaching out to them. IMO.

They're having an apt inspection tomorrow and I had an appointment scheduled, to renew my lease, but I don't feel well enough to do either. So they are skipping my inspection and rescheduling my lease appt. That works for me.

Sometimes, life just sucks. Unfortunately for me, it sucks at Christmas, this year.

I don't want to play anymore.

But at least I'm home!

[jerseygirl]

TMR glad you’re home and feeling better!!

[Opti]

Dec 11, 2023 11:09:33 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

Of course, I have bronchitis. I also have a doctor's note to stay out of work until Thursday. This is going to go over well.

Sorry about the bronchitis. I was worried that is where I was headed ... and maybe I will once I get both sinuses to drain. Let me know how work takes the doctor's note. Do you think you will be healthy enough to return to work on Friday?

[Opti]

Dec 11, 2023 11:55:44 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Dec 11, 2023 11:08:35 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I have had multiple BMWs and fancier VW models.  They are fun to drive but then require a big financial commitment for repairs and maintenance.  Buying a used one puts you right in the middle of the years of repairs and maintenance.  That fine German engineering is nice when the car is new, but just like any car when it gets older, it's not as fun to drive.  If image is what you're after and you think the ride is more fun and have the money to keep up on repairs and maintenance, by all means go for a well-used German car.

I absolutely agree that focusing on the primary purpose of a car is transportation.  That is how it is for me.  But that is not how it is for everyone. 

I wish easier times for you, Opti. 

Former supervisor paid something like 38K for an Audi that was maybe 2 years old.  He had a ton of trouble with it, lots of expensive repairs including I believe a blown engine…sold it a couple of years later for 2K (!) and bought a Honda instead.

I’m enjoying my inherited bmw but it’s definitely higher maintenance than my beloved 2005 Focus wagon, and I might enjoy it less were I not married to a frighteningly competent person with a mechanical inclination and well equipped garage.

You really have to know what it is and your intentions with the car. Sounds like former supervisor did not understand it was an Audi, not a Honda, and not even a Cadillac. You have to be way more careful and frankly blowing out an engine sounds like a stupid him thing. Not the car.

When I was at big Pharma we were under major pressure as yet another merger was in the works which needed to be approved by the federal government. I bought my BMW during my time there because I could and also because a deer chose to take out my Honda Accord LXI one night. A coworker, thankfully never my supervisor, decided to buy an Audi RS after I had had my BMW for awhile. When the first snow came, and it was less than an inch, he sped out of the parking lot and almost crashed. I don't remember if I talked to him directly or just made it known that duh, you should have expected that. He picked the fastest sportiest A3 which is outfitted with summer tires. Really good summer tires that adhere to asphalt especially if you race it. You should never ever drive a sports sedan with high end summer tires in any snow or even below freezing and expect it to work out well.
This is why I really want to create a business where Opti explains cars and what they really are, not what the commercials are trying to sell you.

BMWs and Audis are not for everyone. I loved my baby and I will miss it. The biggest reason I will miss it is I don't know if I will get the opportunity to drive or own in that price class again. I loved it, but honestly I would want maybe three cars min for me, cuz Opti. A daily driver, which can be a BMW or whatnot, but then you need to drive it that way. Preferably at 50% or less of its true capabilities. Garage it as well, do maintenance it could last you thirty years or more if you don't drive it too hard and take care of it. If G blesses my 11 yr old Audi SUV pick as reliable enough, I will drive it in that 50% or below range. I have been doing that for more than 5 years with the BMW as it failed, and I did not have the money to fix it.

[Opti]

Dec 11, 2023 11:08:35 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

Dec 10, 2023 20:52:32 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Forget about "Opti type vehicle" for now. I know cars are important to you but at this time it is important to focus on the primary function of a car: getting you from point A to point B and back again. Not only are luxury cars expensive to buy, they are expensive in maintenance. A small Honda, Toyota, or even a Nissan Versa. I know you don't like the Versa but let me tell you one of those got me everywhere for over 11 years with hardly any maintenance cost and chances are I would still have that car if someone hadn't sandwiched me by not realizing that if all traffic stops you have to do so as well. Anyway, not glitzy, not as comfy as a BMW, but perfectly servicable and that is what you need right now. In a few years you may be in a place where you can buy what you want but for now you must focus on the minimum you need. 

I have had multiple BMWs and fancier VW models.  They are fun to drive but then require a big financial commitment for repairs and maintenance.  Buying a used one puts you right in the middle of the years of repairs and maintenance.  That fine German engineering is nice when the car is new, but just like any car when it gets older, it's not as fun to drive.  If image is what you're after and you think the ride is more fun and have the money to keep up on repairs and maintenance, by all means go for a well-used German car.

I absolutely agree that focusing on the primary purpose of a car is transportation.  That is how it is for me.  But that is not how it is for everyone. 

I wish easier times for you, Opti. 

I bought the BMW despite the image most of you have it and what it means to you. When I am looking at these cars, I first suss out what it is and then go to the pics. When possible, I go to the interior first as I don't care if it looks crappier than average. I am buying for my riding comfort and enjoyment.

The Red Knight, long he will live in my soul, had good leather seats that were heated and pretty adjustable. Comfort wise, they did not start annoying me until 20 years in. My 1989 Honda Accord LXI had burgundy cloth seats and started annoying the crap out of me 13 years in, given my BMW is 2002 I kept that Honda longer than I would have liked. But generally new cars I keep until I can't. I bought one used Toyota Corolla in college, and while nothing was wrong with it, buying a car as just transportation hurts my soul. I am a car enthusiast. Its like me trying to tell you what dog you should have bought because some breeds are high cost.

My life, my journey. I will take advice, but I will tweak it to what will work for me. And if my car is some basic piece of crap, it will take away my will to live. As it is, all the nonsense at work has made me depressed a bit and I haven't hydrated enough because of it. And sorry if my midwest bluntness while sick hurts anyone's feelings.

[Opti]

One last thing b4 I figure out logistics with the bus to get my scrip and OTC needs. I am NOT the girl who was so in love with her Jeep she wanted to be buried with it. I think last week I asked G to workshop what to do with his garage peeps and the body shop guys he knows.

Body shop guy only a couple miles away is holding the dead carcass of the BMW hostage thinking it insures payment. It does not. He has not sent me any bill although both shop #1 and Shop #2 in this journey have sent me things soliciting for business.    I don't look or act ike a poor person, but there are many of us here. I'm just one of too many trying to get by.

This paragraph to be fixed. I tried to move my dead undriveable BMW to my parking space b4 the end of November. My car registration rolls over by the end of December. I will not renew it. I also will drop my car insurance at that time.


I do not think I will have a vehicle at all until 2024, so I am just doing the best I can with what I have and being 63. It is damn cold at the bus stops now that is late fall. And the busses break down or don't show up at all more often. 

[lurkyloo]

Dec 11, 2023 10:55:54 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Well, this is not the Monday start that I wanted or was hoping for.

The upside is that DD1 and I seemed to communicate well enough that I think we both feel OK, even if we are not. Which is a first and a big win.

I'm just too old for this shit.

I’m thinking things in general will look brighter once we get through the holiday slog. 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 10, 2023 20:52:32 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Dec 10, 2023 17:07:34 GMT -5 Opti said:

....
Found a Opti type vehicle which G may talk me out of. Neighbor in the next building with a Blue nose named M, told me about a county website where rich folks sell their vehicles. One was a gorgeous Audi SUV. Looked it up, that particular car I wouldn't want because it's the premium 3.2 version. But the 2.0 4-inline version would have slightly better mileage than my old BMW, be in the right size class and be less old than the 2009 CRV. Audi Q5 2012 with fewer miles than the 2009 CRVs. Would probably not make 300,000 but do OK if I drive in the middle of its capabilities and hopefully last a few years or more with me if OK'd by the garage.

Feels like a good choice too as in the Kelly Blue Book description it places if between the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX of that time.
For the 2.0, price range from private seller roughly between 6000 and 8999.

Forget about "Opti type vehicle" for now. I know cars are important to you but at this time it is important to focus on the primary function of a car: getting you from point A to point B and back again. Not only are luxury cars expensive to buy, they are expensive in maintenance. A small Honda, Toyota, or even a Nissan Versa. I know you don't like the Versa but let me tell you one of those got me everywhere for over 11 years with hardly any maintenance cost and chances are I would still have that car if someone hadn't sandwiched me by not realizing that if all traffic stops you have to do so as well. Anyway, not glitzy, not as comfy as a BMW, but perfectly servicable and that is what you need right now. In a few years you may be in a place where you can buy what you want but for now you must focus on the minimum you need. 

So much this!  
I am still driving my 17 year old car.  Every time I take it to the mechanics, I pass the Audi dealership, and see the vehicle I covet.  I can afford it, if I want but after talking to my mechanic, it is now a hard pass.  Audis are expensive to maintain and require propriatory parts, fluids and tools needed to work on them…..which doubles or triples the cost of basic service.  

Yeah, Audis are sexy…..just like BMWs.  But they are a money pit and if you don’t have access to a money pit, a bad idea.

[Opti]

Dec 11, 2023 12:46:54 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Dec 10, 2023 20:52:32 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Forget about "Opti type vehicle" for now. I know cars are important to you but at this time it is important to focus on the primary function of a car: getting you from point A to point B and back again. Not only are luxury cars expensive to buy, they are expensive in maintenance. A small Honda, Toyota, or even a Nissan Versa. I know you don't like the Versa but let me tell you one of those got me everywhere for over 11 years with hardly any maintenance cost and chances are I would still have that car if someone hadn't sandwiched me by not realizing that if all traffic stops you have to do so as well. Anyway, not glitzy, not as comfy as a BMW, but perfectly servicable and that is what you need right now. In a few years you may be in a place where you can buy what you want but for now you must focus on the minimum you need. 

So much this!  
I am still driving my 17 year old car.  Every time I take it to the mechanics, I pass the Audi dealership, and see the vehicle I covet.  I can afford it, if I want but after talking to my mechanic, it is now a hard pass.  Audis are expensive to maintain and require propriatory parts, fluids and tools needed to work on them…..which doubles or triples the cost of basic service.  

Yeah, Audis are sexy…..just like BMWs.  But they are a money pit and if you don’t have access to a money pit, a bad idea.

Whatevs. Can TD post now instead; The guy that has had his WRX for how long?

Whatever I buy on the bottom of the food chain is not going to last long. If I don't like it, I flip it for a Honda CRV or the more exciting to me Honda Crosstour or Toyota Matrix. I guess you guys don't have good independent garages where they only fix what has to be fixed?

[Opti]

Maybe you all can shop for me, as without a vehicle I need a longer coat to sit on those metal benches sometimes over an hour one way.

Luckily its low 40s today with heavy wind, so it will only be miserable to do two zones each way.

  <--  Really a bis ass bus I will have to flag down in order to get to the pharmacy.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 10, 2023 18:27:21 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

This has turned REALLY UGLY now.

I mean, she's not even pretending to be nice anymore.

It's just UGLY and hurtful comments, mixed with how concerned she has been, but how I expected too much, because I asked her to send 1 photo of her girls. She's taking back her concern for me. And I'm just horrible, like always. "What did I expect her to do, while she was on a ship, out of the country?!"

I quit responding at that point.

Oh, wait! It just got better!
Now she very nicely told me, it doesn't look like they'll make their flight home. Have I already left, to go home?

She has Ring doorbell and gets notified every time a door opens. She has to know I'm still here.

Unfortunately for them, I'm still going home. Unbelievable!

Wow!  Just…..wow!

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 11, 2023 12:52:52 GMT -5 Opti said:

Dec 11, 2023 12:46:54 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

So much this!  
I am still driving my 17 year old car.  Every time I take it to the mechanics, I pass the Audi dealership, and see the vehicle I covet.  I can afford it, if I want but after talking to my mechanic, it is now a hard pass.  Audis are expensive to maintain and require propriatory parts, fluids and tools needed to work on them…..which doubles or triples the cost of basic service.  

Yeah, Audis are sexy…..just like BMWs.  But they are a money pit and if you don’t have access to a money pit, a bad idea.

Whatevs. Can TD post now instead; The guy that has had his WRX for how long?

Whatever I buy on the bottom of the food chain is not going to last long. If I don't like it, I flip it for a Honda CRV or the more exciting to me Honda Crosstour or Toyota Matrix. I guess you guys don't have good independent garages where they only fix what has to be fixed?

Actually, we do have an excellent, independent mechanic. This is who I got my information from, as he works on my Subaru.  He loves the cars, hates what he has to charge as everything is propriatory for Audi.  That means no choice and your parts and fluids have to be purchased only through Audi.  Buying a car is only part of it, you should know that.  

TD got rid of his 2003 Subaru WRX nearly 10 years ago.  His daily driver is his 2007 STi now.  Since he bought it, he has easily put $40,000 into it since the timing belt broke at 70k miles.  It is absolutely a money pit, and he’ll tell you that.  It burns oil, his oil changes run him $250 and it requires premium gas.  It also goes like a streak of shit, and is a lot of fun to drive……but we rarely take it any place other than Seattle or Vancouver as it’s not trusted.  

[andi9899]

Dec 11, 2023 10:13:57 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Dec 11, 2023 9:54:52 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

I don't remember, but I feel like a good 30* at least. It's usually in the 100*s in KS in August. I just remember that it was hotter than hell at home that time.

gotcha. we don't get that high, even inland. a few days' stretch of 90s is the worst we see, and that's only once or twice a year at worst. I don't get that where I am at the coast. 

Yeah, it was a nice break. We go from freezing to hot and stay there for months at a time until we go back to freezing again. The weather sucks here.

[andi9899]

Dec 11, 2023 11:54:18 GMT -5 Opti said:

Dec 11, 2023 10:07:08 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

While I'm talking about Pacheco, remember that I bought a jersey recently? Well, they don’t make women's Pacheco jerseys for some reason. I got a men's large. It's huge on me so I went to exchange it for a medium. Nope. No mediums anywhere. I looked at Academy, Rally House, the NFL shop and Scheels. Nothing smaller than a large.

I got a Kelce jersey because it was on sale in a women's large. It fit but I'd like a size bigger so I can wear a thicker shirt underneath. No women's XL anywhere. Maybe the jerseys just weren't meant for me.

Did you look at places like Kohls or Sears online? Sadly, the people who make the jerseys assume it will be worn by men, so they exclude even small men, the ones that usually wear Men's M or S.

I never thought about Kohl's. I just looked and they don't have any Pacheco jerseys. Oh well. I'll just deal with it. I am going to exchange the Kelce one when the right size becomes available. Academy doesn't have a time limit on their returns as long as you have the receipt. If that jersey sits around until next season I can still return it.

[NoNamePerson]

Dec 11, 2023 11:56:23 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Dec 11, 2023 10:09:45 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I have no experience with family drama so I try to consider that it is family. As for me I would have told them to f### off long long ago. That's why I added blood relatives. Except for my son I don't have any living blood relatives so I can't relate

I am just so glad to be home! And I slept really well. I feel better today, then I have in 2 months. I'm hardly coughing, which is fabulous! This antibiotic must finally be working. YAY!

I haven't heard from DD2, Or her husband. And I don't plan on contacting them. I'm really tired of their better than everyone else attitude. According to her husband, they don't need ANYONE else, for anything.

Because I have pneumonia, I have an good excuse for not reaching out to them. IMO.

They're having an apt inspection tomorrow and I had an appointment scheduled, to renew my lease, but I don't feel well enough to do either. So they are skipping my inspection and rescheduling my lease appt. That works for me.

Sometimes, life just sucks. Unfortunately for me, it sucks at Christmas, this year.

I don't want to play anymore.

But at least I'm home!

So glad you are back home. Now take care of you and get well.  That is an order from NNP. 

[andi9899]

Dec 11, 2023 11:55:44 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Dec 11, 2023 11:08:35 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I have had multiple BMWs and fancier VW models.  They are fun to drive but then require a big financial commitment for repairs and maintenance.  Buying a used one puts you right in the middle of the years of repairs and maintenance.  That fine German engineering is nice when the car is new, but just like any car when it gets older, it's not as fun to drive.  If image is what you're after and you think the ride is more fun and have the money to keep up on repairs and maintenance, by all means go for a well-used German car.

I absolutely agree that focusing on the primary purpose of a car is transportation.  That is how it is for me.  But that is not how it is for everyone. 

I wish easier times for you, Opti. 

Former supervisor paid something like 38K for an Audi that was maybe 2 years old.  He had a ton of trouble with it, lots of expensive repairs including I believe a blown engine…sold it a couple of years later for 2K (!) and bought a Honda instead.

I’m enjoying my inherited bmw but it’s definitely higher maintenance than my beloved 2005 Focus wagon, and I might enjoy it less were I not married to a frighteningly competent person with a mechanical inclination and well equipped garage.

My nephew had an Audi that gave him a bunch of problems. He has a Buick now which I find funny since he's only 21. Not many young people are running out to buy Buicks. I stick to Nissan and drove Toyotas only for a long time before that.

[chiver78]

Dec 11, 2023 12:23:32 GMT -5 Opti said:

Dec 11, 2023 11:08:35 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I have had multiple BMWs and fancier VW models.  They are fun to drive but then require a big financial commitment for repairs and maintenance.  Buying a used one puts you right in the middle of the years of repairs and maintenance.  That fine German engineering is nice when the car is new, but just like any car when it gets older, it's not as fun to drive.  If image is what you're after and you think the ride is more fun and have the money to keep up on repairs and maintenance, by all means go for a well-used German car.

I absolutely agree that focusing on the primary purpose of a car is transportation.  That is how it is for me.  But that is not how it is for everyone. 

I wish easier times for you, Opti. 

I bought the BMW despite the image most of you have it and what it means to you. When I am looking at these cars, I first suss out what it is and then go to the pics. When possible, I go to the interior first as I don't care if it looks crappier than average. I am buying for my riding comfort and enjoyment.

The Red Knight, long he will live in my soul, had good leather seats that were heated and pretty adjustable. Comfort wise, they did not start annoying me until 20 years in. My 1989 Honda Accord LXI had burgundy cloth seats and started annoying the crap out of me 13 years in, given my BMW is 2002 I kept that Honda longer than I would have liked. But generally new cars I keep until I can't. I bought one used Toyota Corolla in college, and while nothing was wrong with it, buying a car as just transportation hurts my soul. I am a car enthusiast. Its like me trying to tell you what dog you should have bought because some breeds are high cost.

My life, my journey. I will take advice, but I will tweak it to what will work for me. And if my car is some basic piece of crap, it will take away my will to live. As it is, all the nonsense at work has made me depressed a bit and I haven't hydrated enough because of it. And sorry if my midwest bluntness while sick hurts anyone's feelings.

yanno, I don't often comment on your posts, but I can't leave this one be. and I'm not gonna apologize if my good old fashioned New England bluntness offends. I don't AT ALL understand any of the bold here. most of your complaints are about not being able to get anywhere for your errands because you don't have a reliable vehicle. buy the damn reliable vehicle and get your shit done. you aren't (and haven't been for a long time) in a place where you can afford to be picky. I realize you're a car enthusiast, but you do not have the cash flow levels to afford anything fun. if you think that you'll ever get back to a place where you can, it's not going to happen without being able to function and get your shit done.

as far as work and hydrating? one has absolutely nothing to do with the other. get a reusable water bottle and keep it in your purse. 

[chiver78]

Dec 11, 2023 13:21:42 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Dec 11, 2023 11:54:18 GMT -5 Opti said:

Did you look at places like Kohls or Sears online? Sadly, the people who make the jerseys assume it will be worn by men, so they exclude even small men, the ones that usually wear Men's M or S.

I never thought about Kohl's. I just looked and they don't have any Pacheco jerseys. Oh well. I'll just deal with it. I am going to exchange the Kelce one when the right size becomes available. Academy doesn't have a time limit on their returns as long as you have the receipt. If that jersey sits around until next season I can still return it.

is it that much more expensive to just go to the official team store? I bought a not-so-common Slater jersey last off-season. it wasn't an "official with the sewn-on numbers" sort that run over $200, but I don't think I paid more than $100 for it. 

[chiver78]

Dec 11, 2023 13:25:33 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Dec 11, 2023 11:55:44 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Former supervisor paid something like 38K for an Audi that was maybe 2 years old.  He had a ton of trouble with it, lots of expensive repairs including I believe a blown engine…sold it a couple of years later for 2K (!) and bought a Honda instead.

I’m enjoying my inherited bmw but it’s definitely higher maintenance than my beloved 2005 Focus wagon, and I might enjoy it less were I not married to a frighteningly competent person with a mechanical inclination and well equipped garage.

My nephew had an Audi that gave him a bunch of problems. He has a Buick now which I find funny since he's only 21. Not many young people are running out to buy Buicks. I stick to Nissan and drove Toyotas only for a long time before that.

I had a pair of entry-level Acuras for 14y. the RSX didn't have a peer on the Honda side.     when it came time to retire the 2nd one, I looked at Mazda 3 as it had the same "zippy" factor and was in the same general price range. at the time, I was driving 75mi each way to get to work, so I needed a work horse. you rode in that car when you were here, I just passed 208k miles on it last week. it's a little trashed, mostly b/c of the dogs, but it still runs very well. as it's one of the few cars still available in manual, it's on the short list of replacements when the time comes to retire this one. 

I still had to chuckle though, when I fielded a survey call not long after buying the first RSX. it was a luxury car survey, and I interrupted the guy to say what? I don't have a luxury car. I paid $20k new for this thing, it's a basic hatchback. he said nope, it's an Acura. so I got to rate all these brands I have zero knowledge of. lol... 

[NastyWoman]

Well turns out  I am not imagining things. I have been busy since I got up but sat down with my first cup of coffee a bit back - and I felt cold. It hasn't been really cold here (it hardly ever is) so my reaction was "get over yourself, this is CA!" And then I looked at the thermometer and I realized it was not my imagination, or " all between my ears" as my mom used to say: it was only 56° in here and, wussy as that may sound, that is cold to me. I turned on the heat and closed the door to the bedroom with its open windows. Now for my second cup of coffee and then I'll pack my suitcase -> in that room with the open window but I will be moving so that is fine.

Looking forward to and at the same time dreading my 11 hour flight tomorrow. But the little guys are at the other end of that trip 

[seriousthistime]

During my married years, XH loved to buy BMWs.  We even ordered a new one and picked it up fresh from the factory in Munich.  That one had the transmission go out at 74K miles, 4K miles past the 7/70K warranty. It had not been misused in any way.  I finally dumped that car at about 180K miles, after the second time I had to replace the water pump.  

But to each his/her/their own.  YMMV.  

ETA: I get that it's a balance between the inconvenience of no car and the desire to drive the sort of car you like.  The inconvenience seems to be worth it to you. So be it. Best of luck, and I mean that sincerely. 

[empress of self-improvement]

Dec 11, 2023 11:59:55 GMT -5 Opti said:

Dec 11, 2023 11:09:33 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

Of course, I have bronchitis. I also have a doctor's note to stay out of work until Thursday. This is going to go over well.

Sorry about the bronchitis. I was worried that is where I was headed ... and maybe I will once I get both sinuses to drain. Let me know how work takes the doctor's note. Do you think you will be healthy enough to return to work on Friday?

Work was fine. The fact that I asked to work remote for Tuesday and Wednesday probably helped. I don't want to use my PTO if I don't need to, even if I do have plenty to use. I'm just glad I get to hack my lungs out in peace at home. With a cat who will probably still be pissed at me. She's off getting teeth pulled today. December has been a damn expensive month and I haven't even bought Christmas presents yet!!!

[lurkyloo]

Dec 11, 2023 13:51:21 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

During my married years, XH loved to buy BMWs.  We even ordered a new one and picked it up fresh from the factory in Munich.  That one had the transmission go out at 74K miles, 4K miles past the 7/70K warranty. It had not been misused in any way.  I finally dumped that car at about 180K miles, after the second time I had to replace the water pump.  

But to each his/her/their own.  YMMV. 

DH is a car guy; we picked up a Corvette from the factory about twenty years ago.  It’s a fun experience!  Jealous that you got to do it in Munich 

(Corvette still going strong and near-pristine, although it’s also never been a daily driver.)

[giramomma]

Opti, also consider there are now businesses that specialize in iv rehydration. Some are mobile.

It's pricy, at $200 in my neck of the woods. And something I would consider to keep my job.

[empress of self-improvement]

Well, my Discover card can rest easy. She didn't need any teeth pulled. She just has a weird mouth due to congenital issues, so she got a very thorough cleaning under anesthesia.
I really should go to the liquor store, not for me!, but I don't feel like it. I need to do some friggin' Christmas shopping. I need to go to Target too but, again, don't feel like it. Oy

[empress of self-improvement]

Dec 11, 2023 14:03:19 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Opti, also consider there are now businesses that specialize in iv rehydration. Some are mobile.

It's pricy, at $200 in my neck of the woods. And something I would consider to keep my job.

Really? I think I'd rather stick to drinking Pedialyte and I hate that stuff. Mobile IV rehydration. Interesting.

[bookkeeper]

Dec 11, 2023 14:03:19 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Opti, also consider there are now businesses that specialize in iv rehydration. Some are mobile.

It's pricy, at $200 in my neck of the woods. And something I would consider to keep my job.

My neighbor did this after having "too good" of a time in Las Vegas.  She was amazed how quickly she felt better.

[countrygirl2]

Yep, little guy is always wanting to stay up late and Sat night I let him. He went to bed and never heard a peek out of him, LOL! One time won't kill him.

I have to play Monopoly again with him, he likes it, but back in school for now.

Son and DIL are here at the house He had to take his truck in to get the brakes done so they brought breakfast and are here. He looked at my computer and got it going again, so don't have to buy one now.  It's been down and I thought done twice but got it going again so a lease on life again.

It's 48 out and gloomy today but not raining, we are nice and warm in here. Not going anyplace or doing anything today so all is well. I hope to get my Christmas bulbs and things for my tree this week, I mailed them here. I hate to buy more as I have so many at home.

As far as cars we have nice ones and don't have a lot of trouble or expense. We maintain them.  Right now hubs has a 2020 Ford F-150 bought new, nice truck only thing he has done is oil changes and finally a new set of tires. I have a 2020 Buck Envision and we like it, bought used, it was gone over at a dealership up here said nothing wrong with it.  And a 2018 Chrysler 300, bought used as a program car with 15000 miles on it and new car warranty. All our cars are fine and run well. I had trouble with a tire sensor and thought my dash screen was done, hubs found out it was just loose wires. I had a new Cadiallac with all kinds  of issues, happy with the 2 I have. They weren't high dollar, $22k for my cars, but about $45k for his truck.