Relocation is Go!

One of the reasons, ok the main reason, I applied to become a VISTA was the relocation package. About half of the relocation expenses were deposited into my account yesterday. I spent some time looking up air fares home to pick up my Max and couldn't find anything under $180. That might be a good price, Rapid City, SD, to Atlanta, GA, but I decided to wait. I haven't secured a ride to Anderson from Atlanta just yet.
I have a cousin in Denver who just invited me to go see Conan O'Brien next weekend, on Mother's Day, actually. I can't wait; I haven't seen this cousin in close to 10 years! 
So things are looking up for me! I got all excited and forgot to check my oil and *pow* my car checked my exuberance. My air conditioning compressor seized up and melted my serpentine belt which caused it to separate. When I called AAA to request a tow truck, they told me I hadn't paid my dues so they couldn't send one unless I could pay cash. They were incorrect; my dues have indeed been paid. So this morning I called back and got a truck, really frustrated that their computers don't seem to register my payments. I believe this happened last year, too. I mean, driving across the country like I did would've been folly without AAA. The serpentine belt kind of keeps everything running in sync I think, and the guys at Goodyear said it would be at the very least around $1500. Ups and downs. So it goes.
There go all my plans for the next month or so. It'd be cheaper to buy a moped at this point, but I called a few other mechanics who seemed to think they could fix my car for much less if they bypass the air conditioner. Maybe it won't be so bad in the end, but I really didn't want to spend any money this week.


I've asked two friends to pick me up from the airport so I can surprise Max. I want to surprise him that night if possible. I haven't seen my son since February 11 and I've got a month left to go before I get to hold him in my arms again!