My parents came up for lunch today and switched cars with me so that they could drop mine off at my dealership for an oil change. They were going to bring it back to me this afternoon. Notice I said "were." We didn't realize that at 40,000 miles diesel engines apparently need major service or else the warranty is invalidated. That's what they say, at least.

$790.00

Since it's there anyway, they are going to fix some other piddly stuff that's been bothering me - like my visar (sp?) that appears to be unhinged (Monkeys keeps bumping his head against it and grumbling) and a broken seat opener thingy (Raven!!). Oh, and I'm getting new windowshield wipers. I really need them, and I was going to do it myself - but now I think they owe me.

Seriously, though. $790? I was expecting $50.

I have my parents' car tonight and driving home was soooooo weird. I popped the trunk when I tried to unlock the doors. I actually got in the passenger side back door to start with before I remembered while my car has TWO doors theirs has FOUR so I needed to keep walking to the next door. Their ignition is on the dash, mine is on the steering wheel shaft thingy, so it took me a while to figure out where to put my key. Their lights come on automatically, and in remembering that they have automatic lights that's when I and the car in front of me suddenly discovered either my dad left the brights on or I bumped something earlier without realizing it. (I'm guessing it was me.)

On the bright side today... Last year sometime I helped a student get his admissions in order for one of our programs. He had international coursework, which makes things much more complicated. He was also full of questions and concerns. I did some extra stuff for him behind the scenes (like go ahead and evaluate his records even though his folder wasn't complete), got him in touch with counselors, etc..I may have even given him some advice on courses, not sure. Anyway, he was really appreciative and even offered to bring me champagne. I told him the college has a strict no alcohol policy - we actually sank into joking around and chatting after that. Today, months later, he showed up at my office saying he was on campus to take a test but wanted to stop in and say thanks in person. He gave me a travel coffee mug from his company and said since he could not bring me champagne due to college policy he was giving me that so I could hide Irish Creme in my coffee. How sweet and cute was that?