That is the big question floating around in my brain lately!
I am looking to get a new car. I currently drive a 2004 Toyota Corolla. Those things are built to last it feels like. While mine is not breaking apart week by week (trust me...I have had my fair share of HUGE repairs), I drive a lengthy commute to work. It's at least 25 miles there & 25 miles back home. So 50 miles a day times 5 days a week = 250 miles I am putting on my car a week...JUST driving to work! I know some other people drive far for work. But with the amount of snow we had last year in NY and the prediction for this winter, I want something a little bigger.
I have had my heart set on a CR-V. So I went and looked last weekend with my mom. I have done my research for months and it is a highly rated car. Super safe! Love that it comes with the back up camera feature. So we went and looked on Sunday last week and I sat in one. My mom for some reason thought with me being tall it wouldn't be comfortable to drive. Negative! But since I am the type of person that likes to shop around, I knew I wouldn't walk in and buy it. Apparently it is now cheaper to lease the car then to buy it out right at first. You can lease and the monthly payments are pretty cheap. The first dealership I went to was $229 a month for a 3 year lease. I didn't think that was terrible. If I bought it, it would be $399 a month. Again, not terrible but with my student loans I am trying to pay off, I would rather not have something that high. Plus they had a dark blue CR-V which I loved!
So I went to another dealership on Friday night and looked. It was the one my aunt & uncle buy all their Hondas from. Apparently I would only have to pay $299 a month with a .96% interest. The monthly payments to buy it would be $469. The lower payments of leasing are really appealing to me because it is something I can afford.
So I am kinda stuck. I am not sure to lease or to buy. If I lease I have the option to buy it out in the end. My brother asked his friend who does car auctions about it and he said that they almost "push" leashes on you because if you trade it back in, they can make more $$ off it. He is going to see if he can get me a CR-V at an auction with low mileage on it (like 3000). I am not opposed to having a certified pre-owned car...my current car came off a 2 year least with 25,000 on it which is not terrible. (All the pre-owned certified ones at the dealerships have like 50,000+ miles on them ALREADY!). I almost feel like leasing and buying out in the end would be a better option. Yes, I might have to pay more then I would want to in the end but I am looking to make this my first big adult purchase. And its a big one!
I hope to have it figured out soon and in my car by the time the winter is really here!
Monday, October 26, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Life's musings
We are finally into the second month of school. It's hard to believe that summer flew by in some regards and in other regards, it dragged on. I still need to blog about my Disney vacation [because who does not love Disney?!]!
The first month of school was a bit discombobulated. Teachers started 9/1 with professional development day, kids came the next day. Then we had a 3 day weekend because of labor day. Then it was a 4 day weekend because we had off for the Jewish Holidays. The week after that, we had Wednesday off for Yom Kippur. So it wasn't until September 28th that we had the FIRST full week of school. Crazy!
My schedule changed a bit the first month of school but it should be going back to my original schedule on Wednesday. Getting to know my one class of my French kiddies has been interesting. I only have 24 kids (15 girls and 9 boys) with 2 sets of twins in the class! Last year I had one set of twins. The boys are probably going to give me a run for my money because they still have elementary school behavior ("He took my pencil!"). Overall, it has been an interesting start.
I didn't pass my French CST test the second time I took it and I need to retake it. I could have taken it this month but did not feel prepared. So I decided to wait until February to take it. Give myself more time to study (which, let's face it, I need to start doing!!!). I can take it February, April, and July if necessary before they change the format for the 2016-2017 year. It is one of my goals to get it because once my friend Ronny, the other French teacher, retires, I would love to remain in the middle school and just teach the 6,7,8 French classes AND then some Spanish classes. I don't want to give up my primary love of Spanish!
I am super excited though to be chaperoning the trip with Ronny to Quebec in February. Originally, she wanted to go the first weekend in March (because we would be gone Monday & Tuesday which is Foreign Language Week) but that is the weekend April is getting married. And I am the maid of honor in her wedding. So Ronny was gracious enough to change it to the weekend before! So, we leave on a Saturday morning and come back Tuesday night. I am super excited because I have always wanted to go. It should definitely be an interesting trip.
I went to get fitted for my dress for April's wedding but the one she wanted is no longer available to order which would've been nice for David's Bridal to have told me when I WALKED INTO THE STORE as opposed to AFTER I tried on a dress somewhat similar to it. They didn't even have it in the store "yet" as they said so I had to try on the strapless version. Oh well. As long as I get one soon, it'll all be okay!
The first month of school was a bit discombobulated. Teachers started 9/1 with professional development day, kids came the next day. Then we had a 3 day weekend because of labor day. Then it was a 4 day weekend because we had off for the Jewish Holidays. The week after that, we had Wednesday off for Yom Kippur. So it wasn't until September 28th that we had the FIRST full week of school. Crazy!
My schedule changed a bit the first month of school but it should be going back to my original schedule on Wednesday. Getting to know my one class of my French kiddies has been interesting. I only have 24 kids (15 girls and 9 boys) with 2 sets of twins in the class! Last year I had one set of twins. The boys are probably going to give me a run for my money because they still have elementary school behavior ("He took my pencil!"). Overall, it has been an interesting start.
I didn't pass my French CST test the second time I took it and I need to retake it. I could have taken it this month but did not feel prepared. So I decided to wait until February to take it. Give myself more time to study (which, let's face it, I need to start doing!!!). I can take it February, April, and July if necessary before they change the format for the 2016-2017 year. It is one of my goals to get it because once my friend Ronny, the other French teacher, retires, I would love to remain in the middle school and just teach the 6,7,8 French classes AND then some Spanish classes. I don't want to give up my primary love of Spanish!
I am super excited though to be chaperoning the trip with Ronny to Quebec in February. Originally, she wanted to go the first weekend in March (because we would be gone Monday & Tuesday which is Foreign Language Week) but that is the weekend April is getting married. And I am the maid of honor in her wedding. So Ronny was gracious enough to change it to the weekend before! So, we leave on a Saturday morning and come back Tuesday night. I am super excited because I have always wanted to go. It should definitely be an interesting trip.
I went to get fitted for my dress for April's wedding but the one she wanted is no longer available to order which would've been nice for David's Bridal to have told me when I WALKED INTO THE STORE as opposed to AFTER I tried on a dress somewhat similar to it. They didn't even have it in the store "yet" as they said so I had to try on the strapless version. Oh well. As long as I get one soon, it'll all be okay!
Billy Joel Concert!
I apparently never blog anymore. No worries....I am still alive!
On September 25th, I took my mom to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden in NYC! It was her combined birthday/Mother's Day/retirement gift. She has always wanted to see him as I have wanted to see him too. I would have tried to get tickets to his show at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island (he played the LAST concert EVER there) but the tickets were too expensive.
I got floor seats and they were pretty good! No, they were not right in front of the stage but that's okay! I used my iPhone to take pictures but sometimes they don't come out the best. Maybe its because I need to update my software! [Or get a new phone since it says I cannot update the software!]
What's really cool about Billy Joel is he has SO MUCH material that his set list is never the same every month at MSG. One of the employees was telling us that for the first three shows when he started playing there, he didn't play "We Didn't Start the Fire" (a classic!). Then the fourth show, he played it.
He definitely played my favorites, "We Didn't Start the Fire", "Uptown Girl", "Piano Man", and "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." There were some songs I would have liked to hear but it was a FANTASTIC show! Well worth the money and the best part was my mom had a blast. She deserved it!
On September 25th, I took my mom to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden in NYC! It was her combined birthday/Mother's Day/retirement gift. She has always wanted to see him as I have wanted to see him too. I would have tried to get tickets to his show at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island (he played the LAST concert EVER there) but the tickets were too expensive.
I got floor seats and they were pretty good! No, they were not right in front of the stage but that's okay! I used my iPhone to take pictures but sometimes they don't come out the best. Maybe its because I need to update my software! [Or get a new phone since it says I cannot update the software!]
What's really cool about Billy Joel is he has SO MUCH material that his set list is never the same every month at MSG. One of the employees was telling us that for the first three shows when he started playing there, he didn't play "We Didn't Start the Fire" (a classic!). Then the fourth show, he played it.
He definitely played my favorites, "We Didn't Start the Fire", "Uptown Girl", "Piano Man", and "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." There were some songs I would have liked to hear but it was a FANTASTIC show! Well worth the money and the best part was my mom had a blast. She deserved it!
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
{Stitch Fix #9 - Review}
I am so bad at blogging lately. It honestly seems like the last thing on my mind or to-do list. I have also been bad at blogging my Stitch Fix reviews because frankly, I forget to do it!
I would do my other reviews from the summer but I don't remember the names of the items or the prices. Yes, I took pictures and have them. But I threw away the card & list that they send you with each fix. To me, I see no point in keeping the card once I send back the items I don't plan on keeping.
So, the last few fixes, my stylist has been Brookelyn and she has done an awesome job picking out things for me! I keep requesting her because I like her choices. This is what she picked for fix #9:
{#1 - Pixley Kathy Striped Fit & Flare Dress - $68}
I was kind of excited for this dress because I wanted more work appropriate dresses and at reasonable prices. This had 3/4 sleeves and a nice back. It fell just above the knees and wasn't revealing. I thought this would be great for school or even a date night (if I ever go out on a date again, haha!) and pair it with a pair of black flats. I don't do heels.
Verdict? KEPT!
{#2 - 41Hawthorn - McQue Solid Lace Sleeve Blouse - $48}
(This picture came out blurry. Let's just say I am not the best at taking selfies and I am not going to ask anyone in my house to take pictures of me for this blog!)
It is hard to tell but the blouse has a lace detail on the sleeves. The color is just gorgeous! I can see myself pairing it with slacks or a skirt for work and jeans for a night out. I don't know how I could ever see myself wearing it with a striped skirt like shown in the style card.
Verdict? KEPT!
{#3 - 41Hawthorn Zappo Printed Mixed Material Sweater - $58}
The first thing I thought when I saw this on the card was "No way!" I really am one that likes prints that are simple and basic or aren't mixed. Like, I can never see myself wearing florals with stripes or zebra print with florals. Yeah, no. But I figured I would give it a try. I put it on and although my crappy selfie mirror pictures are a bit blurry so this probably doesn't do this justice, I knew I couldn't see myself wearing this. Too busy for me!
Verdict? RETURN!
{#4 - 41Hawthorn Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer - $78}
I always see people wearing blazers with cute blouses and slacks/jeans and want to replicate that look myself. So needless to say when I took this blazer out of the box, I was excited. However. I couldn't button it closed. Now some people may wear blazers open and not ever close them but I like to have the option to close them. And I have a blazer from the Loft that is very similar so I could not justify keeping it at that price.
Verdict? RETURN!
{#5 - Bay to Baubles Gala Stone Pendant Necklace - $34}
When I saw this necklace I thought it would go well with the lace detailed blouse. However, it was too big for my liking. I like more simple necklaces.
Verdict? - RETURN!
So while I only kept 2 out of the 5 items in my fix, I was happy with what I chose. I am excited to see what else Brookelyn chooses in my future fixes!
Not familiar with how Stitch Fix works?
1. Go here to sign up. You fill out an indepth style profile with your size. Be honest with what you like/don't like! Link your Pinterest style board if you have one. (This one is mine).
2. Pay the $20 styling fee. Decide how often you want to receive the fix (so far I am doing monthly but if I decide I am buying a new car this winter, I may move to every few months/as needed).
3. They ship you five items. Try them all on to make sure. You send back what you don't keep in a pre-paid shipping bag.
4. If you buy ANYTHING in the fix, the $20 styling fee goes towards that! If you buy all 5 items, you get 25% off your purchase.
I would do my other reviews from the summer but I don't remember the names of the items or the prices. Yes, I took pictures and have them. But I threw away the card & list that they send you with each fix. To me, I see no point in keeping the card once I send back the items I don't plan on keeping.
So, the last few fixes, my stylist has been Brookelyn and she has done an awesome job picking out things for me! I keep requesting her because I like her choices. This is what she picked for fix #9:
{#1 - Pixley Kathy Striped Fit & Flare Dress - $68}
I was kind of excited for this dress because I wanted more work appropriate dresses and at reasonable prices. This had 3/4 sleeves and a nice back. It fell just above the knees and wasn't revealing. I thought this would be great for school or even a date night (if I ever go out on a date again, haha!) and pair it with a pair of black flats. I don't do heels.
Verdict? KEPT!
{#2 - 41Hawthorn - McQue Solid Lace Sleeve Blouse - $48}
(This picture came out blurry. Let's just say I am not the best at taking selfies and I am not going to ask anyone in my house to take pictures of me for this blog!)
It is hard to tell but the blouse has a lace detail on the sleeves. The color is just gorgeous! I can see myself pairing it with slacks or a skirt for work and jeans for a night out. I don't know how I could ever see myself wearing it with a striped skirt like shown in the style card.
Verdict? KEPT!
{#3 - 41Hawthorn Zappo Printed Mixed Material Sweater - $58}
The first thing I thought when I saw this on the card was "No way!" I really am one that likes prints that are simple and basic or aren't mixed. Like, I can never see myself wearing florals with stripes or zebra print with florals. Yeah, no. But I figured I would give it a try. I put it on and although my crappy selfie mirror pictures are a bit blurry so this probably doesn't do this justice, I knew I couldn't see myself wearing this. Too busy for me!
Verdict? RETURN!
{#4 - 41Hawthorn Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer - $78}
I always see people wearing blazers with cute blouses and slacks/jeans and want to replicate that look myself. So needless to say when I took this blazer out of the box, I was excited. However. I couldn't button it closed. Now some people may wear blazers open and not ever close them but I like to have the option to close them. And I have a blazer from the Loft that is very similar so I could not justify keeping it at that price.
Verdict? RETURN!
{#5 - Bay to Baubles Gala Stone Pendant Necklace - $34}
Verdict? - RETURN!
So while I only kept 2 out of the 5 items in my fix, I was happy with what I chose. I am excited to see what else Brookelyn chooses in my future fixes!
Not familiar with how Stitch Fix works?
1. Go here to sign up. You fill out an indepth style profile with your size. Be honest with what you like/don't like! Link your Pinterest style board if you have one. (This one is mine).
2. Pay the $20 styling fee. Decide how often you want to receive the fix (so far I am doing monthly but if I decide I am buying a new car this winter, I may move to every few months/as needed).
3. They ship you five items. Try them all on to make sure. You send back what you don't keep in a pre-paid shipping bag.
4. If you buy ANYTHING in the fix, the $20 styling fee goes towards that! If you buy all 5 items, you get 25% off your purchase.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
How is summer almost over?
How is summer almost over?! I go back to school on Tuesday. We have superintendent's conference day, which consists of a breakfast at the high school followed by the welcome back, then department meetings at school, then lunch/time to work in our classrooms followed lastly by a faculty meeting. Kids come Wednesday. Am I ready? NO!
I am only teaching my French 6 class which is every other day because enrollment went down and I don't have my Spanish classes. At least they have me as a TA the rest of the day and I still have my health insurance! That's like golden. Plus, my department chairperson loves me and is trying to keep me there so there's that and my principal& assistant principal love me. I am sticking around and hopefully will have more classes the following year. Not that I am not actively looking because I am (and the only thing I got was an interview for a TA in the social studies classes at a high school for the ESL students for periods 1-4. No thank you).
Major bonus is that I have most of my lessons/power points done from last year so it is all about revamping them!
I still need to blog about the last two Stitch Fix boxes because before I know it, I will be getting another one next week! I am so bad about it. Plus I *kinda* threw the cards out that tells you the name and the price of them. Oh well. *Note to self - Blog it as SOON as I get the next one!* (I also kind of wish you could go back to previous fixes on your account and look back at them).
I still need to blog about my trip to Disney with my family but it was fun. And it rained. But then again, it's Florida!
Two weeks after that, I went to Georgia to visit my best friend Stephanie! We met in French class in college, were roommates sophomore year and it has been oodles of fun ever since. I am a bridesmaid in her wedding next October.
After the fiasco it took to get there (having a 6 hour layover in Baltimore, MD because there were mechanical issues with the plane and having to wait for a new one to come back from Jamaica), we were kind of lazy on Friday. David, Stephanie's fiance, took us to this Korean BBQ restaurant because he was insistent on getting me to try it. As I am getting older, I find myself willing to try new things. It was okay. Later that night we went to a comedy show at the Atlanta Improv and saw Chris D'Elia. It was awesome! Minus the girl that sat behind David, laughed/clapped at the wrong time, fell over on TOP of her chair at one point because she was drunk, and then fell asleep.
Saturday when I was down visiting Stephanie, we went out on her parents boat on Lake Lanier. So much fun! That night we had pizza and hung out at her parents house playing this card game, Phase 10. It took me forever to get the concept of it but I ended up winning!! Sunday, we went to the movies, the mall, Walmart for things for dinner and just watched The Sopranos. Monday night I went home. It was a short but sweet visit and I am so glad I got to see her!
I think it is time to go get my car washed considering I have been trying to do it since *June*!
I am only teaching my French 6 class which is every other day because enrollment went down and I don't have my Spanish classes. At least they have me as a TA the rest of the day and I still have my health insurance! That's like golden. Plus, my department chairperson loves me and is trying to keep me there so there's that and my principal& assistant principal love me. I am sticking around and hopefully will have more classes the following year. Not that I am not actively looking because I am (and the only thing I got was an interview for a TA in the social studies classes at a high school for the ESL students for periods 1-4. No thank you).
Major bonus is that I have most of my lessons/power points done from last year so it is all about revamping them!
I still need to blog about the last two Stitch Fix boxes because before I know it, I will be getting another one next week! I am so bad about it. Plus I *kinda* threw the cards out that tells you the name and the price of them. Oh well. *Note to self - Blog it as SOON as I get the next one!* (I also kind of wish you could go back to previous fixes on your account and look back at them).
I still need to blog about my trip to Disney with my family but it was fun. And it rained. But then again, it's Florida!
Two weeks after that, I went to Georgia to visit my best friend Stephanie! We met in French class in college, were roommates sophomore year and it has been oodles of fun ever since. I am a bridesmaid in her wedding next October.
After the fiasco it took to get there (having a 6 hour layover in Baltimore, MD because there were mechanical issues with the plane and having to wait for a new one to come back from Jamaica), we were kind of lazy on Friday. David, Stephanie's fiance, took us to this Korean BBQ restaurant because he was insistent on getting me to try it. As I am getting older, I find myself willing to try new things. It was okay. Later that night we went to a comedy show at the Atlanta Improv and saw Chris D'Elia. It was awesome! Minus the girl that sat behind David, laughed/clapped at the wrong time, fell over on TOP of her chair at one point because she was drunk, and then fell asleep.
Saturday when I was down visiting Stephanie, we went out on her parents boat on Lake Lanier. So much fun! That night we had pizza and hung out at her parents house playing this card game, Phase 10. It took me forever to get the concept of it but I ended up winning!! Sunday, we went to the movies, the mall, Walmart for things for dinner and just watched The Sopranos. Monday night I went home. It was a short but sweet visit and I am so glad I got to see her!
I think it is time to go get my car washed considering I have been trying to do it since *June*!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Hello, August!
How is it August already?! In ways my summer vacation is flying by and in other aspects, it is dragging on. I will sincerely miss sleeping in until 10:30 on my days off. Boo. School starts September 1st with our faculty meeting, kids come September 2nd and then it is a crazy month. I looked and we do not have a full week of classes until end of September/beginning of October.
July was a busy month! I did many fun things and not so fun things. My CST was July 11th and I sincerely hope I passed. I am afraid I didn't because I think I messed up on the speaking part. D-Day aka fate day is this Friday. Thank goodness I have off. Either way I am celebrating (or crying) with a big bottle of wine!
I also went to the Taylor Swift concert and spent a week in Disney. I am definitely going to recap that soon. It was a magical vacation, aside from it raining every day.
I have also been productive in making things for my TeachersPayTeachers store. I look at all the stores I have bought things from and wonder how the heck they are so creative and elaborate with their designs. Part of me is hesistant to invest in so much on clipart and things however, it makes the items more interesting. I hope to create more items and have more followers. TpT was a godsend to me as a first-year teacher when I was *stuck* on how to teach a concept.
I still have to recap my July 2015 stitch fix (especially since the August is being delivered today!) but first, I have to explain why I will NEVER take my Corolla to one dealership EVER again.
My car is a 2004 Toyota Corolla LE. Its my baby, aka Cora. I got it the summer after my freshmen year in college...when I finally got my license. (Don't get me started on that story). It has been through its fair share of accidents. (One my fault, the rest caused by others). I had contemplated getting a new car this summer but when I found out I lost a portion of my classes & salary for next year, I quickly decided to rethink that plan. My car has 156,000+ miles on it and they're built to last so it is not exactly at the end yet.
I took it in last Thursday because it needed the inspection. Shortly before I went to Disney, it started making a rattling noise. I figured maybe a nut/bolt came lose and that is all that would have to be fixed. Fast forward to my appointment and they tell me that the exhaust pipe/system under my car was rotted and missing a piece that connects it to the muffler. Between the parts, labor, etc it would be $2000. I almost spit my coffee out on the guy. My mom was at home sleeping so she wouldn't answer the phone. My brother called his friend who has a shop and the guy said absolutely not. My friend Pete said to get out of there as soon as possible and go to our friend Mandy's mechanic.
I told the guy that I didn't have the money (quite technically *not* true) but I would be back when I did. He told me it was unsafe to drive because while I was on the phone, they apparently discovered there was a leak in the gas line and thats why there was a gas smell in the car. Umm, news to me since I drive it every day and didn't smell ANYTHING other than the smell of smoke from when the air is on too long (my car came off a lease from people who had been smokers). The guy at Toyota basically told me my car was unsafe to drive (I live 5 minutes from the dealership) and they would give me a ride home. They wouldn't give me a loaner car unless I left my car at the dealership for them to work on. Umm, No thank you.
I basically told the guy to give me my car back because I didn't have the money and I wasn't allowing them to do the work. Because of this supposed $2000 repair needed (when my car is only worth like $4000 trade in) and the sudden gas repair that would be approximately $45, I wanted to get the heck out of there. They wouldn't pass it for inspection, which is fine.
I took it to my friend's mechanic (side note: she has been trying to tell me for YEARS to stop going to the dealership but I wouldn't listen...plus my car had another recall that I was trying to get fixed but they didn't have the parts in yet). I didn't tell him I had it inspected at Toyota. I just told him it needed an inspection and there was a rattling sound. He came back and said it needed a new exhaust pipe and it would be $275! $275 vs $2000! I almost died of happiness. He welded it together until I got my work schedule. I brought it back yesterday and had it fixed there. So much happier with him. I will be going there from now on (unless I can't get the recall fixed there and then I will go to the dealership where we bought it from who are a LOT nicer).
I am so glad I got a second opinion. It sounds so much better and my wallet thanks me!
July was a busy month! I did many fun things and not so fun things. My CST was July 11th and I sincerely hope I passed. I am afraid I didn't because I think I messed up on the speaking part. D-Day aka fate day is this Friday. Thank goodness I have off. Either way I am celebrating (or crying) with a big bottle of wine!
I also went to the Taylor Swift concert and spent a week in Disney. I am definitely going to recap that soon. It was a magical vacation, aside from it raining every day.
I have also been productive in making things for my TeachersPayTeachers store. I look at all the stores I have bought things from and wonder how the heck they are so creative and elaborate with their designs. Part of me is hesistant to invest in so much on clipart and things however, it makes the items more interesting. I hope to create more items and have more followers. TpT was a godsend to me as a first-year teacher when I was *stuck* on how to teach a concept.
I still have to recap my July 2015 stitch fix (especially since the August is being delivered today!) but first, I have to explain why I will NEVER take my Corolla to one dealership EVER again.
My car is a 2004 Toyota Corolla LE. Its my baby, aka Cora. I got it the summer after my freshmen year in college...when I finally got my license. (Don't get me started on that story). It has been through its fair share of accidents. (One my fault, the rest caused by others). I had contemplated getting a new car this summer but when I found out I lost a portion of my classes & salary for next year, I quickly decided to rethink that plan. My car has 156,000+ miles on it and they're built to last so it is not exactly at the end yet.
I took it in last Thursday because it needed the inspection. Shortly before I went to Disney, it started making a rattling noise. I figured maybe a nut/bolt came lose and that is all that would have to be fixed. Fast forward to my appointment and they tell me that the exhaust pipe/system under my car was rotted and missing a piece that connects it to the muffler. Between the parts, labor, etc it would be $2000. I almost spit my coffee out on the guy. My mom was at home sleeping so she wouldn't answer the phone. My brother called his friend who has a shop and the guy said absolutely not. My friend Pete said to get out of there as soon as possible and go to our friend Mandy's mechanic.
I told the guy that I didn't have the money (quite technically *not* true) but I would be back when I did. He told me it was unsafe to drive because while I was on the phone, they apparently discovered there was a leak in the gas line and thats why there was a gas smell in the car. Umm, news to me since I drive it every day and didn't smell ANYTHING other than the smell of smoke from when the air is on too long (my car came off a lease from people who had been smokers). The guy at Toyota basically told me my car was unsafe to drive (I live 5 minutes from the dealership) and they would give me a ride home. They wouldn't give me a loaner car unless I left my car at the dealership for them to work on. Umm, No thank you.
I basically told the guy to give me my car back because I didn't have the money and I wasn't allowing them to do the work. Because of this supposed $2000 repair needed (when my car is only worth like $4000 trade in) and the sudden gas repair that would be approximately $45, I wanted to get the heck out of there. They wouldn't pass it for inspection, which is fine.
I took it to my friend's mechanic (side note: she has been trying to tell me for YEARS to stop going to the dealership but I wouldn't listen...plus my car had another recall that I was trying to get fixed but they didn't have the parts in yet). I didn't tell him I had it inspected at Toyota. I just told him it needed an inspection and there was a rattling sound. He came back and said it needed a new exhaust pipe and it would be $275! $275 vs $2000! I almost died of happiness. He welded it together until I got my work schedule. I brought it back yesterday and had it fixed there. So much happier with him. I will be going there from now on (unless I can't get the recall fixed there and then I will go to the dealership where we bought it from who are a LOT nicer).
I am so glad I got a second opinion. It sounds so much better and my wallet thanks me!
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Hello Summer!
Ladies and gents, year one of teaching is in the books! My kiddos had their finals June 15-17th, my friend Ronny graded all of them on the 18th (I graded all her French 7 finals plus I had to grade 8th & 10th grade state exams for her too!). I only had two kids not pass for the year and only one kid not pass the final....both of which I knew was going to happen. I am going to miss these kiddos a bunch (some more than others!) but I am so grateful to be on vacation....because I need to study more for the CST.
But here's what I have been up to this week.
Monday was the 8th grade & 10th grade proficiency and Regents tests for foreign language. Needless to say, a big day for the LOTE department! My poor chair must have been a nervous wreck all day. I graded all the 8th and 10th grade Regents tests. It's some rule that you can't grade your own set of exams that are tied to a state test (but then it doesn't make sense that you can grade the SAME test for ANOTHER teacher...whatever). After the 8th graders took their tests and we had graduation rehearsal, I graded all of them. I actually went over to the HS because I needed the "read to write task" that is new and couldn't grade without it.
Overall, the other French teacher's kids did well! Some of the 10th graders had me cracking up with their essays on Tuesday (22 kids X 2 essays each = 44 essays plus all the 8th grade with 2 each). I was snorting so hard at one of them. Looking forward to see what they come up with next year!
Monday night I chaperoned the 8th grade dance. I only knew a handful of 8th graders from the Academic Center this year so I was surprised that I got chosen to chaperone. Apparently its uber selective. I figured if I could make some extra money, why not. Plus, they fed us. It was interesting. Black was the girls' color choice for dresses that night. And I know I am getting old when I didn't know half the songs they played. Especially that "whip" one.
Tuesday was Fun in the Sun and Chromebook collection. In our district, all students grades 4-9 have a Chromebook that is issued to them by the district. They have it for the school year and return it in the summer (to repair, etc). Teachers can do assignments on them in class and its great for Google Classroom (which I want to use more of next year). I only went to two activities in Fun in the Sun because I was excused to go grade at the HS. Apparently we need to rename it Misery in the Sun. In the span of 2 hours, we had one kid dislocate her knee (within the first 15-20 minutes), one kid barf from the heat, one girl get stung by 4 bees, one girl cut her leg. Glad I missed that!
Wednesday I chaperoned graduation at the HS. It was a really nice ceremony, paying tribute to our awesome security guard who is retiring and an aide at the middle school who passed away in December (her family lives in the community and she worked at the school for over 40 years). So sweet. It makes me sad for next year when I get to see my 7th graders from this year graduate.
Wednesday night I also went out to a retirement dinner for the lady Chere I shared a room with this year. What a sweet tribute. We went to this fantastic Italian restaurant, drank some wine, and just spent a memorable evening together. Chere was one of the first people to welcome me to JFK, could EXACTLY tell when I was having an off day and just wanted to offer that hug a mom would give their upset child and was just a lovely person.
But here's what I have been up to this week.
Monday was the 8th grade & 10th grade proficiency and Regents tests for foreign language. Needless to say, a big day for the LOTE department! My poor chair must have been a nervous wreck all day. I graded all the 8th and 10th grade Regents tests. It's some rule that you can't grade your own set of exams that are tied to a state test (but then it doesn't make sense that you can grade the SAME test for ANOTHER teacher...whatever). After the 8th graders took their tests and we had graduation rehearsal, I graded all of them. I actually went over to the HS because I needed the "read to write task" that is new and couldn't grade without it.
Overall, the other French teacher's kids did well! Some of the 10th graders had me cracking up with their essays on Tuesday (22 kids X 2 essays each = 44 essays plus all the 8th grade with 2 each). I was snorting so hard at one of them. Looking forward to see what they come up with next year!
Monday night I chaperoned the 8th grade dance. I only knew a handful of 8th graders from the Academic Center this year so I was surprised that I got chosen to chaperone. Apparently its uber selective. I figured if I could make some extra money, why not. Plus, they fed us. It was interesting. Black was the girls' color choice for dresses that night. And I know I am getting old when I didn't know half the songs they played. Especially that "whip" one.
Tuesday was Fun in the Sun and Chromebook collection. In our district, all students grades 4-9 have a Chromebook that is issued to them by the district. They have it for the school year and return it in the summer (to repair, etc). Teachers can do assignments on them in class and its great for Google Classroom (which I want to use more of next year). I only went to two activities in Fun in the Sun because I was excused to go grade at the HS. Apparently we need to rename it Misery in the Sun. In the span of 2 hours, we had one kid dislocate her knee (within the first 15-20 minutes), one kid barf from the heat, one girl get stung by 4 bees, one girl cut her leg. Glad I missed that!
Wednesday I chaperoned graduation at the HS. It was a really nice ceremony, paying tribute to our awesome security guard who is retiring and an aide at the middle school who passed away in December (her family lives in the community and she worked at the school for over 40 years). So sweet. It makes me sad for next year when I get to see my 7th graders from this year graduate.
Wednesday night I also went out to a retirement dinner for the lady Chere I shared a room with this year. What a sweet tribute. We went to this fantastic Italian restaurant, drank some wine, and just spent a memorable evening together. Chere was one of the first people to welcome me to JFK, could EXACTLY tell when I was having an off day and just wanted to offer that hug a mom would give their upset child and was just a lovely person.
Myself, Chere, and Ilana, who was Chere's TA and is now replacing Chere. Sweetest girl! Wish I was sharing a room with her next year!
My lovely co-workers...
Phyllis, Julie A, Julie H, Chere, Dina, Ilana, SueAnn, Myself and Deb
(This would be a perfect picture for the slideshow next year!)
Hard to believe year one is over. Thursday was our faculty meeting and saying goodbye. I am the nutcase that signed up for a 6 hour class on Thursday at school to get credits. Oops? I am also going to take online classes towards my steps.
Other than that, I have nothing really stellar planned for a few weeks. I am only working Saturday and Sunday next week...perfect time to study for my CST that is in two weeks. And than I am seeing Taylor Swift in two weeks! Here's to the summer of 2015!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)