My Prius = A Return to Stability

When my father signed the title for his 2005 Toyota Prius over to me on New Year's Eve, I was ecstatic.  It meant a return to financial stability and my personal sanity.  My previous car had given me lots of problems for the prior six months, so it was good to have a new life line.

I am admittedly spoiled in the sense that every vehicle I've ever owned was a used vehicle given to me by my father.  I made a lot of poor personal financial choices over the last fifteen years, and I'm finally paying the price.  I had no way to get a new vehicle on my adjusted budget - an exceptionally tight budget, but one that will reduce my credit card debt to zero in four years or less.  Because of four-digit repair costs to my previous car over the last few months, my debt was getting worse by begging for loans from my parents.  So finally getting this Prius was a major relief for me.

I Love My Prius

With the money I got from Christmas and my tax return, I made two major investments in the Prius.

Firstly, in early January, I had the Prius' interior detailed.  Why?  Because my father used the Prius as the primary means of transportation for their dogs over the course of five years.  Slobber and dog hair covered the car seats, windows, and headliner.  Smelled bad and looked atrocious - not a vehicle I'd let my friends get in, due to embarassment.  This is the first time anyone other my immediate family has seen these photos.  Here are the before and after photos, best viewed in a separate tab/window at full size:


Before and After Photos - Interior Detailing of 2005 Prius

Pretty gross, huh?

B&T Services in Bridgewater did the fantastic work.  They were able to remove most of the stains and a good amount of the dog hair.  There is still a lot of dog hair on the headliner though, and that's pretty disgusting.  It will take me a long time to gradually remove the hair - using rubber gloves, lint remover, duct tape, and tedious hair picking.  But the car is in much better shape than it was before, and I've heard plenty of positive comments from everyone who's been in my car.

The second investment I made in the Prius just happened this past Friday.  It happened because I really appreciate being able to play music from my iPod in my car.  My prior car had a cassette deck so I had always used a cassette adapter to plug in the iPod.  But the 2005 Prii (as I learned is the plural version of Prius) only have a radio and CD player.  No auxiliary input, no cassette deck, and horrible reception on a plug-in FM transmitter.  So I researched my options to upgrade my stereo.  There are two major obstacles to upgrading the factory stereo in a Prius: 1) the navigation/display screen, stereo, and electronic systems are all integrated, and 2) the dashboard is curved.  Aftermarket stereo upgrades are generally criticized as major mistakes.  They won't match the dashboard because they're flat.  But more importantly, the electronic systems could be compromised. 

The dashboard display/stereo

I found on the internet a unit called SoundLinQ SLU made by VAIS Technology which allows one to add auxiliary input to any Prius. It runs at about $220 as of this blog post.  It's expensive but worth it because it's guaranteed to work for the Prius with no risks.  The device is installed behind the stereo, and then RCA/aux cords are hooked up to the SLU unit.  VAIS Technology also makes other units that fully integrate one's iPod with their navigation display - for a higher price.  I was fine with just using my iPod to flip through songs.

SoundLinQ SLU unit (image from installer.com)

So I contacted VAIS Technology and asked for the closest authorized dealer of these units.  Installation can be tricky because you have to pry off the vents and other parts of the dashboard.  So I had the closest dealer to me, AfterFX Customs in Watertown, sell and install the device.  It only took them 45 minutes to install it.  They were so professional and showed me how they would install it.  They also showed me options of where the auxiliary cord could be placed.  It just so happens that there is a little compartment that you push to open, that sits right below the stereo.  So AfterFX Customs drilled a little hole in the back of the compartment and pulled the auxiliary cord through there.

*Update 2/16/13: AfterFX Customs no longer exists in Watertown, MA, but there are many other places than can install such a device.*
 
And here's a photo of the compartment opened up.  You can see how convenient it is.  And of course, the sound quality is truly awesome, which made me a very happy camper.


Auxiliary cord, compartment, and iPod!

So now I've got what I want with the Prius!  I'm feeling financially stable again, as I've (hopefully) got a reliable vehicle now for the next few years.  It's got excellent gas mileage - sometimes reaching 60 mpg on the highway (yes, I thought the Prius was better on gas in the city too, but it's the highway where it shines).  Another interesting factoid - the gas tank is a flexible "fuel bladder."  It expands when you put gas in it.  Pretty cool, huh? 

It's poignant that I was playing Coldplay's "Paradise" on my iPod in the above photo.  I feel as though I'm pretty close to paradise with my Prius now.

Social Media: A Monster, A Friend

Last night I read an interview transcript and watched a video called "The Amish Project" about a 24 year old college student who decided to go without social media, e-mail, and his cell phone for 90 days.  I found it to be striking for a variety of reasons.  Mainly I thought, "He's doing everything I did - what everyone in society did - before the early 1990's."  About twenty years ago.  To me, it seems like yesterday.  For the millennials, it was an eternity ago.  But the benefit for millennials of seeing that world as an eternity ago is that a social experiment like the aforementioned "The Amish Project" by Mr. Jake Reilly has great learning potential.  It's new to them, so it's got a chance for maximum educational impact.

"The Amish Project" Video

I think it's important to differentiate social media from cell phones and e-mail.  In today's world, e-mail is a requirement to be a successful member of a first- or even second-world society.  Cell phones, if they're not a requirement yet, are close to being so.  Social media, I argue, for the individual, is still optional.  But you'd be a fool to completely disregard it.

AT&T recently ran a commercial about people lounging around with their phones commenting condescendingly to others about news happening all around them, sharing that much of that news was "so 27 seconds ago." It's tongue-in-cheek, but it's surprisingly accurate about how present day life is in first-world society.  I see AT&T's commercial as a very effective marketing scheme.  The message is, don't get left behind - stay in the loop with social technology.  Because social media is here to stay, and you'd better buy into it and revel in it - starting with that new smartphone.

In my job, I volunteer (quite happily, I'll add) as a member of our departmental social media committee.  I want to help reach out to our students via social media because so many use it, and I also want to stay current on social media technology.

I hold a certain level of admiration for others who thrive on mastering social media as a genuine tool for outreach.  It requires certain saviness and political smarts to do that.  So I kind of hope they'll rub off on me.  But I also hold a person like Jake Reilly in high regard because it takes an independent, bold spirit to stay away from social media, cell phones, and e-mail for ninety days. 

Social media is absolutely full of usefulness.  It's a space for personal expression, a high-speed autobahn for information, a massive circuitry for discussion, and a multi-mega-theatre for visual and aural relaxation.

On the other hand, it can be the ultimate waste of time, the vehicle for excess vanity, the landfill for anonymous (and not so anonymous) hatred, and the nightspot for sloth.

One moment I find myself railing against it as a destroyer of genuine interpersonal conversation.  The next moment I find myself praising it as a tool for gathering resources and broadcasting critical information.  I get cynical about social media because I see it as a six-eyed beast (see "The Six Types of Social Media").  But I also think it's a beast with very fluffy hair that you want to latch onto and never let go.

I hear the question: "What's the point in this blog post, Mike?"  And the exclamation: "You contradict yourself - pick a side!"  Well, this is an internal struggle that I continue to battle, and I doubt either side will ever truly win.  I can't champion social media - it has too many thorns.  And I can't protest it without faltering - it has its fair share of roses.

At least I can say all of this inspires an internal passion for me.  A lively debate with no true, single answer.  I watch social media gurus, and I ask, "How can you be so sure you're preaching a good thing?"  I see the social media critics, and I ask, "How can you be so sure social media does more harm than good?" 

I do believe in these words, sung by my all-time favorite musician Sting, which do help guide me in this social media world:

"Men go crazy in congregations - they only get better one by one."

I think people need to think about these things critically through multiple lenses (hey, I learned that in graduate school).  Draw your own conclusions.  Experience social media, but also try life without it. 

Though maybe not for ninety days.

Props to you if you succeed in doing that, though. 

What are your thoughts and feelings on social media?   

Re-Living those Radford Days

Although I had been to my alma mater Radford University about five years ago, it has been more than ten years since I visited there with friends.  Physical places hold a lot of memories for each of us, but it is the people we care about who add depth to those memories.  So it was this past Homecoming weekend that brought it all back to life.

My best friend Marcus and I made the five-hour drive on October 13th from Portsmouth, Virginia to Radford.  Around the Charlottesville area, the weather brought heavy fog and rain though our spirits were far from dampered.  We passed a town called Crozet in the heart of the mountains that would always make us laugh years ago traveling back and forth during breaks.  As it happens, we have an inside joke where in our best stereotypical Asian accents we exclaim, "Mountain in Crozet!"  I really can't explain the meaning behind this joke but I break down in hysterics thinking about it.

Radford has changed a lot in the past ten years.  There's the new Hurlburt Student Center nicknamed "The Bonnie" after the former Dean of Students Bonnie Hurlburt.  It's a marvelous facility that frankly makes me a little jealous of the students!  A genuine Starbucks is located there... oh, how I would have spent my meal plan dollars at that location.  The Bonnie is directly in front of Trinkle Hall, where I lived my sophomore and junior years.

Trinkle Hall has been completely renovated, and one of the first things Marcus and I noticed was a wheelchair ramp at the entrance of the building.  He and I pushed hard against the administration to build such a ramp around 1998 but of course we didn't know the ADA laws then which state such accomodations aren't necessary until the building is renovated.  Still, we were pretty happy to see one of our dreams was realized.

Moffett Hall, the second largest residence hall on campus, is presently under renovation.  Behind Moffett, there's a behemoth building under construction for the College of Business.  Several streets have been replaced with grass and plazas.  The new Covington Center, also near Trinkle, features an art gallery and performance hall.  And as one female faculty member put it to me and Marcus, the new university president has been "a womanly touch" to the campus by adding plenty of flowers to the landscaping.

It was also great to see some familiar sights - for example, I often frequented the theatre in Porterfield Hall where many of my friends performed in plays.  As Trinkle Hall primarily housed visual and performing arts students, those students tended to be my friends (and honestly, those who dedicate themselves to the arts tend to be my best friends).  I took a few photos of the theater where a play called "God of Carnage" is presently being put on.



Porterfield Hall theatre, from the back row

View from the stage in Porterfield Hall

Of course, the best part about coming back to Radford was seeing three of my friends who I hadn't seen in what seems like forever.  We had such a wonderful time catching up.  Even though we've stayed in touch on Facebook, seeing each other face-to-face was a vastly cool experience.  We had lunch at Macado's, a staple of the Radford off-campus dining experience.  We trekked around the campus, reliving memories.  Muse Hall, my home my freshman year, unfortunately has been treated unkindly the last few years and definitely needs a facelift.  But we reminisced happily at Trinkle Hall the most; we snuck into the building, violating the guest policy in the process... here I was, an RD, breaking the rules!  But we got to walk to my old room where Marcus, my former roommate, lived.  Though the doors and hallways were in nice new shape, they kept the room numbers the same, which was great.  In the basement, they've converted some of spaces.  The best space downstairs was where Marcus and I had put on a swing dance our sophomore (or was it junior?) year for all of the Trinkle Hall residents.  That was probably our program we were most proud of.  And who doesn't love swing dancing to such great music like the Brian Setzer Orchestra?



Where we had our swing dance years ago...

 

Marcus and I in front of our old room



Angela showing off one of her old rooms!

View of the campus from the top of Muse Hall

There are plenty more photos that I've taken that are on my Facebook profile, so I didn't feel like I needed to post all of them here on this blog post.  But certainly we've got to have a group photo!

Erika, myself, Angela, and Marcus in the Governors' Quad

Visiting Radford again reminded me how much of an impact it had on my life.  I certainly would not be the person I am today if I didn't have such an amazing experience there.  I'm extraordinarily thankful for the friends I made, the leadership skills I developed, and the education I received. 

During our senior year, Marcus and I had put together a two-CD set of music that marked significant memories.  We called them, somewhat unoriginally, "The Final CDs."  Marcus and I vowed for this Homecoming trip to compile another CD of songs that didn't make the cut back then or were new to our experiences in our friendship since graduating from Radford.  So on the drive to and from Radford, we succeeded in making a list.  Music has always seemed to me to be one of the best ways to honor and relive our memories.  And as I write this blog, I've been listening to the songs from the final draft playlist.

So I figure it's poignant to end this blog with a video of the Brian Setzer Orchestra playing one of their cool cat songs "Let's Live It Up."  Because we really did live it up back then, and for a beautiful fall October weekend in 2011, we lived it up again.

 

Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago today, I had just started my first year as a Graduate Assistant Resident Director at Capital University of Columbus, Ohio.  We were in our Residence Life staff meeting, and someone mentioned that a plane had just struck one of the World Trade Center Towers.  When I left the meeting, I went straight back to my apartment in Cotterman Hall and turned on the television where I was transfixed by what I saw.  Peter Jennings, who'll always be my favorite anchorman, was talking about the tragic events of the morning.

I called my mother and asked her if she knew what happened.  She turned on the television too and we watched together for the next hour, discussing it all over the phone as it happened.  Watching each of the Towers fall, seeing black smoke bellow from the Pentagon, and hearing the report of the plane crashing in Pennsylvania were all really haunting to witness. 

After that hour, I was called to assist on campus.  I went to the service on campus with many of the students, staff, and faculty.  I remember a lot of people crying, and the world just seemed like it was in a fog. 

There are three specific memories I recall most vividly on that day:

• It seemed like the first-year students in my residence hall were playing the song "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton in just about every other room as I walked by to check on them.  That song will always be engrained in my soul in association with September 11th.
• The candlelight service that night outside of the Campus Center.  Listening to students speaking into a microphone about their reflections.  Holding that candle in my hands and seeing everyone else doing the same was somehow calming, I suppose.  Small lights to offer some hope.
• Calling my best friend Marcus from my parents' house (just five miles north) in the backyard, I looked up and saw a crystal clear starry night sky.  Marcus was in Virginia, and we just thought about how big - yet small - the world seemed to be that day.  We spoke over the phone with emotion just in awe that no planes would cross that starry night sky.

Today the events of September 11th, 2001 and the people so greatly affected by it are marked in my heart.  Always remember.  Always reflect.

Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles"

Drastic Measures for Plastic Tethers

It's funny how a slim card of plastic that can fit in your wallet can weigh you down so much.  Sometimes they multiply, especially under the right economic conditions, until there's a point those little pieces of plastic become tethers anchoring you down as the waters rise all around you.


img: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It's a depressing experience when you allow credit cards and debts to become larger than you ever expected.  It started for me when I entered college in 1997.  I was getting so many credit card offers at the time during the good old Clinton era when businesses were booming.  As a college freshman, I gave in to the temptation.  Being an avid 49ers fan, I got myself an NFL credit card through MBNA.  And then I spent money like it was my part-time job.  But with most part-time jobs, the benefits are few.  In 1999, I had an awesome three-week vacation in England with my best friend.  He saved for it.  I didn't.  By that time, I already had accumulated a few credit cards.  Though I don't regret that trip to England for a moment, I'm ashamed to say that it started the lengthy trudging through deeper and deeper debt.
 
I always thought I'd get myself out of it on my own.  But it's been 14 years since the debt began - and gradually increased.  Over the last three years, the debt has plateaued but never decreased.  Then this August 2011 slammed me with such frustration and fear that I knew I had to seek help.

Early in August, I noticed my trusty 1998 Nissan Altima with 120,000 miles was making loud rumbling and squealing noises under the hood whenever it was idling or accelerating.  I had it checked out by the local mechanic and $530 later, part of the problem was fixed.  But the mechanic said the timing chain in my engine was about to go, which was the kind of work he didn't do.  I took it to the local Nissan dealer and they confirmed the problem along with a hefty $3400 price tag to get it fixed.  I couldn't afford this, not even if I combined all the remaining available credit on all of my credit cards.  The financial fear was gripping, and I called my father to ask if he'd help me get a "new-to-me" used car.  Initially he said he'd do it but then changed his mind and said he'd only give me a loan to repair the car.  I didn't have much of a choice unless I took out a large car loan - but even when I did the math for that, I wouldn't have been able to afford the monthly payments unless it was beyond a 60-month term.  So I called around to different auto shops and was able to get my car fixed for $1450 (which contributes to the notion that dealerships are greedy folks!) after getting a check from my father to pay for it.  But I still feared this was $1450 being sunk into a potential black hole.  It's an old car after all.  It took a week for the car to be fixed, which was the longest I've ever been without a car.  That wasn't too bad though since I was in the middle of Resident Assistant training at work which meant I was mostly stuck on campus anyway!

When the auto shop called me to say it was all repaired, I was so relieved when they told me everything else under the hood was in fantastic shape.  What a gift.

I didn't want to experience such stress again though.  What would happen when my car needs another major repair again - or worse yet, is beyond repair?  I knew I had to take care of my personal debt crisis seriously.  After speaking with a friend, I believed speaking with a financial counselor would be a smart start.  Another friend provided me with the name of a reputable credit counseling company, and that's when I decided to take control of my life again.  After a lengthy phone conversation with the counselor named Tricia, she helped me create a debt management plan and a personal budget.  Starting this Monday, I will be giving a little more than half of my monthly salary to the credit counseling company every month for the next 4.5 years.  They'll in turn distribute that money to the credit card companies each month.  It's well worth it, as they're able to lower all of my credit card interest rates by very significant amounts.  You can probably get a good sense now of how bad my debt has really become.

I have cut up all of my credit cards so there's no temptation.  And as each credit card is paid off, that particular account will be closed until all I have left is one credit card remaining with zero balance.  That's where I'll re-build my credit history, wisely this time.  Thankfully throughout the last 14 years, I've never missed a payment to credit card companies and I always made more than the minimum payments, so my credit score is actually really good right now.  So even as my credit history is gradually "lost" over the next 4.5 years, I don't think I'll ever have "bad" credit.  I have student loans too, but I have to manage them myself.  I'm not overwhelmed by those loans - they'll get paid down soon enough.

I've often felt weighed down and depressed by all of the debt I've had.  It's hard to believe that nearly half of my life has been inundated with that horrible feeling and a sense of no control.  But at least I now have a plan.  And with a new personal budget, I'll be able to put aside money monthly for emergencies like car repairs (or perhaps a down payment on a new car a few years down the road?) while also only purchasing the things I only really need.  Well... with one exception. 



My little piece of heaven

That exception would be mocha lattes!  I love them too much and I've visited Starbucks and the local Better Bean coffee shop to get my craving for so long.  Mocha lattes are my self-indulgence.  When it comes down to it, they are probably my most simple daily pleasure that I didn't want to lose.  Of course, I couldn't afford to drive out and buy them anymore with my new  budget.  Well - six years ago, my parents bought me an espresso machine that I never used.  Too complicated, I thought, quite stupidly I might add.  But three weeks ago, I chose to finally give it a try, and guess what?  I've made a mocha latte for myself every day since.  It's certainly an art form to make the perfect mocha, but I've succeeded at doing so.  And instead of paying $4.25 a day for a mocha - plus gas for the car (gasp!), now it only costs me $1.50 a day.

August 2011 was the month that nearly brought me to the financial brink.  Instead, I've chosen to use it as an opportunity to bring me to the light.  I can see the light.  And in 4.5 years, I'll be able to bask in it.  It's a tough journey ahead, but I'm ready for it.  

A Tribute to Our White Shepherd

It was around 2001 that Shaman, a beautiful White German Shepherd, was brought home by my parents in Columbus, Ohio. I'll be honest in saying that when I first met Shaman, I didn't like him. He was initially a little fearful of me, barking every time I looked at him. I walked out of the house to go back to my apartment (I was attending The Ohio State University at the time) and told my parents I'm not coming back until the dog was gone. Yeah, right. Quite the bluff on my part, because Shaman never left, and I came back not too long after.

Ten years later, I'm living near Boston and my parents live in Virginia. Every time I come home to visit for a few days, Shaman has been the first dog to greet me at the door. Tail wagging uncontrollably, pathetic but sweet high-pitch whimpers of excitement, and a craving to be as close as he can to me. When I'd first walk in the door, Shaman's thoughts were likely, as my mom put it, "He's home! The pack is complete again!" He's a brilliant dog. He recognizes different words and phrases easily: ball, walk, [Mikey, Daddy, Mommy - whoever]'s coming, and kittty cat." And if you talked to him, sometimes he'd tilt his head to the left and right as his mouth hung open (kind of like the photo above), trying to figure out what you were saying. He loved learning.

Unfortunately, like many shepherds, Shaman had a lot of hip and leg issues. He'd tear the ligaments in his rear legs, and while some owners might put their dog to sleep at that point because the surgery is so expensive, my parents made the investment - twice - to provide the surgery for Shaman on the two different occasions he took out one of his legs. Shaman got a very good life. He got to hang out with three different dogs in the household over his life - Echo, our Siberian Husky (still alive and well up in Maine with another family now); Diamond, our Doberman Pinscher (no longer with us); and Callie, our Great Dane (still with my parents). By that, you can tell my parents seem to love big dogs!

I went home about three weeks ago for a vacation, and my parents and I spent time at their new vacation home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Shaman and Callie came with us, of course. It was obvious Shaman was in some pain as his hips and legs were sore, naturally from him getting older. But the moment my mom would ask him if he wanted to go swimming in the pool in the backyard, with his BALL, Shaman would get right up and quickly hobble over. And he'd go swimming! I took this photo of him then with his Spongebob Squarepants ball.

Well, I got the news from my mom that Shaman sadly passed away this past Friday, July 15th, 2011. On Thursday, he apparently didn't have any food or water and was in some pain. That evening, he limped up the stairs with my parents since it was bed time. But at some point that night his body just went into paralysis. He couldn't move at all, and he was whining and panting a lot. My dad had to carry him downstairs, and as soon as the vet's office opened, my parents brought Shaman there. The vet wasn't really sure what it was - it could have been a number of possibilities, but none of them sounded like something that would allow Shaman to have a good quality of living. So my parents had him put to sleep so that he'd no longer be in pain. He would have been eleven years old this November.

I'm sure it's harder for my parents and Callie than it is for me since I'm not even home to be reminded of Shaman. But it's still sad to know that this sweet dog is gone. As for the relationship I had with him, it was good as it can get with a dog. He and I didn't see eye-to-eye initially, but Shaman and I ended up becoming best buddies whenever I visited home. I'm glad I got to see him just recently. One evening at the Outer Banks, I gave Shaman a good massage and he fell asleep he was so happy! I'm thankful I got to have that moment with him.

Rest in peace, Mr. Shaman!

A Whirlwind Trip to Myrtle Beach!

I just returned a few hours ago from a quick trip to Myrtle Beach, SC where my friend Stephanie and her family have just moved to.  It looked as though Stephanie would have to make the 16-hour drive by herself, so I volunteered to tag along.  It was a LONG overnight drive from Massachusetts starting Saturday around 5:30pm, and we saw some major thunderstorms and downpours, but we made it down there in one piece around 9am Sunday.  Stephanie's rabbit also survived the sometimes bumpy-road journey thankfully, as well.  On long-distance drives, I think sometimes the most interesting things are the strange town names you see.  The town of Zebulon, NC probably topped my list this time around.  I thought it sounded like a planet that some crazy aliens would come from. 

Stephanie, her husband Bill, and her daughter definitely have a nice apartment in SC, and I'm frankly a little jealous!  I could also see why Myrtle Beach is such a major tourist destination.  Plenty of things to do.  And I haven't seen palm trees in years, so that was cool, too.  The weather was a bit too hot for my liking in the 90's (coming from Massachusetts when it was raining and 60 degrees was a shock).  But I enjoyed seeing where they are now living.  I think once they settle in, they'll really love it.

Sunday was the only day I'd have down there, so I was limited in what I could do.  But we all had lunch, took a 4-hour nap, played a round of mini-golf together where a fun miniature train took us to our 18-hole course (playing golf, I came in second... Bill kicked butt, but I had two holes in one!), and had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse.  I LOVE that restaurant.  Though it's pricey, it's so worth it.  I savor every bite of their delicious Victoria's Filet.  Perhaps I will write to Outback and tell them how great it is, and they'll send me a coupon for a free meal there.  Haha, one can hope! 

It really stunk that I had to leave Monday morning since I'm on call this evening at work.  But at least I was flying back instead of driving.  It was tough to say goodbye, although I know I eventually return down there especially considering my parents live in Hampton Roads, VA and have a vacation home in the Outer Banks of NC, both of which are about 5 1/2 hours away from Myrtle Beach.  By the way, I definitely recommend Spirit Airlines as they have quick, inexpensive flights between Myrtle Beach and Boston.  Plus they have a $9 fare club you can join.

All in all, I was just happy to help out a good friend make the journey, see where her family's new life is, and get a mini-vacation in there, too!  Oh, and I can officially add South Carolina to the list of states I've visited - 38 of 50 now! Woot!  Now it's back to work...  but I'll be on vacation again in a week and a half in the Outer Banks.  Yay for that!