Michele

Since I've got housework to do, I think I'll indulge a bit...mudslide for me! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Zen...it was how you came off. I know you better than that, which was why I was somewhat surprised and dismayed to find you saying that. Agreed. But the difference is you already know the rules, and know when to break them effectively to communicate your point. There are some who don't know the rules, and "break" them when communicating, and then defend it by saying "it's my cre8tivie expressing itself" is nothing like using language to more effectively communicate. I break rules all the time; but again, I know them to break them. Sometimes, a sentence is more effective with a dangling participle, or with cap usage, or ellipeses (which I always use incorrectly. . . [I hate the spacing between them...]). Spelling does indeed bear on the communication; with our language, we often have words that sound alike but are completely different (brakes/breaks, bear/bare, read/read, et cetera), and if one's sentence is not constructed properly, and the word used is the wrong one, it is nearly impossible to decipher the communicator's message. In an internet forum, where there is no body language, tonality, or facial expression to add to the understanding, it becomes very important to use proper grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation. As I am limited in my expression to only the written word (with the occasional emoticon), it is imperative that I pay attention to that which communicates my message properly. I agree, though, that the judicious use of language expression/rule breaking can provide an element to the written word which is not there without it. And I also think that most people read for content before parsing/correcting someone else's manner of communication...however, there is a time for that, as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Tee hee. I've discovered it's possible to both lust and love the S2000. Interesting comment my Dad made about my driving the first day in the S2000. "You don't follow very close, do you?" while we're traveling 70 miles an hour and I've got about 8-9 car lengths between me and the car in front. "Nope" said me, "especially when traveling at this speed in a car I don't know well." Shari, I'm glad everyone is all right. As Dave said, it's called "accident" for a reason. It was totally your fault, though, regardless of reason. Leave adequate room between you and the car in front of you. Use your brakes when needed (including not hitting an animal, child, or tree), and **please** be awake when you drive. Do what it takes to modify the behavior which got you there, and you'll be just fine. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Don't forget that for most areas, the housing "sale" season is already past. Most people who are going to buy have already done so this year, so as to be settled and ready for when school starts. The only other time selling is good is just towards the end of the year; people who are being relocated generally get relo'd at the end of the year (or the end of the fiscal year in June), and in the holidays the homes for sale are generally less in number than in the summer season (who wants to put their house on the market at Christmas?). I think that, in most major markets, the home sale "slump" is nothing more than a little one. We here in the Los Angeles area have been appreciating about 20% per year (more in some cases, and more in some years than others), and this has been going on since the late 90's. What was selling in 98 for $200K is now selling for $700K, for an example. I think the market is slowing, and will continue to do so as long as interest rates rise. However, it's not crashing; it's more like a slow leak or a little slump than anything else, imho, and combined with the end of summer sales season, it's going a bit flatter than before. As I've told clients who are "waiting" for housing prices to drop to 98-99 levels, it will take a 12+% interest rates, a really big earthquake, a firestorm, a terrorist attack and a tsunami before we see housing prices like we did in the late 90's. Ciels- Michele And I think it's a good thing... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You didn't leave an option for "sometimes, especially when the situation warrants it". That's what I would vote...'cause it's true. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Zen, I gotta say, I'm no slave to grammar and spelling, and my communication seems to be fine (except when I'm in a terrible rush; then I forget words...). To suggest that someone who writes well is a slave to grammar and spelling, and therefore lacking in imagination and/or comprehension ability is a paltry excuse for laziness and lack of skill. I've noticed, in my life, that I read a whole lot more than the average bear. I suspect that I've absorbed proper grammar and spelling because of it. Those that do not read a lot tend to have less of a grasp on grammar and spelling, and therefore struggle more with it. Do I fault them? No...but I have a far more difficult time comprehending what their point is exactly, and I also know it's not a "creative" expression but rather a lack of education. Creative expression is something like "kewl" rather than "cool". It's not "col", "coll", or kol". Those are simply errors, and make it definitely more difficult to communicate a message. When someone sits and has to sound out the word, that's not "creative", that's poor spelling. When one has to parse a sentence so as to understand it's meaning -and refer to the surrounding sentences to further ascertain it's meaning - that's not creativity or freedom of expression. That's poor grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling. A cleanly written comment is far easier to read than one which is not... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well....not exactly the only issue. Cruise's star is waning for various reasons, some including the star temper tantrum he pulled about the South Park episode (more on that in a mo...), attacking his fan base by calling post partum depression something which exercise can cure (erm, not really, dude), attacking Matt Lauer on the same issue, his public statements about prescription medicine, and jumping around on Oprah's sofa like a teenager. His FAN BASE bailed on him; thus, his movies don't create the box they used to. That's one (very big) reason his production co. contract was not renewed. The other, and I think far more important, reason it wasn't renewed was because South Park pulled some strings. Remember the ad the producers of SP placed in Variety a while ago? Something on the order of "you may have won the battle, but the million year war for the planet has just begun!" (complete paraphrasing, but that's the idea...). Guess what happened yesterday? South Park producers just signed a huge deal with...guess. Go on, guess....Paramount. I am willing to bet that the producers of SP said "it's him or us. Take your pick..." and Paramount went ahead with a sure money maker. Furthermore, the episode which was pulled because of Cruise's temper tantrum is up for an Emmy (I think the Emmys are this weekend; if not this weekend, next weekend). This is simply a power struggle, and the weaker guy lost. Considering all the income SP produces - not just immediate revenues (i.e. commercials, et cetera), but all the side stuff; tee shirts, mugs, all the items which go along with a fan base like that - none of that Tom Cruise has in his pocket. I can go into a store and see a SP mug, but no Tom Cruise mug. Add into that the very strange behavior Cruise has demonstrated in the last year, and you see an implosion and an overplay of his hand...hugely. If you all didn't see this coming, then you weren't paying attention. The WAR OF THE WORLDS apparently really has, in fact, just begun. Don't piss two multi-billion dollar revenue generating producers off and expect to stay in the same studio. That's the lesson, imho. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Adding to what Tigra said (accurate, btw), another issue with declawed kitties is they can develop an adversion to litter, and litter boxes. It tends to hurt their paws, so they take to peeing and pooping on things which are soft (erm, the sofa, bed, clothing, rugs), because it doesn't hurt their paws. Owners are not usually informed of this, and will often either destroy the cat or give them to a shelter because they're peeing in inappropriate places... It can be done, but it's very difficult to rehab a cat who's developed an aversion to litter... But I can't get into this conversation too much. Makes me so sad. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Samuri, that's precisely why I don't do that. Well....not quite. LOL, I don't have $1500. Stumpy, I plan on having a ton of fun - my 6'4" brother drove it yesterday, and loved it. The only issue he encountered was that he's a bit long in the torso, and so alternated between slumping to see out of the windshield and sitting tall to see over the windshield. LOLOL!!! He, a better driver (or shall I say, a more aggressive driver) than I, took it up to 90 in 4th on Forest Lawn Drive, and informed me he never even brought it near the car's limit. He had a ball. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, it's your fault - and Icon's, too - that I got a Honda. Actually, it was Dad's rabid reaction to the Saab and his insistence that I get something else that made me think of this. So now Dad's happy (it's reliable), I'm happy (it's a stick and a convertible which zips), and the bank is happy (I stayed in my budget). Yeppers, a good solution all the way around. Aren't those shots fun, Chris? I had to take it to the beach to shoot it; it wouldn't look quite so good in the alley behind my house....ROFL!!! Glad you like it. I'm thinking of taking a cross country trip in the spring, if scheduling will allow, and maybe I'll make it through Illinois and into your neck of the woods. it would be great to see you again. I love this machine. It so rocks. My brother drove it today (he's in from Oregon for a few days), and he took it to 90 near the cemetary. I figured that was good planning - less of a trip if we needed it...! He's a good driver, and told me he would love to own this car. But with a wife and three kids (who are here, too...love that family!!!), it wouldn't be practical. No kidding...but man, it's fun. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

YAYAYAYAY for you! Good job - I know that it can take a while, but I am so glad you were able to take something away from my story and use it to your benefit. I am here to serve!!! Enjoy your new car, and congratulations on making a good deal. It feels good, doesn't it? I'm still smiling. Well done!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kallend, those were the plates which came with the car...they will remain with the car until I either change them to vanity plates, or something else occurs (I might get the whale tail plate, but don't think I'll go vanity...) As for why I did it, I take what steps I can to protect myself. if you don't think they're appropriate, or wouldn't do it for yourself, fine...but I do what I like. Thanks for the "concern", though... Max, it's premium all the way, and no, I have no plans to go that fast from jump. No need, unless I'm being chased. As I don't plan on getting chased, then there's no real need. This car has some serious tude on the open road, but it behaves nicely in city traffic, too. Just a great combo... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Malibu, Gary. Just off a drive over the old Mulholland...to Ventura county line on Saturday. Perfect location for a So Ca car shot, you know? Background - Pacific ocean...Malibu...it's why we love convertibles in So Ca... This car isn't for everyone. It's barely for me. But it will be just fine for the next few years... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Elias, this bears repeating: Last week, I chewed my best friend out for a bonehead move; spent three hours really letting her have it. She spent time with me this weekend.... She knows I love her. I know she loves me. She'll take shit off me (and I'll take it off her) that we won't take from anyone else - because we are both certain that we love each other, and only want the best for each other. True friends will understand when you need them to, and give you grief when you need it, too...and always understand that it's nothing to do with what you feel about each other. Those people who can't understand, or who are not "true" friends, will come and go. They can be fun, but they're not the ones you need in your corner. There will be other friends...I promise. And enjoy your skydiving. In the meantime, know you're lonely and depressed, and that this site is pretty good about being friendly and a good place to vent. Hugs to you. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If you're in my area, I'll be happy to help you get the car you want...just let me know. But do your research, get all the reviews and info you can, and know what you will pay. And be able to walk away when it gets hairy. You're right - lots of people pay way too much for a used car; new, too, for that matter. My dad got badly screwed by the same dealership, because he didn't take me with him. But he learned - and swears he won't negotiate anything without me around again. LOL! (And yes, when I found out what happened to Pop, I went in and renegotiated for him; didn't get the best deal, but got money back into his pocket for him...and that was good.). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You are sooooo not kidding. I locked the seatbelt on takeoff already. Made me laugh hysterically; apparently, that car does 0-60 in 5.6, or so I've been told. Gorgeous acceleration, and did me proud when passing a car yesterday - left him gawking. LOL! Amazing acceleration for a 4 cylinder. Literally amazing. ***Congratulations--that really is a beautiful car! Walt, I love this car. I feel like the Geico commercial "she loves her car, like her own husband" (paraphrasing...and I'm not married, either. So, meh, whatever, but it is indeed a delightful car). It is gorgeous, and indeed, as Triple F said, a sex toy.

Cocheese, the next time you're in So CA, let me know. I need to get to Big Sur and then the redwoods, too...haven't been in years. So let me know, and I'll be happy to drop my top and go play. Gaussian blur 7.4 percent. What, you think I'm going to put out my car license plate for anyone to track me? I already have a weirdo stalking me (haven't heard from him in several years, thank God...), and I don't need another. Michael, you're right. Those are cool shots - which is why I stuck them up. Took them on Saturday, processed them yesterday, and voila - a brochure quality shot. I love my camera... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The story of the negotiations spread; by the time I had it up to the mechanics for the pre-sale inspection (at the dealership, but my Dad's mechanic and a great man), he was telling me the story. And when I went to pick up the car, other sales people were there, congratulating me and again, reiterating the job offer. The GM came by and asked me if I was going to get my license and work for them, too...and keep in mind, this is a huge dealership. New and used, two locations. LOLOLOL! Even the story of running out of gas during the test drive was already circulating. Shoot, one guy who I'd not had any dealings with brought me over a two scoop banana split, to make up for "having to be in the hot sun when you were out of gas..." I didn't bother to tell him we ran out of gas across the street from a gas station, and I had more than enough help getting the car across the street... And again, I had fun. That might've been the difference...I was having a ball. And so were they. I've had emails from the sales people telling me how much fun they had...after I had picked up the car. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Because it's the source many, many people deal with, and it also proved accurate when I used it here. As I said, I used many sources, and they all confirmed that for this car, KBB was accurate. I used it as a starting point, a rough estimate as to what I could expect in the different sales areas (trade in, private, and evaluation). I also know insurance agents use it a great deal to assess the car, so it's the industry standard. Again, it was the starting point, and it served me well, don't you think? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Agreed, Remi. However, it's also the negotiation techniques...apparently, he doesn't show the screen to people, but did for me.

I am not going to get into a de-claw discussion; suffice it to say my latest acquisition (Abby) was going to a great home until I found out they'd declaw her...and so she stayed with me. PRSKY, what's happening is you have a kitten. She's going to do kitten things. She will scratch, claw, bite, all while doing her "play thing". She's learning her place in the household, and that means some jostling for position. There will be fights, but as long as there's no blood, it's best to let them figure it out on their own. If there is blood, trim her claws (a vet can show you how, and there are great cat-claw clippers available). My ex had a great dog; she was a cross between a weimeraner, dobi, and (I forgot...lab, I think). In the first few weeks we lived together, my three cats and the dog were definitely on edge with each other. But then one day I noticed the dog laying on the floor at the sofa, and the cats were using her as a staircase to get onto the sofa. Figured that it was all good from that point, and it was. So give them time to get used to each other; everyone's lives have been disrupted, and the heirarchy needs to be reestablished. That will take some time, but once done, it will all be peaceful. Give Katana some toys that are hers; the "Kitty Racer" is brilliant, cheap, and provides all the chase/movement she needs at this point in her life. Get one, plop it down, and watch (the other animals will get into it, too, including the dog...). Please don't declaw. And just have the vet show you how to trim her claws, and then let the sorting out of heirarchy go on. As long as there's no blood, you really don't have too much to worry about. Any other questions, I'll be happy to help... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry if I was unclear. I did my homework, and really researched the car. Read tons of reviews, not just from places like MotorTrend, but also Epinions.com, Edmunds.com, and lurked some boards about the S2000 to get an idea of what issues the car might have (this is one clean, well designed machine; had a hard time finding issues across the board with it. And it's got a 10/10 stars on the government crash test front and side...). As stated, Kelly Blue Book is the best place for pricing a car. No, it's not necessarily what the dealer paid for it, but it really gives a great starting point. What I did was do the KBB thing to determine what the trade in value was, then I looked at local dealerships with an S2000 on their lot via cars.com, autotrader.com, recycler.com, and Edmunds.com; certified pre-owned only, or existing warranty still in place. I compared what dealers were were asking, and came up with an average. I compared both nationally as well as locally, because that gives one a good idea as to what the car is worth, and in which market it gets a premium (this car, for example, doesn't sell well in North Dakota...but does wonderfully in So Ca.). Then I went back to KBB and checked out what this would go for via a private party. Did the whole circuit of sites again, with that as the basis this time (private party sales). The information I came up with is that a dealer would've paid somewhere between $21-23K, and probably put in about $1000 to spiffy it up (oil change, verification of parts and such, and other little things [i.e. detailing, replacing little things like the stereo cover, gear shift knob], and so on). Allowed about $500 for that, figured in about 5% for commission (low, but I didn't know that then), and came up with about $24-$26K as a realistic asking price from a dealer with existing warranty. So when the negotiations started, I had a pretty good idea as to what they were out, the cost of selling the car, and what I could/would pay pay. The rest was just working the sales guy down to what I could afford, while still allowing them profit. And then I joked, teased, and played with everyone, so that they wanted to see me get the car. I had also done my homework (similar to above) on what my car was worth, and traded that in. 'Course, it was close to a wash (it needed about as much work as it was worth, and I knew they would likely wholesale it out for parts...). So I had that info in my pocket, too. The negotiations were fun, relatively easy, and I never once doubted I would either get the price I wanted or I would walk. Took about 90 minutes, and I stayed in control of the conversation the entire time. In the beginning of the conversation, I told him I knew about what he had paid. He didn't believe me, so I told him he had paid somewhere between $21-22K. He switched screens, and showed me what they had paid: $21,600. Him realizing that I knew what I was talking about gave me an edge, and also gave me the confidence that the research I had done was accurate and correct...which of course gave me the upper hand in the talks. And towards the end, when he told me that "convertible season" was close to ending, and I replied that "you don't want this car sitting on your lot for the next four months, do you?" I knew I'd get the deal I wanted, and all that was left was the real work. Then he came up with cents on the deal, and that was the final clue he was at the end of his negotiation leeway. I agreed to $25,005.52, and then, when I was doing the paperwork with the finance guy, and he was trying to sell me other things, I bluntly told him I was already over my budget by $5.52, so unless he was giving me free stuff, he could stop trying to sell stuff. So he worked the numbers, and gave me an additional $230ish off; told me it was gas money for the next few months.

First things first...stop scaring yourself. Most of the time, it's a wee infection that we might not even know we have. And it's easily handled, too. If it's something bigger than that, well, some of us know you're one hell of a fighter, and know that you can handle this, too. But that's something to worry about when the Dr. tells you to do so...til then, just do what you regularly do, and get more sleep. No, I'm not a Dr., and I really should listen to my own advice, but still, it's good, sound advice...when the Dr. says to worry, then start. 'Til then, just be "normal". Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bisqit, I'd love to race, but this car is way above my current driving skills. It's such a sweet car that it doesn't misbehave like some cars will if you don't know how to drive them right...but I still wouldn't race it just yet. Catch me in a year, though...maybe we can play tag then. Clay, this car really isn't a "live in"-able one...the trunk space is really limited, and it's a small car. But it suits me, and is perfect for this point in my life...so I got it. Besides, it's damned time I had a sexy car. Now, perhaps, I'll get a date. ROFL! Squeak, it is flashier than most cars out there. I have to remember that people can hear me when the top is down and I'm singing away... GravityMaster, I had such a scare today...going over Mulholland, a chopper buzzed me. I couldn't take my eyes off the road at that point (very twisty, turny, narrow road), and didn't know if it was a cop chopper or not...so when there wasn't a cop waiting for me on the other side of the canyon, I realized I wasn't being buzzed by a cop. I wasn't speeding, either...but still, reminded me that cops are lurking everywhere. And that is one reason I didn't get one in red or yellow. Aside from them looking too flashy (I like the silver; it really looks like liquid when it's moving), those colors draw far too much attention. And I've got to say, Dad loves the car. He accompanied me on it's inaugural ride (200 miles round trip to a fantastic restaurant to celebrate), and we had the top down. God love that man; he was nodding and waving at everyone like it was the Easter Parade. Frank Sinatra on the CD (his favorite), and he and I were singing "Did It My Way" as we cruised up the coast. Yeah, Dad loves that car. Which makes it even more special. Glad you all like it.

Oh my word, me too. You just don't get into this car; you put it on, like an old pair of jeans, or like an attitude...it is something that you wear. And does it slide down the highway? Does it corner like nothing else I've ever driven? Does it accelerate like there is nothing else it would rather do? Oh my goodness, this car is amazing. I can't find it's envelope. Not that I've tried really hard, but I just can't find it. I thought I was a great driver until I got onto Mulholland and Angeles Crest highways; twisty, turny, curvey and wild roads...and this car never once over/understeered, never slid, never even hinted at the least bit of difficulty, even when driving the curve at twice the posted speed limit (a few times I did that; scared myself, so backed off...). This car is teaching me the finer points of driving, but at the same time, it's fine in the city. And like I said, I've got some learning to do... I am loving this machine...incredibly designed, brilliant technology, and intense operation. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~