So bummed...

Because life can never sail along smoothly for very long...

"Check Engine" light came on in my husbands car last night. Took it down to Auto Zone this AM to have the code read, fingers crossed it was something minor. Of course it wasn't! Some kind of air intake sensor and transmission range switch (whatever those are?!). All I hear is "hundreds of dollars in repairs" and the mechanic can't even get it in until Monday to look at it (and god knows how long before repairs can be made). My husband gets off work at 2AM!!! and will not drive my car to work because the interior is pink. So guess who gets to take him to work then wake up at 2am until his car is repaired (30 minute commute each way)?

Even better, tomorrow is our anniversary. We *were* planning on going downtown, and going out to a nice dinner, but since we have no idea how expensive the car will be that's out At least I can cook something nice at home (I'm not terribly big on spending big bucks on eating out anyways, though my husband is, so he's really bummed)! I know he's disappointed, but, really, after 8 years together (married 4), I don't NEED flowers and fancy dinners out to know he loves me. More sad to me is if it costs more than a couple hundred, some of these repairs will have to come out of the money I've been saving for Kiwi's cage. That makes me want to cry :smile040: I was so hoping to be able to get him into a nice new setup before the holidays! And I sold off a bunch of things on ebay that I liked but figured would be better put towards a bigger cause (my buddy a nice cage) to get this money saved up faster. I'm glad we at least have the money for the repairs, but it sucks that I've sold jewelry and clothes for the specific purpose of a nice cage for Kiwi and now it's probably going to go to the car Transmission repairs are never cheap!

Tell hubby to walk to work in pink shoes

That really sucks though.. =/ I'm sorry about your car troubles. Hopefully it will end up costing less than you were expecting, and you'll find the best deal ever on a cage for Kiwi on craigslist or something!!

K,
that is definitely a bummer. But don't think about it over the weekend. No need to feel badly about it before you even her from the mechanic/service. Also, if it is something big/expensive, you might think about getting a second evaluation and repair cost quote. Also, ask for a discount. I never knew to do this, for years and years. My cousin told me she always asks, and she gets at least 20% off. I did it with Ford dealership (actually she came with me and asked) and it worked with no problem, no haggling. The guy there even told me that I could bring in promo codes or coupons from competitors and they honor them too.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can still get the new cage on schedule or close to it

P.S. Pin some dark fabric or sheet or blanket to the seats to cover the pink and let him drive himself at 2 a.m. That's nuts

Kiwi, so sorry to hear about the car troubles. I have heard asking for a discount and using competitors coupons works, but haven't tried it myself.

Have you talked to The Bird Hut about using a layaway plan for the cage? That's what I did and he was fine with it. I put 1/4 down and paid on the rest until I could pay it off today. I thought his prices were better than some places I had looked online.

He even has the cage you put a picture of in another post last week. (the one you said you wanted to get) Not sure how much you were looking to pay, but when I looked at it the price was $450.00.(I ended up choosing one with a flat top so I can have her gym on top of it.) He said it comes in 4 colors to choose from, the one he has set up is the silver, but it also comes in black, grey or copper.

Hope things work out for you!

Selestine said:

Tell hubby to walk to work in pink shoes

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LOL! I can just see it now (him in my neon pink running shoes, trekking it to work:09. It's kind of a mutual thing though with my car, so I guess it's unfair to place all the "blame" on him for not taking it He doesn't like to drive my car (or even ride in it) because it's all pink and "girly" inside and the fact I'm a *tad* OCD about getting it messy. I don't like him driving it either because he is not, er, as careful of a driver as I am:52: My car is wayyyy to easy to speed in and sticks out (a bright red Mustang with white reflective stripes that almost glow at night), and he seems to pay no attention to the speedometer in his car:54: So, while irritating that he has the grave shift right now when his car breaks down, it's not like he needs to be picked up at the bar at 2am or something. It's his job, I can't be mad at him for working, just annoyed at the situation:31:

I just wish I had the faintest clue what these parts were so I would know if it's a $200 repair or a "time to look for a new car" kind of repair. It still runs fine as of now (not even a funny noise or anything), but the guy at Autozone suggested not driving it any significant distance until a mechanic looked it over. We are still relatively new here, and this mechanic has been really honest and up front about stuff so far (especially with hubbys car, which is old and bought to beat up as a commuter car). Not sure I would ask for a discount, I just can't bring myself to do that kind of thing unless I'm at a flea market or garage sale.

I have $800 saved for Kiwi's cage (it costs $1500) so it would be a big set back to have a big car repair. It's not like his cage is a rusted out heap of crap, but I've wanted to get him a stainless mansion for a LONG time and every time I save up some money, something happens and it all goes to something else. I had a good chunk saved when we got him, but he was sick and needed vet treatment, so POOF! Money gone and he lived in a cage we borrowed from my parents. We started saving again, and some welds popped on that cage (it was old and took a while to find someone to repair) so almost all that money went towards this cheap current cage since he couldn't live in a travel cage or roam free (which is a tad smaller than I hoped, but the best we could do at the time). Then we moved, took hubby longer than expected to find a job, so our savings got eaten up. Then our tax return this year went to buying this car (so we wouldn't have to finance/make payments on one). At this rate, poor Kiwi will never get a new cage And if I'm going to spend money on another cage, it's going to be stainless, huge and last him the rest of his life (or at least a good 20/30+ years of use). No more wasting $200/300 for a new iron cage every few years. They just don't hold up to my "rigorous" cleaning (or at least this one hasn't)!

Ok, semi-sensical rant over

To help ease your mind and if you are so inclined, try lurking at an automotive forum hosting the make of your husband's car. Like ParrotForum, they will have specialized subforums and might have a thread related to the issue. I realize you don't yet have a diagnosis, but certain autos are infamous for specific types of maladies. Transmission issues can be worrisome, but if the problems lie outside the complex mechanical section you might squeak by with a fairly easy fix.

Good luck, and keep your eye on the goal of a shiny new cage!!

As far as him wanting to show his love via a splashy dinner, well, that's a guy thing!!

Amanda_Bennett said:

Have you talked to The Bird Hut about using a layaway plan for the cage? That's what I did and he was fine with it. I put 1/4 down and paid on the rest until I could pay it off today. I thought his prices were better than some places I had looked online.

He even has the cage you put a picture of in another post last week. (the one you said you wanted to get) Not sure how much you were looking to pay, but when I looked at it the price was $450.00.(I ended up choosing one with a flat top so I can have her gym on top of it.) He said it comes in 4 colors to choose from, the one he has set up is the silver, but it also comes in black, grey or copper.

Hope things work out for you!

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The cage I'm looking at is medical grade stainless steel. If they have the bird hut has that cage in stainless for $450, I'm calling them right now to go get it!!! I've actually looked there before and they have silver color cages, but not stainless. Most places don't stock them unfortunately I'm really, really determined that his next cage will be a stainless one (then we'll never have to buy another one again).

Aww, that's too bad . I hate when stuff like that happens. Hopefully it's not as costly as you're thinking.

I think a special home cooked dinner would be really nice for your anniversary! If the weather is nice, how about having it outside on your balcony with candles? You already have that beautiful green Oregonian forest backdrop!

That's too funny that he won't drive your car under any circumstance lol all because it's pink haha. Who's going to notice a guy is driving a car with pink seats at 2 am anyway?! I guess he doesn't want to be seen going TO work and being caught getting out of the car! Hang in there April

Remember a couple months back, a member bought a second hand stainless cage for her Pionus? It was an exceptionally low price for SS. It seemed as if the seller didn't know the going price for it. It looked in great condition too! I couldn't believe it. Was it a Featherland? Have to be in the right place at the right time, but great deals are out there if it's meant to be . I do hope you can get the cage you want by Christmas for Kiwi!

Make sure when he is in the car there is a sign on the back that reads

BEEP IF YOU LOVE PINK

hang in there I am sure it will work out

So sorry for your car troubles. It sucks that they always happen at the worst time (at least for me they do). Maybe it won't be a major repair. Hopefully just relays or something! I agree that if you look up the make of the car and the symptoms you may be able to find out a rough estimate of the problem. I hope all goes well! Happy Anniversary regardless. I'm sure you will make it wonderful!

Now I just want to cry. I just fail to help poor Kiwi get a nice cage over and over I'm such a bad owner I checked this morning and the cage went back up in price, and with the car repairs, I'm never going to be able to afford something nicer for the poor little guy. I'm not going to throw more money down a black hole for another coated cage that will be ready for scrap in a few years. Poor Kiwi, he didn't choose to be with such an inept owner I just want to crawl under a rock.

Aw April, I want to give you a hug . I know it's very frustrsting! Just remember... You are an EXEMPLARY owner . Those SS cages for an Amazon sized bird are very expensive, and no reflection on you! I know you know that, you're just down about it. I'm hoping you come across an unexpected great deal!

Robin's powder coated cage is ready to replace, and has lasted 20 years! BUT... It is not the cheapy ones that are around these days. It's all one piece (no screws), and seems to have a heavier better quality coating than most. The company has since gone out of business. I hear you about the cheapy powder coated ones. They do need replacing.

I feel your pain. I parked my mini until I can pay about $1700 to fix an oil silinoid and the water pump. I have driving my old truck, it's paid for, 10 years old and has been reliable. Husband wants me driving the mini because its newer but I'm fine with my truck.

Now who cares about the interior? He's being silly, no one sees pink interior at 2AM, lol. My husband always wants to drive my mini so I threatened to put butterfly stickers on it, keeps him out lol.

And as for going out to celebrate, I like staying home and cooking something different and special. It will all work out, but I do want to suggest to see if the air intake just needs to be cleaned. My sister recently had an air intake issue. Mechanic said $600, a good friend cleaned it for free and she's been up and running ever since. Have a very Happy Anniversary, Kiwi will be looking forward to walking through your plate of food lol!

Hey April! How was your anniversary? Happy belated, and I hope you both had a wonderful time regardless of the financial circumstances.

Amanda_Bennett said:

He even has the cage you put a picture of in another post last week. (the one you said you wanted to get) Not sure how much you were looking to pay, but when I looked at it the price was $450.00.(I ended up choosing one with a flat top so I can have her gym on top of it.) He said it comes in 4 colors to choose from, the one he has set up is the silver, but it also comes in black, grey or copper.

Hope things work out for you!

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Did you ever find out if the cage Amanda was talking about is indeed the same as the one for which you've been saving? If so, that much of a price difference would make for one heck of a silver lining! Haha!

Taw5106 said:

Now who cares about the interior? He's being silly, no one sees pink interior at 2AM, lol. My husband always wants to drive my mini so I threatened to put butterfly stickers on it, keeps him out lol.

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Hahaha! Now, now. I understand exactly where April's husband is coming from! I'd definitely be less than enthused about driving about in a car with a pink interior myself, whether 2AM or 2PM! Lol!

"Bad" owner???..."Inept" owner???...don't be silly I know you are depressed about the situation with the car and Kiwi's new cage, but you OBVIOUSLY aren't a bad or inept owner!! You are an AWESOME parront and Kiwi doesn't care if he gets his new cage now or in a couple months or next year. He loves YOU and you always do what's best for him!! It will all work out and be fine...you'll see. Keep your chin up April. I bet the price of the cage will come back down...Christmas is coming. Maybe it will even be cheaper than it was

And as for bad owner, who??? Kiwi doesn't care about a new cage.... Unless it comes with a 24 hour spa! Kiwi loves you all and he loves his out of cage time, don't sweat it.

Thanks but I do feel bad It's like every time I wait until nothing should "get in the way" of finally getting him a big cage, it's like the universe finds something random to drain the savings I gather up, and it makes me feel like I can't give Kiwi the best life He's such a good boy, he doesn't mind living in a cozy cage and doesn't complain. I just want to give him happy life.

Kiwibird said:

Thanks but I do feel bad It's like every time I wait until nothing should "get in the way" of finally getting him a big cage, it's like the universe finds something random to drain the savings I gather up, and it makes me feel like I can't give Kiwi the best life He's such a good boy, he doesn't mind living in a cozy cage and doesn't complain. I just want to give him happy life.

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You want to give him a happy life? I've seen all the pics you post, April. Trust me, you've already got that covered. His happiness comes across most eloquently in those photos. It's natural to always want the best for your bird, but don't beat yourself up when outside circumstances hinder your ability to do so.

You'll get there, April. It'll just take a bit more time is all.