A September To Remember ............

My Daughter is a Teacher and had August off so I didn't get back to Babysitting my Granddaughter until after Labor Day. Since my Son-in-law is still working nights I only swing by on Tuesdays and Fridays. I used to show up by 7:30 AM but there's been a change. They started the Potty Training process and decided that one of the Parents should be there when the Little One wakes up and develop a routine. I didn't have a problem with that and agreed to wait until 9:30.

That first Tuesday, the 5th, went well but I had a problem starting my car when I left. It also stalled out on me several times over the next couple of days. That Friday, the 8th, after my visit, I drove up to Walmart to pick up a prescription. I came back out, started the car, and it died. I tried for about half an hour without success. I wound up calling AAA. While waiting for the tow truck, I saw this guy heading in my direction.

I was tempted but it wasn't a good time.

The truck showed up and towed me to my mechanic on Main Street. I walked home. It turned out to be a problem with the Ignition System. He managed to get the parts and fixed it that day (for $330).

I walked up the next morning, the 9th.

He showed me what he replaced but, frankly, I don't know anything about cars so I just nodded, paid, and left.

Sunday, the10th, I stopped at Shoprite to pick up a few things. I always use the self-checkout. I decided to pay with my Debit Card and take an additional $10.

It was declined.

I called my Bank and found out that someone tried to use my card for a $115 electronics purchase and a $130 clothing purchase - both in China. My bank didn't think these charges were real and tried to contact me. When they couldn't, they blocked my account. I had to go in person to resolve the matter. Thankfully, they have Sunday hours (although not until 11 AM).

I was there when they opened and walked out about 15 minutes later with a new card and some peace of mind.

A few days later, Wednesday the 13th, I came home and found a couple of my neighbors in front of the building discussing some mail they had gotten. No one said anything to me - which is not unusual since I don't know them -  so I got my mail out of my box and went inside. Turns out the Landlord has decided to bring on a Property Manager and they've sent every tenant a new lease. I haven't had a lease in over 15 years and - although there is a rent increase - I'm OK with this.

Since the increase wouldn't start until November, I didn't act right away.

Tuesday, the 19th, I got this Certified Mail notice in the mail.

I was pretty sure I knew what it was.

Wednesday, the 20th, I stopped at the Post Office in Woodbridge to pick it up.

I was right. The Management Company had also sent the new leases by Certified Mail. I've been through this before. It's a legal way to prove that they mailed you something. I stopped at a local Dollar Store and picked up a large enough envelope to return it in (actually it was a 5-pack but for $1 it was worth it).

Thursday, the 21st, I was out early. Rather then wait for the Post Office to open at 9 AM, I bought a book of stamps at Shoprite and dropped off my signed copy of the lease in the Avenel Post Office

This morning, the 22nd, I woke up and realized that I had nothing to do. I slept in a bit, ran through my morning routine, and picked up breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. I stopped at Shoprite but didn't get anything. While I was back in my car eating, I noticed this guy.

My Daughter is a Teacher and she's off today for a religious holiday so I presumed that every school district was off today as well. When I saw this guy using a school bus I thought that he was taking advantage. I drove over.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove up into Colonia and noticed that there were the usual crossing guards and a lot of minivans dropping off kids.

Apparently I was wrong. The school's in my Township were open today.

My bad.

This is definitely a September I'll remember.