Time For Breaks

I'm finding that the theme of my life this week is "broken things." Please, have no pity on me - it's not serious. I am resilient, and will get over all of it. When it comes down to it, I'm just impressed that there is inadvertent consistency in my life, all unpredictable and not necessarily in my best interest. We all need challenges in our lives, right?

Promise break. One of my gal pals calls me this evening to confirm plans we have for this weekend. She just happens to be the friend who I'd be rooming with for our Cancun vacation extravaganza this November. During our conversation, I casually reminded her to book her flight (she is a regular procrastinator, so I know to take action like this often). Her response: "Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that." This is followed by a long explanation of personal finances, feelings of economic insecurity, and essentially her saying that she's reconsidering. All this, after weeks of urging me to proceed with paying the deposit for the room and reassuring me that she absolutely will not back out. I am astounded by the fact that she would break a promise as significant as this - she's not a 'flaker' by nature - and remind her that I paid a non-refundable deposit that I refuse to lose. Her and I have yet to discuss this further, but best case scenario: I get a room all to myself in Mexico. I've come to the conclusion that she will pay her share of the room whether she decides to go or not. I'm wondering if that's harsh, but then again, I gave up rooming with two of my guy friends, with whom I would totally get naked, in order to room with her. Sometimes there is just no justice in this world!

Car Break. Blah. The first car I ever purchased and owned is a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It has been 9 years and I still drive the damn thing. My main gripe is that I haven't had a car payment in years, so why voluntarily get one when I have a vehicle that gets me from Point A to B? Two years ago I smashed the front of the Eclipse in a freeway accident, and I had it repaired immediately. Last October, the timing belt broke. Rather than send it to the shop, I drove my mom's mini-van for 6 months, while my little car sat in my parents' driveway. Since getting it fixed, it has given me persistent problems - the service engine light being the most frequent of those problems. Just this Monday, I had the battery and starter replaced. Just as I was thinking everything was fine, the service engine light pops up while I'm driving to work on Tuesday morning. It hasn't turned off since. Well, I've had enough. My aging Eclipse has already surpassed 100,000 miles, and the time has arrived to consider giving it up. It's like breaking up with a boyfriend: First come the feelings of resentment, then silent contemplation and strategy, until finally you come to the realization that ultimately things just aren't going to work. The next one better be worth the trade-off. And by that I mean the car.

Camera Break?!?!? For the 3rd time in the past year and a half, I have damaged yet another camera. The accident happened at a bar whilst inebriated (Imagine that!). The saddest part is that my recent camera, a Sony DSC-T200 with a super-fun touch screen, was my absolute favorite. Fortunately, I have complete foresight in knowing that any camera in my possession is doomed to break. I had, therefore, bought a 4-year service plan/warranty at the place of purchase. Saved! The camera is currently en route to the manufacturer, where I am hoping they can repair my beloved toy. Should the repairs exceed the value of the camera, the retailer will give me a new camera. Typically, this would be a good alternative, but because they no longer carry the exact same model I would end up having to get a new one that is not all black nor has the same fancy big touchscreen. If I don't get my old camera back, I may cry.

Beer Break! No folks, I'm not saying it's time to stop what you're doing and chug a cold brewsky. Time for Yours Truly to lay off her favorite beverage. Throughout my birthday week, I am pretty sure I consumed nearly 100 units of alcohol (don't ask what that equates to - it was A LOT), primarily beer. Never fear! Detox is a good thing, even if it's short-term. This hiatus is only temporary until I shed another 3 pounds in the next week...or at least free myself of the beer bloat that I'm feeling (Ugh). To my favorite happy hour spots and to my favorite drinks, I say this: I love you. I will be back.