January 7th, 2010 by IamDraven

Is anyone else having a craptastic 2010 so far?
After spending $255 for TWO new laser cut, computer chipped keys for my SUV (AAA covered $50 of it, and when you have that kind of key, they need to make TWO of them) Erik found my one original working key that worked it’s way off his bent key ring and into his back seat while he went to a meeting on New Years Day.
So after panic, nausea, and one episode of vomiting (notice I didn’t even drink this NYE) I am just completely annoyed and missing a days pay from when I had to call off work because I couldn’t start my SUV telepathically. So now I have FOUR keys for my SUV. Let me break it down for you:
TWO keys that open and start the SUV.
ONE that used to open and start the SUV that will now only open it after having the other TWO keys made.
ONE that was supposed to open and start the SUV, but was made wrong so it only opened the doors. Because that key was made wrong (and the dealership closed right after we got the car at auction) was the reason I had to shell out the $ for the TWO keys instead of just having Erik drive me to my parents to pick up a spare key.
(Not to mention the $65 spent for a new remote clicker that neither us have been able to program with the instructions the dealership gave us)
At the same time Erik is busy taking it like a man from the Maryland MVA. (Jacque, girl I keep telling him he needs to check out your blog or contact you to share drama and see if you have any info that might help him).
My check engine light also came on during my drive to MD Christmas day. When I start the SUV it sounds like the engine wants to jump out of the hood, or else give up and turn back off. After a few minutes though it sounds fine and runs as well as it usually does. The diagnostic machine said it’s a cylinder 4 misfire, meaning it was a spark plug or wire issue, but my mechanic thinks it might just be water frozen in the lines. The problem only started on the day it was 4 below 0, and the car did sit for the 13 months between the previous owner’s brain injury and me buying it. He gave me a few cans of dry gas to put in it to run though and see if it helps. If not, it will be at least $100 for him to start digging in there. I’ve gone to my mechanic my whole life and he’s a friend of my Dad’s. For him to charge me $100, I could only imagine what it would cost at another garage or the dealership.
So, obviously we’re both stressed out and it’s affecting our relationship, but I have faith that we’re bigger than our respective clusterfucks and will make it through this. Holy crap, I just turned into Suzy Freaking Sunshine there for a minute. On that note, I’m out!