Digital Eclipse

Update on the car: it turned out to be a radiator hose. Altogether, this mess cost me a bit under $300 (for the fix, the part, antifreeze and the tow). On the plus side, I'd been told by another mechanic that the motor on my radiator fan was going, but after the hose was fixed that problem seems to have vanished. Maybe it was a domino effect of some sort—I don't know cars well enough to be certain. But fixing that could have run me over $600 (the part seems to run about $300+), so this is very good news. I had $800 in savings that was supposed to help me get through the holidays, so money will be tight, but I'll be able to keep eating. \o/

The foundling is still with us. We looked around for his owner, but no one had had put up signs in the area we found him or called the shelters, and he didn't have a microchip. The people at the shelter took my information, and said they'll contact me if anyone calls looking for a lost chihuahua. Tomorrow I'm going to put up ads on Craig's List and in the paper. On the advice of the shelter people, it'll only say "lost chihuahua", so no one calls and fraudulently claims him. A real owner should be able to identify him by his markings and what he had on him.

In the meantime, he's been following me everywhere, and may as well be attached to my hip. My right arm aches from trying to type around a lap full of puppy. Also, he insists on sleeping under blankets, and does not appreciate it when I leave openings for air. Breathing is optional, I guess. My aunt has taken to calling him Bum, and it seems to be sticking. x.X

Speaking of typing, I have finally finished the rough draft on my fic. (I say "finally", when it's really only been a couple of weeks.) Is there anyone out there in Cyberspace whose goodwill I can shamelessly take advantage of? It's roughly 22k, and probably PG13 at the worst. A few curse words is all. I'll need it done inside a week, to meet the deadline. Anyone want to help a Faerii? :D?

It's officially decided: FML.

This morning on the way to work, my car started overheating. Ir was 27 degrees outside, and my car overheated. :| Those of you who were with me over the summer may remember repeated posts detailing essentially the same thing, except in the exact opposite weather. (headdesk) As a result, I parked it in a church that was handy and called for HALP. Luckily, one of my cousins was on the way to work, and conveniently shares a workplace with me. So I hitched a ride. Right now, I am trying to get ahold of my Aunt, who has a motor club membership that will get me free towing if I can verify the account.

Luckily, I actually have a stash of money that should cover the cost of repairs. Should. It will leave me ridiculously strapped over the holidays (as in, I will cease purchasing groceries with my own money), but what else is emergency money for if not emergencies?

On the positive side, I've been given permission to work past our noon closing time next Friday, and I may have a work day mid-holiday. It won't do me any good until the end of January, but a couple of extra days can make a huge difference in a short paycheck. And also, I count myself very fortunate that this happened on a Friday. If I can catch a ride home, I'll have all weekend to get my car fixed. And this time, unless its ridiculously expensive, I'm just going to tell them to do it all. Let's stop with the babying and just do it.