Took The Plunge

Time For Retirement
Nine and half years ago, I was excited to purchase my Chrysler 300.  You can read about it HERE.  It's now 13 years old and has been costing me several hundred dollars in repairs each time I've had to take it to the shop.  At over 136K miles, it's no longer worth the repairs I've been investing.  I decided it's time to retire the 300.

 Seriously?
One would think car dealerships would want to sell a car.  I researched a car I was interested in and I kid you not when I say I contacted no less than five dealerships that had the year, make, and model I was interested in with reasonable miles on it.  Incidentally, prices were ALL over the place with no rhyme or reason.  For instance:

•  30,233 miles, $23K
•  14,475 miles, $25K
•  29,160 miles, $25K
•  29,631 miles, $26K
•  11,165 miles, $26K
•  13,812 miles, $28K

Keep in mind all these are the same car just different colors!  Back to the dealerships, I contacted them all via email because all of them were a distance away from where I live.  Most just wanted to get me into the dealership.  They ghosted me once I started asking questions about the particular vehicle I was interested in.  Some didn't even respond to my "Contact Us" for the car on their website.  WTH?

Road Trip
One dealership stood out from the get-go.  I received a nice introduction email about the dealership and salesperson.  He answered all my questions via email in a timely, friendly manner.  The dealership was the one that had the car I was most interested in.  I took a 3 hour drive (each) way to east central WI to talk to the salesperson and test drive the car.  In my research, I was pretty impressed with the make and model before seeing it in person.  

The Test Drive
I had to chuckle internally when the salesperson asked for my license and took a photo of it with his phone.  Goes to show you how high tech we are.  Gone are the days of photocopied licenses.  The dealership is next to a freeway, interstate, and shopping center so I was able to drive it in several different conditions. 
OMG... test driving it was awesome!  It has a wonderful get-up-and go that my Chrysler 300 lacks.  I pulled into the shopping center parking lot to give the car closer inspection.  It's in excellent condition with no scratches or dents.  Under the hood looked really good, too.  Tires still have a good amount of tread.  I did look at the CarFax:  One owner, it's been regularly into the dealership for maintenance, and the two airbag recalls have been resolved.

The "Sit Down"
There wasn't any negotiation on the price because the dealership uses "up-front price" business model.  This means autos are priced aggressively to the market in order to move vehicles quickly and create volume. In these dealerships, the margins are lower, and they will typically do less (or no) negotiation, and more showing you documentation of why theirs is the value that it is.  Statistics show that most people do not like the negotiation process so some dealerships have moved to the up-front price model.  I didn't need the documentation since I'd already did my homework in this area.  
 I did try to negotiate for not a lower price, but for other things.  No dice.  

For me, the sale was contingent on how much I was going to get for trading in my 300.  I'd done my research on this, too.  Average trade-in value was $1,100.00 for a car in fair condition.  On the low end $925 and high end $1,468.  My car with 136K miles has some rust, a hole in the rear bumper, burns oil, lifters that knock, and needs some suspension work -- way too much $$ for me to want to keep it.  But, I digress.  When the salesperson came back to me with trade-in value of over $1,500.00, the deal was made.  

Since I hadn't planned on actually purchasing, I wasn't prepared. I put a deposit down and we planned on doing paperwork and delivery of the car on the following Thursday.  Yes, they are going to drive it 3 hours to me!  How awesome is that?!

Delivery
Since this was the first time I've ever had a car delivered to me, I didn't know what to expect.  Especially, when the salesperson joked about how the delivery drivers were retired 80-year olds and don't get paid much. LOL

The day before, I received a call from the salesperson to set up delivery time and place as well as answer any remaining questions I had.

My New Ride
Readers are probably wondering, "Well, what did she get?" I've kept you in suspense, haven't I?  I purchased a 2016 Toyota Avalon Limited.  I thought it was the high end of the Avalon series.  The salesperson told me there was one more higher up called the Platinum series, but not many were sold.  From what I've researched, it is very similar to the Lexus 350ES.  Both cars have the same chassis and powertrain, but the Avalon has more interior room and trunk space.  It's also less expensive to purchase.

Exterior color is called Sizzling Crimson Mica.  Crimson is a strong, red color, leaning toward purple.  Mica is a crystalline mineral used in the paint to make it pearlized and creates a multicolored effect on vehicles. On my new-to-me car, this means in bright sunlight it looks red.

 

 
In the shade, or on overcast days it looks maroon or purplish.  The interior is light gray with black accents.

Size-wise, the Avalon is about the same length as the 300 and just a few inches less wide.  Both have 18" wheels with the Avalon having Super Chrome Alloy vs. the 300's aluminum rims.

Features
I thought I was stylin' with a built-in garage remote control on the Chrysler 300. I am blown away at all the high tech features of the Avalon I purchased! 

•  Touch-based dash switches
•  Central touchscreen for GPS, radio, and phone
•  268-horsepower, 3.5-liter, 6-speed V-6 engine
•  Three driving modes:  Eco, Normal, and Sport that adjusts steering, throttle, and shift feel. 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds.  I can attest to this -- I was going almost 80mph coming from the off ramp onto the interstate and I didn't even know it!
•  Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection offers collision avoidance support for pedestrians.  No pedestrians to test this out, LOL.
•  Dynamic radar cruise control uses radar technology to adjust your vehicle speed to help maintain a preset following distance between you and the vehicle directly in front of yours
•  Automatic high beam headlights detects oncoming vehicles 2000 feet away and switches HB off then switches back on when vehicle passes
•  Lane departure assist signals if your car is about to leave your lane.  The alarm actually went off during the test drive when the car was too close to the center line.  So, I know it works!
•  Integrated backup camera with projected path.  Tested this out too and it works, too.
•  Heated power outside mirrors -- will come in handy during the winter months!
•  Leather heated seats in both the front and rear.  Cooled seats in the front.
•  Three zone heating/cooling:  two in front and one in the rear
•  10-way power adjustable drivers seat with lumbar support and cushion extension.  8-way power passenger seat

•  Entune multi-media bundle:  7" screen with split screen display, AM/FM radio, CD player, USB port for MP3/WMA playback, voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phonebook access  and music streaming via bluetooth technology, Siri, and SiriusXM
•  Entune App Suite which gives real time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks.  It also does destination searches, has iHeartRadio, Pandora, FB places, and Yelp
•  Power moonroof, power windows, and power door locks, and power rear window sunshade
•  The steering wheel has paddle shifters (not sure what theses are yet) as well as controls for the hands-free phone, voice command, and multi-information display
•  Qi wireless smartphone charging system
•  Auto dimming rear view mirror with compass, map lights, and garage door opener
•  Rear window defroster/defogger with timer
•  Two 12 volt auxiliary power outlets
•  Push button engine start/stop
•  One of the neatest things -- the Smart Key System.  You can lock and unlock the front doors and trunk with just a touch of the hand.  THIS video explains how it works.  So cool!

A Girl's Work

... is never done...

Finally the humidity and high temperatures broke and the weekend brought beautiful weather in which I could actually do some much needed yard work.

On Friday, I mowed the yard.  Then I started to trim the weeds until the weedeater battery died.  The downside to having battery powered tools is the battery only lasts 20-30 minutes before needing a charge and it takes about 4 hours to recharge.  Yes, I know I could buy another battery but at $50 a pop, I have not.  The upside to having battery powered tools is that it forces me to stop and rest my arms and shoulders... otherwise I'd just keep going like I'm the energizer bunny or something.  Then pay for it later.

In the summer, I'm usually up before 6am and wish I could mow or do yard work, LOL.  However, the grass is usually too wet and my neighbors wouldn't appreciate it.  On Saturday, I was up and at 'em at 7:30am trimming more weeds until the battery died.  Back on the charger it went.  I spent most of Saturday making the Thread Keeper and writing the tutorial in my previous post.  Intermission was when the battery was recharged and I went back out to trim more weeds.

I had to put to rest one of my favorite pairs of stitching scissors.   These were given to me many, many years ago by CJ at Tea and Stitches, and have been my favorites. They have traveled with me all over the U.S. and have seen many places. I'm sad to see them go.  Thankfully, I have many more pairs to replace them.  Goodbye my friend... you have served me well.  ::sniffle::

On Sunday, I slept until 9am.  I can't remember the last time I slept so late.  Got up and hit the ground running.  Finished weed trimming the yard. 

Removed a humongous thistle from my flower bed. I bet that thing was 4 ft tall with 3/4" stem.  Note to self:  Do NOT let thistles get that tall... ever!  

It was not an easy task to remove even with gloves on. Sprayed other weedy areas. Pulled weeds out of the flower bed. Trimmed the burning bush until the battery died on the hedge trimmer.  It looks really stupid only half trimmed, but whateva! I also winterized the snowblower aka "Little Blow" and put it away. Swept the garage, did laundry, and repotted my Mom's Christmas cactus.

Silly me then decided to wash the car.  Hey, there were a LOT of splatted bugs on the front and it really needed it.  So, I lugged my pressure washer from the basement and went to work.

Nothing beats a good hand washed car!

Several months ago, I noticed a rub mark on my rear passenger side bumper.  I believe it was done by a coworker because I saw a scrape on her car, but at the time I didn't realize mine had been scraped.  Humph!  Anyway, I digress.

Even though auto parts stores carry rubbing compound just for this purpose, I didn't want to have buy a container of it just for a couple scrapes.  Eureka!  It hit me...

Magic Eraser!  It cleans stuff off paint in the house, so why wouldn't it work on a car?!  I use the Erase and Clean from Family Dollar. They are way cheaper than the name brand and work just as well.  I tore off a small chunk (no reason to waste the entire eraser), wet it, and rubbed the scuff marks right off the car.

Before and After.  The only spot left is a where paint is chipped off.

How's that for a weekend?!  Now, I can gear up for more hot, humid weather. Yippee! (Not)

Until next time...

Marvelous Monday Update 3/4/13

After the week and weekend I've had, it's definitely a marvelous Monday!  So what's been going on with me?  Read on...

WEATHER
It snowed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of last week!  I was up at 4am every one of those days cleaning the driveway so I could get out of my driveway without sliding into traffic.  Three out of the four nights, I had to clear the driveway again!  By Wednesday, I was very tired and quite irritable from the snow and lack of regular sleep.  To top off the week, I was working on the last pass with the snowblower and the shear pin broke.  Argh!  The snowblower was out of commission and I ended up shoveling the last bit.  The weekend was beautiful.  But, guess what?  Tonight, it's supposed to snow and we're due to get another 6-10" of heavy wet stuff.  Where I work (45min from home) is due to get up to 12"!

THE ENGINE LIGHT

Several weeks ago, the Check Engine light went on in my car. The BF checked it with his code reader and it said it was the EGR valve. A couple days later the light went off. It was off for a week or so then came on for a day, then went off. It came back on toward the middle of last week.  Since it kept going off and we did some research on EGR valves, we didn't think it was a dire problem.    The BF's light comes on and off all the time and it's not a serious problem either.

 

Then the car started idling and running really rough. So, I looked online for symptoms of a problem EGR valve. Mine matched, so I checked online for prices and got one from the local auto parts store. On Sunday, the BF dug into the engine and replaced the valve. 

 

Since the car needed an oil change, I checked the oil while he was finishing up putting the car back together. Imagine both our surprises when there was NO OIL in the car! Not even on the tip of the dip stick.  For those who might not know, that is NOT good.  Not good at all.  There was no evidence of leaking oil at work or at home so the BF thinks because the EGR valve was more than likely stuck open, the engine was burning the oil and sending it out the exaust.  I was very lucky we decided to replace the valve when we did since there was no oil in the car. The BF said I'd probably would've never made it to work today... and I would've ended up replacing the engine for around $5K, installed.  He put oil in the car and reset the codes. We drove it for about 30 minutes and it runs and sounds so much better!  I'm going to check the oil frequently for a while to make sure the car has enough. Since I've always had newer cars, I've never had to worry about checking the oil between the regular oil changes.

 

 

For fixing my car and the snowblower, I took the BF out to lunch at a China Buffet.  Good trade, don'tcha think?

 

STITCHY STUFF

I frogged the lazy daisy stitches on the January Hardanger SAL and redid them with four strands of DMC instead of the perle cotton.

 

 

I also started and finished the February Hardanger SAL.  The cutouts are a bit rough and the doves eyes aren't the greatest, but for the first time around I don't think they turned out bad.

 

 

I've also worked on JG, but there's not enough progress to show (maybe in my next post!).

TREASURE HUNTING
I have always wanted one of these.....

Singer Serger

So when I saw it at the thrift store, I had to get it.  Since I've never used a serger, it'll be a learning process for sure.  I am so excited!

 

Until next time,

 

Exceptional Experience

Out to Pasture?
For those of you who've followed my travels the past several years, you know I've had problems and repairs on the GTP. To be expected I guess, for an 11 year old car.

Even though I have LOVED the GTP since it came on the market and it gave me many good years of service, I became increasingly uneasy as to its reliability. So rather than put additional money into it, I decided to look for a different car.


Choices, Choices
I’ll admit it. I’ve been spoiled with my GTP. Fast. Heated Drivers Seat. Power everything. Roomy. Gorgeous Red. Sunroof. Leather seats. Auto Headlights/Fog Lights. Steering Wheel Controls. Heads-Up Display. Rear Window Defrost. Remote Locks. Ahhh, yes!

A couple years ago, the Chrysler 300 caught my eye. I thought they were pretty sharp-looking cars. At that time, I wasn’t ready to purchase so I tucked it away in the back of my mind. Then I saw a Buick Lucerne. Another nice car.


Temptation
Last week the local “advertiser” newspaper had an ad for used cars on the front – one of which was a Chrysler 300 that caught my eye. I found their prices were quite high for the model/options they had available. Seeing the ad was enough to spark my interest to do more research about the models, options, and prices for the 300. I test drove a couple. Solid-feeling, comfortable ride. More research about dealer values, trade-in value for the GTP, bank financing, and insurance rates. I am so freakin very thorough when I’m thinking about making a major purchase!

I found plenty of 300 RWD on the market. Living in the land of extreme snow winter wonderland, I need to have FWD or AWD. Especially with my driveway. Ya’ll remember it, right? So, the search was on to find AWD (no option for FWD on the 300). Again comparing prices and options, I narrowed it down to a 300 Limited AWD listed at $2.5K less than Kelly and NADA retail. The dealership was an hour and a half away. I emailed the dealership and asked an obscene a bunch of questions. The salesman emailed me back almost immediately after each set of questions, and sent a carfax on my request. Duh. I later found out that a lot of my questions were answered on their website, LoL. Oops. Did I *really* want to take a 3-hour round trip for a test drive?


Road Trip!
Sure, why not?! I did take a male counterpart with me for moral support and point out things I may not notice, plus to help with negotiations. I drove 1 ½ hours into another state to test drive a car. Am I crazy? Upon arriving at the 5-star dealership, a guy came out and asked how he could help. After being informed I wanted to look at 300 Limited AWD’s, he showed me the cars, brought me the keys to both and told me to take them for a test drive. Meantime, the salesman who I had been emailing with realized who I was and claimed his “territory” customer.


Drive ‘Em
They didn’t ask for my keys, didn’t ask for proof of insurance, or even my driver’s license. Just “Here ya go. Take them for a drive!” I took the gray one first. Nice. Then I took the white one. (I had seen them both online, and really liked the white one) While out test driving the white one, my friend called and told me that I did NOT want the gray one – it had several flaws including dents. He had given the white one the once-over (lol, maybe twice or thrice-over) while I was testing the gray one. The engine on the white one was cleaner, also. The white one was definitely taken care of better than the gray one.


Negotiations
We sat down and talked numbers. I already knew their pricing was a LOT lower than other dealerships and according to blue book values. The salesman made it a point to tell me, not knowing I did my homework. In essence, they weren’t going to budge on the sales price so the only thing I had to bargain with was trade-in value on my car. They came back with what I thought they would, a bit lower than blue book value. Not good enough. Actually it was, but I wanted to see if they would do better, and they did.

So guess what?! I negotiated my way into a new-to-me Chrysler 300 Limited AWD.


Definitely Unprepared
Then it came time to draw up the paperwork. I hadn’t planned on going home with a different car. As such, I didn’t have the extra sets of keys or the title. Nor did I have my checkbook. The dealership took my word that I was pre-approved for a loan. At this point, I’m still in awe with the whole dealership experience. They let me take the 300 off the lot for $100 deposit, and told me to mail them a check! (Well… the title and keys, too.) Unbelievable. After recently sitting through negotiations at a different (local) dealership who was high-pressure and anti-negotiation, I thought my car buying experience was a piece of cake!


My “New” Ride
Initially, the 300 was designed under the supervision of Mercedes engineers which is why it looks and drives comparable to the Mercedes E-class vehicles, only with a less expensive price tag. The powertrain is the same as the Dodge Charger.


Features: All-Wheel Drive 3.5L V6. 5-speed Automatic Transmission with ability to manually shift. Leather Interior. 6-CD Changer with MP3 and WMA. Sirius Satellite Radio. Boston Premium Sound System. Heated Power Driver –and- Passenger Seats. Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control. 18” Aluminum Wheels. Auto Headlights/Fog Lights. Auto Temperature Control. 60/40 Split Rear Seat. Steering Wheel Controls. Remote Locks. Built-In Programmable Garage Door Openers. Sunroof. Tinted Privacy Windows. Rear Window Defrost. Power/Heated Side Mirrors. Electronic Vehicle Information Center. Of course, there are lots of nice safety “upgrades” as well.

Hard to believe they let this off the lot for $100, isn’t it?

Marvelous Monday Update 1/4/10

First, I'd like to say Happy New Year! Hard to believe we're a decade into the millenium, isn't it? My wish is for everyone to have a prosperous 2010!

And now, on to my latest news...


WEATHER
Temps have been downright frigid this past weekend. Subzero temps and single digits. Today, I woke up to 5F! Later in the week, temps are supposed to rise to about 30. It'll seem like spring. I heard Indiana got a lot of snow over the weekend. I'm glad it was there and not here.


CAR
For the past year, the blower fan on my car has intermittently been acting up. It was one of those things where it would make the screeching sound every now and then. I think Nancy heard it once when she came to visit. I didn't want to take it in to the shop and then it not "act up", if you know what I mean. Two weeks ago, it finally started acting up *all* the time to the point I didn't even want to use the heater. Thank goodness for heated seats, lol. As the temps got colder, I finally made an appointment to get it looked at. A new blower motor and $245 later, the 'ole car is back to normal.


SCHOOL
After much contemplation and struggle, I've decided to take out student loans and go back to school. I'm considering myself lucky that I qualify for subsidized loans, which means the government will pay for the interest on said loans until I graduate. I've signed up for two classes this semester and the textbooks I ordered have arrived. Classes start next week. Wish me luck.


STITCHY STUFF
I spent a good part of the holiday weekend working on TMQ. I've noticed that if I just sit down and "just do it", it really does go pretty fast. Here's what I accomplished:

Other WIP pics can be seen HERE.

I wanted to start ABC Lessons, but I still haven't decided what fabric to use. I may just stitch a little bit on two of the fabrics and see what they'll look like.


GIVEAWAYS
Julie of I'll Cross That Leg is celebrating her 50th follower. Surf on over to check out what it is.

Karen of Sunshine Stitches is hosting her first ever giveaway. Go on over to see what it is, and while you're there check out her stitching.


BLOG LAYOUT
As you probably have noticed, I've changed my blog layout. I'm still fiddling with it as it's not quite to my liking. Three columns is pretty neat, but I'm thinking it's making my blog a bit too "busy" Plus, everything seems crammed together. What do you think?

Marvelous Monday Update 11/30/09

Hard to believe it's the end of November already!


THANKSGIVING
I hope those in the US had a great Thanksgiving feast. I celebrated the holiday with my family on the 21st. As usual, Mom outdid herself with all the food she prepares. I know I've said this several times, but I'm gonna say it again. Gotta LOVE being from a bi-cultural family!! In addition to the traditional turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes/gravy, we also had fresh Cranberry sauce (Thanks, Dad!), sweet potatoes (made by yours truly), veggie/cheese tray, spiral ham, deviled eggs, egg rolls, breaded shrimp, sushi, and udon. Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without two different pies and ice cream, along with dirt dessert my Bro and SIL brought. There was a LOT of food leftover. My parents always send the leftovers home with us kids. :)

I do have a story to share from my Thanksgiving. My bro and I were talking about the deer I hit and he asked me if I took it home. Then said roadkill is good stuff. LOL! During this conversation, our mother was in the kitchen preparing the meal (we were in the dining room). Now if you think your mother is not paying attention... she IS! Mom turns to us and asks "What's roadkill?" My brother took this opportunity to go into graphic detail about what roadkill is... AND tells my mom that I've been picking up roadkill for food! Mom was thoroughly disgusted, and my bro went on and on, while I laughed at them both. Thinking he was serious, Mom turned to me and told me in a stern Japanese-accented voice (all 4ft 10in of her) that I DID NOT need to be picking that stuff up off the side of the road... that if I was hungry I need to come HOME to eat. It was sooooo funny!


CAR
Even though the shop was technically closed the day after Thanksgiving, the owner and a few of the mechanics were going to be there for a couple hours doing some cleaning. I was able to pick of my car. Good as new!

BEFOREAFTER

STITCHY STUFF
The humbug I did for Tiny Treasures Exchange Too blog has finally arrived at its destination. Mare was the lucky recipient of my first Humbug along with various other goodies. I'm really happy she likes it. The little sucker thing was difficult to photograph!

Design: Autumn Leaves
Designer: New Berlin Co.
Fabric: 32ct White Evenweave
Fibers: DMC



Sherry of Inhale Life sponsored a giveaway on her blog a couple weeks ago. I was the lucky recipient of a Little House Needleworks chart called "Snowflakes". Thank you, Sherry!







RAK'd
I received a great RAK of GAST threads from Sue. She was so generous! Thank you, Sue.



GIVEAWAY
Mare (Mare's Runway Needle) is hosting a giveaway. Visit her blog for more details.


BLACK FRIDAY
I wasn't one of the adventurous people who wandered out at the wee hours of the morning to try to snag up the "deals". I really didn't see deals I absolutely had to have. After I picked up my car, I decided to stop at the home improvement store to see what they had for "doorbuster" sales. At 9am, the crowds really weren't that bad. I picked up a few things, and got braver. I went to a 2nd store. Again, the crowds weren't too bad. I picked up another gift. Now confident and braver still, I went to the 3rd store. O-M-G! The crowds there were ridiculous right up to the end of the doorbuster sale. "Dictator" clerks were directing traffic to the checkout lanes. The only way to get through the entrance to the kingdom was to stand in a line that went all the way to the back of the store. *Whew*

One of the doorbuster sales was a doggie bed for $4.99. Isn't it the cutest?

Celeste's old "bed" is actually a cat bed that I bought when she was a puppy. It was perfect when she was really tiny. Now she's practically outgrown it. Celste is not one to embrace change right away. She has to get used to things... no different with the new bed. When I wasn't looking, she made herself at home. I think she likes her new bed!



HOMESTEAD CHRONICLES
Since my comforter is getting threadbare and has a non-removeable black stain (from a moving box I set on my bed), I brought home a new comforter set that was a doorbuster deal. (A "consolation prize" for not buying a 27" flat screen TV for my bedroom.)

I love the colors.

Due to having to remove the mattress in order to put the new bedskirt on the box spring, I decided it was a perfect time to clean the dust bunnies under the bed. How do they multiply so FAST?!? After getting the bed "put together", I hung my framed art that's been propped up against the wall since I moved into The Homestead.

Marvelous Monday Update 11/23/09

STITCHY STUFF
I've gotten a couple of exchanges out of the way.

For Tiny Treasures Exchange Too, I participated in the Humbug Exchange. It's the first time I've ever done one, so hopefully my partner liked it.


I also got the CSE Advent Exchange wrapped, boxed up, and mailed out.


Lastly, I did get some stitching done this week. No pics, though, since it's for a private ornament exchange. Don't want to ruin the surprise
;-)


CAR
The adjuster came. The adjuster looked. The ajuster went. The damage? $2500+! Yikes. No one has opened the hood yet, so not really sure what damage was done on the inside. Didn't want to take the chance of not being able to get it shut again! The insurance company has assured me they'll cover the cost if there's more damage.

I had two people recommend an auto body shop out of town, so that's where my ride went. The owner/manager of the shop commented that my adjuster was a good one, so it set my mind at ease. He also informed me that GM has a price match for GM parts (instead of using after market parts). Just a little FYI if any of you have GM vehicles. :)

Unbeknownst to me prior to the accident, I have rental car coverage on my policy! What a lifesaver that's turned out to be. Now I don't have to worry about coming up with a car for five days. :) The car rental place gave me a '09 Chevy HHR. It's taken me a bit getting used to it - can't say that I'd ever buy one of these. (Even though my car is old-old-older, I'm spoiled with it, and still *love* it after all these years.)

Side Note:
Tongue in cheek... Hitting the deer *really* isn't turning out so bad. ;-) I had a couple of "paint rubs" on the driver's front side from when I lived in my apartment. The garage door was -barely- large enough to pull my car in and out (approximately 3" on each side) and well, you know. My car scraped against it sometimes. That's the story I'm sticking to! With the deer repairs, by default those will be taken care of, too.


GIVEAWAY
Angela of Hooked on Stitches is sponsoring a nice giveaway on her blog. Check it out if you're interested.

Marvelous Monday 11/16/09

STITCHY STUFF
I received word that Robin and Debbie Jo have received their PIF's. Mel should be receiving hers soon.

I'm close to sending out the Advent package for the CSE group. Just a few more things to buy and wrap up. I hope my partner likes what I picked out.

I've got my Humbug package ready also. I just need to get the box taped up and put into the mail.

I haven't stitched in several weeks. Just been too bummed about everything that's been going on. I'm hoping that'll change soon!


YUM-YUMS
Last week, I decided to make an easy homemade chicken pot pie. I don't know what I was thinking, but I ended up with so much filling that I had to make two pies! So, I ate it for two days and put the rest in serving size containers for the freezer. Perfect for those times I work out of town, or when I don't feel like cooking.



BAMBI MEETS THE GTP
As disgusting as it is, Bambi "pooped" on my car when he was flipped back the way he came after I hit him. I also have a souvenir of Bambi's fur stuck where the headlight used to be.



GIVEAWAY WINNER
Yes, that's me! Marjorie, The Pumpkin Patch Stitcher, was hosting a giveaway to celebrate her DD's and Mom's birthdays.

I was the lucky recipient of The 1824 Penny Rug Sampler by The Good Huswife, 14x18" 28ct linen, the DMC floss to stitch it up, a packet of Candy Cane Dreams cocoa (Oooh, doesn't it sound yummy?), Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark, a patchwork reindeer memo pad with pen, a Mary Engelbreit Christmas bookmark, and *the cutest ever* Christmas ornament. Thank you Marjorie! Thank you, thank you... It really MADE my day.




CONTEST WINNER
Lisa of the SNS2 group held a little contest where we were to guess how many dogs she had. I guessed 6 and she has 5. As a prize, she sent me Heart in Hand's Monthly Mania January. What's funny (to me) is that my birthday is January! Thank you, Lisa!

They Say Things Come in Three's

As if my life hasn't been stressful enough, one more thing has been added to top the cake. Yikes, I feel like such a downer :(

I owe a bunch of you email responses. As you know, I have just not felt up to par emotionally, but I will try to respond back to those who've taken the time to make sure I'm OK.

What's been happening?

WHOPPER NUMBER ONE:

The relationship with JT started going askew at the end of month two. For the next four months, I hoped things would be OK. As time went on, it became apparent he portrayed himself as someone he wasn't. As a male friend puts it "You can't argue with crazy." Crazy referring to JT's actions and statements he's made.


WHOPPER NUMBER TWO:

I had my review a couple weeks ago. The review itself was fine, however my employer informed me that due to lack of work they are cutting my hours to 32/wk (from 40) which equates to a 20% pay cut, starting Feb 1st. The way it sounds, they don't expect the workload to pick up, nor are they seeking it out in our area (My firm has 5 offices). So, that has left me wondering if I can survive on the paycut or if I should look for another job.

In addition, I've done a search online and all the jobs in my pay range require a Bachelors degree which I haven't gotten yet. I didn't want to have to go into debt to finish my degree, but it appears I'll have to.


WHOPPER NUMBER THREE:

Last Friday (Yes, Friday the 13th!), I was on my way home from working in one of the other offices. BLAM! Out of the cornfield came a deer. Yep... I hit the thing and it flung back the way it came. Bambi was done for. The front end of my car has been obliterated and the hood it quite crinkled. :( Thank goodness I didn't cancel the collision portion of my auto insurance like I'd been contemplating a couple weeks ago. Also thankful the car is still driveable. Now comes the repairs... Fun stuff (not).


I know... I know... there are people out there who have it MUCH worse than I do. As the title states, people say things come in three's and I'm hoping this is the end of it. I'm not used to so many stressful things happening at the same time...