"New Car Day"; Back to work; "Buffy"; "Will and Grace"

Finally I was forced to get rid of my old car. It was way beyond the point of being repaired. First there was the major problem with the cooling system back in the summer that cost a bundle to fix. (I'd had the car in the shop before for the same problem, but it was not repaired properly, but I didn't realize it at the time.)

Then the motor blew a gasket. Another bundle. And of course, it began to guzzle oil, leave large stains on my driveway and puff white smoke on acceleration.

Then several weeks ago, the brakes began to make high-pitched grinding noises. Then I noticed a curious thumping sound when I turned left. And within the last week, each stop was marked by a rear-end shudder. For several days, I'd been taking back streets and trying to stop as little as possible.

Last night, I recognized I was taking my demented life in my hands each time I drove it. Then I made a decision that today would have to be "new car day."

Several weeks ago, I'd settled on the idea of a pre-owned Saturn. Excellent car, good re-sell, safe, etc.

My next thought was to try the official dealership which has a fairly good reputation. So I took the afternoon off; gingerly drove the Nova down the Interstate, clutching my St. Christopher statue with one hand, and a Tibetan prayer wheel with the other; and arrived safely at the Saturn dealer. There was an ad in yesterday's paper for per-owned cars, and I'd checked a few within my price range.

About thirty minutes later, I'd picked out the one I wanted. And after much shuffling of papers, a test drive, more shuffling of papers, determining the "value" of the Nova, more shuffling of papers, removing the license plate from the Nova, more shuffling of papers, an explanation of the features of the new car, more shuffling and signing of papers; I was the owner of a sleek, red, sporty '97 Saturn. It was a far better deal than I had anticipated. Low mileage and in great condition. By the end, I was actually fucking excited.

Next stop was for the license plate. Spirits preserve me! There is a lot next to the tax office, but not a place was available. But as I pulled out, a truck left a slot on the street, so I grabbed it. (Screw the one-legged grandmother in the wheelchair who was trying to cross the street!)

Once inside the building, I looked up to discover a line of at least 40 people! Although there were 14 numbered windows for clerks, only six were in use. I'm sure if I had brought along a copy of Gone with the Wind, I could of at least read through the burning of Atlanta. Finally my turn came. I put on my best Southern personality and done began beggin' the pretty lady behind the counter for my little ole' license plate.

But the day was not over. Back to work I went to finish web pagging. There were so many interruptions during the AM that I didn't get tomorrow's web pages ready. Not the least of which were two power failures. I'm sure they had something to do with the work on the annex. Fortunately, the web server is protected by a UPS, and the fact that part of the complex immediately switches to a generator in case of a power outage. But the desktop units have no such protection.

I finally got home just in time to deal with the basic chores and turn the telly to Buffy. Xander had one really funny line that I didn't quite catch, but it had something to do with sleeping with Riley.

Has anyone noticed the Brit slang that Spike uses? Bugger and wankers showed up tonight. Maybe folks don't realize the significance.

Will and Grace was interesting. Loved the part about Jack meeting the guy who Karen thinks is his father. Jack really is adorable. The way he manages to bounce rather than walk is so funny. He comes across as a naughty elf. Or a very liberated cub scout.

(Update 03/07: opinion of program changed dramatically to the point I could not stand to watch it.)

PAX!