Both my friend Tami and my sister were just telling me to be sure to take some Tylenol to take care of the aches I'll more than likely be having by the morning.

Oh, you'll be sore. Best case, you'll just be sore. I had the concussion (which I recommend not having) and wicked bruising that showed the entire seat belt pattern. Which meant muscles were strained.

I really only took Advil for the pain, but Flexeril for the muscles was a big help. And I refilled that a few times.

if you are willing to give a bit on wanting a used car, I think you should look for 0-3% loans for new cars. Interest rates are fucking low and I bet you can get a good new car for $12-$15K.

You're right! I'll stop by the library and take a look at their Consumer Reports ratings for new cars and see what's out there.

I paid $20K for my Civic new and I definitely don't want to do that again, but if I can find something as good or almost as good for just a bit less, that'd be great!

The used car market is very strong right now because there's no supply, especially for good condition, fuel efficient, low mileage cars.

The tsunami as well put pressure on the supply, with new Japanese cars not coming out for awhile. Personally, I'm waiting as long as possible to buy the Honda I want. If you can wait a month or two, it might be better when the new cars come back onto the lot. I'm not an expert, though, just an interested party.

Kathy, major UGH, but glad, so glad, you are ok.

most people will paint decisions in the best possible light in order to justify themselves as being savvy and smart. People with depression do the opposite and will look for confirmation that they are worthless.

Oh, this is TOTALLY true. I'm pretty upbeat and "I am usually pretty awesome!" when I am out of active depression, but 2 dirty coffee cups convince me I am dog shit when I am depressed.

Maria, when/if the restaurant floods, my good friend works for disaster repair. I'm not sure any of her franchises she audits are in PA, but I also have another friend who does the grunt work for clean-up company, and I can at least maybe get a list of stuff do do before the company can get to the restaurant. The insurer usually uses a set company, but sometimes there's a choice, and I can get you a list of what a company should do, so your sis can perhaps make the best choice.

Masks and gloves for everyone, BTW. Flood clean-up can be a health hazard.

The 2012 Civic has been slammed by the car reviewers, so I'd much rather go with a 2011 instead. Problem is that all of the local dealerships are all out of 2011 Civics! They've got plenty of Fits around, but nothing in the Civic.

I did find a 2008 Accord that's cheaper than a 2008 Civic on the same lot, only $15,300 with 38,000 miles. Not bad! I'll definitely be seeing what's out there on Saturday.

38K on a 2008?! That's pretty damned awesome!

I don't think I've ever had a car with less than 80K.

That's a nice deal on an Accord.

Glad you're OK, Kathy!

The 2012 Civic has been slammed by the car reviewers

Yeah. I was considering one until I read an article in Car and Driver that said the 2012 Focus was better.

So far I really like mine--I've gotten better than the EPA highway mileage of 38.

Even though my Civic was six years old, I was still getting 30 mpg on mostly city driving! I'd love to find a car that can match if not surpass that.

That's a solid plan, Kathy.

Erin, the basement is definitely flooded, and the last pictures show water lapping at the front door. Pictures are available on my facebook page. It's horrifying. Any recs from your friend would be most welcome.

The tsunami as well put pressure on the supply, with new Japanese cars not coming out for awhile. Personally, I'm waiting as long as possible to buy the Honda I want. If you can wait a month or two, it might be better when the new cars come back onto the lot. I'm not an expert, though, just an interested party.

It's not just the Japanese OEMs. Ford and GM are having a really tough time making black cars. The paint comes from a Japanese company. The effects of the tsunami on the used car market won't be felt for about 2 1/2 years. If people can't buy and/or lease them now, there's not going to be low-mileage used cars in 36 to 48 months. The major reason we're in a supply crunch right now is due to the cash for clunkers deal in 2008. All of those vehicles had to be junked.