First time ever

For the first time ever in the entire time that I have been in the US, I have Presidents Day off. This is part of the cost-cutting measures at work. Everyone is required to take mandatory days off to reduce the vacation hours on the books. Can't say it's all that bad since I have over 5 weeks of vacation, but still... it's an ominous sign.

In other consumer news, if anyone is thinking of buying a new American car, it is highly advisable to buy the extended warranty. Our van is sitting in the shop right now with problems in the airbag sensor, automatic door opener motor and track, and leak in the rack-and-pinion assembly. Total cost of repairs: $2,300. Cost with warranty: $100. Cost of the warranty at purchase: $1,600. So does the math work out? You bet it does. And Detroit still claims they make decent, solid vehicles. There's still about 35k miles of warranty left. Let's see what goes next.

Priya's turn to be the "helper"

The dapper boy

Visit to the Chicago Art Institute Museum - the Monet's are always breathtaking