Ugh.

So, I'm missing German, because the car repair place called as I was getting ready to leave, and by the time I was done talking to them, I decided I'd missed too much German already. But... over $2000. That's what the car's going to cost. Labor ain't cheap, but neither are the parts, some of which it apparently REALLY needs. So the parents (who obligingly said they'd pay if it wasn't too much) are going to discuss this evening whether or not it's worth the $2000. It's either that, or they're going to decide maybe I should just get a new car. But I don't want a new car. I want my lovely Volvo that I've had ever since I was learning how to drive. You know what would be really sad, though? If my parents do pay, and it's all happy, and I take it to get its smog check, and it doesn't pass. But hopefully all the various things they're cleaning up or replacing as well (like the spark plugs and the throttle) will make it less smog-some. Then again, too, it doesn't need to go to an "official smog check" place this time 'round. And the others are notoriously lazy.

ETA: Update — my parents said I should ask the guy if he thinks it's worth repairing the car, instead of buying a new one. If he says yes, they'll pay for it. I love my parents. I hope he says yes.

At long last...

Pictures from the Terry Pratchett signing, courtesy of Ainsley. (Who doesn't yet know she gave them to me, 'cause she didn't actually tell me her blog name.) Anyway:


Maybe I scared him.

Anyway, he soon calmed down:



Yes, mciac, I realize that I was wearing a t-shirt. But it's a good t-shirt that has flowers and their Latin names on it, so I forbid you to be disapproving. Not that this will actually stop you, I realize. ;)

General plea for help

If anyone listens to The Pogues and has an mp3 (or can rip an mp3) of "The Wake of the Medusa," I will be eternally in your debt. Or at least for a bit. :)