What NO Coffee?

 

There was a catastrophe in the Schmaing household this morning. It was discovered that the sacred drink, Pejuta Sapa, Coffee was out.  Such things should not happen for to long without the sacred drink can cause time to slip and when that happens it's never a good thing.  To replace the need for caffeine the black medicine was replaced with several cups of green and black teas.  Although not a perfect substitute it will suffice in a pinch until the stores of the holy bean can be replaced.  

Later in the day with intentions of replacing these important supplies the Pony drops a lud nut on the way to Walmart.  So upon seeing the delema I was in the small lud wrench was freed from it's resting place next to the spare tire in the back of the CRV.  I tightened all luds as tight as I could with my little wrench.  I have a few extra grams of mass to use in such emergencies so the wheel was tightened back snug.  I was discovered that there were loose luds all around the car, so a few foot pounds of John was pressed into each one.  I did manage to get to Sanel before it closed to purchase a new lud and added it to the tire.  Tightened with my grunt and good til the morning.  I will take it to the Master of Auto at school and again he will look at my Pony's shoes and let me know what could have happened.  So far it is a mystery.  All tires are new and the torque was applied to each lud upon adding them.  They should not have loosened.  We will see tomorrow.  My fingers and toes are crossed,  Hoping my luck stays with me.  Until then.  Then to refill the coffee.

Peace and Balance,

John 

The Miracle Of Good Credit.

 

Today I witnessed a financial wonder that I've only seen a couple times in the past.  After trying to turn a car into a submarine our young son, Lee and I traveled down to the southern reaches of our fine state to visit a Subaru dealership.  The trip was grand and ripe with stories about other people, he has learned from the best, and traded opinions about music and bands.  

As we wandered in the southerly direction he was occasionally on his Iphone checking on a car.  He would talk to people, nod hopefully and hang up.  He would text and grin.  He would make comments about a set of wheels or two.  I was driving so my normal reply was, "Ah Huh, and hmmm."  

Then he said, "That's it, That's the one." and showed me a picture of a Subaru Crosstrek loaded to the hilt only a year old and less than 30K miles.  It was a nice looking ride.

We arrived at the dealership, and they had the car waiting for him.  He did a once over on the car, we crawled in and took a ride.  It is a Nice car.  Upon returning back to the car place and sitting down with the sales guy, Lee started talking and the magic began.  

I sat quietly and watched the young Padawan become the master.  His negotiation skills are  unrivaled.  Neither the salesman or his boss could stand up to the logic of his words. It was a glory to behold.  At the end of the day I came home, and Lee drove off the lot with his New Wheels.  No down payment and a percentage rate that is livable.  His payment is one that he can afford because he has a real job.  I was proud.

Upon further investigation I found out Lee's credit rating is in the mid to high 700's.  That is impressive for a youngish fellow.  I say youngish because I am oldish and he'll always be youngish.   A set of impressive negotiation skills, a job that can handle payments, and an excellent credit rating are all products of the miracle of modern finance.  The magic was in the right place at the right time.  

Peace and Balance,

John