Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Great Lengths

Last year, I had to miss my April Vacation visit with everyone down at The Yarn Sellar.  As much as I enjoy a good knit night, the truck's engine light was telling me that travel would be inadvisable.  This, coming right after a lengthy and expensive round of repairs, made for much sadness.

I vowed it would not happen again.

You can only imagine the look on my face when, on Friday morning and just as I was turning into the school's parking lot, that cursed light came on again.  I knew at that moment that my plans for the upcoming school vacation week were going to be altered somewhat.  This could potentially include my participating in Tuesday Night Knitting Group.

The truck went to the service center that very afternoon and spent the night.  The prognosis was grim, but I was allowed to retrieve it on Saturday in order that I not be trapped at home for another day.  Monday morning, bright and early, back it went for more of the poking and prodding.

By Monday afternoon, the verdict was in.  And it was not good.  I needed a whole new engine.  

As this seemed like a kind of extreme sort of thing to be doing, I took the night to think it over.  But even the service people were saying that this was not advisable.  I needed a new car.

Now this was a tricky prospect at best.  I still owed money on the truck and was going into this with nothing in the way of equity.  I returned to the dealership this morning, escorted by my favorite shuttle driver, to see what I could do.  And I knew that it had to be done today.  I was not going to miss another knitting night.  

I will spare you the details, but it was a long day.  To say that my team of auto buying specialists were hard at work trying to make some sort of deal that would keep my payments reasonable would be an understatement.  It would also be safe to say that I owe all of womankind an apology for my behavior.  When you go into the buying process with your repair history, loan arrangements and original contract for your truck spread out for all the world to see, it's not like you can pretend that you are a savvy car buyer.  I did what I had to do.

I went all "girl" on the situation.  

I can't bear to think about it, much less to tell you all that transpired.  But there was flirting.  There was a test drive which involved my making all sorts of understanding noises while the salesman shared more details from his divorce than I needed to hear.  At one point I found myself doing something that bore a frightening resemblance to a geisha-type giggle complete with the hand in front of the mouth.  I flung myself on the mercy of my sales team (and it truly took a team to make this all happen) shamelessly and with Oscar worthy effort.  I prevailed upon their expertise and their manly powers of Making It All Better.  I tried to cry a couple of times, but I couldn't quite seem to work up a good gush of tears.  I did manage to make my voice break pathetically a couple of times and at very strategic moments, though.  Even my favorite shuttle driver stepped up to vouch for my good character and to lend his support to my being granted a new vehicle.

Like I said...I owe all women an apology.  We are better than that.  But I was in a pickle.  I broke out the estrogen.  What little I have left anyway.  

Oh, and I am also now engaged to the manager of the financing department.  I love him.  Deeply.  When the deal was finally done and hands were being shaken all around, this charming man clicked his heels and bowed to me.  

I love him.  Our children will be beautiful.  And I can only imagine that our cars will be equally aesthetically pleasing.

This all needed to happen today.  This was the window with which I had to work.  I was clear and highly specific on this matter.  My team worked hard to make it happen.  The truck is no more and I am now driving maybe a little more vehicle than I really need but financing under these circumstances is weird to say the least and more car seems to make more banks happy.  And it was all done within my specified time frame.

Because I wasn't going to miss another Knit Night.  Commitment, People.  That's what it's all about.

SA

18 comments:

errs said...

No need to apologize. You weren't weak -- you were savvy. You used the toolsyou had at your disposal.

Congratulations on the new car...

Anonymous said...

Okay, I know this isn't a funny situation, but you made me laugh out loud with your post!

Kath said...

I agree, you used the tools necessary to get the job done. It's the end result that matters.

When I was in my early twenties my mother requested my assistance in getting her flat tire handled. By this, she meant that she wanted me to put on very short shorts, bend over a lot and look distressed. Shameful, yes, but it worked. No one had stopped to help her, but I was able to get it fixed very quickly. You do what ya gotta do sometimes!

Mel said...

Well I, for one, appreciate the effort. It wass very good to see you tonight.

Anonymous said...

You have made me laugh AND ask the girly questions: what color is it? Does it have a nice radio? Is the interior easy to clean?

Hope you truly enjoyed knitting night - the really important things in life!

- Ginnie

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm glad you went all girly on the sales team and were able to make it to knit night. It was great to see you!

Mia said...

But what kind of vehicle did you finally get? And where, pray tell, is the photographic evidence?? Was there a special service of any sort for saying bye-bye to the stupid truck?

Anonymous said...

Whatever it takes to make the deal:) So where are the photos of the new baby?

Cursing Mama said...

Do not apologize Sheepie - what you did was exactly what needed to be done. You used all of your knowledge, all of your resources, and manipulated what need to be manipulated for you to get what you wanted & needed. I do it just about every day; if you've got it, flaunt it.
I should note that using the estrogen card does not work at the knit shop unless you come in with a wretchedly screwed up project.

Anonymous said...

Sheepie, I am simultaneously appalled and laughing my a$$ off. You did what you needed to do (are you SURE you want to marry that guy? he will probably have a fling with every cute little lamb that wanders through the place) and accomplished what needed to be done. I shall be chuckling at the mental image of a sheep giggling behind her hoo--, er, hand all day.

Yes, we need details of the new ride. Color, make/model, # of cup holders, etc., etc.

Ronni said...

It's good to see your priorities are straight. After all, wouldn't want you missing knit night!

I hope you'll still get a chance to do some girly shopping and what not before vacation is over.

sheep#100 said...

But - what are you driving now? And is it blue?

And how was knit night?

debsnm said...

Never, ever apologize for using men against themselves. It's not our fault they get so pumped up on testosterone that they can't help but help. Marry the finance guy - they get free cars!!!!!

Lazuli said...

Congrats on the new wheels! I have to say, I think I'm all for "going girl" when it comes to cars. Although I did have good luck getting a good price once by "going all Internet." I had more time to think that one over, though. Do we get to see the new car?

kim said...

Don't apologize. As long as men are going to hang onto their end of the double standard, I am going to make it work for me and mine.

Now, for the important part: whadya get?!

Donna Lee said...

If they are that easily manipulated (and we know that they are), then I say use whatever assets you have. No apology necessary. It always leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I feel like I should sing "I am woman hear me roar" afterwards but it's the results that we're going for here.

Anne said...

*snort* after years of being forced to watch car ads, my personal opinion is that car companies deserve everything they get, including having intelligent women go all girly on them. Do we get pictures of the new ride?

Jeanne said...

OMG speed shopping for a car? Terrifying (to me)! I'm one of those "research it to death then think thrice" people. I commend you on your bravery and on using the, er, tools you had at your disposal. (Must remember to wear plunging neckline next time I go to the dealership).

Lazuli, what's "Going all internet" and how might I use that?