Monday, November 16, 2009

I'll miss your smooth ride


in the new house, 2004


I've been missing you all and have been missing the writing, so I'm happy to have a day off from work. Both jobs have been going well and I've gotten into a habit of getting ready for work without coffee or the internet (although sometimes I have to stop for a double-double, even if that means inhaling it in the lunchroom before starting my shift) and then playing around on Farmtown or playing Pathwords after work, before hand washing my work clothes and getting into bed.

The big event this week is about my truck, a 2007 Nissan Xterra that I leased two and a half years ago when I began my career with Sun Life Financial. At the time, the $700 payment seemed a little steep but I expected to make enough commissions to cover that as well as my other living expenses, and the the entire payment was a tax write off. For many, many months Bill's wages had to cover everything, which was incredibly tight. By the time I left the insurance gig, Bill was only a few weeks away from losing his job, and the payments became crippling.

I'm ashamed to admit that after each payment was made, I couldn't afford to buy food. Still, the thought of losing my incredibly reliable vehicle, which has four wheel drive and tackles the Alberta winters like a pro, would make me almost sick to my stomach.

Last Wednesday I finally had the $1,400 together to catch up the payments, but in the back of my mind I knew I needed to get Emily's winter boots and meat for the freezer, I knew I needed to pay the utilities and I knew that I needed to get the insurance back on the house and I needed to get my life insurance back in place. All day Thursday I sat on that money, thinking it would be okay. By Friday morning I was letting go of the truck, and by the time early afternoon rolled around I knew I was going to let it go. That day, Bill and I searched around for a suitable car that I could drive to work, and found a little red one, which I hope to pick up on Friday.

Anyway, this afternoon I'm cleaning out the truck and taking it back to Nissan dealer. I can't say I won't be sad but I hope that Bill can buy me another one some day - a used one.

13 comments:

  1. I understand being sentimental about something like a truck... sorry you have to lose it. I hope your new little car serves you well!

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  2. I let my car go when the payments (on top of everything else) got to be a drag. It was nothing special :-) but I know what you mean.

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  3. Aww, that totally sucks! Get things back together and then you can get another one soon! Good luck with financial stuff... I know how much it sucks!

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  4. Prayers to you... and I imagine you will be much happier with the food and things to enjoy for yourself and those you love

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  5. Jesus Love
    $700 bucks. I don't pay that for rent.
    Times are tough and the Fox news says it's all in the head, Hey 87% of people are employed. I still have not figured that one out.

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  6. That sounds very tough - I hope that there is a windfall in yr future soon!

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  7. When one door closes another opens. You will probably feel a huge weight has been lifted and it will be worth it.

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  8. Bummer you'll miss your truck but crikey it sure was expensive - think what you can do with that money each month. Hope the little red car is not too horrible to get around in.

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  9. Money troubles suck, but you're making a good decision. I agree with Lou, you'll miss your truck, but enjoy that money somewhere else!

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  10. Tough times. You held out for a good while. It is always hard to give up something you love and enjoy....
    Wishing you better financial days!
    Linda

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  11. So sorry that you had to lose your truck. I hope that things get better soon.

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  12. sorry to hear that you had to let go of the xterra. i think you made the right decision no matter how painful it could have been. hopefully, things will get better in 2010.

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  13. I realise that it must be painful, but you have to be pragmatic at times. That is a hell of a lot to pay to use a car, and you have to get your priorities right. I imagine it’s a load off your mind to get it out of the way.

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