Squeaky belts

[Dragon Lady]

It's a KIA Optima, but the shop keeps telling me that this is a very unusual problem, they've never heard of it happening, and thus they're having a hard time deciphering what's really going on. They're planning on calling the dealer today to see if they've had any similar problems. At least they're doing their research before they officially diagnose, right? That makes me feel better.

And Marduk, I'm always up for free food. Especially when I don't have to cook. I'm going boating today and don't know for sure when I'll be back, but I assume by dinnertime, since Yellow isn't coming and will want to eat. Tomorrow we have friends bringing us dinner and Friday is my birthday, so we're going out to eat. So it looks like tonight, Saturday or Sunday would be the best nights for us.

[Marduk]

Tonight I work, and Sunday is family cooking time, so let's do Saturday. I'll have Bob drop you a line.

[Katya]

I had to take my car in to get inspected this month, so I figured it would be a good time to ask them to look at the belts. Turns out it was a loose A/C belt, which they tightened for no charge.

[Dragon Lady]

I had to take my car in to get inspected this month, so I figured it would be a good time to ask them to look at the belts. Turns out it was a loose A/C belt, which they tightened for no charge.

Oh, hooray! I love no charge!

[Dragon Lady]

[sigh] We finally took my car in again to get the head gasket replaced. They think we need to replace the engine. Which will be about the amount we paid for my car. So we're probably gonna try to sell it or just donate it and get a tax break (which we could really use this year for various reasons). And then buy another car. Perhaps a minivan. But with buying a new house (and having to furnish it) and having a new baby and having a new insurance with deductibles (ugh, I hate that word) … well, we don't have a lot of money to spare on a new car.

I'm not well pleased.

[Portia]

A hazard of not having a license is very high cab fares when the bus isn't running (and it's 35 degrees, and you're far from home). But I'm pretty sure I could take an extravagant cab weekly and still be more in the black than someone driving the same route, and dealing with car repair issues. Fortunately, my work is exactly a 15-minute walk from home: good for mental and physical health!

[Portia]

Anyone who's interested in commuter issues might want to check out

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opini ... fices.html

and

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opini ... ef=general

I have actually found Salt Lake (or especially Provo!) to be much friendlier to the pedestrian lifestyle than Bellevue. Both cities really are attracting young people to the downtown core, though.