Celebrate National Sandwich Day @ Schlotzsky’s!!!

On Wednesday, November 3rd, you can use the Schlotzsky’s app to order up to 5 medium sandwiches for just $5 each!  Take advantage of this deal…sandwich deals at Schlotzsky’s don’t come around very often.

My personal favorite is the Smoked Turkey Reuben.  It used to be on the menu as a specialty sandwich.  It’s no longer on there, but you can still order it by asking for it in person or by ordering the Pastrami Stacker in the app and substituting smoked turkey for the pastrami in the comments.  I do it whenever I order there.  So good!  My only disappointment is that they dropped the brown bread during the pandemic.  Too bad!

Enjoy your deal!

Annual Checkup…Turning 50 is No Joke!!!

I had my annual checkup on Friday.  I will be 50 in just about 2 months or so, and this checkup was really, really thorough!  I had to get a pap smear, fast for cholesterol test, and get a blood draw for all the usual tests in addition to a battery of hormone tests.  I also got a referral for a mammogram since I’ve only ever had one, and that was in VA.  I also got a referral for a colonoscopy.  I had one of those when I was 40 due to my family history (my grandfather died of colon cancer, and my mother had polyps removed 3 times that are the hereditary type that develop into colon cancer).  I got that scheduled for April (the first available appointment!), and I have to call this week to schedule the mammogram.  In addition, I also had a pap smear for the first time in 5 years!  I’ve had cervical dysplasia in the past and had to have a LEEP surgery to remove the abnormal tissue, so I’m anxious to get the results this time.  I’ve been used to getting tested every year in the past.  Oh!  And let’s not forget the urine sample, too.  And while I was hoping I could get a Moderna COVID booster, I’m not yet eligible since I’m no longer on immune-suppressant medication.  I did, however, get my annual flu shot.

Photo Credit to PharmEasy website

So far, I’ve only gotten my CBC blood test (normal) and my hormone tests back (normal).  I guess the rest will trickle in next week. I have to admit that I’m not really looking forward to the colonoscopy!  At least they said they use a pill form of prep now.  I had to drink a whole bottle of liquid laxative last time.  Ugh! 

Have you reached this milestone yet?  I felt like I had a bad case of old!  LOL.

Update on My Carvana Saga

I haven’t heard from my Executive Resolution Agent since September 5th when he said he’d have an update for me in 2 days.  I never heard from him again.  I’ve written to him at least twice since then, and I’ve gotten no response or acknowledgement whatsoever.  I have one more renewal left on my TX temporary plates, and that will take me through November 25th.  After that, I have no recourse.  I will again be unable to drive my car until they provide my permanent registration. 

This week, I heard from the investigator at TX DMV where I filed a formal complaint against Carvana for violating TX dealer laws.  They only had 60 days to file for a permanent registration, which they did not do, and in fact, still have not done to this day.  The investigator informed me that Carvana is still waiting for a duplicate title from CA, which is notoriously slow, and Carvana won’t even be able to apply for a registration until they obtain the title.  Obviously, they should not have waited so many months to start that process.  That was begun less than 2 months ago.  December 11th will be one YEAR since I purchased the vehicle.  It’s beyond ridiculous.  Anyway, the investigator said he determined that Carvana DID violate TX law and CONTINUES to be in violation to this day.  He said his findings and recommendation have been forwarded to their attorney to determine disciplinary action.  Now that does not help ME…but it gets Carvana in trouble with TX, which is where it all starts.  I don’t want other people to go through this ordeal.  I’ll have to seek my own legal help if it gets to the point that I can’t drive the car any more. 

Here is the letter I got from TX DMV on 10-14-21:

Dear Kelly Burgess,

I have completed my investigation regarding your complaint against the above named licensee filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles - Enforcement Division. My investigation revealed evidence of a violation(s) related to the laws and/or rules which we regulate.

The dealer is having to obtain a duplicate title from the State of California, which is notorious for taking an extended period of time.  The dealer is still in violation. 

Your complaint, and my recommendation, have been forwarded to the attorney assigned to this case. The attorney will make the final determination on what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken.

You may have other claims or avenues of redress that can be pursued. You may wish to consult with a private attorney to discuss your options.

Thank you for bringing this matter to the attention of the Enforcement Division.

Justin White, Investigator
Enforcement Division-Motor Vehicle
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

 

So that’s that.  I hope they stick them with a fine, which they most definitely earned.  I certainly hope that Carvana resolves this issue before my final temporary registration expires next month, but time is running out fast.

In the meantime, the reporter from the Wall Street Journal that I’ve been working with, Ben Holdy, tells me that he is close to publishing his exposé article about all of the problems clients have encountered in transacting with Carvana.  I’m obviously among them, and I continue to keep him in the loop about the status of my issue.

Stay tuned!

Planning a Trip to Six Flags Over Texas

 

We’ve had passes to Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor for all the years we’ve lived here in TX.  But we have not been for the last 2 years, despite being pass holders!  Between my 2 shoulder surgeries (11/2019 and 02/2021) and subsequent activity restrictions, the pandemic and the long wait for vaccine availability, we just haven’t been able to go at all…not even one time!  We decided to go ahead and renew our passes again, now that we are all vaccinated and able to get out a bit more.  I don’t have any restrictions with my shoulder for the first time in a couple of years!

Photo Credit:  Six Flags website

Schools are closed on Monday for fall break, so Steve and Haylee took the day off from work so that we could all go together!  The only one missing will be Hayden, as he does have to work until about 3 PM.  He has an early start, too, so I’m not sure that he will want to join us so late in the day when we plan to leave by 8 PM.

Photo Credit:  Six Flags website

I’m so excited!  I absolutely love roller coasters, and it’s been over 2 years since I’ve been on one.  Holden wouldn’t ride anything the last time we went, but he’s older now and MUCH taller than he was.  He is only an inch shorter than me, so he can ride anything he wants to, and I’m hoping he will finally have the guts to get on something and try it!  We’re all really looking forward to it, so I hope it goes well.  Woo-hoo!

My Daughter’s First School Dance

Haylee is 17 now and just started her senior year of high school.  There has been no dating up to this point, but now she has her first boyfriend and got to go to her first school dance…Homecoming! 

Haylee and Daniel had dinner here first and then got ready to go.  I made them shrimp scampi, garlic toast, and a chopped Caesar salad so it would feel just a little bit fancy before this special occasion.

Her dress was made of the most beautiful fabric, and I loaned her my sapphire and diamond necklace to go with it.

Here they are!

 

So sweet!  They are super cute together.  They headed over a little late on purpose but said it was actually pretty boring, so they didn’t stay that long.  They said the music wasn’t good, no one was dancing, and it was burning hot inside the school cafeteria, like someone forgot to turn on the A/C!  They even saw the principal fiddling with the air vents.  So they ended up coming back after a couple of hours, and I took them out for Slurpees instead!  That’s the Burgess way to end the evening!

Have a great week!