I’m sitting at my desk starving because I don’t have a car, so I can’t leave the office to get food and I left my brown bag lunch in my fridge at home.
At the moment, things are a little stressful – the Focus is down the road and in the shop getting its brakes replaced. I’m totally depressed since I just found out that it’s going to cost me an arm and a leg and, say, $900 to fix it. OUCH!
Now I’m trapped at work, lost in a state of utter disillusion while munching on Girl Scout cookies that I had stashed away in my desk drawer. All I keep thinking is, man, if only I worked downtown, then I could easily take my bike to work.
Mark my words, if I could, I'd definitely hop on my Schwinn and ride to the office everyday. If my job was in the city, I wouldn’t have to pay such an ungodly amount for car repairs because I wouldn’t even own a car. That means I certainly wouldn’t have to worry about how the heck I’m going to afford gas after coughing up that ghastly amount of money! On top of that, I wouldn’t be stuck in my cubicle gorging myself on overpriced cookies since there's a vast selection of restaurants downtown that I could simply walk to, dine at, and enjoy.
Ugh!
I guess I’ll bum a ride to the neighborhood Culvers. Maybe I can talk a co-worker into buying…
Oh geez, that sucks!
Posted by: Amanda | March 27, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I feel ya, kiddo. I've lived downtown for five years and have been commuting to the suburbs for four of them just to work in a cubicle and fulfill someone else's dream. It makes no sense and I often want to quit because I totally hate driving there every morning. The only silver lining is that I don't hit rush hour traffic because I'm going out of the city, oh, and I suppose I should be thankful that I have a decent job.
Hopefully one day both of us can live out our passions while working someplace cool in the city. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the both of us. :) Until then, good luck with the wheels.
Posted by: Tom | March 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I know what you mean about being able to bike to work. I used to work off of Wells and Water and I would often times just walk or bike to get to work. Even though the streets can be ungodly busy with traffic it is still nice to be able to get in some exercise and save a few bucks here and there. Which reminds me...I need to find a job in the city :/
Posted by: Melanie | March 27, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Why not take the bus?
Posted by: Suzieq | March 27, 2008 at 02:01 PM
At my husband's shop = Front and Rear Brakes would be about $450.00.
Pads only are about $150.00's.
Are they doing caliper, hoses a whole new break system? emergency Brakes? What the heck are you getting for $900.00?
Posted by: wfbdoglover | March 27, 2008 at 02:14 PM
My husband and I carpool to the suburbs because we work so close together, but I totally miss working downtown. We both used to work downtown and it was great because he would take our moped to work. Now, not so much.
Posted by: Julia | March 27, 2008 at 03:36 PM
"Why not take the bus?"
Because I don't want to. If I could carpool like Julia, I would jump on that though.
Posted by: Karen | March 27, 2008 at 04:43 PM
To answer your question, let me take a look at the invoice...
Apparently, it was the whole shebang - replacement of the disc brake pads, brake rotors, brake shoe, and a standard front brake job, rear drum brake job, a healthy helping of brake fluid, and so on. (Plus, an oil change and tire rotation.)
Good times!
Posted by: Karen | March 27, 2008 at 07:10 PM
It's probably only salt in the wound, but $900 for a brake job is robbery, even looking at the influence. Who is this braggand? Let's run him out of town!
Posted by: mjonthemove | March 28, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Woes me!
I never realized that I lived in a bubble! But, that would explain why I have no concept of costs relating to cars (obviously) and other things like real estate and insurance and furnishings and such.
I guess I should learn a thing or two about cars so I’m not swindled next time (if that be the case). Anyone care to give me a quick run down? Yeah, save your time. I'm hopeless... *sigh*
Instead, let's go burn the place down, Matt.
Posted by: Karen | March 28, 2008 at 09:11 AM
When you go to an auto repair shop, you should look around to see the certifications in the shop. An ASE certification is good, certified in all areas as a Master Mechanic is best. Check the better business bureau for the companies reputation. You can do that right on line. http://www.wisconsin.bbb.org
Always ask for referrals and any good mechanic/place of business will show you the old parts or even offer that to you as an explanation when you pick up your vehicle. A lot depends on your car, number of miles and what you exactly need. My husband buys parts with really good warranties - that's another thing to ask about when you service your car.
Without looking at your vehicle, and actually knowing the year, make and model - it is kinda hard to say what you need. It is kinda like asking your doctor to diagnose your illness over the phone.
A second opinion is always good too!
Posted by: wfbdoglover | March 28, 2008 at 12:02 PM
A second opinion is definitely a good idea. Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Karen | March 30, 2008 at 11:20 AM