HeiBlog

November 30, 2005

That extra effort

Filed under: Observation — Tyler @ 3:29 pm

I was just thinking today that it has been 10 years since I’ve been in any relationship that I considered “serious.” There have been one or two since then where the other person was more invested then I was, but naturally they didn’t really last long enough to be of any consequence in my mind, more miscommunications then anything else. Since college the dating I’ve tried to do and people I’ve meet has been minimal, usually in spurts corresponding to the seasons. I have a fairly busy life that is for the most part satisfying and I wouldn’t say that I am unhappy. Some of my single friends seem to be in similar situations.

When I meet someone I’m interested in I find myself asking if they are “worth my time,” since that is really what is most valuable to me. Is the time spend with them enjoyable or would I rather be doing something else. I guess this is a normal state of mind, wondering whether you want to put forth the extra effort for that person to try and make them feel like they mean something to you.
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November 26, 2005

The “Ol’ Beast” is Dead

Filed under: Normal boring stuff — Tyler @ 9:28 pm

They say that all things must come to an end. The death toll rung for my horse (1990 Hyundai Excel) after about of year of signs when I was going to catch a Broken Social Scene (wonderful band if you haven’t heard them) concert out in Northampton, MA. I got about half a block from where I park and the old girl wouldn’t move. I had to push the sucker back and some help from my friend’s landlord. The clutch had been stiff the week before so figured it and maybe the transmission might be the problem, aka $$$ to repair the problem.

I went to Firestone on Comm Ave. in Allston and they referred me to the local AMMCO franchise on Cambridge Street. Both sets of guys charge a premium but were pros. The AMMCO shop was very good only charging $40 to evaluate the problem (fee could be put toward the final repair bill). All said just to fix the clutch would have cost $1100 minimum and they told me it was cheaper to fix that first before they even tested the transmission. Well I didn’t even want to think about that amount of money and since that was more they the car is worth The Heap was destined for the junk yard.

Little did I realize what a pain it would be to get rid of the car. I have used out-of-state plates for the last 8 years because the insurance in Boston is so ridiculous. My Dad is the owner of the car and if he transfered the car to me to register in MA it ended up that even if it was destined for salvage I’d have to pay all the registration fees, inspection, and insurance (might as well just fix the bitch). Talking with the AAA back in PA we find out that we need to request a salvage title from the state and have it in my name. They I can get rid of the car. Turnaround time: at least 2 weeks. So Betsey had to come back to the parking spot and we play the waiting game.

All said it’s not that bad. I expect to finish my PhD in about 6-8 month and I really don’t need a car (ZipCar rocks by the way). Whether I buy a new one or not will depend where I end up doing a post-doc. I got 8 years out of a car that a shady dealer told me I’d only get 3 at most out of. So, I don’t feel all that bad. Thanks to ScienceGrrl for letting me park in her spot for the last few years.

In memory (Nov 2004 96519.5 miles):

Side shot of the beast
RIP 		Inside the Best
Accessories: Rear ashtrays!
Some good miles
Been a good haul		 Goodbye Shitbox
Good Bye shitbox

November 14, 2005

Simpler?

Filed under: Fun little bit — Tyler @ 11:25 pm

I’m always suspicious when one of my credit card companies just up and changes my card program. A few years ago I signed up for a MasterCard and then switched it to a Visa since I was going to be living in Europe and wanted to have one of each. Three years laster they switch it back to a MasterCard because then are phasing out Visa. Now my Citibank Platinum Select (which started out about 10 years ago as a regular old student, basic MasterCard) is being changed to a “Simplicity” card. Looking thorough the 8 panel sheet (see picture) there were a few things that were an improvement, but I would not call it simpler.

SimpleCard instructions

Simple?

The little booklet that came with the card has “Simplicity” in a nice sans-serif font printed in large letters on the front. They you open it up inside to read of the “3 simple reasons to use your new card”: “No late fees. We’ll waive late fees as long as you’ve made a purchase or cash advance in the same billing period that the payment is due (Balance transfers do not quality.) See the back for more about late fee waivers.” I think I understand but… Uhh? So you look on the back to read “About late fee waivers: While we know that things may get in the way of paying on time, we recognize your desire to build and maintain a good credit history. So, please know that your APRs may increase if your payment is late and late payments may negatively affect both your credit history and account terms.”

So you don’t charge me $30 for being late with my payment, but you’re still going to screw me over with an increased interest rate. Thanks, I think. Still don’t see how this is simpler.

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