It has been a long busy Summer filled with gigs, fun events and family.
The weather was lovely in June instead of the low pressure mass that usually covers us, AKA the "June Gloom". I had a wonderful time performing at REPS and spending the weekends with Ira, Andrew and my brother playing board games and drinking whiskey.
July was extremely intense. Not only did we have a gig with UC7 every weekend, my nephew Vincent was here for the month visiting and I babysat him every Tuesday-Friday evening from about 2PM to 11PM while my brother was working. He is a very sweet and fun little boy but for someone who never spends time with children, it was exhausting! Mom came to visit for a few days so she could see her grandson and hear my band play. We had 4th of July parade at Enumclaw, Kent Cornucopia Days, King County Fair, a private party on Camano Island and the Packwood Carshow. Whew. It was exhausting but a real blast.
What didn't help was I was also going to the doctor and trying out different medications for a huge cyst on my right ovary which was causing significant pain and excessive bleeding. It started in early May and didn't get figured out until the end of July.
August has been fun and also going by in a blink. The band had a big party on the 3rd. There was lots of people, lots of food and we played for a few hours up on a nicely built stage in the bass player's beautiful back yard. It was a good way to end our Summer season. On August the 10th I got my first Saturday off to myself. Ira was very busy that week setting up stages for various outdoor festivals around the Sound so I got a nice relaxing weekend to myself. Even got a chance to play some video games I bought on the Steam Summer sale! Last weekend my parents were in town and it was a ton of fun to play tourist with them. UC7 also had a wedding gig at the Tacoma Outboard Association. We've played for these folks at least 7 times since I joined the band so it felt very comfortable and relaxed. There are some issues with the used board we just bought and I had zero monitors all night. It felt like I was shouting into a wet paper bag the whole time. I couldn't hear a damn thing I was doing. Takes a lot of the fun out of it.
We're having a little BBQ this weekend and then next weekend is Labor Day. I've spent such little time at the house this Summer, I'm thinking of staying in my jammies, locking the doors and pretending I'm not home. Have myself a small staycation reading Game of Thrones and watching Netflix.
It's been super wonderful but I'm really looking forward to chilly nights inside where I can play in my kitchen, make a nice soup and finish a book in front of the fire. I love cool, rainy weather! It's part of the reason why I moved here! This Summer has been far too gorgeous for far too long. Bring on Autumn!!
September should be a little quieter for me but we do already have 1 gig lined up for UC7 the first Saturday. In 3 weeks me, Ira, mom and Dave get to go to Kauai for 8 days!!!!! I'm so excited. It came so fast. It's been ages and ages since I've gotten to take a nice long trip somewhere. This is going to be wonderful. When we get back, Ira has a lot of work to do for Oktoberfest, which I will be taking my brother to for his birthday and acting as his DD. He deserves it! The final weekend in September will be Ira and I's 8 year anniversary. We probably won't do anything too special since most of our money will be blown going to Hawaii.
November I already have a few things going on. I may not get to do a play this fall since I already have a few commitments. There's a gig with the band the first weekend and then mid November I'll be flying to North Hollywood. There's an old time radio convention called SPERDVAC that I have been invited to. They're paying for my plane ticket, hotel and food. I just have to show up and perform! The ticket has already been purchased. I'll be flying in and out of Burbank. My mom is so excited for me, she's going to be joining me on this little adventure. I'm really looking forward to this. I'll be seeing some folks I've gotten to know over the years at REPS and getting a chance to meet some new ones. Before I know it, it will be Thanksgiving and then my birthday!
Then another gig with the band (we're playing the first Saturday in September, October, November and December at Nikki's Restaurant and Lounge in Covington), holiday parties and our annual trip down to CA to visit the family before coming back for New Years Eve. Perhaps I'll having nothing going on in January.
2013 has been quite an exciting, busy and productive year. I did get to be in a production of "Leaving Iowa" and get to see some really fantastic theater earlier this Spring so if I don't get to do a Christmas show this year, I suppose it wouldn't break my heart. It is challenging trying to be an actor, singer, voice-over artist, office manager, spouse, sister, daughter and cat mummy while keeping a clean house and a little bit of my sanity. I do require some peace and quiet now and then and a chance to unwind and get bored. I'll have to block it out on my calendar first...
Pacific Northwest Accent
I've lived here since April of 2007 and at first I didn't hear it at all. Little pieces started to pop up here and there sometimes resulting in confusion. Now I hear it everywhere and even fear I'm starting to lean towards the Pacific Northwest Accent.
Here's a great clip from NPR about it.
I hear it every time I go to the grocery store. The lady asks me "Would you like a beg?" as she's ringing me up.
A friend was telling me about Angle Lake and I was googling "Engle Lake" and couldn't find where she was talking about.
I hear about bands going on tore, or toreists visiting the city. Though I suppose I might be the slightly weird one here as I pronounce tour with two distinct syllables as in TOO-er. I blame being taught to speak English by French people. I also get called Canadian sometimes for pronouncing couch like COW-ooch. I do NOT however say Aboot.
People think me profusely when I do them a favor.
The worst was when I was in a play with a lovely woman named Jan. Every time someone would call her name, I would hear "Hey Jenn!" and got really confused when they weren't talking to me.
Now that I hear it so distinctly, it has become a lot easier to pinpoint who is from here and who is a transplant. Since California is the naughty C word I try not to mention too much that I'm from there but perhaps my big wide A's give me away. "Oh Thaaaaank you, I don't need a bAg!"
Who knows, after another decade of living here I might start putting my thengs in begs more often!
Here's a great clip from NPR about it.
I hear it every time I go to the grocery store. The lady asks me "Would you like a beg?" as she's ringing me up.
A friend was telling me about Angle Lake and I was googling "Engle Lake" and couldn't find where she was talking about.
I hear about bands going on tore, or toreists visiting the city. Though I suppose I might be the slightly weird one here as I pronounce tour with two distinct syllables as in TOO-er. I blame being taught to speak English by French people. I also get called Canadian sometimes for pronouncing couch like COW-ooch. I do NOT however say Aboot.
People think me profusely when I do them a favor.
The worst was when I was in a play with a lovely woman named Jan. Every time someone would call her name, I would hear "Hey Jenn!" and got really confused when they weren't talking to me.
Now that I hear it so distinctly, it has become a lot easier to pinpoint who is from here and who is a transplant. Since California is the naughty C word I try not to mention too much that I'm from there but perhaps my big wide A's give me away. "Oh Thaaaaank you, I don't need a bAg!"
Who knows, after another decade of living here I might start putting my thengs in begs more often!
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea
I've been studying North Korea for a few years now. I became obsessed around 2010 and started consuming any media I could find about the Hermit Kingdom. I trolled the internet looking for documentaries, travel blogs and videos, even short clips filmed on the sly. I reserved piles of books at the library. I've spent hours on Google Earth hovering over Pyonyang and the forced labor camp near Yangdok. I am fascinated and horrified by the personality cult of the Kim family. Millions of people have died of starvation or execution in the name of the Juche ideal. It's mind boggling and heartbreaking that society more reminiscent of a fantasy Sci-Fi actually exists on planet earth in this day and age.
I've spent so much time looking at these videos and pictures that I've become very familiar with most of the monuments and landmarks that get shown to every tourist to is allowed to enter the country. The Yanggakdo International Hotel, the giant statues of Kim Il-sung and now Kim Jong-il, Juche Tower, the USS Pueblo, the DMZ, the Arch of Reunification, Rungrado May Day Stadium where they hold the Arirang Mass Games (and you thought the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics were creepy!), the empy Ryugyong Hotel, Monument to the Founding of the Worker's Party, the Pyongyang metro stations, the Children's Museum, the War Museum and the inside of the Koryo airplanes. Even though I've seen hundreds of pictures and videos of these landmarks I'm still curious to see them with my own eyes.
While threats of war with North Korea have been looming large in the news, I thought now would be a good time to share some of the better resources I've uncovered with my macabre hobby.
Books:
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
The best book I've found so far that really takes you into the lives of citizens who managed to survive the mass starvation of the late 90's and escape the country.
The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag by Chol-hwan Kang
First hand experience of what it was like to be a child in a forced labor camp. North Koreans believe that you are guilty by association and relation for up to 3 generations so if your Grandfather commits a crime against the state, you, your siblings and parents are punished as well.
The World Is Bigger Now: An American Journalist's Release from Captivity in North Korea . . . A Remarkable Story of Faith, Family, and Forgiveness by Euna Lee
Do you remember when President Clinton went over to NK to rescue two female journalists that were imprisoned in there? Euna Lee and Laura Ling (sister of Lisa Ling) both wrote books afterwards. I prefer Euna's telling but I still couldn't help wondering "What the hell were you two thinking??" the whole time.
TED/Google Talks:
Born and Raised in a North Korean Prison Camp
Dong Kyuk-Shin tells his story of being born in a prison camp, watching his mother be executed and his eventual escape. This story is graphic and heartbreaking. He shows his scars and drawing of some of the torture he endured. Not for the squeamish.
Hyeonseo Lee: My escape from North Korea
Her accent is thick but worth it to hear her story. I just want to hug her!
Documentaries:
DPRK: The Land Of Whispers (North Korea Travel Documentary) (2013)
(I just started watching this one while writing this blog. It contains the most recent footage it seems)
Kimjongilia
Also available on Netflix. The title is from a rose bred and named after Dear Leader and told through interviews with North Korean defectors.
Children of the Secret State
Undercover footage shot by North Koreans.
National Geographic: Inside North Korea
Lisa Ling (sister of Laura Ling) takes a film crew undercover into NK. They accompany a team of doctors who attempt to give hundreds of cataract surgeries in just a few days. When the bandages are removed the people weep, bow to pictures of the Kims and thank them for their generosity and leadership. Must be seen to be believed!
The Game of Their Lives
Mostly about the 8th World Cup in 1966 but has great footage and information.
Crossing the Line
US soldiers who defected to North Korea.
North Korea – A Day In The Life
In Dutch with English Subtitles. This feels more like state propaganda of how the North WANTS to be portrayed.
Other Blogs & Videos:
The VICE Guide to North Korea
3 Part Videos that you really, really should watch.
The Forbidden Railway
A train travel enthusiast managed to travel by train from Vienna to Pyongyang. A long but incredile journey.
American in North Kora
I just started exploring this one myself but I love the pictures.
Daughter of Google's Chairman on Recent Visit to DPRK
My Travel Adventure to the DPRK | North Korea
A Visit to North Korea
OTHER RESOURCES:
DPRK Website
Yup, they have an official website. Also a Twitter account.
LiNK: Liberty in North Korea
A group that helps refugees escape.
Koryo Tours
Though with current tensions, tourism is currently shut down.
Helping Hands Korea
North Korean Refugees
Chosun Ilbo (English)
I know this is a lot of information to wade through and can't all be gone over thoroughly in one setting... I've been at this for a few years now and have read many, many more books and watched weeks worth of videos. These are the ones that really hit me the hardest. I have my own feelings about what's going on in the news right now. There's a bit of a tide turning and Kim Jong-un needs to prove himself a "tough" leader to his people. The best way to avoid a revolution is to get the people whipped into a frenzy over a common enemy. If you have any questions or want to discuss/debate further, please email me. I've love to talk more!
I really wish Anthony Bourdain could film a trip to North Korea. I so badly want to hear his take on it!!
I've spent so much time looking at these videos and pictures that I've become very familiar with most of the monuments and landmarks that get shown to every tourist to is allowed to enter the country. The Yanggakdo International Hotel, the giant statues of Kim Il-sung and now Kim Jong-il, Juche Tower, the USS Pueblo, the DMZ, the Arch of Reunification, Rungrado May Day Stadium where they hold the Arirang Mass Games (and you thought the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics were creepy!), the empy Ryugyong Hotel, Monument to the Founding of the Worker's Party, the Pyongyang metro stations, the Children's Museum, the War Museum and the inside of the Koryo airplanes. Even though I've seen hundreds of pictures and videos of these landmarks I'm still curious to see them with my own eyes.
While threats of war with North Korea have been looming large in the news, I thought now would be a good time to share some of the better resources I've uncovered with my macabre hobby.
Books:
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
The best book I've found so far that really takes you into the lives of citizens who managed to survive the mass starvation of the late 90's and escape the country.
The Aquariums of Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag by Chol-hwan Kang
First hand experience of what it was like to be a child in a forced labor camp. North Koreans believe that you are guilty by association and relation for up to 3 generations so if your Grandfather commits a crime against the state, you, your siblings and parents are punished as well.
The World Is Bigger Now: An American Journalist's Release from Captivity in North Korea . . . A Remarkable Story of Faith, Family, and Forgiveness by Euna Lee
Do you remember when President Clinton went over to NK to rescue two female journalists that were imprisoned in there? Euna Lee and Laura Ling (sister of Lisa Ling) both wrote books afterwards. I prefer Euna's telling but I still couldn't help wondering "What the hell were you two thinking??" the whole time.
TED/Google Talks:
Born and Raised in a North Korean Prison Camp
Dong Kyuk-Shin tells his story of being born in a prison camp, watching his mother be executed and his eventual escape. This story is graphic and heartbreaking. He shows his scars and drawing of some of the torture he endured. Not for the squeamish.
Hyeonseo Lee: My escape from North Korea
Her accent is thick but worth it to hear her story. I just want to hug her!
Documentaries:
DPRK: The Land Of Whispers (North Korea Travel Documentary) (2013)
(I just started watching this one while writing this blog. It contains the most recent footage it seems)
Kimjongilia
Also available on Netflix. The title is from a rose bred and named after Dear Leader and told through interviews with North Korean defectors.
Children of the Secret State
Undercover footage shot by North Koreans.
National Geographic: Inside North Korea
Lisa Ling (sister of Laura Ling) takes a film crew undercover into NK. They accompany a team of doctors who attempt to give hundreds of cataract surgeries in just a few days. When the bandages are removed the people weep, bow to pictures of the Kims and thank them for their generosity and leadership. Must be seen to be believed!
The Game of Their Lives
Mostly about the 8th World Cup in 1966 but has great footage and information.
Crossing the Line
US soldiers who defected to North Korea.
North Korea – A Day In The Life
In Dutch with English Subtitles. This feels more like state propaganda of how the North WANTS to be portrayed.
Other Blogs & Videos:
The VICE Guide to North Korea
3 Part Videos that you really, really should watch.
The Forbidden Railway
A train travel enthusiast managed to travel by train from Vienna to Pyongyang. A long but incredile journey.
American in North Kora
I just started exploring this one myself but I love the pictures.
Daughter of Google's Chairman on Recent Visit to DPRK
My Travel Adventure to the DPRK | North Korea
A Visit to North Korea
OTHER RESOURCES:
DPRK Website
Yup, they have an official website. Also a Twitter account.
LiNK: Liberty in North Korea
A group that helps refugees escape.
Koryo Tours
Though with current tensions, tourism is currently shut down.
Helping Hands Korea
North Korean Refugees
Chosun Ilbo (English)
I know this is a lot of information to wade through and can't all be gone over thoroughly in one setting... I've been at this for a few years now and have read many, many more books and watched weeks worth of videos. These are the ones that really hit me the hardest. I have my own feelings about what's going on in the news right now. There's a bit of a tide turning and Kim Jong-un needs to prove himself a "tough" leader to his people. The best way to avoid a revolution is to get the people whipped into a frenzy over a common enemy. If you have any questions or want to discuss/debate further, please email me. I've love to talk more!
I really wish Anthony Bourdain could film a trip to North Korea. I so badly want to hear his take on it!!
Creamless Creamy Potato Rice Soup.
I should've taken a picture. This would be better with pictures but really, it's not an attractive soup once you're done with it. I made this soup with what I had in the fridge. It might have come out entirely differently had I other ingredients but we were both not feeling well and hadn't done our weekly shopping yet.
~~~~
Peel 3 medium Russet potatoes and chunk them up. Dice up half an onion and smash/grate 3 cloves of garlic.
Toss 2 TBL of butter in a pot and melt it with the potatoes, onions and garlic. I would've added celery too but it was all brown and mushy. Poor celery. I also used a lovely thyme, lemon and bay leaf salt grinder from Trader Joe's. Add salt and some herbs if you got 'em. Also loads of pepper. Let the onions cook down and the potatoes get coated but not browned.
Cover the mess with a carton of chicken stock (you can also use mushroom stock and make a veggie version) and boil until the potatoes are soft.
Grab your immersion blender and puree well. It might seem a little thin but no worries. It will be alright. The color was a little muddy from the darkness of the chicken stock. This is OK. Like I said, it's not a pretty soup.
Grab about a half a cup (I'm guessing that's what was left in my big bag) of rice and just toss it in there. Stir it up a bit. Let your soup boil for about a minute and then turn it down to low simmer.
Add a couple of fresh sliced mushrooms (never use canned. NEVER!) and a small handful of frozen corn and peas. If necessary, add a little more salt.
Put a lid on and wait about 20 minutes or so. As the rice cooks, the soup will thicken up. Let it cool just a little before serving. You may have to stir it a few times to keep it from sticking/burning but it seems the more I took the lid off the longer I had to wait until it was done.
This soup is good for head colds and tummy troubles. Miracle elixir.
~~~~
Peel 3 medium Russet potatoes and chunk them up. Dice up half an onion and smash/grate 3 cloves of garlic.
Toss 2 TBL of butter in a pot and melt it with the potatoes, onions and garlic. I would've added celery too but it was all brown and mushy. Poor celery. I also used a lovely thyme, lemon and bay leaf salt grinder from Trader Joe's. Add salt and some herbs if you got 'em. Also loads of pepper. Let the onions cook down and the potatoes get coated but not browned.
Cover the mess with a carton of chicken stock (you can also use mushroom stock and make a veggie version) and boil until the potatoes are soft.
Grab your immersion blender and puree well. It might seem a little thin but no worries. It will be alright. The color was a little muddy from the darkness of the chicken stock. This is OK. Like I said, it's not a pretty soup.
Grab about a half a cup (I'm guessing that's what was left in my big bag) of rice and just toss it in there. Stir it up a bit. Let your soup boil for about a minute and then turn it down to low simmer.
Add a couple of fresh sliced mushrooms (never use canned. NEVER!) and a small handful of frozen corn and peas. If necessary, add a little more salt.
Put a lid on and wait about 20 minutes or so. As the rice cooks, the soup will thicken up. Let it cool just a little before serving. You may have to stir it a few times to keep it from sticking/burning but it seems the more I took the lid off the longer I had to wait until it was done.
This soup is good for head colds and tummy troubles. Miracle elixir.
Car Shopping Saga
Trying to buy a used car has been such a pain in the neck. I knew what I wanted and that there were many cars available that fit my criteria. I searched online at Autotrader.com and other sites for my new ride.
My most preferred colors would be dark red or bright blue. Something pretty that would stand out without being too flashy. I didn't want white. I'd rather not have silver or gray since here in the PNW so many months out of the year the sky is gray, the roads are gray, the buildings are gray... I feel like it makes me a little harder to see if some dipshit isn't paying attention. I didn't want bright flashy red since that just screams "I'm speeding pull me over!!!" even though I drive pretty conservatively.
I had finally saved enough for my down payment. I secured financing with USAA at a good rate. However, my pre-approval runs out 11/11/12. So there's a time limit. The hunt is on but I don't have a lot of time to go out and sit at a dealership for hours on end.
I made a call inquiring about a Ford Focus I saw online. I got an email saying the car had been sold but they had another Focus in stock. This one wasn't a hatchback and had more miles than I wanted. I emailed back and said "No thanks". Immediately a sales woman called me back and left a message. Then she called again. Then she continued to call and email me throughout the weekend. Then her manager emailed and called me. I was so annoyed at this point I didn't care what they were selling I was having none of it.
Ira and I finally had a Sunday afternoon off together. It was a bright beautiful day and I had a HUGE stack of potential cars to look at that I printed off. Most of the used car dealerships were all within a few miles of each other about 35 minutes north of where we lived. We planned our route to try and hit them all most effectively. I looked official with my folder and pen and paperclips to keep business cards we collected together and in plain view on the outside of the folder to other dealers. I had done my research online so I knew a few things. I knew not to let them steer me towards talking about monthly payments. I had a budget already in mind and I wasn't planning on doing financing with them anyways. I knew not to fall in love with anything and leave the lot first before coming back and making a final decision. I knew that if they tried to play the game with me about "going to talk to their manager" too many times or if they kept me waiting for too long to just walk away.
The first place we stopped an older man greeted us. He walked us all up and down his lot looking for the Chevy Aveo they had advertised. He went back into his office to look up where it went. He took us to another side lot to look for it while showing us other hatchbacks that didn't fit any of my criteria. We stayed at this first lot far too long. After he went back inside again to see if the vehicle was perhaps in their shop we decided an hour wasted with this guy was already too much and left.
The next lot we took our time checking around before allowing a sales person to approach us. We showed him the sheet and he said the Nissan was down the street at their over flow lot but he'd run down and get it. We waited a few minutes and after what felt like too long he returned with a different Nissan. This one wasn't a hatchback and more than we wanted to spend. They had sold the other one already. It was nice to sit in a Nissan but again not what I wanted. He took us around the lot to try and show us more hatchbacks but after he pointed at the Mini Coopers and the PT Cruiser I told him we had other lots to check out. Took his card and went on our way.
The next lot our guy was a lot more laid back. Again they had already sold the car we wanted to look at. He took us for a quick look around and there was a VW Jetta for about half of what I was looking to spend. It was a little older and had a few more miles on it but looked good. Ira told me it was a bad idea and we should keep looking. I agreed with him. We found our salesman, nabbed his card and after thanking him we soldiered on.
Finally we stopped at a place where they actually had the car we wanted to see. It was only a two door but it was a dark red Ford Focus hatchback. $6k, low miles, automatic. It had a few scratches here and there. There was a cubby thing inside that when I tried to open it, the door fell off. We decided to give it a test drive. We had been at this half the day already and hadn't driven anything yet! We took it for a quick spin but I was unfamiliar with the area and afraid of getting lost. It had more power than my past 2 cars. Good turning radius. The engine sounded good. I didn't love it but I could see myself in something like that. I didn't like that the gas cap was not secured in any way. We had an entire tank of gas stolen this Spring when parked downtown. We took the guys card and made some notes.
I was getting pretty tired. We stopped for lunch and decided to stop and look at some other car lots we had pass on the way. I didn't want to continue traveling further North at this point. Other cars we looked at were way out of my budget. The last car on our list we were excited to find on the lot but the dealership had already closed for the afternoon. It was an adorable Nissan Versa with all of the bells and whistles plus a rack on top. It was black with keyless entry, bluetooth, XM radio, nice looking interior, very clean outside and totally in my budget. I made some notes and decided to call the dealership later to schedule a test drive. At this point I was worn out.
I continued to look online for cars. Even considered buying from private owners on Craigslist. Nothing that I wanted seemed to be right in my area. Everything that looks perfect is 40-60 minutes drive away. Not easy to manage with my limited spare time. Then I got busy. After that I got sick. Time has been running out and I just haven't had the time to go and look at anything.
I emailed a few dealerships about cars down in Tacoma and Puyallup. Neither of those places are close to me but maybe in the next week or so I could make some time IF the cars are still actually available. I think I've learned my lesson about printing something off online and then driving there. I found a bright red Chevy Aveo with everything I want plus fog lights and super cool looking seats and power windows, etc. I would consider making time to drive down to check it out if I had time...
I have been calling my mom continuously through this process and she kept telling me I should check out Hertz car sales. I thought about it and did some online research. Most people claimed to have a great experience. Other people say they would never buy a rental car because most people are so mean to them. Maybe they are... The few times I've rented a car they were in pretty good condition and I treated them better than my own because I don't want to be charged for any damage! There are probably at least a few people who think like me.
I decided to find something I like and schedule a test drive. I found a beautiful dark red 2011 Nissan Versa. 4 Door hatchback. 39k miles. Automatic. Power windows. CD player with AUX input. Air Conditioning. Remote trunk release. Secured gas cap. Rear defrost. $10,800. A little more than I wanted to spend but I can manage it. I got excited. Really excited.
I've scheduled the 3 day test drive to begin Tuesday evening around 7pm. I'll pick up the car at SeaTac. They warned me on the website not to go to the lot until someone has called to tell me the car is there and ready. I've received a couple of phone calls already to have the program entirely explained for me. It sounds pretty hassle free.
Immediately after scheduling it I found a bright red 2011 Chevy Aveo for $10,100 that also had everything I wanted plus fog lights, car alarm and keyless entry. Ohhh... maybe I want that one?? But the Nissan has a slightly bigger engine, better safety rating and they still make Versas. The Aveo was discontinued in 2011. I feel like I made a good decision. I get 2 hours to try the car for free. I get 3 days to test drive it as much as I want. If I choose not to buy, I just return the car and whoopity-doo, I just rented a car for 3 days. No biggie. It will give me time to take the car to the Greg's Japanese Auto across the street for a thorough once over. It will give me a chance to really get to know if I want to buy it. I get to sleep on it.
They called me again while writing this post to let me know that the vehicle was due back today, after receiving it they'll prep it but not to show up before they call me to let me know it's actually ready. That's the third time someone has told me that, plus I read it on the website. This must be a huge problem for them. For me, it's getting annoying being reminded so much.
The good (and bad I suppose) part about going with Hertz is that there is no haggling on the price. It is what it is.I've gotten tired of the games the dealers play. It's priced one way on line. I email them about it and they give me another price. Or I see something priced one way on the lot and then go online and it has a lower price. Then you're supposed to haggle over it. I hate haggling. I'm not a good negotiator sometimes. I just don't like the pressure. I don't like sales people. You have a tendency to feel like they're going to pull one over on your unless you really bargain with them. It's a big long game that I don't care to play.
As it was explained to me over the phone, after I pick up the car I get 2 hours to try it out totally for free. If I decide I don't like it right away, I can return it for no charge. If I take it home then the rental period begins. If I choose to buy, all rental fees are waived. If I decide I like it, I go into the online account I made and click purchase. I enter my payment information. Once it goes through they FedEx me the title and license plates. I FedEx back the rental plate. The car is MINE. I don't even have to leave my house. I get a 60 day-2,000 mile warranty with Hertz plus the manufacturers 5 year-60,000 warranty is transferred to me.
Yes, it has quite a few miles on it for only being a year old. Yes, being a previous rental my insurance rates may be a little higher. It probably has some wear and tear on it. But also being in a rental fleet it has probably had the fluids, belts and brakes looked after closer than some other schmoe. I can still get a Car Fax report on it if I choose. I will be taking it to a mechanic for a once over. I'll get a chance to comfortably examine every nook and cranny at my leisure.
The vehicle I've been driving for the past 6 years has had no paint on the hood and roof. A crack running right across the windshield. A horrible whine in the engine from bearings being out on the front belt. Torn CV boots on both right front wheels, making a horrible screeching sound whenever I have the wheel cranked too hard one way or another. Interior lights that haven't functioned in years. AC that goes out when I'm sitting in traffic. No backup lights. Mostly broken cup holder. Medium function on the interior cabin fan is out and the knob that controls the fan is in the ashtray. The seatbelt doesn't always retract like it should. There's a panel held on by tape. It had most of these problems when I took ownership of the car already. I've replaced the radiator, water pump, e-brake and tires. Lately it's had a bad fuel injector leak so it doesn't start right away and you can smell gas in the cabin. It's a 4 Runner but I never take it off road and don't use the 4-wheel drive option very often. It has over 280,000 miles on it. My mom leased it brand new in 1994 and eventually bought it. It gets about 15 mpgs and has been getting worse. I'm so tired of sitting an hour a day in traffic pumping a clutch. My mom gave it to me back in 2006 to drive after my Geo Metro got totaled. She gave me a little money and I'll be giving it back to her. My step-dad wants to put a new engine in it, repaint it and make it nice again. I've kept the interior upholstery in fantastic condition. I don't let Ira smoke in it.The registration is up at the end of the month and it needs to be smogged this year. If I get my new car in the next week or so I'm not going to bother with all of that since it'll be leaving the state and need to get new plates down there.
The point of all that is the car I've had is a hunk of junk and I still love it. I am so happy it's staying in the family and I don't have to sell it to some stranger. I'm not picky. A few scratches here and there, a belt that needs to be replaced or tightened is no biggie to me. I won't be completely draining my savings account so I can still get the brakes replaced or put new tires on it if I have to. Maybe get the windows tinted. I probably won't but there's wiggle room if I'm so inclined. It has the Hertz warranty and the manufacture's warranty. As long as there isn't something hugely mechanically wrong with it I have a feeling I will love this car. It will be just what I've been longing for these past couple of years living in Seattle.
The process so far dealing with Hertz has been very pleasant. I will make another update once I finally settle on my new car just to let you all know how it went. This has definitely been a long and exhausting ordeal. So happy it's coming to a close.
- Preferred models: Chevy Aveo, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus
- 4 Door hatchback
- Automatic
- Less than 7 years old
- Around $10,000
- Less than 100,000 miles
- less than 25 miles away
My most preferred colors would be dark red or bright blue. Something pretty that would stand out without being too flashy. I didn't want white. I'd rather not have silver or gray since here in the PNW so many months out of the year the sky is gray, the roads are gray, the buildings are gray... I feel like it makes me a little harder to see if some dipshit isn't paying attention. I didn't want bright flashy red since that just screams "I'm speeding pull me over!!!" even though I drive pretty conservatively.
I had finally saved enough for my down payment. I secured financing with USAA at a good rate. However, my pre-approval runs out 11/11/12. So there's a time limit. The hunt is on but I don't have a lot of time to go out and sit at a dealership for hours on end.
I made a call inquiring about a Ford Focus I saw online. I got an email saying the car had been sold but they had another Focus in stock. This one wasn't a hatchback and had more miles than I wanted. I emailed back and said "No thanks". Immediately a sales woman called me back and left a message. Then she called again. Then she continued to call and email me throughout the weekend. Then her manager emailed and called me. I was so annoyed at this point I didn't care what they were selling I was having none of it.
Ira and I finally had a Sunday afternoon off together. It was a bright beautiful day and I had a HUGE stack of potential cars to look at that I printed off. Most of the used car dealerships were all within a few miles of each other about 35 minutes north of where we lived. We planned our route to try and hit them all most effectively. I looked official with my folder and pen and paperclips to keep business cards we collected together and in plain view on the outside of the folder to other dealers. I had done my research online so I knew a few things. I knew not to let them steer me towards talking about monthly payments. I had a budget already in mind and I wasn't planning on doing financing with them anyways. I knew not to fall in love with anything and leave the lot first before coming back and making a final decision. I knew that if they tried to play the game with me about "going to talk to their manager" too many times or if they kept me waiting for too long to just walk away.
The first place we stopped an older man greeted us. He walked us all up and down his lot looking for the Chevy Aveo they had advertised. He went back into his office to look up where it went. He took us to another side lot to look for it while showing us other hatchbacks that didn't fit any of my criteria. We stayed at this first lot far too long. After he went back inside again to see if the vehicle was perhaps in their shop we decided an hour wasted with this guy was already too much and left.
The next lot we took our time checking around before allowing a sales person to approach us. We showed him the sheet and he said the Nissan was down the street at their over flow lot but he'd run down and get it. We waited a few minutes and after what felt like too long he returned with a different Nissan. This one wasn't a hatchback and more than we wanted to spend. They had sold the other one already. It was nice to sit in a Nissan but again not what I wanted. He took us around the lot to try and show us more hatchbacks but after he pointed at the Mini Coopers and the PT Cruiser I told him we had other lots to check out. Took his card and went on our way.
The next lot our guy was a lot more laid back. Again they had already sold the car we wanted to look at. He took us for a quick look around and there was a VW Jetta for about half of what I was looking to spend. It was a little older and had a few more miles on it but looked good. Ira told me it was a bad idea and we should keep looking. I agreed with him. We found our salesman, nabbed his card and after thanking him we soldiered on.
Finally we stopped at a place where they actually had the car we wanted to see. It was only a two door but it was a dark red Ford Focus hatchback. $6k, low miles, automatic. It had a few scratches here and there. There was a cubby thing inside that when I tried to open it, the door fell off. We decided to give it a test drive. We had been at this half the day already and hadn't driven anything yet! We took it for a quick spin but I was unfamiliar with the area and afraid of getting lost. It had more power than my past 2 cars. Good turning radius. The engine sounded good. I didn't love it but I could see myself in something like that. I didn't like that the gas cap was not secured in any way. We had an entire tank of gas stolen this Spring when parked downtown. We took the guys card and made some notes.
I was getting pretty tired. We stopped for lunch and decided to stop and look at some other car lots we had pass on the way. I didn't want to continue traveling further North at this point. Other cars we looked at were way out of my budget. The last car on our list we were excited to find on the lot but the dealership had already closed for the afternoon. It was an adorable Nissan Versa with all of the bells and whistles plus a rack on top. It was black with keyless entry, bluetooth, XM radio, nice looking interior, very clean outside and totally in my budget. I made some notes and decided to call the dealership later to schedule a test drive. At this point I was worn out.
I continued to look online for cars. Even considered buying from private owners on Craigslist. Nothing that I wanted seemed to be right in my area. Everything that looks perfect is 40-60 minutes drive away. Not easy to manage with my limited spare time. Then I got busy. After that I got sick. Time has been running out and I just haven't had the time to go and look at anything.
I emailed a few dealerships about cars down in Tacoma and Puyallup. Neither of those places are close to me but maybe in the next week or so I could make some time IF the cars are still actually available. I think I've learned my lesson about printing something off online and then driving there. I found a bright red Chevy Aveo with everything I want plus fog lights and super cool looking seats and power windows, etc. I would consider making time to drive down to check it out if I had time...
I have been calling my mom continuously through this process and she kept telling me I should check out Hertz car sales. I thought about it and did some online research. Most people claimed to have a great experience. Other people say they would never buy a rental car because most people are so mean to them. Maybe they are... The few times I've rented a car they were in pretty good condition and I treated them better than my own because I don't want to be charged for any damage! There are probably at least a few people who think like me.
I decided to find something I like and schedule a test drive. I found a beautiful dark red 2011 Nissan Versa. 4 Door hatchback. 39k miles. Automatic. Power windows. CD player with AUX input. Air Conditioning. Remote trunk release. Secured gas cap. Rear defrost. $10,800. A little more than I wanted to spend but I can manage it. I got excited. Really excited.
I've scheduled the 3 day test drive to begin Tuesday evening around 7pm. I'll pick up the car at SeaTac. They warned me on the website not to go to the lot until someone has called to tell me the car is there and ready. I've received a couple of phone calls already to have the program entirely explained for me. It sounds pretty hassle free.
Immediately after scheduling it I found a bright red 2011 Chevy Aveo for $10,100 that also had everything I wanted plus fog lights, car alarm and keyless entry. Ohhh... maybe I want that one?? But the Nissan has a slightly bigger engine, better safety rating and they still make Versas. The Aveo was discontinued in 2011. I feel like I made a good decision. I get 2 hours to try the car for free. I get 3 days to test drive it as much as I want. If I choose not to buy, I just return the car and whoopity-doo, I just rented a car for 3 days. No biggie. It will give me time to take the car to the Greg's Japanese Auto across the street for a thorough once over. It will give me a chance to really get to know if I want to buy it. I get to sleep on it.
They called me again while writing this post to let me know that the vehicle was due back today, after receiving it they'll prep it but not to show up before they call me to let me know it's actually ready. That's the third time someone has told me that, plus I read it on the website. This must be a huge problem for them. For me, it's getting annoying being reminded so much.
The good (and bad I suppose) part about going with Hertz is that there is no haggling on the price. It is what it is.I've gotten tired of the games the dealers play. It's priced one way on line. I email them about it and they give me another price. Or I see something priced one way on the lot and then go online and it has a lower price. Then you're supposed to haggle over it. I hate haggling. I'm not a good negotiator sometimes. I just don't like the pressure. I don't like sales people. You have a tendency to feel like they're going to pull one over on your unless you really bargain with them. It's a big long game that I don't care to play.
As it was explained to me over the phone, after I pick up the car I get 2 hours to try it out totally for free. If I decide I don't like it right away, I can return it for no charge. If I take it home then the rental period begins. If I choose to buy, all rental fees are waived. If I decide I like it, I go into the online account I made and click purchase. I enter my payment information. Once it goes through they FedEx me the title and license plates. I FedEx back the rental plate. The car is MINE. I don't even have to leave my house. I get a 60 day-2,000 mile warranty with Hertz plus the manufacturers 5 year-60,000 warranty is transferred to me.
Yes, it has quite a few miles on it for only being a year old. Yes, being a previous rental my insurance rates may be a little higher. It probably has some wear and tear on it. But also being in a rental fleet it has probably had the fluids, belts and brakes looked after closer than some other schmoe. I can still get a Car Fax report on it if I choose. I will be taking it to a mechanic for a once over. I'll get a chance to comfortably examine every nook and cranny at my leisure.
The vehicle I've been driving for the past 6 years has had no paint on the hood and roof. A crack running right across the windshield. A horrible whine in the engine from bearings being out on the front belt. Torn CV boots on both right front wheels, making a horrible screeching sound whenever I have the wheel cranked too hard one way or another. Interior lights that haven't functioned in years. AC that goes out when I'm sitting in traffic. No backup lights. Mostly broken cup holder. Medium function on the interior cabin fan is out and the knob that controls the fan is in the ashtray. The seatbelt doesn't always retract like it should. There's a panel held on by tape. It had most of these problems when I took ownership of the car already. I've replaced the radiator, water pump, e-brake and tires. Lately it's had a bad fuel injector leak so it doesn't start right away and you can smell gas in the cabin. It's a 4 Runner but I never take it off road and don't use the 4-wheel drive option very often. It has over 280,000 miles on it. My mom leased it brand new in 1994 and eventually bought it. It gets about 15 mpgs and has been getting worse. I'm so tired of sitting an hour a day in traffic pumping a clutch. My mom gave it to me back in 2006 to drive after my Geo Metro got totaled. She gave me a little money and I'll be giving it back to her. My step-dad wants to put a new engine in it, repaint it and make it nice again. I've kept the interior upholstery in fantastic condition. I don't let Ira smoke in it.The registration is up at the end of the month and it needs to be smogged this year. If I get my new car in the next week or so I'm not going to bother with all of that since it'll be leaving the state and need to get new plates down there.
The point of all that is the car I've had is a hunk of junk and I still love it. I am so happy it's staying in the family and I don't have to sell it to some stranger. I'm not picky. A few scratches here and there, a belt that needs to be replaced or tightened is no biggie to me. I won't be completely draining my savings account so I can still get the brakes replaced or put new tires on it if I have to. Maybe get the windows tinted. I probably won't but there's wiggle room if I'm so inclined. It has the Hertz warranty and the manufacture's warranty. As long as there isn't something hugely mechanically wrong with it I have a feeling I will love this car. It will be just what I've been longing for these past couple of years living in Seattle.
The process so far dealing with Hertz has been very pleasant. I will make another update once I finally settle on my new car just to let you all know how it went. This has definitely been a long and exhausting ordeal. So happy it's coming to a close.
Heaven on a Plate
I made this Friday night and I have to say I'm exceptionally proud. The duck egg was fried to medium perfection, the potatoes and red bell peppers were creamy and crispy, the asparagus was steamed to perfection and the shredded asiago just melted onto everything in a salty dream.
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