[praecipua]

<p>Morning, all.  Medication issues continue to plague me so I slept in this morning.  The TM is being picked up today, and they were supposed to call me yesterday to let me know about what time they would show up (which they didn't).  I heard the garbage truck, panicked, and jumped out of bed and got dressed, and it was a false alarm.  I ate breakfast instead, and I'm debating about going back to bed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Becca</strong>, my back has been bothering me for over two weeks now, but yesterday it was finally a tad better.  Then, I lugged the base of the TM upstairs with a neighbor, but it was probably the stupidest thing I've ever done.  Thank goodness he took the heavier end.  We were laughing and groaning and making fun of ourselves for doing it, but it had to be done.  My back feels ok, but I'm still worried about it.  I have a doctor's appointment in about 10 days, and if it's even a little achy, I'm saying something.  I hope yours is no big deal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A friend of mine is getting married at the end of September, and I decided to stitch something for her for the wedding.  Of course, her shower is next Saturday, and I'm not sure I can finish it for then.  So, I decided to get as much done as possible and then wrap it up for the gift and then get it back to finish it for the wedding (which is in Montana and I'm not attending).  I hope that's not lame.  All the stuff on her registry is so expensive and I thought something homemade might be fun.  Or she has something to re-gift.</p>

 

[cherl_w]

<p>Ha!  We received so many crystal vases when we were married.  This must be the default wedding gift or something.  I'm so NOT a crystal vase person that -- shhhhh! -- I ended up re-gifting those I couldn't return. <br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>praecipua</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18#post_1935363"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Morning, all.  Medication issues continue to plague me so I slept in this morning.  The TM is being picked up today, and they were supposed to call me yesterday to let me know about what time they would show up (which they didn't).  I heard the garbage truck, panicked, and jumped out of bed and got dressed, and it was a false alarm.  I ate breakfast instead, and I'm debating about going back to bed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Becca</strong>, my back has been bothering me for over two weeks now, but yesterday it was finally a tad better.  Then, I lugged the base of the TM upstairs with a neighbor, but it was probably the stupidest thing I've ever done.  Thank goodness he took the heavier end.  We were laughing and groaning and making fun of ourselves for doing it, but it had to be done.  My back feels ok, but I'm still worried about it.  I have a doctor's appointment in about 10 days, and if it's even a little achy, I'm saying something.  I hope yours is no big deal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A friend of mine is getting married at the end of September, and I decided to stitch something for her for the wedding.  Of course, her shower is next Saturday, and I'm not sure I can finish it for then.  So, I decided to get as much done as possible and then wrap it up for the gift and then get it back to finish it for the wedding (which is in Montana and I'm not attending).  I hope that's not lame.  All the stuff on her registry is so expensive and I thought something homemade might be fun.  Or she has something to re-gift.</p>
</div>
</div>
<br><br>

 

[Auntie Moe]

<p>Handmade gifts are awesome, Prae. I'm sure she'll appreciate it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I just gave my neighbors their wedding gift, which was probably totally tacky, but I know them and I don't think they'll care (esp since I helped them a lot with their wedding and I was unemployed when they got married and couldn't really get them anything initially.)  I got them 3 Groupons worth $50 each, for a very nice plant nursery in the area.  I only paid $20 each for them, and they have to be used by the end of the year but I know they have some fall planting plans and $150 worth of plants, etc, is pretty good...so even if it's a little tacky they're Groupons, it was pretty thoughtful, no?</p>

 

[gatorbob]

<p>It's actually not the "price" of the car that has me worried.  American Express, Consumer Reports, and AAA all have an Auto Buying Program that negotiates prices for you.  I'm a memeber of all three, and I trust all three.  They all seem to use the same third-party to do this negotiating, because I get the same exact price (down to the dollar) from all three. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyway, the price I've been quoted is for a 2010 Honda Accord, and it's $2200 below invoice.  Yeah, <strong>below</strong> invoice!  I mean, that seems pretty damn good!  The dealer who is obligated to give me that price isn't the closest dealer to me, and I really don't know anything about them.  So I've taken that price and shopped it around to some other dealers.  Some never responded to me, probably because they saw the number and decided they can't/won't match it.  Others have sent a generic "Come on down and we'll beat any offer". </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Problem is, that "$2200 below invoice" doesn't include everything.  It doesn't include tax of course, although I know what that is and can easily calculate it.  It's all the other stuff that worries me.  "Doc fees", for example.  This is a fee so that the dealer can have some paper pusher hit the print button on their computer a few times.  It's a few minutes worth of work, but dealers can charge anywhere from $100 to $400 for it.  Then there's the DMV fees.  These should be standard, set by the state, for something around $200 or $250.  But supposedly some dealers pad that total just to get some more money out of you.  And then there are "dealer installed security packages" with things like window etching or wheel locks.  These are $30 or $40 options, but they make you pay $300 or more for them.  And they pre-install these things on all their cars, so you CAN'T get a car without them. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>So even though you might agree to a good "price", you can end up getting hit with a bunch of outrageous fees if you stop paying attention.  And like I said, I've tried asking the dealers to list these fees ahead of time, but they're all trying to evade the question.  I know these fees will be there, and I know they're unavoidable.  But if one dealer is more outrageous than another, it can turn the tables and actually make the best offer into something less than the best offer. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yeah, I'll still be prepared to walk out of a dealership if the fees show up and they're too outrageous.  But I'd really like to avoid wasting my time walking into dealerships that just want to con me...</p>

 

[eccabex]

<p><strong>Prae</strong>- Handmade gifts are extremely thoughtful. Besides the physical gift, you're also giving the gift of your time. I hope your back issues clear up soon, too. My back is making my whole leg tingle, which is driving me nuts. I just loathe that sensation.</p>
<p>That's a great gift <strong>Moe</strong>. Definitely sounds like something they need.</p>
<p>Ugh <strong>Bob</strong>. Car shopping just drives me nuts. DH treats it like a sport and seems to enjoy it. My friends husband was a car salesman for a while. I really want to ask him about his experience on the other side of car buying. I know he really didn't dig it.</p>

 

[bard73]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>mmoonptdeux</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18#post_1935313"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Hi all - getting to bed later than planned + being woken up in the middle of the night = <a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/53717/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="sleep1.gif" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="13315" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/13315/width/38/height/23" style="; width: 38px; height: 23px"></a></p>
<p>Break out the coffee!</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
 </p>
<p>Sadly, I was the cause for neither of these.  This time, anyway.  <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif" title=""></p>

 

[Auntie Moe]

<p>Yep, Bob, totally understand.  When I bought my car, I made them show me all the fees, and got them to drop the price til what I paid for the car was the price that brought me in, INCLUDING all the fees, taxes, etc.</p>

 

[phdatc]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>cherl_w</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18#post_1935367"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Ha!  We received so many crystal vases when we were married.  This must be the default wedding gift or something.  I'm so NOT a crystal vase person that -- shhhhh! -- I ended up re-gifting those I couldn't return. <br>
 </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Huh, ours was towels.<br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>bard73</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18/25#post_1935377"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><p> </p>
<p>Sadly, I was the cause for neither of these.  This time, anyway.  <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif" title=""></p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
HA!</p>

 

[mmoonptdeux]

<p><span>Quote:</span></p>
<div class="quote-container">
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>bard73</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18/25#post_1935377"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p><br>
 </p>
<p>Sadly, I was the cause for neither of these.  This time, anyway.  <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif" title=""><br>
 </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="quote-container">
<p> </p>
<p><span>Quote:</span></p>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>phdatc</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18/25#post_1935385"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p><br>
HA!</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/lol.gif" style="width:15px;height:15px;" title="">  True enough, sad to say - a wayward bus pass (couldn't find it for the life of me) and a falling umbrella (of all things) are to blame for my sleepy brain</p>

 

[Runninlaw]

<p><strong>Bob:</strong> I hate that too.  When I bought my husband's truck, the way I negotiated it was saying I'll pay $xxxx for everything.  You have to fit it all into that number or I'm walking.  Worked like a charm and I got a good deal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Random Funny</strong>:  Saw a local law firm is named Bizzaro Law LLC.  How freakin funny is that?!?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Fun for the Day:</strong>  Get to have lunch with DH and some friends.</p>

 

[clare]

<p>Good news...my sister is home from the hospital!  : )</p>

 

[Litchfield Hills]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>clare</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18/25#post_1935417"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Good news...my sister is home from the hospital!  : )</p>
</div>
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<p><br><img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif" title=""></p>

 

[gatorbob]

<p>Oof.  I usually go out to lunch with the guys from work on Wednesdays.  Today the guys wanted to go to Taco Bell.  Now, I think Taco Bell tastes great.  But it wrecks my insides.  I'm gonna spend half the afternoon in the bathroom...</p>

 

[Litchfield Hills]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>GatorBob</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18/25#post_1935425"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Now, I think Taco Bell tastes great. </p>
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</div>
<p> </p>
<p>This does not compute.<br>
 </p>

 

[BigGahoona]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Litchfield Hills</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18/25#post_1935427"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p> </p>
<p>This does not compute.<br>
 </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
1.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>So there's good sister-news all around!   And my sister's biopsies came back all clear. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>C texted me and asked me if I wanted to escape for a bit so I did.  We went and had cookies and coffee at a patio table at a nearby bakery. Holding hands n smootching.   <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/love5.gif" style="width:28px;height:41px;" title=""> I'm in a better frame of mind already.</p>

 

[runningINnyc]

<p>Great news for the sistahs! </p>

 

[mmoonptdeux]

<p>YAYAYA to your sister, <strong>clare</strong>! <br>
 </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Nice <strong>BigG</strong>! <strong>  </strong>But I think you should've went for ice cream and cuddles instead </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Taco Bell = tastes good?  Hmmm...let me ponder that while I chew on my gordita</p>

 

[phdatc]

<p>Lunch... welll I went and walked around the Farmer's Market here on campus. I seriously considered the okra (but it was gone when I went back to ask the price) but ended up with kettle corn!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And I saw them making it... with Splenda. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Crazy good.</p>

 

[Auntie Moe]

<p>I rather like Taco Bell now and again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I actually got a burrito for lunch from <a href="http://www.olecito.net/" target="_blank">here</a> today. I've finally perfected the right combo!  Chicken, mexican rice, no beans, salsa, guac, pickled cabbage, and serrano chile sauce.  Yum!</p>

 

[missy1102]

<p>i'm SO glad to hear good sister health news all around! <br>
 </p>
<p>the last time we bought a car, the manager got up, threw his hands in the air and said, " you are the most stubborn, unyielding customer i've ever met!" nothing personal. i still got the deal i wanted </p>
<p> </p>
<p>(((<strong>prae</strong>'s back)))  i LOVE handmade presents. so meaningful. btw, baby pumpkin's bib is washed and ready to be put into good use!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>re: odd wedding presents, we got a gift certificate to a grocery store that is a chain only in southern CA. thanks. but we live in Chicago (at the time).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>banana nut muffins... mmmm....</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>runningINnyc</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69561/wacky-wed-8-18#post_1935285"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p> </p>
<p><strong>Missy</strong> - is that little girl gonna come out today or what?  If you're around SoHo I'm in that office today, we could meet for lunch! </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
i was in union sq today - sorry! i had to make a trip to BRU and then i was brave and went to TJ. it wasn't all that bad and i got some yummmmy stuff!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>in the past 48 hours, i've def had more mild, irregular contractions but nothing that became more intense or regular so i think things are warming up. today would be a stretch at this point.. but you never know!</p>
<p><br>
i plan on chilling this pm. maybe take a walk in cp or curl up w/ a good book.</p>