Happy Friday! After having ten days off, I was glad that this week was a nice, paced return to work. It kept me from stressing too much and allowed me to rest my foot, which is suffering a lovely dose of tendinitis. I blame kickboxing exercises on carpeted floors. I can almost pinpoint the very exercise that did it. The doctor said keep it still, iced, and elevated, but you try doing that with company. This week I’ve hauled out my daughter’s old walking cast. Huge improvement – it’s just the thing to keep the muscles from flexing too much.
And naturally, I just bought three pairs of shoes. Those who know me aren’t shocked by this, but it’s embarrassing – I have over fifty pairs now, and yes, I wear all of them. Except now, because of this foot. But I got my new Tom’s Shoes, and I love them. Very comfortable, and I like that my pair of shoes resulted in some shoeless child getting a pair of shoes – he donates a pair for each pair purchased. That’s shoe shopping I can get into! I put the link here because it’s a program and a company I believe in. And damn if the shoes aren’t terrific. I noticed a magazine or two promoting them, and I saw a department store or two selling them. What I like is they offer vegan styles – all manmade materials. And the packaging is recycled and recyclable – one tiny string of plastic for the sales tag, but the rest is paper and cloth. Finally – someone gets it.
I was happy to get an email from an existing client who always provides a large project. This year it’s three months earlier than expected, but that’s great. I’ll have time to get it done without going nuts and without vacation interruptions. That makes three clients who have contacted me out of the blue this month. I’m doing something right, amen.
I’m chasing a car issue. The ’03 Saab 9-3 has an intermittent starting issue. Starts great cold, but run it a mile or so, stop it, and try to restart and you risk the chance it won’t comply. It’s apparently a common problem for the car – the forums are loaded with people looking for the solution. I can tell you what doesn’t work – new ignition relay switch, crankshaft position sensor, or ignition module. Replaced them all. I’m doubting highly it’s the neutral safety switch as the “workaround” I was given didn’t work. My mechanic has brought up some thoughts – a security system sensor fault or even interference from a cell phone (that’s mentioned in the manual, in fact). Doesn’t matter. I just know that if the car’s warm, I need to keep it running or have the taxi number handy. They’re quirky cars, but there’s a solution. I’m determined to find it. Besides, it’s a convertible. We’re going to look good even broken down!
We came home from the movie theater two nights ago (Shutter Island – great movie) and as he was pulling my car into the garage, it started sounding, well, turbo-charged. Sort of an idle that went “woomwoomwoomwooom” instead of “putputputput.” A little bit of vibration accompanied it. He turned the car off. I told him “Now turn it back on.” Nothing. No clicks, no starting. I said “Buckle up.” He did. Car started up. That’s odd. Mind you, at the same time I opened the car door, got out, and closed it. Related? Who the heck knows? If it weren’t happening to me, I’d almost think it was fun to figure this out.
Today, I’m hoping to wrap up interviews for an article, but basically I’m taking it easy.
How was your week?
10 responses to “Random Friday Chit-chat”
Tough week. Heading with Elsa to the integrated/holistic vet this morning. Hoping for a solution.
Ongoing prayers for her health, Devon. Poor girl – give her a hug for me. And give yourself one for me, too. 🙂
Was down yesterday with an attack of vertigo. Better today, but lots of catching up to do. Dammit. I was hoping to take the afternoon off and enjoy the warmth and sunshine before 4 days of rainy weather sets in.
My sympathies on the Saab. I dread car troubles; they seem to frustrate me all out of proportion.
Ow – vertigo is rough! Hope you're able to remain upright today, Eileen. Yes, the rain coming has me racing this morning to get outside this afternoon.
All I can say is, "Eat the cookie. Buy the shoes." That comes from Joyce Meyer who's a minister. The whole point is sometimes we just need a little pick me up and we shouldn't have to feel guilty about it. So, kudos to you for buying those shoes. Now go eat that cookie. LOL!
Not a great week here. One funeral earlier in the week and one to go to this morning. Hubby's friend and now his sister. Tough week, but we're getting through it.
The thing I hate most about car problems is all the money you spend on things that didn't cause the problem in the first place. I'm sending good vibes your way so the problem is figured out quickly and you don't end up spending too much money trying to get it fixed.
Hi Lori! I found my way to your blog yesterday and really enjoyed reading through your posts. So much great info. Thanks!
Lori, still following your blog. Re the Saab issue. I have a '03 Pontiac with same symptoms.
At the auto parts store I bought a bottle of fuel conditioner and dumped it into the gas tank. I suspect problem is more related to water in the fuel or a fuel filter it's time to change. I could go into logical reasons why this worked for me and might for you but suffice to say it's an inexpensive next step since you've already replaced a lot of parts.
Chuck
Hi Chuck! How have you been? I was thinking of you today – came across an old email of yours. Hope life is treating you well!
Good idea on the fuel conditioner. I suspect you're on to something – I'm guessing water pump-related or somewhere in the water system. One user complained that the hoses going into/out of the water pump were flimsy and hot to the touch. I'd rather it be that than a computer system issue.
Hi Sarah! Welcome. And thanks for the Twitter follow!
Wendy, the good minister might tell me "Drop the cookie – walk away from the shoes!" LOL I tend to enjoy these little indulgences a little too much. 😉
Very sorry about the sadness surrounding you right now, hon. Can I do anything? Email me anyway – wanted to ask you something.
Thanks for the vibes on the car. I don't mind replacing smallish things – that's one less thing to go wrong later, right? But it would be nice to figure this one out.
Been slowing down the last couple of weeks due to not feeling well. And being super tired all the time.
But I am waiting to hear about a gig I applied for. Trying to convince them they need a telecommuter. Supposed to hear from them sometime this week, but I have a feeling it'll be the weekend or even Monday.
It puts me in limbo, but I'm trying not to let waiting on them affect applying for other things. I have a feeling if they find a decent local candidate they'll go that way. Oh well. In the meantime, trying to find some social media clients. I love doing it & it's right up my alley. But finding companies that want that locally is hard. I need to come up with some better pitches that talk up the benefits for them.
They DO need a telecommuter, Becky. You. 🙂 You're smart not to wait. Fill up your workday and the offer will come. Never fails!