Tuesday Randoms

[lavenderblue]

I got my cell phone bill this month and turns out my daughter CALLED her boyfriend from our Cruise to the tune of $180. She is so lucky that I am in the office today because I am rip roaring mad right now. It's like one of those when it rains it pours kind of things. I was looking at new cars and now with the last 24hrs a drawer in my kitchen broke, my dishwasher is throwing error codes, and now the cell phone thing. At least that is hopefully my 3 for a while. 

[ssmjlm]

lavenderblue, sounds like she owes you $180.

[macmars45]

Work was great yesterday! It was fun to see my coworkers, get my space set up again and meet the new kinders. I was exhausted last night though due to the busy brain and active body all day long. It always takes my body 2ish weeks to get used to being that active all day long. H and I have already planned ahead for easy meals, some Hello Fresh and takeout for these coming weeks.

[SusanBAnthony]

I am buying a new car. I thought the car market had cooled down. Apparently not for boring basic reliable sedans.

My requirement was hybrid sedan, honda or toyota. I looked at:

Corolla: none available to see (few being made and in hot demand)

Prius: none available to see. I got lucky and they had a year old one that i test drove. Not impressed. Price was NUTS (45k) because they are so hard to find.

Camry: all 2025 camry's are hybrid so these are easier to find to test drive, but still hard to find.

Civic: no hybrids available until the 2025 model year comes out in a few months

Accord: limited availability, did find one to test drive.

Who knew boring sedans would be so hard to buy! For all of them, each dealer was able to offer 1, maybe 2 cars that were not yet reserved and that they would have arriving in October or later. None the colors I wanted and very few the features wanted (i basically want the base model as I hate leather seats).

I did eventually find one at a dealer 2 hours away that should arrive in November. I wanted to get a car before winter so that will work. I'll go buy it and go straight to put snow tires on it lol. No price negotiation, no special financing deals. But I'll have my lovely blue car that gets 50 mpg so I'm happy (mostly happy to be DONE!).

[ssmjlm]

Netflix is showing A Discovery of Witches, so I started that yesterday. The female lead's wardrobe is so drab. I have no idea why I notice these things, but here we are.

[pandorica]

It was in the 50s this morning and I'm in heaven. I'm so ready for cooler weather! Happy to be WFH and snuggled on the couch.

We went out for a work HH last night with all of the kids. Between me and 2 of my coworkers we have 7 girls from 1-6, so it was messy and chaotic. I was so sweaty and tired by the end, but I'm glad I'm not the only person bringing chaos to these events!

[deadwing]

Aug 20, 2024 9:43:26 GMT -5 pandorica said:

It was in the 50s this morning and I'm in heaven. I'm so ready for cooler weather! Happy to be WFH and snuggled on the couch.

We went out for a work HH last night with all of the kids. Between me and 2 of my coworkers we have 7 girls from 1-6, so it was messy and chaotic. I was so sweaty and tired by the end, but I'm glad I'm not the only person bringing chaos to these events!

Ditto!  I actually have my windows open and it's lovely. 

[lavenderblue]

SusanBAnthony, I'm car shopping and looking at leasing an EV. Several manufacturers are running leasing specials, but no dealerships near me even have any of the models that I'm looking at on the lot. I'm supposed to go to one tomorrow to test drive, they don't currently have any in stock but are allegedly getting some in today. I'd be perfectly fine ordering one, but I need to be able to actual test drive the model that I'm looking at to even know if that's the one I want. So frustrating. I had done an online inquiry and a dealership that isn't particularly close to my house called me yesterday and asked me to come in today, but I looked online and they have zero in stock. Like, wth.

[silva]

DD and I are headed to Milwaukee this afternoon for a Harris/Walz rally! We’re super excited!

[pandorica]

Aug 20, 2024 9:50:39 GMT -5 deadwing said:

Aug 20, 2024 9:43:26 GMT -5 pandorica said:

It was in the 50s this morning and I'm in heaven. I'm so ready for cooler weather! Happy to be WFH and snuggled on the couch.

We went out for a work HH last night with all of the kids. Between me and 2 of my coworkers we have 7 girls from 1-6, so it was messy and chaotic. I was so sweaty and tired by the end, but I'm glad I'm not the only person bringing chaos to these events!

Ditto!  I actually have my windows open and it's lovely. 

Same! I've got the whole house opened up, I love it.

[macmars45]

Aug 20, 2024 9:53:44 GMT -5 lavenderblue said:

SusanBAnthony , I'm car shopping and looking at leasing an EV. Several manufacturers are running leasing specials, but no dealerships near me even have any of the models that I'm looking at on the lot. I'm supposed to go to one tomorrow to test drive, they don't currently have any in stock but are allegedly getting some in today. I'd be perfectly fine ordering one, but I need to be able to actual test drive the model that I'm looking at to even know if that's the one I want. So frustrating. I had done an online inquiry and a dealership that isn't particularly close to my house called me yesterday and asked me to come in today, but I looked online and they have zero in stock. Like, wth.

When H and I were looking at buying our Chevy Bolt in March 2023 I called SO many dealerships to find one that had even one on the lot we could test drive. It was 2.5 hours away from our city. They were awesome to work with though; they had it delivered to our city for us.

[expectantsteelerfan]

SusanBAnthony, my dh is buying a new car (a Tesla, I have no say in it and I'm happy about that), but we're keeping his 2017 Civic for 15 year old ds to use when he gets his license next year because it's in great shape and only has 50,000 miles on it. But the offers he's been getting for it without even saying he was interested in trading it in have been insane.

I'm also loving this bit of cooler weather. My kids' 1st day of school is today, and DD would have been wearing a sweatshirt anyway, but I was happy she didn't look ridiculous wearing one this year lol. She wore one most of the summer in the house anyway. But thanks for the reminder to open the windows, I had been meaning to but kept forgetting.

I had 2 leftovers for lunch, 1 I really wanted to eat, and 1 that is healthier and more likely to go bad quicker (a salad). I'm forcing myself to eat the salad today even though I really want the other one. Oh well, tomorrow me will be happy about it.

[lavenderblue]

Aug 20, 2024 10:04:41 GMT -5 macmars45 said:

Aug 20, 2024 9:53:44 GMT -5 lavenderblue said:

SusanBAnthony , I'm car shopping and looking at leasing an EV. Several manufacturers are running leasing specials, but no dealerships near me even have any of the models that I'm looking at on the lot. I'm supposed to go to one tomorrow to test drive, they don't currently have any in stock but are allegedly getting some in today. I'd be perfectly fine ordering one, but I need to be able to actual test drive the model that I'm looking at to even know if that's the one I want. So frustrating. I had done an online inquiry and a dealership that isn't particularly close to my house called me yesterday and asked me to come in today, but I looked online and they have zero in stock. Like, wth.

When H and I were looking at buying out Chevy Bolt in March 2023 I called SO many dealerships to find one that had even one on the lot we could test drive. It was 2.5 hours away from our city. They were awesome to work with though; they had it delivered to our city for us.

I feel like that's what's going to end up happening to me. Heck, the 3 closest dealerships to me that sell the one I'm looking at are all at least 45 minutes away and none of them have it in stock. Guess I'll be making some phone calls tonight. 

[wanderingback]

Today is my last day of work until Sept 5th, wahoo! Tonight I’m going out to dinner with some mom friends so good way to kick off my free time.

So looking forward to the conference I’m going to. I have a free upgrade on the train so am looking forward to a good meal and some champagne on my way. 🥂

[midwestmama]

I was a little shocked (generally in a good way) when I went to pay DS's football fee. The fee this season is $60. The high school program provides all equipment except for cleats, girdle, mouthguard, and gloves. Contrast this to the middle school fee of $96 (each season), and the player provides all of their own equipment except for jerseys (one for practice and one for games). Make it make sense.

Speaking of cars, I wish I would've held out a little longer to replace my car. I bought a 2023 Hyundai Palisade in late 2022 because it was one of the largest midsize 3rd row SUVs available at the time. But since then, Toyota came out with the larger Grand Highlander, and seeing it, I think that would have been a better decision in the end (mainly due to Toyota having better long-term reliability and also the cargo space being larger), but I don't think we can get the $ out of my car we would need. (Although my car is paid off, so no loan to worry about.)

[ellipses84]

Aug 20, 2024 9:56:08 GMT -5 silva said:

DD and I are headed to Milwaukee this afternoon for a Harris/Walz rally! We’re super excited!

Awesome! I heard they are going to live stream their speeches to the DNC and the DNC is going to livestream the Obamas back to you!

[erbear]

Aug 20, 2024 9:38:30 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

I am buying a new car. I thought the car market had cooled down. Apparently not for boring basic reliable sedans.

My requirement was hybrid sedan, honda or toyota. I looked at:

Corolla: none available to see (few being made and in hot demand)

Prius: none available to see. I got lucky and they had a year old one that i test drove. Not impressed. Price was NUTS (45k) because they are so hard to find.

Camry: all 2025 camry's are hybrid so these are easier to find to test drive, but still hard to find.

Civic: no hybrids available until the 2025 model year comes out in a few months

Accord: limited availability, did find one to test drive.

Who knew boring sedans would be so hard to buy! For all of them, each dealer was able to offer 1, maybe 2 cars that were not yet reserved and that they would have arriving in October or later. None the colors I wanted and very few the features wanted (i basically want the base model as I hate leather seats).

I did eventually find one at a dealer 2 hours away that should arrive in November. I wanted to get a car before winter so that will work. I'll go buy it and go straight to put snow tires on it lol. No price negotiation, no special financing deals. But I'll have my lovely blue car that gets 50 mpg so I'm happy (mostly happy to be DONE!).

I ordered a Prius in December and I still don’t have it, and no info has been forthcoming about when I will. It’s frustrating.

[SusanBAnthony]

erbear they told me 12-18 months for a new prius. The dealer happened to have someone back out so they had one available sooner, but the fuel economy of the camry was nearly identical for more space so i went with the camry.

[bex1973]

This chilly weather makes me excited for Fall. It's my favorite season. And best of all I'm loving having the windows open all night and not sweating to death! Having the windows open means having the blinds open and the moon was SO BRIGHT last night LOL

I've been trying to go to bed earlier and I'm actually noticing a difference with how much better I feel in the mornings. Who knew?!?! LOL, of course everyone knew haha.

[mrsukyankee]

Aug 20, 2024 9:38:50 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

Netflix is showing A Discovery of Witches, so I started that yesterday. The female lead's wardrobe is so drab. I have no idea why I notice these things, but here we are.

It's purposeful for the character.

[Patsy Baloney]

We bought a Prius from Carmax for a very, very fair price. They have a 24-hour test drive. I’d look into it if you live near one of their dealerships. You have access to their whole inventory. You may have to pay to ship the car you want there, but it gets around the absolutely criminal antics of most other dealer$$$$hips.

On the home front, my mom is struggling with being retired. She watched our kids until they were both school aged. They’re now both in school and she is turning into a big ol asshole about everything and taking it out on me. Our most recent showdown was about why I’m not available to run errands while working from home. I don’t know how to ease her struggle, but I’m really feeling like the kicked dog here.

[SusanBAnthony]

Patsy, would she get a PT job? I assume she is bored- go be a lunch lady or PT aid in the school, or something like that!

Im so glad my mom can work PRN when she retires and my dad atarted a little side business.

[silva]

Aug 20, 2024 10:20:48 GMT -5 ellipses84 said:

Aug 20, 2024 9:56:08 GMT -5 silva said:

DD and I are headed to Milwaukee this afternoon for a Harris/Walz rally! We’re super excited!

Awesome! I heard they are going to live stream their speeches to the DNC and the DNC is going to livestream the Obamas back to you!

Love it!

[Patsy Baloney]

Aug 20, 2024 10:52:22 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Patsy, would she get a PT job? I assume she is bored- go be a lunch lady or PT aid in the school, or something like that!

Im so glad my mom can work PRN when she retires and my dad atarted a little side business.

You know? I don’t know. She still does bus stop pick up for us and hangs with them for the 2 hours between the end of school and when we get home. But she is acting like she needs some kind of social outlet or work to do, besides bitchin’ at me!

[gretchenindisguise]

L is auditioning for the school play today after school. She learned yesterday, there would be cuts. If she is cut from this too, idk what she'll do. She needs this win.

[mala]

It's not even lunch time but I'm over my children today.

[erbear]

Aug 20, 2024 10:46:18 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

erbear they told me 12-18 months for a new prius. The dealer happened to have someone back out so they had one available sooner, but the fuel economy of the camry was nearly identical for more space so i went with the camry.

Yeah, when I bought it, they told me 3-6 months. Then something happened with a recall? and the bridge collapse. I don’t NEED it yet but I want it.

I did look at the Camry but it’s bigger than what I want.

[midwestmama]

Aug 20, 2024 10:54:36 GMT -5 Patsy Baloney said:

Aug 20, 2024 10:52:22 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Patsy, would she get a PT job? I assume she is bored- go be a lunch lady or PT aid in the school, or something like that!

Im so glad my mom can work PRN when she retires and my dad atarted a little side business.

You know? I don’t know. She still does bus stop pick up for us and hangs with them for the 2 hours between the end of school and when we get home. But she is acting like she needs some kind of social outlet or work to do, besides bitchin’ at me!

In addition to or as another option to getting a part-time job, are there any adult or senior groups she could join?  In my (small) city, they mail out a whole booklet of the different community classes offered each season, and there is usually something for all ages and interests (e.g., exercise classes, cooking classes, book clubs, day trips, etc.).  Another option would be for her to volunteer - I'm sure there are places that would work around her schedule of helping you in the late afternoon.

[shadyblue42]

Aug 20, 2024 10:54:36 GMT -5 Patsy Baloney said:

Aug 20, 2024 10:52:22 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Patsy, would she get a PT job? I assume she is bored- go be a lunch lady or PT aid in the school, or something like that!

Im so glad my mom can work PRN when she retires and my dad atarted a little side business.

You know? I don’t know. She still does bus stop pick up for us and hangs with them for the 2 hours between the end of school and when we get home. But she is acting like she needs some kind of social outlet or work to do, besides bitchin’ at me!

Maybe she could volunteer somewhere to fill a bit of her time. Our hospital has volunteers that work a 3 hour shift in the gift shop or the information desk. Or even volunteering at a nursing home or shelter. My grandma volunteered as a cook at the homeless shelter and also at a local church.

[dish2501]

Aug 20, 2024 9:38:50 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

Netflix is showing A Discovery of Witches, so I started that yesterday. The female lead's wardrobe is so drab. I have no idea why I notice these things, but here we are.

ssmjlm what do you think of the show? Did you read the books? I really liked the first season. I think wasn’t sure about Matthew Goode at first, but he grew on me.