Good Thursday Morning, Everybody!

[Clintmax]

:donut::hi:
Hello, hello, Early Morning Crew and all you Nighthawks! :bounce: How are you today? Well, we made it over the "Hump Day" and so now it's all downhill from here, as we countdown to the weekend! :woohoo:

Anything exciting going on in your world? There is in mine! I'm going to buy a new car! A 2006 Nissan Sentra Special Edition! It's bright yellow and it has everything on it, and it's going to be mine...I hope...there's just one little snag that I don't understand. We'll see what happens.

Song Of The Day: "That's What Friends Are For" by Dion and Friends

[Clintmax]

1. CURRENT EARLY MORNING CREW MEMBERS

• AirmensMom
• AussieDave
• Bigwillq
• Billyskank
• Buddhamama
• BuffyTheFundieSlayer
• Bzzzz
• CallMeWesley
• Cannikin
• DanCa
• FoxMulder
• GalleryGod
• Heidi
• Jamastiene
• Joan_Alpern
• Khashka
• KitchenWitch
• LizzieGrace
• Mdmc
• MissHoneychurch
• MrsGrumpy
• Mutley_r_us
• Newyawker99
• OhioBlues
• Redwitch
• Robeson
• Scooter24
• SeattleGirl
• SimplyFugue
• Southlandshari
• SugarSmack
• Swimboy
• Tjwmason
• Wetzelbill
• Whoa_Nelly
• WildHorses
• XemaSab

[KitchenWitch]

2. Good morning Clintmax!

Not so much new in my world...we may get a lot of snow today, which means driving will be a pain.

[Clintmax]

4. Morning, Miss Kitchen!

:hi::hug:
Even more snow, huh? *YUCK* If you do, you be careful driving out there...you know there are a lot of idiots on the roads!

[KitchenWitch]

10. LOL

We did not get hit with that storm that hit NY and New England (thank the gods), but I will have to do some driving around it it today, since it is guitar lesson day for my son.

[Clintmax]

11. I'm glad you didn't get all that snow...

Still...you drive carefully. How much are you supposed to get?

[KitchenWitch]

13. Looks like 3-6 inches

Enough to be a damn nuisance.

I just hope it is the wet snow so we can build another snowwoman (my daughter wants another snowwoman and is very clear that she does not want a snowman!)

[Clintmax]

19. 3 to 6, huh?

When I lived in Missouri, I wanted either none, or at least 12! :rofl: If your'e going to have snow, you may as well have enough to make snow forts!

[KitchenWitch]

22. ...

True, it would be kind of nice to have enough to bring everything to its knees (sadly around here that would be 20 inches).

[Clintmax]

28. Yes...no school...that's another reason.

You'd need 20 inches for that? Amazing!

[KitchenWitch]

32. At least

The suburb I live in very rarely closes school. There have been instances for which all of the surrounding communities have closed and ours are still open, much to the chagrin of my son!

[Clintmax]

45. I feel his pain...

That would happen to us in Missouri all the time too. Unless we got at least 12 inches.

[MissHoneychurch]

3. Good morning Clintmax

:hi: :hi: :hi: :hi:

This evening I will be baking brownies again and finish cleaning up my apt. Other than that ... well you got my pm :)

[Clintmax]

5. Good morning, Miss Honey!

:hi::hug:
Yes, I sure did get your PM! I'm very happy too! :woohoo: I wish I could have some of the brownies you make. I'm sure they're delicious!

[MissHoneychurch]

6. Oh believe me, they will be delicious

:9

Right now I am trying to decide if one patch will be enough or if I should make two just in case. :shrug:

[Clintmax]

7. How many people are going to be there?

That would depend on how much to make. If I were there...you'd need to make three! :rofl:

[MissHoneychurch]

17. I don't know really

about 10 I would say. Maybe 2 or 3 more. Haven't really counted.

[Clintmax]

29. In that case, I would make two.

Just so everyone could have two brownies instead of just one.

[MissHoneychurch]

40. Yes

and I don't wanna look like I am not begrudge the people their brownies :)

[Clintmax]

47. That's true!

So two it is! :bounce:

[MissHoneychurch]

54. Ok, then I need to buy more chocolate today

:)

Brought the champagne in this morning already. Oh and I need to buy coffee.

[Callalily]

57. Ohhhhh . . .

brownies MissH, yummy! I don't do a lot of baking, but I sure LOVE to cook!
Oh I have another smilie that I thought you may like.

[MissHoneychurch]

64. Oh yes I like it

thanks.

I rather cook than bake myself. But my mom tells me to keep baking so that I learn it. I start with easy recipes :) The other problem is who am I baking for? A cake is too much for myself. I would have to bring it into work and use my co-workers as guinea pigs :rofl:

[Callalily]

75. Oh I know what you

mean about having too much! I found myself with a lot of time on my hands after I broke up with, hmmm, two bf's ago, so I taught myself how to bake bread. Most recipes made two loaves so I would always give a loaf to my elderly neighbors. They also would get food from me too, and didn't mind trying new "exotic" foods. Nice couple, but they moved out last fall due to health issues.
My colleagues would eat anything, believe me. You could bring dried bread crusts and someone would eat it.

[MissHoneychurch]

76. The other weekend I baked

a Mexican chocolate cake. I took some in to work and my co-worker and boss loved it. They wanted the recipe. YAY!!!
And my mom took the left over brownies to her work place Monday (I was at her place with the train and didn't want too much stuff with me - she gave me a loaf of bread anyway). Her boys loved the brownies. YAY!!!

A friend and I cook on Saturdays sometimes. She comes to my place. I choose what to cook and we try new things as well. It is fun. And we learn something.

[In_The_Wind]

8. Mornin' Clint!

:woohoo: Good luck on your new car. Ooh yellow! I think that's cool!

I'm going to NYC to hang out with LynneSin and a few other DUers this weekend.


BTW ~ I really like today's song! Indeed ~ what are friends for:;)

[Clintmax]

9. Good Morning, Miss Joan!

:hi::hug:
Yep...and here it is:

I hope you have fun this weekend! Meeting other DU'ers, I'm sure you will! And I've ALWAYS liked "That's What Friends Are For" also! Great song!

[In_The_Wind]

20. WOW !!! Great lookin' car!

Thanks for showing us exactly what your excited about. May you have many carefree years of happy miles under your tires.

The weather isn't great in NYC for this weekend. It's going to be cold and wet so I may not venture out too much.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again.

[Clintmax]

26. I'm sure you are!

It's a sweet car isn't it? :bounce: Do you know anything about the credit reporting agencies?

[In_The_Wind]

34. Yes, it is.

I know a little bit about them. I was surprised when my car loans went through few times, I wasn't sure that they would. The car dealerships have a way of pushing the applications through most of the time.

[Clintmax]

41. Well...here's the snag...

I wanted to know what my credit SCORE was before I tried to get a car, so I went to Free Credit Report.com and got it. Experian shows my credit score as 745. When the dealership pulled me up, the credit agencies showed NO credit score! :shrug: The credit lady at the dealersihp looked at me like I made the whole thing up! With a score of 745, I qualify for preferred status and I can almost name my payments! I don't know what to do. :cry:

[In_The_Wind]

62. Can you print what you found?

There are so many reporting agencies out there it's easy to play with numbers. Give her the information you found, where you found it and tell her to run it again! With car sales down as they are you have more control. If you don't get what you tell her you are thinking of going somewhere else. They'll cave-in because there are other dealers who will work with you if they don't.

[Clintmax]

65. I printed it out when I got home last night.

I'm going to take it over there this morning when they open. The thing is, Experian is the one showing 745. When SHE pulled up Experian, it showed no score either. I'm getting mad just thinking about it again! What do I do about it, Miss Joan?

[In_The_Wind]

70. Don't get mad. It interferes with thinking correctly.

Here's what I'd do. Go directly to your band with the same questions. They may offer you a better loan package since your credit really is very good.

[Clintmax]

I wondered about that.

Hmmm. I don't really want to go that route though. :grr::mad:

[In_The_Wind]

78. You'll get what you want.

Remember there are other car dealers around with the very same car.

You know you are going to get the car. You just want the best financing deal. Ask to speak with the sales manager and calmly explain your point of view.

[Clintmax]

81. I will.

The sales guy that was helping me told me it wasn't a problem, but I'm sure he'd tell me anything to keep me from getting discouraged.

[In_The_Wind]

92. AND ~ They will bend over backward to avoid losing your sale.

I've bought a number of new cars over the past 15 years. They will work with you!

[Clintmax]

96. Well, he told me she said she could still do it for me.

I guess I'm just a little nervous. *hold me!* :cry:

[In_The_Wind]

100. OMG Clint!

Don't :cry: Sweetie. I'm always holding you in my heart. :loveya:

[Clintmax]

106. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

:hug:

[Skittles]

12. hey

stop assuming everyone has weekends off already!

[Clintmax]

15. Morning, Skittles!

:hi:
Hey, I don't have weekends off either. Only rarely. I have to work Saturday this time. But, I think *most* people DO have it off.

[Skittles]

38. actually, it is night for me, LOL

my schedule is TOTALLY screwy

[Clintmax]

48. Oh, OK.

Well then good night! :rofl:

[tjwmason]

14. Good morning Clint.

:hi:

Sounds like things are going well in Clint-land. :D

All's merry here - though I am making an attempt to try and focus on work (guess how that's going).

Buxtehude organ works here - very good for working too - currently Ciacona in C minor.

:hug:

[Clintmax]

16. Hail, TJ!

:hi::hug:
Yes, all is jolly here with me! I'm glad you're doing good too, Man! Il Divo currently playing over here! Those boys can SING! :woohoo:

[tjwmason]

24. You sound very happy.

Did you have a good day-off yesterday?

[Clintmax]

30. Yes, I did.

I spent two and a half hours at the Nissan dealership. Drove a new car! It was awesome! :bounce:

[tjwmason]

43. I'm guessing that you're like a little boy with a new toy.

:P

How soon before you get it - and we get to see pictures of you in it?

[Clintmax]

50. I WILL be that way if I can get a wrinkle ironed out.

And yes, you will...until then...here's the car:

[tjwmason]

59. Does it come with a pair of sun-glasses

so one doesn't blind oneself looking at it?

It's very bright - just like you. :D

I guess that the wrinkles to do with finance - they always have little problems in them somewhere.

[Clintmax]

61. Yes, well...I hate it!

Hopefully I can get it all fixed today.

[tjwmason]

66. I presume (and hope) you mean the finance.

rather than the colour.

It's still bound to be easier than saving up your pennies in a jar until you've got enough to buy the car...

[Clintmax]

69. Yes, I meant the finance.

If I can't get those credit reporting agencies fixed, that's what I may have to do!

[tjwmason]

72. Ahhhh the joys of the debt-based economy.

Did you know that private U.K. debt recently passed the level of our annual national output...makes one stop and think sometimes.

[Clintmax]

84. Yes, it does.

I don't have ANY debt at all right now. None. Zero. Maybe I should just forget it. :shrug:

[tjwmason]

109. I've still got the debts I incurred as a student.

The student loan is no problem, they're given out on shockingly good terms; and the bank overdrafts are nearly gone now (they would have been gone ages ago if I'd wanted).

The only problem (from an individual's perspective) is if income falls away (e.g., due to job loss) or if interest rates rise. I don't know about the prevailing economic circumstanes in the U.S., but certainly here in the U.K. they're more likely to go down than up.

If you want/need a new car, and the repayments aren't going to cripple you financially, I'd say go for it. But then my training is as an economist not as a financial adviser...

[Clintmax]

112. Well, there's no chance of income falling away...

So that's not a problem. Interest rates are good if you have a good credit score (which I do), but for some reason the dealership can't SEE it. I don't get it. I'm outta here for today, TJ. I'll talk to you tomorrow and hopefully...I can say I have that new car and show you some pictures of me in it! :bounce::hug:

[LaurenG]

18. Good Morning!!

A new car! Yay, I hope that one little snag works out. You'll have to post a pic so we can all see it. Nothing new for us this weekend but I did have a very interesting time at the health fair last weekend. I may just read this weekend I love that. Have fun today! :loveya:

[Clintmax]

23. Hello, hello, Miss OhioB!

:hi::hug:
I hope it works out too! Here's the car:

I love to read too so that sounds like a great weekend to me! I hope you have a good day too, my dear! :loveya:

[LaurenG]

27. Oooo Nice!!!

My fingers are crossed (((X))) for you.

[Clintmax]

31. Mine are too...

We'll see if I can get this snag fixed. Damned Equifax! :rofl:

[NMMNG]

21. Good morning Clint!

Nothing exciting in my world. I have to go to the dental hygienist this morning for a cleaning and exam. She's not even hot or anything. :rofl:

[Clintmax]

25. ROFL! Morning, Miss Buffy!

:hi::hug:
Damned dentists! :rofl: Why can't they at LEAST be hot? :shurg:

[NMMNG]

37. LOL

And on top of it, she tells me all these goofy jokes, only half of which are actually funny. Of course I have to laugh at all of them to be polite. It could be worse I suppose--she could be an old grouch.

[Clintmax]

55. A grouch and mean as hells with that pick of hers!

:scared:
Yes, it could be worse! :rofl:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

33. I'm in early again!

Hello Clint and the rest of you morning birds! Have a good day!

:hi:

[Clintmax]

35. Morning, Miss WIMR!

:hi:
It's good to see you again today! I hope you have a good day too! :bounce:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

39. It should be pretty good--

after all, Friday is the last day before February vacation!

:woohoo::woohoo:

:hi:

[Clintmax]

67. I hope it is!

By the way...I added you to the Early Morning Crew roster! Good to have you aboard! :bounce:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

118. Thank you!

Just home from school--dull, but I made it through. Phew!

:bounce::bounce:

:hi:

WIMR

[Cannikin]

36. Good morning Clintmax!

[Clintmax]

42. Hail, Cannikin!

:hi:
How's it hangin' today, Dude?

[Cannikin]

49. A little to the right

:evilgrin:

[Clintmax]

63. LOL! Tease!

:rofl:

[tjwmason]

46. Good morning Cannikin.

:hug:

Always good to see one of the very hunkiest Little Rockers around.

[Cannikin]

52. Awe. Right back at ya, sexy

[buddhamama]

44. a new car !

excellent! whatever concerns you have regarding the "snag" it is my hope there are unfounded and soon you'll be cruising around in Yellow. sending good vibes :hug:

[Clintmax]

53. Morning, Mama!

:hi::hug:
Thank you for the good vibes! It's the damned credit reporting agencies that's the problem. I don't know HOW I'm going to fix THEM.

[buddhamama]

73. aha, i see.

yes, those credit bureaus/companies can be a hassle. quick to 'condemn' but not so quick to help, are they!?

btw Clintmax, Good Morning !!!! :donut:

and i am well, thank you.

[Clintmax]

74. Good Morning to you too, my dear!

:hi:
Glad to hear your'e doing good!

[Callalily]

51. Good Morning Clint!

Nice car, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Well, it's snowing here and roads are "ice covered and slippery". We've got about three inches already and they are expecting around 12 with high winds. It's drivable with caution right now, but it's supposed to get worse as the day goes on. They have cancelled all the schools and many events for tonight. I'm leaning towards not even going into work at all, because I'll just have to leave in a few hours anyway.
Still sitting here in my jammies, so that tells you how motivated I am to get going huh?

[Clintmax]

58. Morning, SimplyF!

:hi::hug:
You be careful out on those roads if you DO go! I'm sitting here in pajamas too. I have to go back over to the dealership in two hours. *crosses fingers*

[Callalily]

68. I'm confident

that all will go well at the dealership. But . . . anyway.
Yes, I always drive careful, but I half decided to stay home yesterday already, and that's truly what I'd like to do. Still haven't made that solid decision yet, but as you've most likely guessed, I'm leaning towards staying home.

[Clintmax]

71. Yes, I guessed!

I would too if it were me! Thank you for the good luck wishes!

[Robeson]

56. Alright Clintman!....

...glad you're going to get a new car. I'll go to their website and check it out! I know you're excited. BTW, yellow is my favorite color! :woohoo:

[Clintmax]

60. Hail, Robeson!

:hi:
Here's the car:

I'm excited! Now, if I can just get the damned credit reporting agencies fixed...:hide:

[Robeson]

77. Very cool!.....

...I love it! Hope you get it! It'll be a great car....:thumbsup:

[Clintmax]

79. I hope I do too!

Why there has to be a snag someplace with everything I'll NEVER know! :grr:

[RetroLounge]

80. Good Morning!

:hi:

RL

[Clintmax]

82. Good Morning, Retro!

:hi:
How's every little thing today?

[RetroLounge]

86. Little things are fine...

The rest? Eh...

:hi:

RL

[Clintmax]

89. I know how you feel!

I hope it gets better for you, though! :bounce:

[Scooter24]

83. Hey Clint

:hug:

Congrats on the new car. There's nothing like driving around smelling that new car smell.

It's a nice, cool, breezy morning here. I have my windows open and it feels so nice inside. I might just go back an lay back down for a while. My boy is cuddled in bed with my stuffed cow sleeping like a baby :D

[Clintmax]

87. Hail, Scooter!

:hi::hug:
I don't have it YET, Man. The damned credit reporting agencies are screwing with me, so I have to get that fixed first. We'll see.

Sounds like a nice morning there! If I were you I'd go lay back down next to him too!

[Scooter24]

94. I would...

but how can I compete with the stuffed cow? lol. He's got a strong hold on that thing.

Sucks about the credit agencies. I've had issues with them in my younger years (my own fault) and I remember my grandmother walking into the room when I was on the phone with a hateful woman from the agency calling her a "hateful c--t"

Good times :D

[Clintmax]

98. It's not that there's any fault here...

they're just not showing my credit score for some reason. It's making me mad too.

[ScreamingMeemie]

85. Good morning Clintmax.

Enjoy your new car. I hope it gives you many years of troublefree rides! Have a great day.

[Clintmax]

88. Morning, MrsG!

:hi::hug:
Thank you for the good wishes! I hope you have a great day too, my dear!

[billyskank]

91. Hi MrsG!

:hi: :loveya:

[swimboy]

90. Hello, Clintman!

I got my swim in and I have to duck right in to work. I have some very bad work juju or gri-gri or whatever the evil voodoo stuff is. I'll try to look in on everybody later today!!! :loveya: (Don't worry, I have coffee! :rofl:)

[Clintmax]

95. Good Morning, Swimboy!

:hi::hug:
I'm glad you stopped by! I hope you can defeat the bad work juju immediately! :bounce: Take care and try to have a good day!

[tjwmason]

99. Good morning swimboy.

As for work juju - don't let the bastards grind you down. :loveya: :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

102. swimboy!

:loveya:

[billyskank]

93. Hi Clint

:hi:

[Clintmax]

97. Hail, Billy!

:hi::hug:
How's everything going today, Mister Man?

[billyskank]

103. Oh, not so bad thanks

:hug:

[Clintmax]

108. That's good to hear!

Have a great day, Man! I going to go get ready now...I have to take my puppy in for a couple of shots now and then get back to the dealership!

[tjwmason]

101. Good afternoon billy.

:hi:

Has the game of musical chairs continued into today, or that all been and gone now?

[billyskank]

105. Hi mason!

My chair was in its proper place when I arrived today. :)

[tjwmason]

111. Hurrah - you scared them into submission.

billy kicks arse. :bounce:

[In_The_Wind]

113. billyskank

:loveya:

[billyskank]

115. Joani

:loveya:

[In_The_Wind]

116. Thanks ...

... for mentioning vyr girl's thread. She looks great!

[billyskank]

117. Yes she does

She is one DUer we do not see enough of.

(You know what I think of her). ;)

[lizziegrace]

104. Hi ya Clint!

Bright yellow huh? Sounds like a fun car.

Have a terrific day. I'm still working at Habitat. Not bad to be paid for a job you'd do for free as a volunteer...

:)

:hi:

[Clintmax]

107. Morning, Lizzie!

:hi:
Yes, it will be great if I can just get this last thing worked out! And you're right...it's great to work a job like that! I hope you have a great day too! :bounce:

[Clintmax]

110. Folks, I'm outta here!

I have to go take Tony to the Vet to get a couple of shots, and then it's back to the dealership. I just hope I can get everything worked out!

[AirmensMom]

114. Oh, I missed you.

:cry: Hope to see you tomorrow.