My car is finally running again. First it was the alternator belt, then the old battery (which was approximately three and a half years old, so I guess it was nearing the end of the road anyway), then the alternator itself, along with the new battery I had just put into the car. All in all, I went four very long weeks without my car, and it took $300 and some blood (Dan’s), sweat (ours) and tears (mine, just a few) to get it going again. Moral of the story, kiddies? Cars are expensive, and I’m not talking about the purchasing/leasing part. I’m talking about the maintenance. Since January I have spent a grand total of $1100 on it, and that doesn’t count two oil changes, tire rotation and gas (but it does count a new windshield, brake pads, rear brake pads and rotors, inspection, a few minor fixes, and then the $300 that was recently spent). :tired:
But man, is it great having my own set of wheels again! It’s been a real hassle figuring out Dan’s work schedule, my work schedule, my mom’s availability, Jason’s availability, etc., in order to make sure I have had transportation available for this, that, and the other thing.
Now I’m going to cross my fingers and pray that nothing else craps out for a while!
In other news, my uterus is letting me know just how displeased with me she is. Taking seven days worth of birth control, beginning last Tuesday evening, was effective in preventing my period from starting on Wednesday. But by Thursday evening I was having some major beginning-of-period symptoms, including back pain that was worse than I’ve ever had before. It was definitely an indicator of things to come. For the last five hours I have been dealing with some significant cramping and pain, and the real “fun” hasn’t even begun. I dread to think of how I’m going to feel once my period hits full force. Dan buzzed through the precious liquid Vicodin I’ve kept since my surgery, so I’ve been chopping Midol Complete tablets (not good for gastric bypass patients due to the NSAIDs, but in small doses on occasion it won’t do any harm) in half and popping them every few hours, and if need be I’ll switch to some stronger stuff — Percocet! Whee!
Ryan’s birthday party is just two one days away. We took him with us when we picked up supplies on Thursday, so it’s all he has been asking about. When is his party? Will there be balloons? Where’s the birthday cake? Is it time yet? How many days? Of course I managed to pick what is going to be one of the hottest days of this summer for the party. The temps are supposed to be in the triple digits this week. Eh. As if I had any way of knowing that when I picked the date and reserved the pavilion in March. But we’re going to make the best of it. Lots of ice and icy cold drinks, and hopefully the shade of the pavilion will help a bit. The party will definitely be more “rushed” than it would be if it were indoors, but I really don’t feel like being responsible for anyone keeling over from heat stroke!
I know the feeling of not having a car. It’s enough to drive anyone crazy. Ick. I’m glad you have it back.