My head is about to 'splode. As I’ve said, my BIL has gotten a job and moved out. He wants all of us to come down to his place for Christmas. So, apparently we’re spending Christmas in the Big Easy. So it’s up to me, the deal finder and non-professional trip planner, to locate a hotel for all of us. I also have to find things to do during Christmas for at least my family.
This whole trip includes the four of us (hubby, myself, 12 year old son and 11 year old daughter), my MIL, and SIL and her family (hubby, 5 year old daughter and newborn son). I do know the WWII museum is on the agenda, as we both love history and MIL loves WWII history. We’re also headed to Cafe Du Monde at least once, more if I have my say.
Swampy, we’re hoping to head back to ATL next summer. MIL has a twin sister in Tucker, and we want to get the five of us over there to see family. We’ve been before, so trip planning is easy: four City Passes and we’re ready to go. But we haven’t been to NO since before Katrina, and we’re trying to avoid parts that aren’t for kids.
I’m thinking snowbunny might be able to give you some tips on what to do/see in New Orleans, Annie. Or maybe she can persuade Mama Tigs to stop in and mention a few of her favorite places to go.
Gotta go out to run a couple of errands. I’m hoping storms are over for tonight… It looks like there could be one more storm, but I’m hoping it will stay south of us. Please?
GT, I was thinking about posting a thread on MPSIMS asking for advice as well. I went to search on here, but ended up reading the most fascinating, grossest thread ever, and I quit.
So, I was just minding my own business and all of a sudden I need a new friggin’ catalytic converter for my car. No, not the Party Van, my everyday car. This is not what I need right now. Especially since I just put new tires and new struts on it about a month ago. :(:dubious:
I guess tomorrow afternoon will consist of phone calls to muffler shops.
There are Midas Muffler stores but I just tend to have a bad feeling about the well known places. I got an oil change at Monro who are also known for mufflers and the line of bull that guy was trying to sell me was ridiculous. Just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I’m completely clueless about cars.
I’ve always had good experiences with Midas. And a chain is more likely to treat you well than a single store business, because if they don’t they lose their franchise. You just got an asshat at Monro, is all.
eta -if/when that happens at Midas, ask for the manager. Be assertive. You’re the customer.
It sad that most mechanics still think like that, but unfortunately that is the experience i get most of the time as well. Mechanincs and electricians and electronics salesman… ooo and tv repairman… why do they assume because we dont have a 2 heads we cant think with the one we do have?
because so many women just stand there and nod their haircovered head*. I have found, if I present myself as interested and willing to learn, they will talk to me like a person, not a kitten
eta * either that, or wave them off with a “do whatever you have to to fix it.”, or are too busy flirting with the younger repair guys to notice they’re being fleeced. To which I say, again, present yourself as the intelligent woman you are and you will be treated with respect
Point taken. But what iritates me is when I go to the mechanic and as I am telling him my issue with the vehicle he turns to the gentleman with me and starts to ask him the questions and to be honest lol he doesnt know anything about cars at all. Tis a puzzlement. anyway.
Hope y’all had a great day. and ill go back to lurking now.
I gotta say, I’ve had more bad experiences at chains than at local shops. For the last 5 years or so, we’ve gone to a local mechanic and I love them to death. They talk to me like I know what they’re saying, and if I ask question, they’re really good about explaining. Plus it’s the first place I’ve patronized where the two head guys know our family and our cars. Then again, they’ve made several $$ from us. However, they are very honest - so much so that I’ll say “Check over my car and let me know how it’s doing” and they don’t try to sell me fresh air for my tires.
Laundry is all done. Supper was yum - and no leftovers, thanks to our temporary resident 16-y/o. We went to Bert’s for ice cream, and I’ll be crashing soon - I’s tahred! But the MMP is ready and will go up first thing in the morning. I think all the photo links are good. If not, oh well…
Daughter and nephew are doing Six Flags tomorrow and Luray Caverns on Tuesday. I’m going to buy their cavern tickets and give daughter some cash to cover other costs. 'Cause I’m nice like that.
