Dec 15 2022
New
Following Wednesday’s sudden demise, I had to start looking for a new (to me) car. Unlike the rest of the world, I do not get excited by new cars, appliances, or technology. They are a) expensive; and 2) a hassle, which is why I tend to use things until they break. Of course, this philosophy also means that you can end up with no car, and, in my case, also a phone that only works if it’s plugged in. So within a few days, I had to get both a car and a phone. That green tsunami you saw was me hemorrhaging money. FEMA seems to be unconcerned.
I had to cash out a large proportion of my 401(k) plan for the down payment. Even then, I underestimated the fees and taxes, and of the $12,000 I took out, I ended up with $8,500. I added another $500 to that for the downpayment, and I still have a whopping $11,000 to pay off on my meager non profit salary.
I had hoped that I would have enough left over for a little cushion, but the taxes made sure that didn’t happen.
The car is a 2014 Mazda 3 Grand Touring. It is a hatchback with a sun roof, and is a cheery red:
It’s pretty fancy, all leather inside and with a push button starter. I venture to say, a little too fancy for the technologically challenged, like Self. I have not been able to figure out the stereo yet. But I really like the heated seats, especially when it’s 32 or less in the morning. For some reason, the windshield never frosts up. So I’m getting used to it. I picked it up on 12/12/22, so I’m trying to see that as lucky.
Less lucky was the fact that my phone started dying as soon as I unplugged it. This is not practical. I ordered a refurbished iPhone 11, in a lovely shade of lavender:
It should arrive soon. I hope it’s not a hassle to transfer my info and to get used to the swiping thing instead of the home button.
A YEAR AGO: You will be amazed to learn that the Closet of Doom remains resolutely disorganized. This may never change.
TEN YEARS AGO: John was headed to his father’s memorial service.
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO: Some updates.
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