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.