So it goes.

I was feeling all flush with cash this month. New underwear! New backpack! Japanese books at the Kinokuniya! (which I will not give up. No way.)

And then the battery light on the dashboard came on.

I Googled. Okay, new alternator, that doesn't cost too much...

But it's the alternator, and the battery, and the tension belt, at the same time.

I added up the repair cost for this time, and the repair cost for last time (not even counting the serpentine belt in May and various oil changes and inspections), and for the price I'm paying to keep the minivan on the road, I could practically drive a new car.

So. If it looks like I'm gonna keep living where I need a car... it's time to start looking for a new one. I am still thinking of running away to somewhere that is less like North Carolina.