March 10, 2020

When it rains, it pours...

Ugh, what a super stressful weekend!

I wrote on Friday about how my car just quit working on me. As I wrote, I was on the phone (on hold) with Delta, hoping to cancel our trip to San Francisco next month. With the coronavirus, it just doesn't feel like a good time to go anywhere--maybe it's an overreaction, but my gut feeling was just telling me not to go. I also knew that there was a cruise ship with several cases of the virus that was going to be docking in San Francisco.




As I was on hold, I sent a direct message on Twitter to Delta, and they responded within 20 minutes. The whole thing was resolved in less than 10 minutes after that! They said that they would waive the fee to change our tickets--so we can use the money I paid for our tickets any time until January 31st--and we can change the destination to wherever we want to go. So, we don't get a refund, but we have "Delta credit" for when we do go on a trip.

I felt relieved after that. I canceled our hotel and our fishing charter, and managed to get a refund on our tickets to Alcatraz. I'm bummed about the trip, but I really don't think I'd be able to enjoy it with everything going on.

And ESPECIALLY after this weekend. It's a good thing we canceled the trip, because we certainly need the money now.

We had to get my car towed to the dealership, which was $160. Then there was the diagnostic test ($150), which just basically said to do more testing--which involved a $650 electrical job. I was super mad and frustrated about it. The car is only four years old and why do we have to pay for all of this out of pocket?


Photo credit: Jerry Foster (he saw me typing this and insisted that I credit him! haha)

I looked into trading the car in instead of fixing it; it looked like the cost of fixing it would be $2,000+. That's insane!

Meanwhile, I had to rely on Noah's friend's mom to help out with the kids--getting them to school on Friday and again on Monday. My mom called her insurance company to resume insurance on her car so that I can use her car until she gets home from vacation.

I wanted to start my walking program again on Monday, because I felt about 99% better than I did after I fell off the ladder. So I took Joey for a walk, going the long way to my parents' house. My hip was popping the whole time and ever since then, my knee feels really unstable and stiff. Awesome.


I don't remember if I mentioned it, but several weeks ago, someone stole my debit card numbers and used them at a Starbucks and a Kohl's in California. People suck.

Last night, I was (literally) crying to Jerry about this whole car situation, when I got a text from Discover saying that someone in New York was trying to charge a purchase at McDonald's, and did I approve it?

I replied "No", and then I just totally lost it. I felt like my stress balloon just popped, right in front of my face, startling me into another ball of stress. (Today, I had to cancel our Discover cards and get new ones--awesome.)

I hated that we had to spend money on a stupid car (whether it was fixing mine or trading in). I really want a new front porch. I've been wanting one for about five years, but I always put it off because someone in this family needs something that costs money. I thought for sure that this spring would be the spring that I'd finally get my porch! (I want a concrete one, otherwise I'd just build it myself.)

I am sure that I'm being a huge baby about it, but I'm just tired. I'm tired of driving all day long. Of  helping to fix everybody else's problems. Of not having any help when I really feel like I need it. Of feeling so positive and optimistic for a moment, only to have one more thing rain down.

And Weight Watchers... I'll save that for another post.

Let's just say this: This my lunch. This is my life.



Today, we made a decision about the car. We decided to trade it in and get a new one. The cheapest Jeep model we could get was another Renegade (we really wanted a Jeep--our Patriot has lasted 10 years without any problems). I told Jerry that he should get a truck--something he's always wanted--but he insisted that he'll wait, that he wants me to get a reliable car.

I felt horribly guilty and not at all excited about getting a new car. I was super stubborn and probably not the nicest person to deal with today. I made up my mind the very maximum I was willing to spend, and I told the salesman that number today. When he realized I was not going to budge, he took my offer to his supervisor, who eventually approved it.

So, we got a 2020 Jeep Renegade (in orange, my favorite color). It has four-wheel drive, which was something I said I was absolutely going to insist on when we got a new car (living in Michigan during the winter, it's pretty much a given that you need four-wheel drive).

Jerry was more excited than I was about getting the car, which made me feel even worse. When we left, I was driving the new car out of the lot, when I noticed Jerry on my left taking a video. Someday, I want him to get the truck of his dreams! (It looks kind of red in the photo, but it's orange. This is a screen shot of Jerry's video.)


I will admit, the new one is nice! It has heated seats and a steering wheel (which is SO great for someone like me who is constantly cold). Keyless entry and push-button start (so weird getting used to that!). And I can use some app on my phone to do all sorts of things like check the fuel levels and even unlock the car from anywhere--still figuring that out.

On the way home from the dealership, when I only had about 10 miles on the odometer, a car cut me off on the expressway. A small stone flew up and at my windshield, and made a small crack right in my line of vision.

SERIOUSLY?

Yes. Story of my life.

Eh, I don't even care at this point. I just want to get back to normalcy, back to trying to do something to take care of myself. Over the last 18 months or so, I learned just how much stress makes me overeat. I gained more weight in the last 18 months than I have in the last 9 years. I really need to work on stress management.

A couple other things of note:

Peanut Butter & Co. actually got in touch with me after I wrote the post about their peanut butter issues. I learned that they'd gotten several complaints about the texture/taste of their peanut butter, like I shared here, and was told that they took that into consideration and changed their recipe again. So, they are supposedly sending me a few jars of peanut butter... I really hope that it's as good as it was in the past! I will update after I get and taste them.

I finally got to use the table saw I got for Christmas! It's been so nice the last week or so, I've been spending time in the garage. I will post pictures when it's completely done, but I have been working on a small end table (which I will use use in the bathroom to replace a cheap store-bought one).  Using the table saw isn't easy--it has a learning curve--but I'm getting used to it, and I LOVE IT so far.

Anyway, I will try and write about Weight Watchers tomorrow. Counting Points has made me remember why I quit doing it in the first place!

Thanks for the kind words yesterday. I'm really trying to feel more positive...

41 comments:

  1. Oh Katie, you totally deserve to be feeling stressed and crappy. What a horrible week for you. I predict that it's all up from here! And just fyi, if the windshield can be repaired rather than total replacement, your insurance will pay for it with no deductible, even if you have a deductible on your comprehensive coverage (former insurance person here). I'm rooting for you and for good things to start happening asap!

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    1. Thank you! Jerry called the insurance company today, and they actually are having someone come out to my house to fix it! So I don't even have to take it somewhere. That's pretty awesome :)

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  2. One thing I've learned about stress eating is, it helps to know exactly what foods you go for when you're stressed. In my case it's crunchy things--tortilla chips, potato chips, that sort of thing. I've been trying to keep good alternatives on hand: air popped popcorn, baby carrots, apples, et cetera. So if you can figure out your favorite go-tos when you're stressed, and find something that has that same texture, maybe that can help? It stinks that you've had so much happen in such a short period of time. Seems to always be the way!

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    1. I will have to pay more attention to it. One thing I've noticed lately is that I'm not craving sweets--I'm craving chips, fast food, and things that are more salty. Even meat! (Totally unlike me.) I hadn't thought that it was related to the stress, but that's very interesting to think about!

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  3. Sorry about all the frustrating things happening. That just stinks. Hang in there
    ! Thank you for staying real and sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Kim! I appreciate your kindness <3

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  4. Hang in there, friend. Every storm has to pass at some point, right? (And I love the orange Jeep. Fun color!)

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  5. Dear Katie,
    Please know that we are all in this together! We are just recovering from a freak car malfunction, also. And trying to change Delta tickets (it took 4 HOURS!). And not being able to fly to help my family abroad this Spring like I intended. And the stock market crash. And...well, you know because we are ALL dealing with this stress. We love you! Nice to know your friends totally understand what you are going through!!

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    1. You're right... with all that is happening right now with the coronavirus and the economy, it's actually pretty scary. Jerry's 401K took a HUGE hit, so I'm hoping that will bounce back once all of this is over. I hope that you were able to change your Delta tickets! Next time, use Twitter--I can't believe how easy and fast it was!

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  6. My husband totaled his yellow Jeep Renegade last week (he's fine, the other driver is fine, but it was DESTROYED) and we bought a new black one for him over the weekend and he's feeling very similarly--not excited about the new car and just bummed at the unnecessary expense. Sorry it's been a rough patch for you, I hope things get better!

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    1. Oh no! I'm so glad your husband is okay, but what a nightmare. I totally empathize with that feeling about not being super excited about a new car. I was THRILLED when I got my yellow one! This one, I'm grateful for a nice, reliable car, but I am bummed at starting a new car loan when I was making a good dent in the previous one.

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  7. I don't know what version of WW you're using, but I started back 2 weeks ago and I'm on PURPLE; and using the App. Small learning curve, but I'm liking it. 2 weigh ins, down 3.4 with about 40 to go!

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    1. I'm not familiar... what is the purple version? I haven't kept up with their new program since they introduced SmartPoints. Congrats on the great weigh ins! You're doing awesome!

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  8. Oh Katie, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through all this stress! There's always a light at the end of the tunnel though, just keep that in mind! Sometimes really stupid and frustrating things happen for a reason! You probably don't want to hear this right now lol but I just know things will turn around for you soon! And on the bright side, I LOVE the color of your new car!

    I actually started counting Weight Watchers points too. Just started last week so I only have one week under my belt. I'm doing the old points plus version but I am curious to know your thoughts because I certainly have mine! Haha

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    1. Thank you, Amanda! You're always so supportive.

      I am impressed that you have a week under your belt with WW! I haven't been able to get through a week yet without derailing myself. I still haven't been binge eating, but I just stop counting and start eating whatever. I wrote yesterday that I prefer calorie counting, so that is my goal for now. I keep going back and forth, I know!

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  9. That sounds like a horrible, no good, very bad day....if it helps (and I don't think I can add a pic)...I am sitting in my office with my first black eye...our 80 lb dog jumped on me last night while i was sleeping and hit me in the eye with his bone....it immediately started gushing blood. yay! I hope things get better soon...oh, and i have another book recommendation. Daisy Jones and the Six....it is SO good.

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    1. Ohmygosh! That must have been horrible, getting a black eye from your dog! I've never had a black eye, but when I fainted and broke my jaw, all the employees at the hospital were giving Jerry the stink-eye, like he'd done it. Poor guy!

      I'm going to check out Daisy Jones right now--thanks for the suggestion!

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  10. Oh goodness Katie, sounds like a bunch of rough things all once. Hope things get on the upswing soon!

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    1. Thank you! Things are already looking better--when everything happens all at once, it feels WAY too overwhelming.

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  11. Hopefully you feel better writing it all out here and getting positive vibes from your readers! Hope things turn around soon :)

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    1. Thank you, Jenn! Seeing the super positive thoughts from my readers has helped so much. I appreciate it!

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  12. Here's a virtual hug.....we all care about you. Here's hoping it gets better.

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    1. Thank you, Susan! I appreciate the kind words <3

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  13. Oh my gosh! When it rains it pours! My husband works on cars for a living and will not even let us walk onto any Mopar lots. I hope you have better luck with the new car.

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    1. Living in the suburbs of "The Big 3" our whole lives, we've tried several makes of cars. Jerry and I have both discovered that we really prefer Jeeps--and it was great that we were able to get an employee discount from my sister's husband! It saved us a few thousand dollars. :)

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  14. Hey Katie! Same thing happened to me with the car on the way home from the dealership! Agh!! But... your auto insurance should cover the repair at no cost to you, and most auto glass companies come right to your house. Hope your rest of the week is better!

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    1. It's ridiculous! I had the other Jeep for four years, and NEVER got a chip in the windshield. Then I have this one for less than 10 miles, and boom. But yes, Jerry talked to the insurance company, and someone is coming out (to our house!) on Monday to fix it. :)

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  15. Sometimes best to cut your losses on a car that needs a lot of repairs. I'm typically a "drive it til the wheels fall off" type so always a tough decision. ((hugs)) on dealing with all of the stress. No fun! Glad the trip stuff sorted itself out for the most part.

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    1. Yes! I've always owned old cars--my dad, being an auto mechanic, kind of spoiled me by doing any repair work needed. I always drove "beater" cars, and they were fine! As long as I could get from A to B, I was happy. This was just a freak thing to happen, and likely will never happen again. I'm hoping to drive this one "til the wheels fall off" ;)

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  16. Have you considered doing any volunteer work, like at a homeless shelter or a food bank? It might help to put your problems in perspective a little, so you can see that a lot of people are going through really rough times. <3

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    1. Thank you for the suggestion! I know how pretentious I come across in my post, complaining about "having" to get a new car. There is a lot going on in my life that I don't write about, but with everything coming together at once, it's stressful for me. I know that people have it much worse than I do (I am certainly "privileged" compared to many others), but I feel that stress is valid to anybody--it's all relative. I actually wrote a whole post about it here: https://www.runsforcookies.com/2018/07/valid-stressors.html

      I definitely don't like to complain about the things that are causing me stress, but I wouldn't be *ME* if I was to pretend that I was always happy with everything going on. I'd love volunteering somewhere, when I can make some time!

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    2. Oh I get that. And I'm not saying the events weren't stressful. It's just when you have a lot going on in your life you find that you can handle additional stressors much more easily. We're basically saying the same thing! I'm saying that stress is relative to all that one has going on in their life.

      It's just my entire world was turned upside down last year when I lost my husband and I'm suddenly raising our kids without any extra help, and I don't live near family. I don't have anyone around me to help get the kids to and from school! And our district doesn't even have buses! I have to deal with the stuff you talk about in your post on a weekly basis it seems, while working full time.

      But...now stuff like that doesn't bother me nearly as much as it used it, I just sigh, deal with it, and move on to the next thing. It's because I have a certain momentum going. I just stay busy and each additional little thing just seems like that...a little thing.

      Blessings!

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  17. Sorry about all the "stressers" lately and congrats on the new car--which is still covered under warranty and replacing the windshield shouldn't cost a thing! Also, kudos on the PB-score; please update us and let us know how the new recipe is. In the mean time, don't forget, there's always a rainbow after the rain. Take care...

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    1. Thank you! Jerry called the insurance company today, and they are going to take care of it on Monday. It was actually kind of funny to me that it would happen immediately after driving off the lot with a new car!

      I'm looking forward to trying the peanut butter--I really, really hope that I like it as much as I did before! The cinnamon raison one was so good.

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  18. Have you ever considered starting a little business for yourself as a handy-woman? My husband does handyman and small home improvement job.... something you enjoy and would be able to make your own schedule.... also make some extra money. Everyone has shit going on in their lives. Last year I worked through my 6 months of chemotherapy and it always kept my stress in check and kept life in perspective bc I had something to focus on besides myself.

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    1. Wow, I hope you kicked cancer's butt!

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  19. Sorry you've been through so much lately, but I thought when you paid your credit card debt off, you had set aside money for emergencies, like a $2,000. repair bill? Also, why would you buy the exact same car that left you stranded? Not being a jerk, just curious.

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    1. We do have money set aside--$1000. We could have used that to pay for the repair bill, but we had NO idea how much it was going to end up costing in the end. As far as buying the same car, I totally understand why that seems crazy! The previous car was a 2015 model, which was the first year that the Jeep Renegade was produced. We shouldn't have done that! With first year models, there are kinks to work out. I loved the Renegade! I believe that since Jeep has been making them for five years now, I don't have anything to worry about.

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