Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

Nice write up on the Civic Si. My 2010 TSX had that same motor bolted to a 5 speed automatic & while it wasn't a rocket off the line, it had no trouble getting up to speed (just ask the CT state trooper who nailed me for going 81 in a 55 last March) & sounding good while doing it.

roadburner

You have the first generation MS3, and that one was a nice looking car. Clean. I just can't warm up to the styling of the current one. Not clean.

Exactly; the second generation MS3 has never interested me. The interior looks a bit cheap, the smiley-face grill is a joke,and-worst of all-it's slower than the first generation car.

stickguy

If we got one, it would be the 2.0l/AT version (I know, not the same, but hey, he is the one that did not learn stick!)

and right now, they have a very strong lease offer.

$260/mo. 0 down, including 1st payment (so only 35 payments). MSRP of $26,7945. 36 month, 10K/year.

seems like a pretty good deal to me in terms of a lot of car for a budget lease. Not the premium, but if you can live without power leather seats and XM, a decent price if you don't have money up front.

tifighter

Yeah, that does sound like a good deal, and now is probably the best time to get one. One must think that Acura won't put too much inventory out on the market again. They have a sales base line, and it can't be where they hoped it would be.

nyccarguy

2001 Mustang Cobra

Sandman6472

Saw one in my neighborhood yesterday and really liked it though it really is my Civic all dressed up...but the dress is a pretty one! And they did a great job on the rear end...the front, well, not so much. Acura does do a nice interior but the over $10k price difference, from what I paid for mine, for essentially the same vehicle seems a bit silly. But Stick, in your case it does make sense just for the $0 down! But your boy would have to be super careful as it's a lease and not really his. A real shame that the TL isn't reliable but maybe he should just take the Integra for awhile just to see where he lands and you take the TL since you drive so little. Might work for a few months until he lands the job.

What other leases have y'all looked at also? Are there any good incentives on the new Dart yet? Have driven one and it really isn't that bad of a ride. The seats were comfy and it moved nicely though the interior isn't the best in the world, not class leading but o k. I'd think the point would be to keep expenses low until he does find work. Luckily, my boy went to work in the city where a vehicle is a detriment and quite expensive and he has public transport outside his door. He really wanted a car, my car, but when reasoned with, he saw the big picture. But now I'm not so sure he's agreeing anymore...he's mentioned a few times that he wants a car of his own and my baby in particular. We shall see as I know he has some bond $ left and can afford a entry level vehicle...the wife paid off his loans or "we" paid 'em off to help him. Time will tell on this issue. But if he's real insistent about the Civic, might let him take it and me take the Mazda while getting the wife her new vehicle...Plan B.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

tjc78

I have no problem with Turnersville

Yeah its Turnersville. I've gone there a few times and everytime I was just rubbed the wrong way or they were just downright rude. This was Toyota and Hyundai. I've sworn them off. A good friend of mine who leases a new Toyota every 18 months (alternating 36 month leases for him and his wife) was a loyal Tville customer recently had issues as well and now buys from Runnemede. They were more than happy to help.

Rt 70? I've never even gone in there, but just based on their ads I can only imagine.

@Sandman, nothing wrong with a demo but when you are leasing no real advantage especially considering that with the extra miles on the car it will most likely be out of warranty before the lease is up.

ateixeira

Insurance was absolutely ridiculous on the Mustang I had back in high school, and it wasn't even a V8.

Cool car, but impractical plus high operating cost.

Plus one Mustang is enough, for me at least.

crkyolfrt

Sometimes when an aftermkt bulb is entered for a specific car, and if it doesn't come up, can sometimes be because it may have been found to create too much heat in relation to the design of the headlight lenses and reflector bezels for that specific car. This usually, (but not always) is due to a little higher wattage output of the aftermkt bulb.

I have heard that OEM bulbs actually dim a little due to use (I don't know if that is true or not, however) and that sometimes just buying a new OEM bulb shines a bit brighter, but you don't realize it until you see the difference because you adapt progressively with the old bulb dimming. I heard this on Driving Television, (a pretty mediocre auto type show) but they often put their foot in it, so..like I say...not sure if true or not.

xwesx

The headlight housing is what needs to be aimed, not the bulb itself (assuming it is seated properly in the housing!). Bulbs are housing specific moreso than vehicle. For example, my Subaru Forester uses 9006 (I think) in the high beam slots, and H11 in the low beams. Several of my previous vehicles used H4, which are dual-filament (high/low beam together).

I love the separate bulbs for high and low beam, though, because both my Forester and my new Fiesta keep their low beams on and add the high beam when high is selected. It is so much more effective than just one beam or the other.

As for life span, the general rule is this: The brighter the bulb, the shorter the life span. I've been happy with the balance on mine and tend to change them out every other year during my "annual maintenance weekend." So, 24 months is a pretty good life in my opinion.

Some of the really bright bulbs, like Sylvania's SilverStar Ultra, might only last as long as six months.

xwesx

Definitely true. The lumen output goes down with age. But, it's not a night-and-day difference in my experience. The more meaningful impact on older cars, I think, is de-yellowing the headlight housing (or replacing it altogether). When the plastic gets old and hazy, it tends to absorb more light than it transmits. It's like driving blind. :sick:

roadburner

This usually, (but not always) is due to a little higher wattage output of the aftermkt bulb.

The Osram and Philips bulbs I suggested are not higher wattage bulbs- and the Osram bulbs are superior to the Sylvania equivalents that are readily available in the US.

xwesx

Meh. Bad color for that car. The performance guys really like the prior gen (up to 2004) Cobras versus the new look. Apparently the new car is enough heavier that performance just wasn't there.

I've never been overly enamored with the Mustang, though. I like the oldest gen and the newest gen, but nothing between.

Oh, funny thing.... I saw a Mustang GT, probably 03 or 04, being used for pizza delivery a couple weekends ago. I can't imagine the guy running it actually makes any money with that gas guzzler! I saw it twice on the same day, in the same spot on the road (I was helping a friend move, so we made multiple trips, but still funny to see that car twice) - and, yes, we were both moving down the road.

isellhondas

I agree, those early Japanese cars were tinny as can be and I've seen the rusted ones.

BUT, they ran and ran forever and got good mileage.

the US companies let this happen.

ateixeira

Pinto & Vega opened the door for the import invasion.

isellhondas

The US manufactureres got blindsided by the late 60's Toyotas and Datsuns and they responded by coming out with Pintos and Vegas.

The Pintos actually weren't that bad but the Vegas wre pure junk.

The imports only got stronger as a result.

michaellno

First time I've had a chance to check in here. Using the folks' new computer, which we finally got set up earlier today.

Have been in CA since last Thursday visiting family. My rental for the trip is a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT - white with black leather. Nice car. XM subscription included, 11,500 miles. Averaging around 30MPG in mixed city/highway driving.

Am flying back to Colorado tomorrow, so will check in when I return to work on Wednesday. Am caught up on all the posts, however.

tifighter

Finally, someone else that thinks an uplevel Cruze is not awful.

michaellno

Finally, someone else that thinks an uplevel Cruze is not awful.

Now, if Chevrolet would only offer the hatchback model here in the US....

ateixeira

Wagon looks even better.

tifighter

Amen. A few months ago, there was some talk of a Verano hatch possibly happening, but that one will definitely be put into my 'Believe it when we see it' file.

stickguy

not that much difference in price. comparing it to the closest comparable (an EX) it is 5K difference in MSRP. Is the extra HP, and a few extra features, worth it? Really would depend on how it drove (NVH included).

and if you are looking at leases, the Acura is a better deal. Honda has a civic lease (same terms) for $20 less ($240 vs. $260), but this is just an LX! I imagine that an EX Civic would cost more than the Acura.

Oh, the TL is a better car than the Integra. No way I would trade them, even if he could drive a stick. If he does get a new one, I will keep the TL and cut the Integra loose. Both are MY 2000, and have ~ 167K on the clock.

stickguy

I will say that the Hyundai shop in T'ville does have a much different feel (more old school?), and even less upscale than Burns. I don't go into Toyota very often there, so can't really say.

But Honda, Acura and BMW have always been top notch in my dealings.

I got my Scion in 2004 from Runnemeade. A lot more convenient to get there for me.

tifighter

FWIW, the 14 ILX is supposed to get an upgrade similar to what they did to the 13 Civic. It will be interesting to see what they do, rumors include nicer interior, more nav availability, AT for the 2.4, etc. You have to think they'll wait until the last second to finalize it, as they have a lot of 13's to move.

kyfdx

Anyone live near Passaic? I'm guessing most of you guys are south?

Need someone to check out this car...



Details here

Sandman6472

Sorry, but I've driven brand new one's and some miles up one's and it just doesn't compare to the imports in any way, shape or form...I call it the substandard compact as they really need to tweak this puppy badly. The Elantra and new Sentra are just so much better for about the same price. Heck, even the Focus blows it's doors off and is a superior vehicle. I'd take a Toyota Corolla, the 13 model with the old tech over the Cruze any day of the week. I know GM knows what to do, they are doing it right now with the Buick Verano, also a much better vehicle in every way. Suffice it to say, i doubt GM will be seeing our hard earned greenbacks any time soon. the competition is just that much better!

I know others will totally disagree here...and that's o k. I don't spend your $ and y'all don't spend mine! I will go for the better product every time.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stickguy

I'm way south. And not sure you want to depend on me! Qbrozen is closer than I am (60 miles vs. 90).

Actually, the only thing that would make it safe to send me was the fact it does not have a moonroof. If it did, I would be tempted to buy it for myself!

kyfdx

Seriously... if that car was within a 5 hour drive, I would be going to look at this weekend...

But, man... 650 miles is a haul... :surprise:

stickguy

offer Q a bribe. He always seems to be up for a drive to look at a car. Plus, he knows what he is looking at.

The only Jersey boys I know of are me, Q and Fezo (who is further away that Q I believe).

ronsteve

Seriously... if that car was within a 5 hour drive, I would be going to look at this weekend...

Unless of course I got there first!

Got to love a 3-pedal Saabaru, even though I'd love it more with leather/power seats.

kyfdx

I thought all of youse Joisey guys hung out at the Bada Bing?

tjc78

I thought all of youse Joisey guys hung out at the Bada Bing?

Which is really "Satin Dolls" on RT 17 in Lodi NJ.

tjc78

(more old school?),

Yep, sleazy IMO!

Runnemede Toyota always treated me well, their service department is actually pretty good too.

qbrozen

Boy, take a 3-day weekend from the board and have so much reading to do!

Saabaru - I don't want to go check it out because I'll buy it for myself! Seriously, that's a bit too good. I'd get the carfax and pay for an inspection before making the trip. If it checks out, give a deposit, fly in, and drive it away at full asking price.

ILX - seems the market agrees this is not worth the premium over an Si because they are dogs at the auction. Premiums with 3-4k miles for $22k.

As for the Buick - well, is $28k really crazy for a gussied up hatch? The example above says yes, but MINI says no. Personally, I think the Buick's looks would hold it back more. The MINI is a success more because it is cute, IMHO.

Sandman6472

If I had a choice, I'd buy the Mini no questions asked! Am sure with the proper set of tires, the ride could be tamed a bit and not be so jarring and stiff. I'd have to get a slushbox but what the heck, it looks like a fun ride actually. Will definitely have to try one. On the way out earlier I was at a stop light next to a last generation Lexus RX 330...man, I still love those things and if I could and all the variables were in place, I'd love to score one of these in the $20k range with possibly 40k to 50k. These are just the perfect vehicle and the creature comforts are top notch and I bet if I came home in one of these, she who must be obeyed would even like it and want to "borrow" it a lot. I've sat in a few but have never driven one but I will do that very soon. Even though I talk about a lot of vehicles I'd love to own especially the C Class or 3 Series, the RX is one that, under the right circumstances, I'd throw caution to the wind and actually follow through with it...it's really the only vehicle that would make me spend the $ and definitely trade my beloved Civic consequences be damned! Just something about that generation RX that speaks to my drivers soul, I can't say why but it just does. Like all you BMW guys, I feel that way towards the RX. And after having driven a new Highlander yesterday in really nasty conditions, it just solidified my love for this vehicle, my passion for it.

Soon I will be able to purchase one and will go test drive a cpo unit just to see...if i find one that is just perfect, I'll bring it home to do the garage test. We only do that on a vehicle we are super serious about to make sure it'll fit on my side as we each have our own side and the other 1/2 will not switch as she likes the wall on her left. Even though I've marked each wall with the infamous "shoulder X", she will not switch sides. I can probably fit a vehicle that's 186" on my side, maybe even 190" but no more...the width is probably similar to the Civic's. And she does plan to downsize to a subcompact within a year which frees up some more space, so this is doable. I did sit in one a few weeks back, a 2005 but it had ridiculous miles and the price was just as ridiculous. But this is the only vehicle that I would really move on and I'm willing to go $20k plus whatever my Civic would bring.

Am I nuts here or what? I just love these RX330's so much and knowing that they are a Toyota is very comforting. And I'd bet one could service them at a Toyota shop for less coinage but having the "Lexus experience" would be pretty cool, our cousin had an ES and always raved about the stellar service at the JM Lexus store right up the street in Coconut Creek. I could really do this! And though it calls for premium, I'm sure 87 would still be acceptable and not compromise the driving experience. Oh my, I'm getting to excited here...this is crazy. And in a few weeks, it'll really be doable as I'll have the funds in the bank to.

HELP! Really, how cool would that be to find a pristine '05 or '06 model at the right price with the right mileage! How cool!!!

The Crazy Sandman :sick: :shades:

tjc78

I don't know alot about the RX except it shares the Highlander platform. If I can say one thing, if you are truly serious I would try and get a newer model with the 3.5 (in other words an RX350). They started that in 2007. The 3.5 has more power while getting the same or better FE. There were a few cosmetic differences but not many. Toyota's 3.5 is a wonderful V6. I really miss that from my 06 Avalon.

nyccarguy

Walt

Passaic is maybe a 1/2 hour away from where I work. I could go and check it out to see if its had any body work or if the pictures are hiding something. Getting to NJ during the week would be tough. I could see maybe Saturday after work. Let me know.

breld

Others like Q can chime in on what the auction values are on those RX's, but I don't know Sandy - that sounds very doable to me. A quick look on my local listings shows the most expensive RX330 at $19,999 - a 2005 with 58k miles. Or there's another listing for a 2007 RX350 with similar miles for a few thousand more. And that's all in Colorado - I would think Florida would be more competitive on that vehicle.

You'd still obviously want to make sure the car's been maintained properly, but the nice thing is you don't have be too afraid of a higher mileage Lexus as opposed to some of the German brands.

I'm excited for you - sounds to me that is THE car of your dreams. And seems to fit within your budget.

ateixeira

The 3.3l has a timing belt, while the 3.5l uses a chain. So you'll save on maintenance costs in the long run, off setting some of the extra cost.

If you can stretch the budget, go for the 3.5l.

tjc78

go for the 3.5l.

I had forgotten about the timing belt vs chain. I had Toyota's 3.0 in my 00 Solara and 03 Avalon. The 3.3 is simply a derivative of the 3.0 and was what my Mother's 05 Highlander had. They are all great but the extra power/economy of the 3.5 is worth it.

The only negative with the 3.5 is the VVT oil line. It was rubber from the factory and many owners have changed it to the all metal line. It's a relatively cheap fix (it may have even been a recall/bulletin at some point) and I'd bet an 07 has had it done already. The line is not one you want to have leak or blow out as you will have no oil in a short amount of time.

Sandman6472

Absolutely could see me doing this move as it's practical and even the wife I think would enjoy the ride. I'm sure I could just slide over into it, don't remember from the brief time I sat in the '05 on the lot, and think they come with all the power adjustments I could ever want. The size isn't that big and certainly the learning curve wouldn't be too steep. I'm familiar with Toyota/Lexus interior bits and pieces as evidenced last night where my hands knew exactly where all the controls were located. And being down here in southern Florida, there are literally 100's of available units to choose from. And to be honest, any new vehicle is going to be around that magic $20k figure but having the trade just increases the budget a bit. And truth be told, I've always liked Toyota products...heck, we've had 4 over the years of our married life. And the biggest hurdle, the other half, would be less of an issue once she drove the thing. As much as she likes a small vehicle, the ease of driving plus the additional creature comforts would win her over in a flash and I could actually see her driving it out before I left for work...it would just work for us. And I'd finally have the "lux" that I've always wanted and grew up with. All these years, the budget has been the major reason why I do econocars truth be told. Sure I love the size and economy, but I still want lux features for the mundane job of driving from place to place. And my job has finally shown me that, hey, I like to drive, drive anything! And I want to have fun while doing it.

Since we are pretty frugal folk and don't really treat ourselves, I'm pretty much due something like this. The $ issue will not be that much of an issue soon but I just have to convince us both that investing for the future of the whole sum is not the best avenue here. Use a portion for something like this while putting he rest into retirement as I plan to continue working as long as my spine, and body hold out.Must admit that today, I really really hurt and am glad that a text did not come for work. I slept a grand total of an hour maybe as I had a painful night. So today's break is just what the doctor ordered. And coming to this major conclusion today has put a new perspective on things. And just by driving along that silver RX this morning brought so much into focus for me. very time I do see an RX, I always look at it coming, going, inside and out. I always told myself yep, it's the perfect "Sandmanmobile" but totally unattainable the way things were. But by the grace of G-d, and my dad, one of the variables has disappeared and I can afford one, maybe not a new one, well heck yeah...I can afford a new one but that's plain crazy talk, and totally out of character. But going the cpo route is a definite possibility here wife be damned! And the best thing is I've got time on my side, nothing has to be done immediately, I can really think and come to terms with this at my own pace and with me, I just need time as I'm not an impulsive guy...never has been and never will be. Was brought up to think logically, weigh all the variables carefully and make a decision based on the facts. Never living above our means and always way below has given me a great respect for $ and what it can do.

Probably the best thing to do is start searching in a very low key way and keep my expenditures to a minimum which means no new headlamps and putting the new head unit on temporary hold. The ease of having all the positives of a new head unit make it look very attractive but in all truthfulness, I can stay the course and be just as happy. Save as much as possible, put the gift in the bank for the time being once I receive it and wait. Best to get the wife's vehicular situation sorted out and get her into her next vehicle then spring my action plan on her and go from there. As they say..."happy wife, happy life"!

So let's call this Plan C now and start the search to see if I really even like the thing. Assuming that people think they really want a vehicle but once they try it, sometimes find that their vision needs to be tweaked a bit. I might find that it's not for me, that maybe something like the Elantra GT smaller wagon makes more sense at this juncture or maybe a Per-owned cpo C Class is really the perfect choice. I just know that the RX really gets my heart pumping and to have one on my side of the garage would be so wicked, so utterly fantastic words couldn't describe that feeling but I know y'all know what I'm talking about here...that intense love for the perfect vehicle where you become one, man and machine come together as an incredible being which gives that ultimate rush of automotive joy. I've never had that and want it, deserve it and maybe now, I can finally afford it! Yes I can!

The Energized Super Sandman :sick: :shades:

qbrozen

So the bimmer sits in my garage in pieces. I knew when I started this weekend that my projects wouldn't get done before rejoining the daily office grind. Good thing I have a beater to fall back on for commuting duties.

The project, however, has been growing a tad. After disassembling the front end, I discovered I do, in fact, need new brake pads. $250 on Amazon for Hawk HPS. Have to do the fluid while I'm there, too, since it will be going to the track in 3 weeks. $20.

After removing the stock intercooler to see what I was working with, I found that the intercooler I bought from someone on a bmw board would never fit this car. Scratch that plan.

Had an Ebay oil cooler on hand with steel braided lines and Turner Motorsports filter housing adapter plate. Thinking was I could run a cooler in addition to the stock cooler in the right-side fender. Well, reality was that the adapter plate would never work off the open fittings on the top of the filter housing. Ok, new plan...remove stock unit altogether and replace with Ebay cooler. That seems to be going well. I modified the stock location and mounted it up without too much hassle. Hopefully no leaks when I'm done.

Next are the downpipes. Getting the old off is a bear of a job that involves moving the steering rack. Old are off, new (again, Ebay) pipes are connected to the turbos, and that's where I stopped last night after 10pm. Just gotta bolt those to the catback section.

Pads and fluid should be here Thurs. New Vanos sensors on the bench, too. Then, while surfing around today, I came upon a very cool looking tool/toy that I just had to order. Keeping track of boost and water temps easily would be ever so helpful.

ateixeira

Is Ms. q ok with all this?

Sandman6472

You have to be one hell of a smart guy to know how to do all of this stuff. For the tech and mechanically challenged like myself, we go to our trusted mechanic to do all this stuff and keep us on the road for years to come. Deep down though I've always wished I had the aptitude to know how to work on my vehicles, even simple oil changes would be neat to do myself. I'm in awe of folks like you and the others on this forum who do their own maintenance. I guess it also bonds y'all more with your vehicles. Also wish i could have a couple of them also like some folks here. Would be nice to have a choice on what to drive every day for the added enjoyment of driving. A fun vehicle would be very cool to have and something like a convertible since I live in southern Florida where it could be used all year long. I've seen lately some sweet ;04 & '05 BMW 3 'verts and even a gorgeous MB hardtop 'vert that would fit the bill nicely. Now how cool would that be...how freakin' cool! I've always loved convertibles since I learned to really drive on a '70 Caddy drop top, white over light blue, a gorgeous vehicle that my dad got for my mom soon after we moved to Ft. Lauderdale. He and 2 of his golfing buddies knew a dealer in Orlando who had three brand new '70 Caddy 'verts driven down to the country club for them to deliver. Remember after the papers were signed, we all put the top down and went for a ride around town...what a cool car. Senior year I was always asked to drive the principals in the homecoming parade and any other event where a convertible was needed. It was fun I must admit to do it and it was a nice driving vehicle to boot. had gobs of power with endless torque it seemed and we put major mileage on that puppy before it was traded on a '72 white on white Lincoln Continental coupe. I remember that both these vehicles were big, land yacht big but they sure could move. And with petrol at $.33/gallon, we never cared how far or how long we drove those suckers. Driving down to Miami just for dinner was a no-brainer, no thought was ever given to miles/gallon or any of that economy stuff that reared it's ugly head a few years later. It was a great time to have a drivers license and we were lucky to have some nice vehicles to run around in. By the mid '70's, the reality of more expensive gas and higher prices for vehicles was front and center and more economical and boring cars were the new norm though the Pontiac's and few Grand Marquis's that they purchased were pretty nice drivers to. But there's nothing like the thrill of open air touring especially at night when the temp is in the '60's with a full tank of gas...pure driving paradise!

The Top Down Sandman :sick: :shades:

qbrozen

She tolerates it. All in all, I still spend less on things like this than she does on whatever frivolous stuff she is buying that racks up our AMEX bill every month.

As for the time involved, I really didn't spend too much time in the garage this weekend while the kids were awake, which is why I didn't get very far. Last night was, again, after the kids were in bed and wife was at the dojo. I'll probably do that again tomorrow night. The upcoming track event is a Mon-Tues. So I will be away from home the one night, but she tells me I deserve it.

qbrozen

I always tell people that getting over the fear is most of the battle. As long as you always exercise caution, you can't get in much trouble.

Sandman6472

Something tells me that she doesn't really have a choice. You, Breld and Gee and Anony are lucky where your wives/husbands share your passion for the automobile and in Anony's and Breld's case, have the fever just as bad. Would love it if me and the Mrs. bonded over our vehicles and we allowed each other to purchase some high line one's from time to time. To just go out to car lots and take test drives just for fun, how cool would that be! Just wish mine saw automobiles the same way I do and not as just appliances to get one from point A to point B. Ahhh, to be so lucky to have one's partner loving the same thing and having the income to indulge that passion, now that would be heaven on earth for me. Personally, if I could have a seven car garage, one for each day of the week, would be so freakin' awesome i can't put it into intelligible words...it would be so wicked! Now that would be the perfect life, bar none!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

(It's obvious I miss driving today as I've been on these forums posting and reading for the last few hours! Damn, I better have a gig tomorrow as I'm having withdrawal symptoms just sitting here typing!)

Sandman6472

Sir, you don't know me, I can screw up just putting a light into a socket! I am so tech and mechanically challenged it ain't funny! I stop at filling the gas tank and windshield washer dispenser...anything else, I leave to a professional! Trust me, it's just better that way for all concerned, especially the vehicle's!

The Challenged Sandman :sick: :shades:

kyfdx

Dang, Q.... are you sure you don't want to go check out that Saabaru for me? Cause, otherwise, Bradd has to drive all the way from Connecticut..

We do have a public charter service, here.... they fly four days/week to Morristown airport..... leave here at 6:30am, arrive at 8:00am... 40 minute cab ride to Passaic and I'm headed home by 10:30 am..

I can be home by 9:00 pm...

Sandman6472

Just got txt'd by the boss...a day exactly like yesterday. FT. Myers to Miami and then two Lauderdale to Miami trips...yay! I was so unhappy we didn't have a gig today and they are making me take off on Thursday as we now have to take a day or two off because he has too many drivers...feast or famine, there's never enough of either work or workers! Funny how that works out but all is good for tomorrow. Would be nice to make an extra $12k to $15k this year as now, we really need the extra funds due to the wife's recent job loss. Am hoping she picks up another gig to replace the one she lost after tax season...I think she'll be happier being out of the house and with her peers. She's not a homebody like myself who was content to be home all those months...was actually very happy to just be here...I needed that time to repair my body and soul so I could get back into the world now...everything happens for a reason in life though we might never understand the reasoning but it's all according to G-d's infinite plan for each of us. I no longer [non-permissible content removed], moan or complain about the situation but just accept what I can't change or understand and life does go on...and most times it's all about the positiveness of the changes. It's all good folks...all good!

The Compliant Sandman :sick: :shades: