Am I Paranoid?

"Do you have the time
To listen to me whine
About nothing and everything
All at once
I am one of those
Melodramatic fools
Neurotic to the bone
No doubt about it

Sometimes I give myself the creeps
Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me
It all keeps adding up
I think I'm cracking up
Am I just paranoid?
Or I'm just stoned"

-- from Green Day "Basket Case"

Well, I'm not stoned. And it turns out I am not paranoid either. And that first stanza... I must say, that's a bit like reading my blog, eh? Self-indulgent, melodramatic, blah blah blah. Okay, I'm over it.

Soooo... last Saturday after giving my car her one year anniversary "works" car wash at Valley Dairy, I added my happy-clappy Obama car magnet to my bumper. Me. With a car magnet. ME! The girl who HATES car magnets and bumper stickers, especially the dumb Calvin and Hobbes rude ones. Well, this girl broke down and decided to sport a magnet, because it was a respectable design and I was inspired by the daily offensive offensive of Mike N's facebook status remarks to actually proudly display my political viewpoint in hopes of inspiring others, particularly when it comes to voting on Tuesday. My viewpoint drove all over Fargo on Saturday, politicked in my parking lot all day Sunday (since I didn't even emerge from my pjs the entire day), and then I did my daily work, grocery store, home commute on Monday.

Then after school on Tuesday when I left work, I noticed my Obama car magnet was gone. Without a trace. Could it have fallen off when I was driving? Did my magnet fail? I knew it was on my car on Monday night, but was it there when I left for work on Tuesday morning? Was this the work of the parking lot vandals who potentially buy and sell drugs in our lot? Was this a politically motivated theft? Was it pure vandalism, let's take it to be mean, just because we can? Did I lose my lovely magnet in my lot at school, where I was parked in broad daylight for 8 hours? Did a student take it to be funny? I searched the bushes, there was not a magnet in sight.
I tried not to let that get me down. I visited the local Democratic party headquarters in order to buy a new one (my first one was ordered online). They didn't have any but they said they'd have bumper stickers in a couple days. That would have to do.

So, today between school dismissal and our evening parent-teacher conferences I decided to run a few errands. Since the Dem. headquarters was nearby, I stopped there first. The original plan was to merely tape the bumper sticker in the back window since I wasn't quite ready to put a sticker on my bumper. The magnet I could handle. A permanent sticker felt more like a tattoo that I wasn't ready for. Only, it turns out these new bumper stickers are more like clings in that they are removeable. They adhere nicely, (I cleaned off the bumper before I stuck it on) and yet, they seem to be able to be peeled off just as easily.

From the bumper sticker christening I moved on to purchasing a controlled substance at the local pharmacy. Yes. I needed some Claritin D. Next I drove to the grocery store where I picked up a few supplies for tomorrow's potluck at work. Both errands took about 15 minutes. So, when I returned to my car to stash my groceries, I noticed my bumper sticker was gone. For half a second I thought perhaps I was driving a bumper sticker magnet resistant Honda. That maybe I was just being paranoid in thinking that someone was deliberately sabotaging my efforts at supporting Obama. Then I noticed distinct finger marks in the dust beside the clean area where a bumper sticker once was. It was obvious someone had peeled it off. Seriously. What the hell?

So, on Tuesday I lose my car magnet. On Thursday, 20 minutes after applying my first ever bumper sticker, someone actually has the balls to peel it off my car. Glad to know it was that easy to remove. Thankfully I got TWO bumper stickers and so I carefully wiped the area clean and applied bumper sticker number 2.

I am just so absolutely stunned that there are people out there who would actually dare to remove my bumper sticker in a crowded parking lot in the middle of the day when I, the owner of the car, could have approached at any second. Was this person following me and watching for me to get out of my car so they could vandalize it? Or was this just a momentary fit of McCain/Palin lovin' rage that pushed some normally passive person over the edge? And what on earth would I have done if I HAD caught some in the act. I am a bit nervous about that. Wow. I hate things like theft and sneakery and breaking and entering and just vile acts of cowardice in general. And I would hate to be put in a position like that. I don't think it would end well.


It's 11:47 pm. I just did a visual check. Bumper sticker # 2 still on car. I will keep you posted.

Purchase Powers Unite.

I bought a new purse.

Oh yeah, and I bought a new car.

Yay. A 2008 Honda Civic LX Sedan

On Thursday I decided I had to take advantage of the day off from school so I borrowed my mother's car and drove to Fargo to look at cars. I'd narrowed my search down to the Honda Civic and the Kia Spectra and then at the last minute included the Scion xD back in the mix. Long story short, I decided against the Spectra and was wavering on the Scion (seduced by the great stereo) but in the end, that vehicle was just not for me. I drove home pretty certain that I would be buying a Honda Civic. I was still wavering though and when I drove past the local Toyota dealership I noticed they still only had the one xD in stock (white with a manual transmission) and I realized I would have to deal with those people when I wanted to service my vehicle or do any repairs. That was enough.

Before I went to the Honda dealer on Friday, I worked myself into a bit of a frenzy worrying about the cost. The first time I'd seen the car it was marked as $18,211, their "best price" and when I'd looked again it seemed to me it was a different price and I didn't write it down but I sensed that it was suddenly higher. I did some checking online. Found the invoice price on a 2007 and added the destination charge and 5 % and came up with about 17,800. I was bracing myself to ask for that price, certain I'd be denied since they are the kind of dealers that don't negotiate. They set "best prices." Still I thought if it had been cheaper a month earlier that I had some wiggle room. I did have it written down in my notebook and dated. Sooooo......

When I arrived at the dealership, I looked at the hang tag on the car. And I was right. The price WAS different from $18,211. It was $17,849. Almost exactly what I had determined was a fair price and what I was going to ask for. I was so relieved I almost cried. Yes, I have been a bit too dramatic and emotional over all this car business.

I completed the paperwork, eager to take my new baby home. Then I discovered I had to wait until they got it cleaned up and washed and vacuumed and then went over the car with me. So mom and I went shopping at my new favorite store, True Colors (a consignment shop) and I bought a purse. I think she's lovely.

Finally on Saturday morning someone from Honda picked me up with their convenience vehicle and an hour later, I was driving my new car. If you or anyone you know ( in the RR Valley) is looking for a Honda or Nissan. I have the salesguy for you. In the past month I've worked with a LOT of different people and I have to say I was genuinely glad that I was able to buy my car from David Stremick. Yay. He rocks.

Away Without Leave... so sorry.

Sorry, for the break in blog posts. Not only have I been away from my home, I've been neglecting my blog and instead have been guest-blogging babysitter style. The truth is, I could have been posting more. I just haven't had much to say. No rants, no new crazes, no new recipes and no car updates. Of course there has been plenty more neurotic ramblings and rationalizing and days of flip flopping but my week of babysitting is providing me with a much needed break in the car quest. I expect to resume it next weekend.

[status update in short: I'm in need of another glimpse of the Kia Spectra and the Honda Civic and maybe a reminder of the Nissan Altima and Mercury Milan... though I'm leaning Civic.. I'm not ruling out Spectra.. etc. You see the ongoing drama... and if you don't well, be thankful I'm sparing you the details. I have ruled out the Honda Civic Hybrid... it just doesn't seem like a good choice for this cold weather climate.]

Today, though, I stumbled upon a TV commercial for a new John Cusack film due out in November. I must admit I didn't like one of his more recent films, "Must Love Dogs," and I worry that this might be of the same ilk, but "Martian Child" actually looked decent and it also features his lovely sister Joan. I hope it lives up the trailer and to the expectations I have for John. I do love him. Seriously, how is it the man is still single? Could he be waiting for me? And if so, how will we ever cross paths? These are the big questions in my life this Sunday night.

Car Sick

Following my week of frenzied car shopping I slowed down a bit and I've only been out three times to look at vehicles.

On Monday the first of October I drove an 08 Mercury Milan and a used 06 Accord.

On Wednesday October 3rd, I drove an 08 Subaru Legacy, sat in an 08 Subaru Impreza, and peered in the windows of the 07 Kia Optima.

Then on Friday I found out that the Altima now has the 2.9% financing again. Shoot. I do like that car but somewhere between my initial attraction and now I've read about a lot of potential problems with the Nissan Altimas and I was reminded that on the charts I've been reading in Consumer Reports and on JD Power and Associates that Nissan is no where near the top... not like Toyota and Honda.

On Saturday, October 6, I drove to Fargo with my friend Mike and together we tested 8 cars and sat in a total of 12. We started by driving the Impreza and then we tried several Kias: the Rio, the Spectra, and the Optima. Overall I preferred the Spectra of that bunch. The Kias were only 2007s but they had good prices and good specials and a good warranty. Later, online research suggested that there were a lot of dissatisfied people out there complaining about everything from the stereo speakers to the acceleration to actual break downs and the lack of Kia service and refusal to honor warranties.

Next we drove over to Toyota to see the Toyota Yaris, review the Corolla to see if maybe I was wrong in my first impression (I was not... I just don't like it) and then to sit in the Camry so Mike could compare the size difference. We test drove a Toyota Prius and I asked the sales person about the recent Toyota floor mats recalls and about the "runaway acceleration" I've been reading about. He didn't know much. I think I knew more about the Prius than he did. Seriously.

Following the Toyotas, we tried their Scion xD because a friend was eager for me to try it. It turned out to be much better than I expected after driving in the Honda Fit (a comparable car). Ultimately though, it has a small cargo area and isn't exactly "attractive" to me. It is a couple grand cheaper than the Honda Civic and yet they get about the same gas mileage and I guess I thought the xD might get more.

We made one last stop at the local Honda dealer before lunch (even though it was nearly 1 pm) so I could revisit the Honda Civic and do a bit of comparison between that and the xD, the Spectra, and the Corolla. It is a close race between the Kia Spectra and the Civic with the Spectra leading in price and the Civic leading in the reliability of the Honda name and the fact that it's the top car in its class just about everywhere you read. We sat in an Accord and pondered the size difference but we didn't drive this one. I know it drives smoother and is comfortable... the questions is it TOO big and do I want to spend the extra money for less gas mileage and more space.

After lunch we checked out the Mercury Milan and the Mazda 6. We test drove the Milan and decided it had the most room of all... and I was left still wondering what to do about the size difference. If I hadn't read all that about the Altima and the Prius I would still be considering those cars. Neither the Milan, nor the Accord offer any kind of incentives or special financing so I'm less inclined to go that way. The Honda Civic seems to be the best choice in that car class and so I"d like to look at it again side by side with the spectra.

It was a fast and furious afternoon of cars that left my wheels spinning. I feel like I'd narrowed things down but I still am undecided.

More Car Confusion

Monday I test drove a used 2006 Honda Accord that was a pretty basic vehicle. It was almost a shock to sit in a used car after driving all these fancy 08s. This one drove just fine. It has 16,000 miles on it and I could get it for $15,300. It was a lease return. Somehow I just couldn't get excited about it.

Then I broke my vow--the shunning of all things Ford... and I drove the Mercury Milan. This one had extras in it, I wouldn't want and was a black vehicle... also a no-no in Carmyn-world. But it was nice. My uncle has one. I plan to ask what he thinks... the ratings are high, but the cost isn't THAT low by comparison with the Accords and I'd hoped for some kinds of specials on domestic vehicles.. maybe that is only on 2007 models and maybe I should have looked at those? The other downside to this vehicle is that it gets only marginally good gas mileage by comparisons with the other cars in its class.

Now, I'm being urged by friends to try the Saturns, Subarus, and the Kias... so I guess that might be next. Why not the Hyundais too? Anyone know a reason why I should or should not be trying these other vehicles. I'm just at a loss.

And why exactly do Kia and Hyundai have such long warranties? (I mean, THAT is what I would love) If they don't ever break down that might make sense... but if that is the case why aren't they ranked higher on all these ratings I've been looking at?

New Shows, No Time... Car Shopping Sucks

I love the first week of the new fall shows on Primetime. I wait for it all summer. But this week I didn't get to watch much of anything because I was out looking at cars every single day after work. Sigh. Thank goodness for the DVR.

Sunday I peered in windows and jotted down notes off the window stickers at Honda/Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, and at a couple used car lots.

Monday it was internet research on the cars I looked at on the lots on Sunday.

Scion xD

Tuesday I test drove a 2007 Toyota Prius and the Toyota Corolla and looked at the Scion xD.Honda Civic

Wednesday I test drove a 2008 Honda Civic, 2008 Nissan Sentra, and a 2007 Versa.

Toyota Prius

Thursday I test drove the 2007 Prius again since we were only able to go around the block on Tuesday... because it was low on gas. This time I asked for a different sales person because in addition to Thomas's "reluctance" to let us try out the cars, he didn't offer to PUT GAS IN the Prius so we could drive it on the highway which was obviously a big deal to me. In fact, on Thurs. I called ahead to "make sure there is gas in the vehicle" when we stop in to test drive. Guess what? No gas. Seriously. Our new salesman, Mike, didn't seem to remember anything I said on the phone earlier or notice the gas situation until we were out on the interstate and the low fuel light started flashing. Arghhh.... I am getting the distinct impression these men aren't interested in selling me this car. Thus, I have decided that if I do get a Prius I will go with a 2008 and buy it in Devils Lake.

Honda Fit

Friday I test drove a 2008 Honda Fit, a 2008 Honda Accord, and then the Nissan Altima. I would have purchased the Nissan Altima right then and there if they'd have had the right vehicle in stock. All the models they had there were loaded with extras that jacked up the price and they were things I didn't want. However, they had 2.9% financing and a really great glove compartment... oh and round taillights and dual exhaust.... So, it was tough. In the end, I didn't end up with an Altima and after more time with my consumer reports and online looking for problems with the Altimas I found some. I discovered a LOT of people with complaints and that freaked me out. The main thing I am looking for is a vehicle that won't break down. Or at least has a much lower chance of problems.

Nissan Altima

Of all the cars the Prius and the Altima were my favorites. I would probably like the 08 Civic were it not for that ridiculous split dash that looks just dumb. And the 08 Accord has a rather unattractive control panel too. Seriously dumb reasons to not want a car... but they aren't CHEAP either. The Altima drove the same as the Accord if not better and the interior was just right. When it came to size the Camry was too big, the Corolla was too small... but the Prius... ahhh the Prius was just right. This Goldilocks wants one of those! But the one major drawback on them is the price and lack of any specials. I'm as confused as ever and no closer to getting a car.

Oooh Goody, Car Shopping...

... says my colleague today when I announce in the staff lounge the final word on my car. Totaled. The other guy's insurance company has decided. Oh, I'm sorry? Didn't I mention... while I was bent over double with pain last week, haggling with the man formerly known as my primary doctor over whether or not my excruciating pain on the left side of my back was or was not kidney related. Later, my mother, an RN, asked me to indicate exactly WHERE the pain was and as I showed her she shook her head and said "well I can see where the confusion was... since the spot where it hurts is EXACTLY where your kidney is!" Sigh.

Oops. Digression.

As I was saying, my car was in an accident last week. I was not in my car. Apparently this was a very good thing. It went down a bit like this.

1. I ran out of gas. (I know, I know... damn those gas prices... I really thought I could make it)

2. I coasted my car to the far edge of the lane, put on my hazards, stepped out of the car.

3. I stood on the side of the street for a minute trying to decide if I could find someone to help me push it up to the nearest street to get it off the main road... Then when no one seemed readily available I opted to start walking to the gas station a block away.

4. I took about 5 steps.

5. Someone apologetic college boy, "looking down for just a second" hit my car and propelled it forward into a street sign.

6. Police are summoned.

7. He is cited.

8. Cars are towed.

9. 48 hours later I am finally told his insurance will pay for a rental. Unfortunately I am in the emergency room--kidney crisis-- when they contact me. I get one the next day.

10. One week later, I find out the adjuster finally saw my car and declared time of death.

It hurts me to see my car end up this way. We've been through a lot together. I loved her and I hated her.

I've known for some time that I needed to consider a new car... I am just dreading the whole process. I have a car curse and I'm afraid of the commitment. The pressure of all that money.
And everyone's got an opinion... a suggestion. People are volunteering to go shopping with me. Should I buy new or used? I've always bought used. Now I think for the first time ever, I'll be buying new. To take advantage of any deals with percentage rates (please let there be deals) and to get a nice long factory warranty. Are there any that actually are 10 year warranties? Or is that just a myth? And do I buy a new 2007 (which might have a deal) or get a brand spanking new 2008, which are just rolling out?

I am driving a 2007 Toyota Camry rental and I'm not crazy about it. And it's hard to explain why. I think the dashboard is ugly. My water bottle doesn't fit in the cup holders. I find the console compartments inconvenient. It looks big on the outside. Which is a total contradiction since I say I don't mind big, I like roominess. The trunk space is good. However, the worst is that I find I have trouble with blind spots in reversing. To back up. I have to rely on the mirrors. That makes me uncomfortable. I actually cannot see what is behind me when I back up... it's like the headrest is obstructing my view and I nearly get a neck spasm trying to make it work. That just seems totally wrong. So I guess that's one car I won't get. I wish I could rent a few others just to try each of them for a few days. That would be so much easier. Feel free to suggest cars or tips. Please don't be hurt if I don't follow your advice or tips.

Oh Deer. Oh Deer.

On Friday, my brother and I drove to the hometown to see Grandma. It was heartbreaking to think of her in that hospital bed, missing out on family time over the holidays. She liked the tulips we brought. I showed off the scarf I finished this week and showed her my new knitting project. She got mail while we were there and she was so excited I decided I needed to immediately start writing letters to her. I keep thinking, why haven't I done that already, then I remember I was recently mired in a lefse-making-induced near-breakdown. The bad news is she seems worse... she's on oxygen and her IVs keep blowing out her veins... her skin looks papery and she seems more tired than ever. We visited her when we got there but also visited again right before we left and I suspect she'd turned down the hearing aid because we were nearly yelling and she couldn't hear anything. She was a lot more fuzzy in the late afternoon. Also she accused me of smoking. (tee hee.) Anyone who knows me at all knows that is just crazy talk!

Between visits with Gram I stopped to see my high school pals--sisters, Cindy and Cathy, home for the holidays. Cindy and George proudly showed off the video of the ultrasound for the baby on the way and Cindy looked so darn cute with her little baby belly I just wish we lived closer so I could share in this exciting time for them. Cathy was home without Shane (tending the ranch, I suppose?) and she had her 7 month old daughter Adee along. This was the first time I met their little honey and I was totally love-struck. It felt so good to be sitting in the living room with my old pals and the memories just came flooding back of all the fun we used to have and in an unsuspecting moment I was hit by a wave of thanksgiving.... who knew? I AM thankful for my friends, that they are healthy and happy and I only regret I don't get to see them as much as I'd like.

My brother was just along for the ride on this trip... wanting to see Grandma mainly and so he napped and read while I visited my friends. After we said good-bye to Grandma we stopped at the farm for a yummy meal, compliments of dad. Before long we were back on the road. At least four times throughout the day we'd been admonished to "watch out for deer" on our drive home and since I knew I would be careful I wasn't too worried. After all, I had not seen even one deer the entire trip the last time I drove home. This time was different. We spotted 13 deer on the drive in three different instances. Good news. We only hit two. Just 10 miles from my dad's place about 8 deer jumped out of the ditch on the left side of the highway and were running across. I braked but couldn't stop and managed to only hit two deer. There seemed to be NO damage to my car, though we discovered otherwise when we got home. The deer may not have fared so well. I guess, what I should be thankful for here is that I didn't get killed or total my car.... wait, that's back to that same old twisty way of thinking...

Carm-ka-boom and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

How can I even begin to explain the crappiness of my day... let me try to "sum it up."


Meet the alarm clock that didn't wake me....






And the phone call that did...
Mine wasn't so much a "wake up call" as a "Why aren't you at work?" call

I showered, tossed in the contacts, pulled on some clothes, brushed the teeth and hair and was at work in 15 minutes...
only ONE HOUR LATE.
(apparently I needed 10 hours of sleep last night!!!!)



11:00 AM

One of our custodians informs me I have a flat tire... a VERY flat tire.

He finds a way to fill it for me and gives me a ride back from the service station where I dropped my car on my lunch break... His help was the highlight of my day.


2:00 pm
The phone rings and I learn my tire is patched and by the way......

"We've identified that "death rattle" you asked us to check out when you came in. It was the sound of $650.00 being handed over to us.... evil laugh."


"You see, you poor stupid girl who only buys ridiculous cars that require nonstop maintenance and repair, it appears that you have a problem with your exhaust system and your catalytic converter is on the verge of becoming clogged as pieces of it crumble."

"What will happen if I DON'T fix the problem?"

"Eventually it will become fully clogged and then you could cause damage to your engine."



Then I hung up and started to cry.
In front of students.

I am not financially READY to buy a new car... (maybe in about 9 months) and I am sick of having to repair something MAJOR on my car every 6 months... I mean... two starters, the electrical system, body damage, windshield, new gas tank, signal light controls, power steering, new transmission, brakes and countless blown tires..... Need I go on?

I don't have an answer... hence the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

I think I'll move to Australia!