Michele

Shaadup. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jeanne, it's not about SoCA cool - it's about what I want to drive; I love driving, and can't stand to be in a car that I don't like....especially if the urge to drive until I decide to stop overtakes me (usually at midnight, when I can't sleep). Updating. While I adore the way the Saab handles and looks, after oodles of research and talking to several different mechanics, my father was very happy to hear that I've decided to not get it. Sigh. It's just not financially feasible at the moment, you know? So now I've been looking at the Solara, and while it isn't exactly what I want (i.e. it's automatic v. manual...and I love the stick), it will do for the next few years. Besides, it makes Pop happy, and that's a good thing. Now, just to find a Solara that a) I can afford, and b) that I like. And that is going to be difficult at best, as Dad's mechanic says to get a 2004 or newer (body style change, as well as some mechanical differences make the +2004 a better car than -2004 models). Back at it. Man, this just sucks. There are quite a few other things which need attention, but all are on hold until I can get a car that I can trust. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yep. Some of these fine folk I've known for years. I trust their opinions. Apparently you're not too fond of the Saab. So what car would you recommend, honey? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks for the clarification, Matthias. I appreciate it. Had me a tad worried there. One thing new people don't realize is how bad things can go and how quickly. And it's not something one should learn from first hand knowledge, you know? Thanks for realizing it, and I do understand the desire to fight for stability on your own - that's a huge part of skydiving successfully. However, as you see now, it can be an incredibly dangerous choice, and your instructor will do what's right (even if it means pulling at 11K). I was unclear about your exit - are you facing the door or are you hanging onto the bar and actually outside the plane? I think you're still inside the plane, and facing the door rather than sideways, but can you clarify that just a bit? If it's the exit I'm thinking of (diving), there is a trick I've used often to have a rock solid, no kick, right into my arch exit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, bring her. One of my cats, Abby, was raised with a pit bull. That pit obeyed Abby. So Karma won't be too much for her. LOLing at all of you. I'm actually enjoying being the object of some perv-ing; it's such a rare occurance (like getting the Aurora Borealis here in So Ca) that I'm sitting here in awe. And no, I haven't been drinking. I've been researching different cars. How sucky is that??? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Matthias, I was wondering why you've not answered the comments about your instructor pulling for you for your own interest/safety. Two of the above comments make it uber clear about why they pulled; and yet, you haven't changed your position about asking for him to wait with you until 6k to pull. Seems to me you're missing something if you don't really, truly understand why you were pulled for at 11k. Trust me, it wasn't for the spectacular view... Moving on... What sort of exit are you doing? I know that I blew exits until I was very clear as to where to put my legs on a particular exit. It would help to know what sort of exit so those who have experience can sort it out. But I'm mostly curious as to why you think it's appropriate to wait while out of control until a certain altitude. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, guys. Dad just called. He wants me to look at a Toyota Celica and the Solara. Not that the Saab is out of the question, but he's worried about the $2300 for an extended warranty, and also the $670 for scheduled maintenance. So, I'll look at a Solara (I want a convertible sports car, or at least something that handles as well as my Jetta...I want my Jetta, to be honest...sigh...sweet, zippy, and ever so fun to drive...). Bobbi, going back to bed (after about 4 shots of vodka or tequila) is looking better and better at the moment. Sigh. I HATE THIS STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Vint, I expect to run it on midgrade with the occasional tank of high grade...so I am hoping I'll get good mileage too. In my Jetta, I never used 5th until I was on the freeway...usually not even 4th on the streets (it's LA...you're lucky to get to 3rd before the next red light!!!). During the test drive, I took it up to 5th, and it hummed along just as nice as you please. Yes, you mentioned you love your Saab...and that speaks volumes to me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yeah, I am aware of that. Sigh...but then again, I spent $500 on my Jetta in April, and another $500 earlier this month, and am now facing a $3-4K fix...so cars, in general, seem to be expensive. What I really want is a Saturn Sky Redline...but that's $30K, a two seater, and the waiting list is about 6 months....oh well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bright pink or purple silk! 10 feet long!!! Wheeeeeeeeee!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, it will. And what's worse, tomorrow has it's own set of difficulties and issues to address...so it will be horrific if I just push it to tomorrow (but man, that's a consideration). But lemme tell you, I am so sick and tired of researching cars right now... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Bobbi. I have looked at other cars (ford, honda,toyota, volkswagen, et cetera), and while they're cheaper, they really are "cheaper." The only car I want is mine...and it's dead. Sigh... Some Mondays are easier than others. I wanna go back to bed... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bobbi, I can't afford a car. But here in this city, if you don't have one, and rely on public transportation, you're well and truly fucked. I checked the bus lines, and for what I need, it doesn't run often and is in a bad neighborhood. So the honest answer is I can't afford a car. But I have to get a car, 'cause my car is about dead. That's the issue, you know? Stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place...I am considering an expensive warranty package, but don't want to spend the money for that (although, see, I know how Murphy works. If I don't, then it will break into a million pieces. If I do, I'll never need it. Sigh...) Sometimes, it's just no fun living my life. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dunno what a HOT engine would be...but I agree, it's high. I plan on offering $14K in the form of a pre-made cashier's check (with his name on it...), and explain my reasoning. The 30K mile service will be about $700, the pre purchase inspection at Saab will be $100, and Kelly Blue Book is $15,000 (good condition). Further, an extended warranty will cost about $2300 (I just got off the phone with them), so I feel that $14K is a good, solid, reasonable and reasoned offer. He doesn't want to make another loan/insurance payment, doesn't want to run another ad, and has three cars now (his hybrid, a Land Rover for his wife, and this one...). He's eager to get rid of it, and it is overpriced (even for the milage. So I bet I can get it for quite a bit less than his 17K obo... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thank you, Vint! That's the kind of help I want. Usually car buying is fun for me; but right now, this is the last thing I want to do...'cause it's not my choice. I'd prefer my Jetta - I love that car!! - but $3-4k in repairs on a car valued (at best) at $4,000 is not a smart decision, no matter how much I love that car. So it's not really a choice for me...which is why it's no fun. I really like the way the Saab handles, and I loved the top down...and it handles well going into LA freeway traffic at full speed (up to 80 mph in a heartbeat...). Considering it's a 4 cylinder, I sure didn't expect the oomph it has (of course, it's turbo, so that makes a difference, too...). Surprised at the wind noise lack, as well as the ability to hear the radio and talk at the same time, with the top down, going 80. Not that it would happen often, but it's nice to know it can be done. So thanks, Vint. Good to hear the quirks aren't necessarily a design/manufacture issue...and rather like any other car; it's the personality. I'll check out the group you linked; I've been everywhere this weekend, so I might've been there, too. But I don't remember, and haven't registered, so didn't ask there. Thanks again! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm trying. I've been to motortrends.com, edmunds.com, cars.com and autotrader.com, as well as myriad Saab websites, both sponsored and not. I've seen some really bad reviews, but I've also seen many more "good" reviews. The car editor people seem to like the 9-3, but only give it about a 7 (over the different webbies I've been to, that's what it averages; compared to those of it's class [i.e. BMW and Audi sport converts...]). The average driver ranks it over 9. So it seems a decent overall review, you know? Glad to hear your Dad likes it - that's another bonus point for it. Ciels- Michele Edited to add: just off the phone with the mechanics at the dealership where the original owner took his car all the time. All scheduled maintenence done on time, all oil changes done, new front brakes and roters, the two recall issues handled, and a new battery installed about 50 miles ago. I will have them actually look it over, but they seem to know him and the car, and are not telling me to go away or buy one from their lot, so that's a good sign... Anyone else have opinions? I could use the feedback. Thanks! ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

ROFL...not at all. Seems typical Shannon stuff, if you ask me. She's still here...and isn't that a blessing? Been thinking about you, and hoping you're well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Because of recent major car issues (the repair cost is almost equal to the value of my Jetta - sigh...), I am considering buying a used Saab. It has less than 30,000 miles on it, but it's a 2001 - which means it's out of warranty and not able to be included as a "CPO" car (certified pre-owned). I drove it yesterday, have done tons of research on it, and really like it. In the reading of reviews from buyers and mechanics, the general thought is it's a good machine, but some have interesting "quirks". I noticed a bit of turbo lag, but it was brief and almost inconsequential (as long as you know it's coming, you can "plan" around it). There is some slight shaking, but that's also expected - it's the sports model 9-3 convertible. The seller has given me permission to speak with his mechanic (a Saab certified one at a dealership), as well as being willing to let my mechanic check it out (this guy I trust with my cars, and will continue to do so; he treats me well, and is very, very fair). The seller is anxious to sell the car, and has indicated he is willing to negotiate a bit on the price (he's asking $17K, and has already indicated he will go to $16K, without me opening negotiations at all) - so if I decide to go further with the negotiations, I think I can get it for a bit less than that (say between $14-14.5K). 'Course, $17K is as easy to get as $14.5k, considering I'm about as broke as it gets, but...I need a car. I plan on getting a carfax report, if I decide to move forward, and again, think that I can do well in the negotiations. So. All you Saab owners, would you recommend this car as a relatively reliable one? I want both a fun car to drive, as well as reliability. I can't have it in the shop every month, not simply because of cost but because I need to be able to get places on time, and also know that I won't get stranded at 11 pm in the "not quite nice" areas. Opinions? Thoughts? Reviews? General comments for a monday morning? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So, someday, when I get up that way, you and I are going there. On a misty, overcast day just like that. It looks otherworldly, and mysterious...and absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for sharing, and while I've been up to Snoqualmie (the falls), I know there is so much more left to explore. Love and hugs to you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Just heard back from my mechanic - I want to push my car outta a skyvan, too. Not for asthetics, or for fun...but I just can't afford the repair; $4,000 for a new "harness", 'cause the fucking electrical wiring is, well, dead. Dead. Like me when I heard the news. Trying to change my life 180 degrees, and this is what I get. Makes me cry. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Why? And by whom? I mean, that stuff is relatively innocuous, imho...'course, so was that one book by Salman Rushdie, but still...why is s/he marked "for death" and by whom? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Know what, though, Dave? I see far worse caricatures and photoshopping of Bush, Rice, Cheney, et al all the time. I don't have a vitriolic response to them...I even laugh at some of the cartoonish ones. Most I dismiss out of hand as not pertinent. So there seems to be little justification, when drawing a parallel, to the rampage which occurred. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! WHoooooooooo HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! (Michele does the happy dance for Lisa!!!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Kim, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been said on this thread before, but I have to say it again: YOU ROCK. Such determination, such courage, and such willingness to explore the world...all that will take you far. You're an inspiration, Kim...and that's the truth. So fly, little sister. Fly through the summer sky; and dance with angels and friends. Fly. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

An exceedingly simplified overview of the Talmudic teachings, from Rabbi Shraga Simmons, can be found here: [ur; http://judaism.about.com/library/3_askrabbi_o/bl_simmons_warviolence.htm]Talmudic teaching on war, peace, violence For more reading from Rabbi Simmons, here's a link to some of the Jewish teachings. ASk Rabbi Simmons I hesitated in posting this, Darius, as you've made it plain I am not considered a friend of yours. However, I thought I'd post anyway, as it might be elucidating. Ciels- Michele Edited to add: Here is an interesting paper on the Judaic perspective on peace, war, and violence. In part: "In the Jewish tradition, self defense is a moral obligation. The Torah allows people to defend their property from a thief even if this will cause the conflict to escalate into a physical battle. If there is reason to assume that the thief will use lethal force to seize the property, the owner may use physical force, and even kill the thief if necessary to protect himself (Exodus 22:1, Sanhedrin 72a). There are two rationales for allowing self defense. The first is practical; without the ability to use lethal force to stop the actions of aggressors, anarchy would reign (Chinnuch 600). The second rationale challenges the moral assumptions of nonviolence. It asserts that it is impossible to equate the lives of the aggressor and the victim; we have as a rule "that God's quest is the interests of the hunted" (Ecclesiastes 3:15). The life of the aggressor and the victim are not of equal value; if only one will survive, it is our obligation to make certain that it is the innocent person, the victim, who will survive (Cf. Rashi to Exodus 22:1). For this reason, the Jewish tradition considers pacifism in the face of aggression to be immoral. Refusing to fight evil is to be party to evil. As Michael Kelly (Washington Post September 26, 2001) has pointed out: "No honest person can pretend that the groups that attacked America will, if let alone, not attack again. Nor can any honest person say that this attack is not at least reasonably likely to kill thousands upon thousands of innocent people. To not fight in this instance is to let the attackers live to attack and murder again; to be a pacifist in this instance is to accept and, in practice, support this outcome." This is essentially the Jewish point of view; if you don't help the victim, you are an ally of the aggressor. If a person refuses to defend himself, he allows evil to triumph. " Darius, I can't believe you couldn't find this on your own. It's not hidden... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~