life: expressed

...in that it is expensive to take care of one.

Today (or Thursday, rather), I took the lone car to the mechanic and dropped roughly $320 for an oil change, a check for a leak, and replacing transmission fluid lines. I was also there for 4 hours. Fortunately for me, I brought the new purse along and sewed a longer strap to it with fishing line.

I fear that there will be a repeat of last year, when I sink over a grand into a car, just to have it need about $3k more in work, and is better off being turned into a pop can than fixed.

Good [diety], I can not deal with anymore car issues. Give me something else to work on.

Now to bed.

After a slow start today, Orlok and I wandered out to get gasoline and groceries. Recently, a new Coborn’s superstore opened about a mile from our apartment, so we stopped.

We were not impressed.

First, for being located at a busy intersection, there wasn’t nearly enough parking.

Second, the aisles near the pharmacy are supposed to be labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc). However, there were no signs present.

Third, after a trip up and down every aisle, we finally find the mac and cheese. Some of the prices are outrageous, the map doesn’t really help us find anything, and the bagger used twice as many plastic bags as necessary.

Conclusion: except for midnight runs for supplies or ice cream (because this store is closer than our usual store), we’ll probably stick to shopping at Cub or Cash Wise.

***

In other news, Orlok and I are getting together with our gaming group for the first time in a year. Everyone’s busy with families and jobs, and trying to find an open weekend is like a needle in a haystack. I have to confess that I don’t really want to go, just because it’s been so long since we’ve played. Orlok has pointed out, though, that we’re not playing during football season, so there won’t be twice-hourly TV checks for scores.

I think part of it is the forecast for snow showers and the long drive. Not looking forward to the snow, but the drive could produce a nice conversation.

***

I’ve been reading about mind mapping and received an invite to join MindMeister. I really like the site so far, and have some invites if anyone is interested. I’ll need a valid email address to send one to you.

Since the previous post regarding my grandfather, the remainder of the month had pretty much sucked with one thing after another going on or going wrong.

The end of July was also a massive heat wave, with temps pushing 100 degrees. The air conditioning at my job was on the fritz the entire week, which made work nearly unbearable.

However, July had some good stuff as well. Through some financial figuring, Orlok and I paid off some bills and started making some changes in our personal lives. Vanesa of VAS Littlecrow (also my boss at Rice Print Shop) and I talked about ITAK and Brave Girl Studio in general while I was printing ITAK #3. We came up with some exciting ideas.

This month is more working. Orlok’s family will also be celebrating our nephew EJ’s 1st birthday and Orlok’s 33rd birthday. There is also the MN State Fair at the end of the month.

I will be busier because I picked up more hours at my job, but I’m hoping I will be able to update this site more often.