A New Car on the Horizon Anyway

We got B. through his new-car-itis and feel reasonably sure he is realizing that buying a very expensive truck and committing himself to long term debt is probably not the best decision.  Dodoged the 'new car bullet' on that one - at least we thought we had.

H. was in a car accident on Wednesday - he rear ended the guy in front of him and the guy in back of H. hit him.  As the three cars were moving over to get out of the main road, the guy who hit H. hit the gas and took off - H. is at fault so....he was a little sore (and pissed off that his air bag didn't deploy) but he's fine physically.  And that's what's most important.

We are reasonably sure the car will be considered totaled - the repairs are $5500 and it's not worth that - so....

Our current plan is to let H. drive J.'s current car (a Hybrid Toyota Camry) and J. will be getting a new car.  We're trying to postpone until after the holidays 'cuz we'd like to make a savings withdrawal to make a large down payment - but we'll see what kind of 'great deals' come up during the next couple months.  I know our monthly budget can handle a car payment 'cuz it's only been a little over a year since we paid off my car - but I'd really like to avoid a $700 a month payment if at all possible. Under $400 is my goal.

It sort of makes me consider leasing (which we've never, ever done) but I really don't like renting a car....even though J.'s mileage is fairly low, I just don't want to pay every month for the 'use' of a car. I much prefer investing in a car and when the monthly payments are done, we have something that's an asset -

J. loves shopping for cars so he's a happy camper and will be well occupied in upcoming months.  He does want a hybrid and there are a lot more options out there now than when he purchased his Camry (9.5 years ago), so he's happily looking over car after car -

Since H. pitched in for his car, the check we will get from the insurance company will beef up his savings.  And depending on his final report card this semester, we plan to greatly assist him with expenses for his next semester.  He's really done an amazing job - keeping up with assignments; attending classes regularly and forming friendships with others in the class to help with studying; reading and studying often.  It's a joy to see him 'getting' that if you put the effort into the process of learning, it really makes a huge difference.  He loves his math teacher and he's really working hard at mastering the things he needs to 'get'.  Finally!

Tonight, we head to Modesto for Beethoven's 7th at Gallo Center for the Arts.  Looking forward to an evening out - we may eat here in town or just eat at home.  Probably home 'cuz we are going to a show next Friday evening with friends (Kathleen Madigan also at Gallo) and we plan to enjoy dinner out with them before the show.

Work is work lately - there's so much going on that I can't write about and some days, I feel so 'done' with things....I love my boss, love my job - but the same 'stuff' from the same people day after day gets to me.  When people you think you know and trust start doing things that are just so completely wrong - and there's really not much you can do except think 'what a train wreck of a person' - it's hard.

We are working in the yard this weekend - we have a bunch of plants that arrived before we left for Cancun - they are doing well keeping moist in a bin of water but it's time to get them in the ground and then cross our fingers we don't experience a huge freeze before they get settled in the beds.

I'm still dealing with my sinus issues.  I'm religiously taking my antibiotics and am less congested than I was but the nights are back to being a challenge - trying not to cough through the night.  I see a repeat visit to the doctor in the future.