Pics of the car

Here they are!

Craziest Thing

I did the most impulsive thing I've ever done in my life today. I went in for an oil change, and three hours later I drove off the lot with a brand new car! Crazy, right?!

I started off my day planning on going to school to enter grades in my computer there, and then wanted to go get an oil change. I got to school, and no one was there, so I didn't have any way to turn off the alarm system if I went in. I decided to get the oil change first, and then head to school. I drove up into the service department at Saturn, and one of the guys in there came up and was asking me questions about my car. "What year is it? How many miles? Are you happy with it? etc..." He followed me into the showroom, and was asking about where I moved here from, and everything (I wasn't going to stop him since he was easy on the eyes). He then went into a spiel about how they have a deal going on where they match your current payments and pay off your old car if you upgrade to a 2007. The new car comes with OnStar, and a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty. Turns out, mom and dad had told me earlier this week that they wanted me to look into getting OnStar in my car when I went to get my oil changed (it's factory installed, so there wasn't any way I could get it in my old car). I called mom and dad to see if I should pursue this. They said I should go for it. I told the guy that I wanted to see what we could do about getting me a new car, and I wanted to upgrade to power windows/locks, and cruise control. The sales guy went to check out their stock, and couldn't find a black car in what I wanted, but they did have one in dark blue (which is new to Saturn, starting with the 2007 models). I didn't know how I felt about it, until I looked at it when I took it for a test drive. It took me about 2 hours to get everything rolling with it. I ended up bargaining with the guy. He came to me with monthly payments that I thought were absurd. The 2007 model in what I already had was $60 more than what I'm currently paying, and it was $88 more for the power package (I've been thinking about why that may be...my other Saturn had my dad's name on it too, so maybe that helped me with the cost of the car...). I told him I had to think about it. I can't pay that much. He told me he'd get me a copy of the offer so I could bring it in on Monday. He came back saying he really wanted me to get the car today, and that his boss said to see how much I'd be willing to pay for the car. I told him if I was getting a new car it was going to be the power package or no car today. I told him I'd be willing to pay $30 more a month for the car. He came back with $30 more, plus $500 down. I couldn't do that either. I just paid a bunch of bills the day before, and I knew what I paid was right around $500, and I don't get paid again for another 2 weeks. It ended up being $40 more than I already pay. It's ok, I want a new car with what I wanted originally. I waited another half hour or so to meet with the financial guy, who was trying to sell me more stuff for my car. By the end of the time there he wanted me to be paying over $300 a month. No way. It would've been $100 more than what I'm paying now. I don't think so. I picked up 2 extra things, and I'm paying more than I thought, but I can afford it. I just need to figure out what I'm cutting out each month (probably some of my crafting stuff).

After I left the dealership (in my new car!), I called Mary to see if she wanted to go for a spin, since Amanda wasn't home. I drove over to her place, and we went out for a meal (lunch for me, dinner for her). It was nice being out with her. We have a lot more to talk about now that we're at the same school. You'd think that being at the same school, we'd see each other more often. We see each other each week at the staff meeting...that's about it. Anyway, I digress. She loved the car. We spent the rest of the afternoon/evening chatting about everything. It was good times.

I've had some great reactions from people when I've told them that I got a new car. The first one was Adam's response. I had to list 2 personal friends that I've known for more than 1 year. I called him to see if I could list him, and he was flustered, and then asked why I was getting a new car. Then I called Jen on my way to Mary's. "I'm calling you from my new Saturn!" "Yeah?" "Did mom and dad tell you?" "No, but you're not in Madison, so I know you're in Vegas..." "No, I'm in MY NEW SATURN!" "WHAT?!" We chatted about things, and compared what we each had in our cars (since she bought a Vue in July). I loved Amanda's reaction. She came home from her road trip, and told me she was going to run to McDonald's for dinner. I told her that I would drive her there. "No, I can go. I have to move my car over here since I parked out front." "No, I'll drive." "What'd you do to your car?" "Nothing." "Did you clean it?!" "Yeah, we'll go with that." "How long did it take you?" "Three hours." "That long?" "Uh-huh." We got downstairs and were heading to it when I hit the unlock button to unlock the car. She stopped dead in her tracks. I was getting into the car when she finally asked me what the hell I did. She loves the car, and now says I will be driving everywhere we go together.

I realized that this is the third car I've bought in my whole life. In high school I used my entire life savings to buy the Metro. After graduating from SNC, I bought the Ion. Now, after moving to Vegas, I traded in the Clown Mobil Deuce, and have a new car. And this one is under MY name! I'm so excited. It's been a gradual step. Metro-Dad. Ion-Dad and I. Ion2-ME!

Sorry, I'm just really excited about this! Tomorrow I will post a pic of the new car so we can think of names for it!

All Wisconsin

Sitting here watching Wisconsin Hockey, drinking Door County wine, and the air cool like a Wisconsin night in September...I think it's a good time to update about the awesome weekend I had at home two weeks ago.

I stayed at school the Thursday before I left until about 5:30. I needed to make some stops before heading home, and finally made it home to pack everything before I left. I couldn't sit still, I was so excited to be heading home! I was able to sit for dinner, but it took all of my might to sit down and watch The Office and Grey's before heading to the airport. I was like a kid waiting up all night for Santa to come. We finally left for the airport, and I was freaking out about having everything. Just as we were leaving the apartment, I had to have Amanda stop before leaving our parking lot to make sure that I had my license and confirmation number. It was OOC (out of control). The plane couldn't board soon enough. I was praying that I had a row to myself, but I didn't. Luckily though, I remembered Sue telling me that Northwest now boards all rows, not just from the back to the front. I shoved my way to the front so I could just get in my seat and sleep. I was beginning to get sleepy in the terminal, but I was able to stay awake creating questions to ask Zach at Perkins the next night. I got in my seat, and fell asleep right after we started taxiing. I only woke up a few times, but I don't like how there's no leg room on the planes for Northwest. I'm just used to Midwest I guess.

I was bundled up when I got into Milwaukee. I had brought home my leather jacket, but I had it packed in my checked luggage since I had many layers on in Vegas, and was sweating from wearing more than a t-shirt and jeans. It was a shock to get outside into the chilly air, but all was good when I saw that my sisters had brought the dog all the way out to Milwaukee to come and get me! She and I got to reconnect on the way home. Good puppy...she and I were back to normal within a few minutes. I miss her. I got to come home and go to breakfast at Mickie's Dairy Bar with Patty that morning. It was a good time. It was really crowded in there, so we had to sit at the bar. That was ok, I got to see her and catch up, and that's all that matters. After hanging out with Patty, I got to go get my hair cut, and to see my peeps from Barnes and Noble! It was awesome seeing them! It made me feel really happy to see them all. We headed home, and I still couldn't sit still. My sisters, mom and dad and I were eating lunch, but I couldn't eat it all. I was excited for what was to come. Sue and I went to go get the dog from doggy day care, and run a few errands before people got to the house. Yes, I was waiting to see my peeps! Adam called as he was driving down, and just knowing he was on his way made me even more not being able to sit down. I was WAY too excited! I had talked to Dan earlier, and had the same feeling. When we got home I knew I only had a few minutes to wash my hair and change before people started showing up. I heard a car outside of my parent's condo, looked outside, and saw Adam's car. I ran outside in just my socks to go greet him. Turns out, the car belonged to someone else. Not cool. A few minutes later, Adam got there, and a few minutes after that, Meghan and Dan got there. It was so good to see them all. I can't even remember what we had for dinner...I was just so happy to see them, and to have such good company. A while later, Erika and Zach showed up. I believe I ran out to greet her in just my socks too! We had to pick up Adrienne from the airport at 10:30, so we waited around my condo for her. We all decided that we were going to make a sign to hold up for her when she got down to baggage claim. We made a sign that said, "Congrats Adrienne on the baby!" It was funny, but would've been funnier had there been more people coming down the escalator when she came down. We all headed to Dan's to pick up J (and to get a tour of the apartment). Then...it was onto Perkins! YAY! We all had a great time, and were exhausted by the end of our time there. We had Steve as our waiter (uber excited about that one!), and all got to grill Zach. Or, we got to see if he would do anything we had all done before...to see if he was worthy enough for Erika (he is!). Good times had by all. The night ended with me driving Adam's car back to my house with him and Adrienne, and then reading Adam a bedtime story.

Saturday was awesome! I got to get all dressed up, and wear the jewelry that Amanda and I had made. It took forever, but I looked DAMN good (at least I thought so) in my dress and all. I was getting ready in my parent's bathroom so Adrienne could use the guest bathroom. As I was getting ready, Adam sat in my parent's room talking with my mom. I thought that was kind of cute. We had a good time at the wedding. The car trip was fun up there. Adam and I were following Dan, who had Adrienne, J, and Meghan in the car. We could see Dan dancing, and could tell when he got really into it (the car would jerk one way, and then back). The wedding was awesome. We got there really early, so we were able to see Kathleen before the wedding. She was so beautiful that day (not that she isn't any other day). Dan and I threw a fit when we realized we weren't sitting next to each other, and eventually got our way before the ceremony began. Then the pastor started talking about Jesus "pitching a tent in your living room." Dan lost it. I knew right after he had said that, that Dan would be turning to me eventually. He did. And then an older woman sitting in front of us turned to look at Dan each time he started giggling. After the wedding, Adam and I headed to UW-La Crosse to see his sister. It was fun seeing her again. The last time I saw here was Adam's graduation. We then headed to the reception, and almost ended up in the wrong reception. Good thing Kathleen saw us so we could get to the right one. Good times had by all by everyone. They were kinda scared with the energy I had when it came to the dancing portion. I had to drag J out on the dance floor with me. We were all crazy out there. A younger person even came up to us to tell us how we all looked like we were having so much fun out there, and wanted to join in. Heck yeah she could! By the end of the night most of the bridal party was calling us the "SNC Gang." As we were walking out, I noticed that we could see our breath, and I was the only one not wearing a jacket. Although, as I was sitting in Adam's car, trying to stay awake so he would, I had my jacket around my legs and was bundled under Adam's jacket. We had some good convos on the way back. Good times. When we got back to my parent's condo, I couldn't find my house key, and had to call dad to let us in...at 2:30am! Uh-uh. It was off to bed, since I had to get Adrienne up and out by 5:30.

Adrienne woke me up for her flight...at 7:00am! 10 minutes after take off! That was not cool either. I felt so bad about it. I realized that I set my alarm on my phone...which was on Vegas time still. That was an added stress to my morning. I didn't like that at all. Adrienne found a flight, but it didn't leave until the next day. We made arrangements for her to stay with Dan for the night. Adam left after breakfast (I was sad to see him go), and soon after I was getting things ready for my flight, and to take Adrienne home. I stopped by Erika's one last time, to get my luggage she still had, and to say hi to her parents. They're like my second set of parents, so I had to go see them since I was home. When I got to Erika's, I pulled into the driveway of our house that my parents are still trying to sell. I noticed right away that they had painted the whole door white! That's not cool (it was black and white). That made me sad. After Erika's, Adrienne and I headed over to Dan's. It was good seeing him and J one last time before heading away again. Once back home, I packed up my stuff, and we (mom, dad, and Sue) headed out to Milwaukee for my flight. Stopped by to see Grandma since I hadn't seen her since May. I ended up leaving 10 dollars richer, and a bag of candy fuller (I didn't eat it all...I don't think I've opened the bag of candy yet!). It was sad leaving her since she was trying to fight back tears. That doesn't make me feel good. At the airport, they all stayed with me until right around boarding time. I had about 15 minutes before boarding when I got to my gate. I got really sad all of a sudden when I got to the gate. I called Dan, but he was eating. I called Erika, but she was doing something. I was going to call Adam, but decided not to since I knew he was busy working on school stuff. Luckily, Amanda called to see if I had boarded yet, and to see if she should come into the baggage claim area to get me (which she did since my bags were really heavy with her scrapbooking stuff!). The flight back wasn't good. Really turbulnt, and the people next to me wanted to talk. That's when I pulled my hood up, and pretended to sleep. Got home, and knew I had to get to school the next day. Oh well, it's better than it was last year.

Ok, I didn't mean to ramble on and on, but it was too good of a weekend not to ramble. I have less than 60 days til I'm home for Christmas! I'm looking at it in terms of how many more weeks of school I have to teach: one full week, one four day week, one full week, Thanksgiving (when Sue and Amanda's sister are coming out), two full weeks, and then I'm home for two weeks! Amanda and I realized that the other day, and we're PUMPED!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!

PS: Here are pics from the weekend!

Many updates today

Since I usually end up rambling when I update after a huge lull, I've decided that I'm just going to update with little entries.

I have the day off, and I'm planning on staying in my jammies until 4pm. I don't think I'm going to make it. I got up early, yet still slept an extra 2 hours. I couldn't believe it when I woke up at about 8:30 this morning! It's my first day off since August when I didn't have to take a day from my "bank" of days. I was slowly waking up when I went to McDonald's with Amanda for breakfast, and I put on jeans to go out in public...but I was still wearing my jammy top. A while later, Amanda left for her road trip, and I've been alone in the apartment for the past 2 hours. It's been wonderful. Reading the morning paper and drinking coffee from a mug...good times.

Last night I spent the night on the phone and watching TV. I had a stressful day at school, and decided to splurge and get Olive Garden for myself. As soon as I sat down, and started enjoying my soup, Adam called. Just as I was hanging up with Erika, I told her that as soon as I sit down and start to eat, Adam will call. I swear he has "food-dar" and "good show-dar." He always calls when I'm eating or watching something good on TV. Like every Tuesday he manages to call right as the opening credits come on for Gilmore Girls. According to him, he's more important than my TV shows...we'll see about that. Anyway, I digress. I chatted with him for about 2 hours, read him some Shel Silverstein poetry (Amanda thought that it was "kinkified" that I was reading him kid's stuff...), and just chatted about our craptastic days. I was a wimp, and couldn't drink as much as people wanted me to, and ended up in bed by midnight. Not cool. I could stay up til 3 if I wanted to since I have today off! Uh-uh.

On a happier note, I made a great new friend at school who's me, but 10 years older! I love it! I've ben staying late at school just because I've been chilling in her room riling her daughter up, and chatting about stuff. It's awesome. We're planning a game night for the next time we have off (in 2 weeks, for Veteran's Day). YAY! Other stuff going on at school. I'm doing an after school program getting kids up to meet standards for our test we take each trimester, and then throughout the school year. It's an ok program. The kids are cool too. It's nice working with 3rd and 4th graders as well as the 5th graders. Plus, it's after school, and we're more laid back after school. I had 6 kids sent to the office the other day because of name calling. They all have to meet with me, the principal, and their parents. It's going to be a fun week next week.

Coming up in Part 2: My Trip Back Home.

OMG!!:)

I'm going to be sitting in the airport 2 days from now, waiting for my plane home! I can't wait! I'm WAY excited. I actually had a great workout yesterday, where I was shocked when my machine stopped since my cycle thingy ended. Then today after I worked out, I went to get Jimmy John's for Amanda and I, and came home WAY happy. It's really awesome. I can't wait. This weekend is going to be a blast!! I love the dress that I have (thanks to Amanda making me try it on!), and the jewelry Amanda and I made to go along with it will kick ass too!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!

I promise I'll update more later, but I'm falling asleep right here!