Drew has been helpful so far, but the schedule stretched way out. Colin's offered to come in once I've picked a car and test it, but I haven't discussed actually shopping with him.

I'm good at negotiating merely because I'm not particularly concerned with reality and have a very tight window of what's acceptable. Which works against me in some respects (like, you know, actually compromising and finding a car), but makes my poker face pretty good.

I think I met Deb, right, bon? I will look there too. Carmax and Autotrader have me frustrated.

ita !, what are you looking for? I may be able to help you out as well.

Feel free to shoot me an email.

Woohoo. Went out running errands with my mother this morning, did some idle shopping, and got a washable suede coat for $40.

Thanks, Maria. Insent.

I just had a ridiculous conversation with the PM on one of my projects where he alluded to a ridiculous phobia of something everyday that he has, but he won't reveal details because I'm not trustworthy and I'll use the knowledge to deliberately freak him out.

I'm not sure why he came to that conclusion...

He did feel comfortable telling me he thinks one of my (male) developer teammates has a crush on him, though. That's okay, but not a wee little phobia that I might exacerbate in ignorance anyway?

I don't know what I could have done to deserve that.

Colin's ringtone is the Eureka theme music, so when it goes off at work I can't answer it immediately because I have to laugh first. Not the slickest or most professional behaviour. Must remember not to take phone into meetings.

Pretty baby - eating a snack.

I don't know what I could have done to deserve that.

Possibly he lurks.

I have ringtones for people that totally make me laugh before I answer. Who am I kidding? I rarely answer. But some do make me laugh.

I am tempted to search for ita !'s new car.

If Colin has time, I think taking him with you is a really good idea. I know LA is teeming with celebs, and he's niche, but still...it could help.

/shameless strategist.

My dad has always gone with me to pick out cars, because I know jack-shit, but now one of my BFF's partner's a mechanic and I know the next time I have to get a car, he is going with me, and I will dicker like a BITCH.

The best ploy, according to friends of mine who have sold cars is to just get up and start walking out if they are going for a hard sell, esp. if there's paperwork on the desk. Car salespeople will NOT let a potential sale walk out the door, if at all possible.

Pick a man, too, if they have male and female salespeople. A woman will not be nicer.

Colin is trying to get his house in a livable state, so I'm not going to pull him in until I absolutely have to. He's a crazy stressball right now.

I finally sat down and started customising my ringtones for maximum amusement, and now I feel I don't get called enough. It's a weird place to be in. It's all TV theme music. I might fire up the Bond themes too.

So what are people doing this weekend?

Tomorrow night is the Steampunk Exhibition Ball, where I am a celebrity judge for the "enticing ensemble" and "beard and moustache" categories.

Sunday night is the Emilie Autumn concert, which I'm going to with Plei!

I only have a custom ringtone for Dad. I want a custom ringtone for Pete, but haven't gotten around to looking for the Cave Johnson rant from Portal 2. I should assign the opening riff of "Vampires Will Never Hurt You" to Cass, but I'd never hear it.