My Car Is Sucking Me Dry !

So last May I traded in my old car for a, somewhat-but not really, newer car. I did this because I'd had my other car for 6 years & I just knew that it was going to start breaking down all the time - even though it yet hadn't. Well, about one month after buying my next car - before the insurance company inspected my vehicle to approve the comprehensive - I got into an accident. It cost me about $1800 to fix the damage - ouch. I have finally built up my savings cushion again - and guess what....my car has a sixth sense. Tuesday night I was driving when suddenly my car started to slow down, the steering wheel tightened up & the brake light came on. I was able to safely pull over before it outright died on me. I said a prayer & fortunately it started up & I was able to drive home. I took it into the mechanic yesterday & they told me the problem was my fuel pump. The car actually died while they were testing it - so I consider it a blessing that I took it in when I did. Well, that cost me only $515. But the story doesn't end. Apparently the timing belt has never been changed - it was supposed to have been changed 12,000 miles ago. Apparently I've been driving around on "borrowed time". I guess I really should have done more research into this car before buying it - so it's my own fault I suppose for having assumed the previous owner actually would have changed the timing belt. So that's been estimated to replace for about $765. I know I need to do that soon - can't put it off. So there goes my savings, again. After adding up the money - I would have been better off with my old clunker. So the lesson I've learned "if it ain't broke, don't trade it in". But all in all I do consider myself fortunate for being blessed to have my car fixed before it died in the middle of the freeway somewhere & to actually have the money to fix it. Even though it hurts to part with my hard earned cash. So I just hope that my car is 'healthy' from this point forward. I kind of depend on my vehicle - how'd I ever live without one. So that was my adventure for the week.

I am feeling rejuvenated!

I went to St George this weekend - and it was the perfect getaway. The warm weather was absolutely wonderful. After having another snowstorm in P-town - it was fantastic to have near 60 degree weather all weekend long. It just makes me happy to remember the constant sunshine and warm air. I had a few days off work - so mentally I feel rested too. It was fun meeting up & re-connecting with old friends. My old singles ward there is even friendlier than I remember it being. Everyone was telling me I should move back down (and you know part of me is tempted to...). My roommate told me while I was gone everyone in my current ward was asking where I was - if I was still in the ward - LOL. I thought that was funny. But it sure is nice to know people notice & enjoy having me around. I had a great weekend. It was fun seeing my niece & nephews (& my sisters & brother-in-law too). They are such cute kids - they all took turns sleeping in my bed. Of course they waited until I was already asleep to do so. Needless to say I had a few nights of distrupted sleep. Cute as they are, sweet as it is they like me so much - it really is hard sharing my sleeping space. Jenni is having fun making whole wheat bread, soy milk, fresh fruit juice - I'm impressed, I think I'm too lazy (&/or busy) cause I just buy those things. Tommy tells me that the new baby's name (boy or girl) will be Buddy Clause. He's so funny. Such sweet kids. It was fun to see them. I had a great weekend and really didn't want to leave. I had so much fun spending time with friends there too. It was the perfect weekend - it truly was....

For all my friends/family who've fallen behind and wondering what's been going on in my life:

Most of you know I currently work for the State. I've been there for a little over 1 1/2 yrs now. I've enjoyed it so far but also am trying to plan my next career step - a little uncertain what that will be. I have good roommates - we get along well and are good friends, it's been really nice (despite the usual drama that girls tend to have). I have a great ward and so many good friends there - I really love it. I just started a Salsa dance class the other week. It's been a lot of fun. But the true test will be dancing with an actual partner. No single men in the class. My teacher has to take turns dancing with all of us girls. There's actually a Salsa club here in town that I"ll need to go to one of these days to test out my newly learned skill. I have a few male friends who know how to Salsa so I'll have to drag them along with me. Maybe after a few more classes I'll be ready to go. I keep fairly busy and always look forward to the weekends when I can finally have a few hours just for myself to relax. It is a beautiful day today -the sun is shining - I love it! I'm going to be singing in a band tonight (ha ha - actually....I've been invited to a Rockband party - it's similar to Guitar Hero & Karaoke Revolution). It's a lot of fun and I sound awesome! ;)- I have fun friends - what can I say. So, in a nutshell, that's what's been going on recently for me.

Snow, Snow Go Away (and stay away)

I am so tired of the snow. I know it's not like Idaho - so I can't complain (much). But for the past month it seems to dump all at once - making the roads slick either on my way to work or home (depending on the time of day it snows). I hate driving in those conditions. If I were a hermit & never left my house, I wouldn't care as much. But as I must support myself & also enjoy occasional social experiences - I wish the snow would just go away. Who needs snow in the valley anyway? It needs to just snow in the mountains. I cannot wait for spring. I've got the winter blues. I need warm weather & sunshine. Good thing I've got my trip planned for next week - hoping SG is warm & sunny & will do the trick.

ps - One final note: I think if I were out of the city - in the country with a warm & toasty fire & cup of hot chocolate I could happily sit & stare through a big window & enjoy the snowfall. But alas, as I do not have that luxury - snow in a city is anything but beautiful. So, no I do not hate snow, I just don't enjoy it under my current circumstances.

I have entered the world of blogging.....

I have decided to test out this new fangled thing called blogging. I'll see how it goes. I think it's a great way to keep up with friends/family. I'm just seeing how this works for now. I'll post a real comment later when I've figured it out.