Tuesday tidbits

Yesterday we had snow flurries off and on throughout the day, but none stuck to the ground. Today it was snowing when I got up at 7:45, and has been snowing all day. It is definitely sticking today, as everything is currently blanketed in white. Its our 1st real snowfall of the season, and I think its beautiful. I know you northerners (cb, Tornwordo, Jeff & Brad) are probably already sick of the 2-3 feet of snow you've had on the ground since Thanksgiving, as I'm sure sure I would be, too, if I lived there. But since we don't get snow that often, I am enjoying it today. I find it ironic to see snow at the beach.

I was a little worried about this week's weigh-in today because I knew I'd 'treated myself' too many times during the week. Last Mon I had french fries, last Tues I ate all kinds of stuff at that Inauguration potluck, and on Fri I had birthday cake (a corner piece with icing on the top and 2 sides). However, I still managed to lose 2 lbs this past week. I guess this should serve as a reminder to me that in order to be successful with a non-diet/new eating patterns/lifestyle change, you can't eliminate unhealthy foods. Instead you must limit them. I mean, I know this, but when I treat myself to something bad, I begin to fear that this splurge will undo all my efforts. But I guess its better to err on the side of caution.

Yesterday I finally got Big Ella titled and registered, but it almost didn't happen. After she had her 'physical' at the mechanic's garage, I attempted to title and register her, only to find that the original owner had not signed the title over to the dealer from whom I'd purchased her. I was issued a 30-day tag only. So I contacted the dealer to get the address of the seller, then sent the original seller the title and a letter via registered mail requesting he sign over the title and mail it back to me. All of this took 3 weeks.

So yesterday when they called my number, I presented all my paperwork along with the title, but was told that the dealer did not fully reassign the title to me. I reminded the clerk that the dealer had signed it and provided me with a bill of sale. However, she said she could not process it until it was filled out completely. So I went to the information desk to borrow a pen, and filled out the date of sale and my name, and got another number. When they called my new number I presented all my paperwork and the completely filled out title, and was then told that the dealer was not licensed in the state where the title had been issued. She explained that different states had different rules, yada yada yada, then said I would have to send the title back to the dealer, have him title the car in his state of licensure, then sign that title over to me, and mail it back to me. I could see this process taking another 3 weeks.

I rolled my eyes and sighed heavily, then said in an even, non-emotional tone "I can't believe this. Why should the dealer's state of licensure affect the signing over of the title? The whole point of having a dealer license is to not have to title cars in order to resell them." The clerk asked me to wait a moment, then picked up my paperwork and consulted with a supervisor. After at least 5 minutes, she came back and said "We're going to go ahead and title the car." I smiled and thanked her sincerely. Now Big Ella is titled and has a proper license plate, and her personalized "BIG ELLA" plate has been ordered.

This evening Spouse & I are meeting up with some new female friends. A year ago when I was doing some research for an article I never wrote I interviewed Deb. We sort of 'connected' from the beginning and both thought it would be fun to hang out sometime with our spouses, but we lost touch. Recently we reconnected via email and made plans to meet for an early bird dinner special this evening at a newer restaurant that Spouse & I have not tried yet. I think we'll have a nice time and am hoping this leads to a new friendship for the 4 of us.

Crush du Jour: James Charlton