Why do I Blog?

Life is so fast & furious with 3 young children, working from home, ect that I fear I will forget the lovely details of my girls' precious childhood.

My main motivation for blogging is to capture the every day moments...so I don't forget them before I have a chance to scrapbook. Sharing with you is just an added bonus. Keeping this blog has helped me get the photos off my camera's memory card and label/organize them on my laptop. It is the BEST tool I have for scrapbooking. I haven't ever been able to keep a journal, but this I can do. I don't pretend to have anything interesting to say. In fact I'm sure this little blog is boring to you, but to me it is priceless!

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Sunday, June 14, 2009

9 My husband bought me a HOT new car

Nate has been obsessed with finding me a 'cheap little run around car' for months now that I go in to town to grocery shop so often. He's spent countless hours on www.ksl.com looking. We crunched the numbers a million times and I tried to show him how paying license, registration, insurance, and standard upkeep on another vehicle will more than negate any gas savings. And there is always the chance, no given need for repairs. Ever time we ended the argument the same way, mad. Well a few weeks ago, while I was out of town none the less, Nate made a move without my blessing. He thought I'd be happy with this $20 purchase that was destine for the scrap metal recycling yard. After all he could have spent $2500 on this other Subaru hatchback that doesn't run.


Here were my requirements:
  • Runs: NOPE!!! needs a head gasket
  • Automatic: NOPE!!! it is a STICK-SHIFT
  • Kid friendly: NOPE!!! it is a TWO DOOR
  • Air conditioning: Check
Well, that's 1 out of 4.

I finally decided to change my strategy. Logic and numbers haven't worked, so I'm trying the 'collect physical evidence' route. Since the car is here to stay (Nate replaced the head gasket...repair #1 = $200), temporarily at least, I'm going to embrace it. I spent all Saturday afternoon cleaning the filthy thing. YUCK! I then made it live-able by purchasing seat covers, air fresheners, and floor mats...which came to about double the cost of the car. SAD!

So far, in just over a week, I've put nearly 250 miles on it and feel somewhat able to shift. I hardly ever kill it! Nate did not like the seat covers. Too bad I say. I almost wish I'd taken a 'before' picture, but it might have grossed you out.

Last night Nate was complaining about free DTV reception to a friend and grumping about me getting ride of his cable. Very funny! He didn't like my pointing out that if I have to give something up to 'save money' then he should too?


Grocery shopping in the Turcel is a bit challenging. Here it is packed from my Wednesday morning 6am run. I spent $120 and was able to get all 3 heaping cart fulls of groceries (including 90 boxes of cereal) in the back despite the bagger/helper's doubts. I don't want this to turn into Sarah's shopping blog but I can't resist telling you that I saved $553 off Albertson's retail price that morning (I paid only 17% of the pre-coupon/promo total & I got steaks and produce, ect with all that cereal). It does feel good to be making some real progress in building my food storage. I was ready to cut back my food budget this week, but the cereal sale was too good to pass up. I'll start next week. Hey, maybe if I save enough on groceries Nate will let me drive my SUV again?



Note:
Nate decided we could take the TrailBlazer to church today, and can I just say how comfy and quiet it is. I miss my SUV.

9 comments:

Beattie Family said...

Holy cow, I can't believe you're actually driving it! and that is a whole lot of groceries, you're my inspiration for the food storage now. I haven't gotten brave enough to go back and into the store after leaving, but after looking at your packed car, I just might!

Hayley said...

So funny, 1 out of 4~

Hey, read through there and find your typo. It's kind of a funny one.

Sarah Schwartz said...

Ha, Hayley! You speak as if there is only ONE type-o and that surely isn't the case. Take pity on my poor spelling and give me a hint?

Hanne and Fam said...

I think Hayley is referring to how you spelled 'shift.' I agree it is pretty funny. :) Like I told you before I think your pretty awesome to drive the car. I would have refused.

Sarah Schwartz said...

ROF-PMP-LOL!

Now that WAS a funny type-o, but I did fix it. Thanks for pointing that out. I had a good laugh this morning.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I was laughing out loud probably the whole post! We're currently doing some car shopping ourselves, and been crunching out the numbers and such. But I must say...$20 for a car?? That has 1 of 4 of your requirements is pretty impressive :). But, I am thoroughly impressed about your Albertson's shopping trip...I need to hear your secret!

Hayley said...

Glad you found it. I was starting to think that your blog was rated r. :)

Julie said...

I HATE Albertsons!!!! but I guess I need to give them a try again. how many newspapers do you subscribe to to get your coupons?
hey remember that news i told you way back in Jan. that didn't happen like it should? well it happened again =) and so far so good! had to tell you =)

oh LOVE the car!!!!

Sarah Schwartz said...

I am glad everyone is not as wise as me to find such a great purchase, but if you need help let me know :) Nate