Not many people can honestly say they have...

[naruki_oni]

Yesterday was a busy day for me. Though usually disorganized, I had prepared the night before by printing out maps and downloading directions to my PDA.

So in the morning bright and early (crack of noon) I got in my car (anyone want to buy a car real quick?) and headed off to Sutton MA. Apparently, that's the only USDA office to service 5 states.

The directions they had provided seemed simple enough, but on the last leg they got the number of stop lights wrong, and the name of the plaza was slightly wrong, too. In some places, that is. One of which was the directions that I was using. Some of the directions for people coming from other places had the right name. Very confusing.

This being a typical Massachusetts state highway, there was no way to turn around for 6 miles (I counted). Needless to say, I was a bit late, but no harm done.

Except the lady looked at the health certificate and told me my vet had stamped it, not signed it. Uh oh.

She said that the official USDA-certified vet who would put the USDA seal on the certificate may or may not accept such improper documentation. The one who comes in on other days definitely wouldn't, but the one who was there yesterday might be more lenient. (I certainly hope so.)

She disappeared back into the office without telling me to wait (she did this several times). Then she came back out to ask why my vet didn't feel confident enough to check off the other two of three checkboxes about how confident he was my kitties are healthy and rabies-free.

Um, maybe he didn't read the certificate very carefully? (She frowned at that and disappeared again without a word.)

Ultimately, I got really lucky and they stamped both certificates, took my money (even though it's supposed to be complimentary), and away I went without having to make a return trip. Whew!

Then I was off to meet a net friend who lived nearby. Remember how I said "Though usually disorganized" at the beginning of this entry? Well, turns out I hadn't downloaded the directions to my PDA like I thought. So I managed to burn off the two hours I thought would be spent waiting in a bookstore by trying to find the bookstore. Apparently I drove past it about 3 times without noticing.

She and her SO treated me to a nice dinner at John Harvard's Pub, and in return I tricked them into taking a whole bunch of my junk so I wouldn't have to throw it away in my own dumpster.

Needless to say, they probably won't be coming here to see me any time soon. ;-)

And then today I find out that the (hopefully) last credit card bill I have will damn near suck up all the remaining money in my checking account (the rest having just recently been wired to Japan). Oh damn. Plus, a couple of minor charges hadn't posted yet, so my account will be utterly wiped out with just a tiny bit in the black - unless the bank pulls another service charge on me.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

By the way, did I mention that I only want $10K for my car?

Comments

[ajollypyruvate]

Huh. My cats may not be USDA-certified but at least they... uh... hang on, I'll think of something.

[nolawitch.livejournal.com]

Those pussies will be so traumatized by the trip. Are you going to get some sedation for them? If they fly in the cargo hold, they're going to be seriously freaked out after a long flight to Japan. Even if they're in the passenger cabin with you, they're going to not be happy to be in carriers for such a long time. When you get there, make sure you give them extra loving and petting once they stop hissing and growling.

Have you tried to sell your car on craigslist or cars.com? There's probably a car listing magazine thingie you could advertise in. If you want to sell it quickly, give it the best inside and outside cleaning it's ever had. Detail it, baby. Use Q-tips, cleaner and a whole roll of paper towels. I would also suggest finding a self car wash that has a shampoo machine so that you can do the carpeting. If the seats are cloth, shampoo them as well. Clean that car inside as though you were planning to deflower a worthy virgin in it.

[celticess.livejournal.com]

Hmmm what does USDA stand for? In canada the only time we see that term is in refrence to american meat. USDA Grade A usually is what they say. Kinda interesting if they grade pets because obviously we don't eat pets. o.O

What is it with pussies around here?

[thewrongcrowd.livejournal.com]

You managed to get yours certified; Ms. Oompa rubs hers with her foot. (Now there's an image. ;)

If you plan on sedating your kitties, try it once before you actually fly. Some cats have an atypical reaction and get really freaked out and hyper. Also, if you're taking them in-cabin, check out the Samsonite carrying cases. They're much airier _{that's an odd looking word} than regular travel cages.

[thewrongcrowd.livejournal.com]

United States Dept. of Agriculture. They've got a really broad mandate ranging from the quality and safety of the food chain to health and safety of all domestic animals. They're also the go-to-folks for any diseases that can be transmitted to, from and through an animal.

Hey - but there *is* improvement!

[saminz.livejournal.com]

At least you got one set of directions more or less right on one of these tries :-)! Congrats!
Hope those pussies make it over without much trauma...
10K for a used car?! Just being nosy - what is it? Anything pretty?

I found one that looks like it.

[naruki-oni.livejournal.com]

Here.

Their dealer price is per Kelly Blue Book, but I'm not asking as much for mine. I'm only asking $10K.

I took it to a dealer today and he offered me $7500. He's too crooked for words. :-)

Re: I found one that looks like it.

[saminz.livejournal.com]

Okay - not *that* ugly, but... Don't you guys ever mention how many miles it has on the meter?! This would be the most important information, here. It doesn't even say how big the motor is. Good luck, anyway. Car dealers are notorious crooks, of course. We have dealing-places here where you can bring cars to trade and compare, with experts on site. Nothing of the sort, there?
I would not count on anyone falling in love with it on the spot, I guess ;-).

Re: I found one that looks like it.

[da-pineapple.livejournal.com]

Heh. A Honda Accord Special Edition? I'd bite it. But, I don't have $10k to spend, nor do I live that close to naruki(hmm, field trip, anyone?)

Re: I found one that looks like it.

[saminz.livejournal.com]

Wow - I take that back, then :-). You might want to answer directly to Naruki's post if you are seriously considering it, though...
Now, I'd much rather bite a pineapple than a japanese car, myself, honest :-)!

Re: I found one that looks like it.

[da-pineapple.livejournal.com]

I would offer to take it, but as I said, I don't have anywhere NEAR hir asking price...

I know it's folly to even mention it...

[da-pineapple.livejournal.com]

But as I've said elsewhere, I'd love to take it. My problem, though, is that I'm a poor high schooler. Therefore, I highly doubt I will be able to.
It's a nice car though, IMO.
Obligatory question: Is it a stick shift?

Nope.

[naruki-oni.livejournal.com]

I'd like a stick, but it's auto.

[nin-wife.livejournal.com]

Not sure if they have one up there, but if you need to unload the car in a hurry, CarMax down here will buy your car even if you don't buy a new car from them.

Re: Nope.

[da-pineapple.livejournal.com]

Aww...
I hate automatics with a passion. I drive a stick shift(have been since I got my license), and I'm never going back, ever.

I don't mind either one, really.

[naruki-oni.livejournal.com]

But the gas mileage is better with a stick.

Re: I don't mind either one, really.

[da-pineapple.livejournal.com]

that's one of the things that make me like sticks much more than automatics. that, and sticks are just more fun, you know? :-D

Totally off topic ...

[dire-lobo.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to say hello. Hope all is well, and best of luck with the transition...