Joke. Dork. Failure.

There have been many ups and downs...and it's only Wednesday. If the trend continues, tomorrow should be a good day.

So Monday morning, I parked my truck at work and waited for Mike to finish parking. I thought Ernie sounded a little loud, so I put my ear close to the hood. At about that time, Mike said I was overheating and we took a look. There was a big leak (I'm told at the head gasket) so we let it cool down and filled the radiator up and took it to my shop, hoping for the best. (But preparing for the worst...)

Tuesday morning I got the news that it would be $1800 to fix my Ernie. Since we've been together for almost 13 years, I was pretty sad. But, I had been planning to buy an new truck in December anyway, so this just accelerated plans a bit. I spazzed for a few minutes, then got pre-approved for a new truck. Went to Carmax.com and searched the F150s. Found a 2006 with 7100 miles. So after work Matt and I drove to Sanford to check it out. Upon seeing it, I knew it was for me, and the test drive was just a formality. I went ahead and bought it [I cannot recommend Carmax highly enough, btw] last night, knowing I could get a better rate at my credit union. (Carmax has a three day buyout program where you can come back with payment no questions.) I AM ON A HIGH BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT A TRUCK, YO. I'm trying to figure out how to get Ernie sold, etc.

So, today, I went to get my taxes done at H&R Block. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE LOTS OF DEDUCTIONS OR PROBLEMATIC THINGS, DO NOT DO THIS. I could have done my taxes and saved $119, but I had questions that I didn't know how to answer, so...nevertheless, $119 was a shock. Also, most unhelpful preparer. She asked me a question. Like, "is this an inheritance or a gift?" I WAS HOPING YOU COULD TELL ME, TAX PROFESSIONAL.

Anyway, after taxes, then the fun began. I went to the CU to finish my loan paperwork. Another really unhelpful and unfriendly person lets me know that they can't offer me the full amount for the loan I need because "I paid too much for the truck." Apparently, what Kelley Blue Book says and what I paid are two different amounts. Whatever. I fumed for quite a while. They finally figured out what I could get and it ends up that I need to come up with $1900 by tomorrow. Thank goodness tomorrow is payday. I think I may be able to swing it. As long as I don't eat or buy gas this week. (Thanks for the full tank, Carmax!)

After this, I went to the shop to see if they had found a buyer (I talked to the owner this morning and he said someone was interested). Awesome. He said the highest offer was $750. While I wanted $1000, I knew I wouldn't get that at carmax, and I really needed the money, so I took it. I cleaned out Ernie, cried big elephant tears for my friend, and drove off.

So! New truck! Emmett! He's basically the same as Ernie, but 10 years younger. And he's maroon!

Tomorrow, I have much to do. I have to get the check from my bank, go to Orlando Carmax to pay them off and have the tag transferred, get my insurance adjusted, go to Camping World to get Matt's birthday present, go to Wal-Mart for a few things, and try not to miss Ernie! Emmett has big shoes to fill! Pictures later.

Friday, I'm having dinner with my cousin (I haven't seen him in 13 years), his wife and 3 kids (never met). Interesting! Also, Matt's birthday.

I'm ready for this week to be over. February has been WEIRD.