Perpetual Smile

Growing up, I never really had to do anything for myself, by myself. Usually my mom would be there to help me out and take care of things — like doctors appointments and school — for me. Even after I turned 18, my mom still helped me take care of all that stuff. If I did have to do something on my own, I never went in blind. It was always something I’d already done with her.

Recently I’ve become more independent. Yeah, my parents are still there to help me and support me, but most of the time it’s me making the phone calls, me making sure everything is okay.

It’s empowering, and a little scary.

Like on Thursday. I went to SCSU to meet with my advisor, register, take my picture for my photo ID, and all of that fun new-student stuff.

It was really weird. First, SCSU is a lot bigger than NVCC (the community college I just graduated* and transferred from). Luckily, everything I needed to do was all in the same building. It was also a little confusing, because of the transferred credits and my financial aid situation.

I did find out that I can use my financial aid at SCSU. I just had to login to the FAFSA site and change my school code. So I’ll probably be taking two or three classes instead of just one.

This also gives me more freedom to put money into the Sunfire! I’m probably going to get it registered tomorrow, and hopefully can get the shifter problem fixed soon. Oh. I didn’t write about that.

The Pontiac Sunfire has just a couple minor problems. The power steering pump needed to be replaced, which is all done; now Dad or I just have to return the tool so I can get my rental deposit back. There is some damage on the passenger side, but it’s nothing that Dad can’t fix later on. Also, there’s something rattling in the front but Dad said that wasn’t a problem. He can look at it and fix it.

The main issue is the shifter. Right now it doesn’t go into Park, so the key can’t be shut off. This obviously drains the battery and — wait, did I already write about this?

Anyway, it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. I got it registered yesterday, so if Dad can’t figure out the shifter deal I can just take it to a mechanic. The downside of it being registered is that it cost me $149. Luckily I still have to return the tool we rented at Autozone and I also get the core charge back for the power steering pump, so I’m gonna have another $40 once I do that. In the meantime, I’ve got a little over $20 in my checking, $14 in my savings and Mom forced $20 on me after I stupidly admitted I was broke. (I got my stubbornness from her.)

I have no idea where this post was going — I originally started writing it a few days ago and then never published it — but Sarcastica wanted to read it, so here it is.

And for something completely random: I took an Ultraset — the painkiller my neurologist prescribed for me to try — about half an hour ago and so far don’t feel any different. I’m still getting twinges of pain.

GRR.

*Although I’ve finished all of my course requirements and transferred, I haven’t received my diploma yet. The ceremony is in the spring, so I’m assuming I’ll get my diploma mailed to me before then. Hopefully.