Bits'n Pieces of Used Things

Today has been a day of so many hurried changes!

After about 15 months of unemployment - I have work again!

Yes, I am very happy as it is what I was searching for.

Now - my changes today kinda have to do with that work tomorrow.

Today - I took the car I bought LAST Saturday

and

bought a different car.

Yes - crazy huh?  well it has a saga.

Last Saturday, I bought a 2001 Ford Taurus SE.

Loaded and pristine!

I drove it that day for about 2 hours, left it alone for a day sitting in the driveway.

Monday came about and yes, you guessed it.

No ignition!!

To me it sounded like the alternator but it could be a dead battery.

Since the battery was new - doubtful!

However, I called the dealer and the owner himself came to my rescue.

The car started up and as instructed, I let it run to charge the battery.

Now remember, it is a new battery.

Next morning, I expected that pretty motor purr...

Nada..zip..nothing!  Not even the ticking of an alternator going bad!

So, once again, here comes the owner but he brought with him 

the mechanics and off they went with my car.

Three days later, I have the car.  The motor performing beautifully!

Since the car leaked a HUGE oil slick - he changed the master cylinder.

Just to be safe.

Checked the electrical system - just to be safe.

I ran the car all over the place. Freeway and street driving.

Parked it but in reverse to check for that oil slick again.

Yes, I have been known to actually use my head! lol!

Saturday morning - once again - it did not start.

This time, the owner showed with 3 mechanics.

The car would not start despite all the best efforts.   Now I am starting to stress.

I made a list:

As I was driving the night before one of the belts was starting to go.

Yes, the horrible cricket sound just got embarrassingly louder and louder!

The dash lights only lit up half way along with the lights for the gearbox.

Part of the door fell off - a cosmetic thing.

Now, I think what is really happening with the car - ignition issues connected with the alarm system.

*sigh*

So, the owner could not tow the car away as his tow service was not available.

Instead, today - Sunday, they picked me up

and

I was presented with a newer car.

2009 VW New Beetle.

No - not a turbo but still it is a car I am familiar with.

It is cute and very bright YELLOW!

Black leather interior and an awesome sound system.

A 5 Speed!!  Yeah!!!!

My inner demon is coming out!

The most important thing for me was that I had bought from a very ethical dealer.

In California, we do not have lemon laws.

We can return a car within 2 days - provided we purchase that option at signing.

Something I did not do as I did not anticipate this saga at all.

If the car had issues, you better have purchased the extended warranty and deal with the expenses.

psst...i did buy the warranty but the dealer decided to play very nice!

I was very lucky and I am counting my blessings.

Now, I can rest and not stress.

The old car will be gone tomorrow when they pick it up with the tow truck

and

most importantly, while I am at work.

;)

*here is where i should put a pic...but i don't have one!*

Now, time to pick out my outfit for tomorrow! :D

Labor Day

The sounds of the lawnmowers with the noisy motors jag my morning awake.  This time no sounds of birds or squirrels at play.  My daughter walks into my room with a look that would liquefy any who dared looked at her.

“WTF! Why all the noise!  It’s my day off-my weekend!”  She grumbles.

I just smile quietly as I know what her reaction would be should she actually hear laughter at her comment.  She has been working hard all week to have this weekend off; after all, it is Labor Day.   She stumbles back out of my room and into her bed; vehemently declaring that all gardeners are useless and should be put to death.

  

I finally finish dressing and take my time getting to the kitchen.  Things are strewn about the house and yes, most of them belong to my daughter.  The cats are lounging by the French-doors just waiting for me to allow them some freedom.  As I open the door they quickly scamper out with the exception of the younger one; he is still deciding if he really wants out or not.  I just leave the door open for him as I know eventually he will go out.  He does take his time in his decisions.  *giggles* He reminds me of the spoiled one sleeping right now.

I finish picking up the rest of the things, which include dishes left about, and place them in their proper spots.  She will deal with her laundry when she finally wakes – that is her thing to do – not mine.  Yes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to stubbornness.  I am guilty of stubbornness as well. 

It has been over a year now; savings has been eaten up with just the little things to keep us afloat.  Groceries bought on a tight budget. One of the cars is now gone – not that it is needed at the moment but I know that we will eventually feel the need. I feel the darkness of an abyss right at my feet.  I am afraid to look down to see how close it really is.   This economy sure has had a horrible effect on everyone.  My daughter did not realize how fortunate she has been to have been offered a position in management right out of school.  It is just another sign of the times.  She became my competition when she graduated.  I have never told her how close we were to falling into pieces.  If I don’t find work soon – the house will be gone too. 

I walk into my office to start my work day.  There have been thousands of resumes sent out by the job boards and associations I belong to; so far no luck.  All the reasons in the world were given; too much experience, you earned too much, too much education, too little education; the list goes on and on.  The fact is that there are many like me; well qualified but just not enough work. 

Today, I pull out the want ads in the newspaper. I might have some luck as I used to post in the local papers when I needed to hire.  Who knows, Labor Day weekend could be my weekend to work.

Meanwhile, my daughter sleeps away the morning exhausted from her heavy work week.

© 2010 3 september/cb