Should know better

I have been stupid.

When taking a car in to be serviced or to do repairs, I know perfectly well that you should get a quote, preferably written, and agree a schedule of work to be done. Also to agree what level the garage can go to without ringing you for authorisation. And check whether prices include VAT.

I did none of these things on Wednesday. It was a verbal agreement to do "a minor service", as per the servicing book which I left in the car, and fix the knocking noise probably caused by a duff cv joint. So this is why the garage bill is now considerably higher than expected, also higher than the 'rough idea' they told me on the phone, and the VAT on top was an additional surprise because I'd foolishly thought it would be included. Unsupported assumption is the mother of all f*ckups.

Have to go get the car in a bit - really, should go now. Don't want to do it because the bloke is probably going to have a go at me like he did on the phone yesterday afternoon, and I hate loud confrontations, and I'm scared.

Am particularly kicking myself because the garage is only 200 yards up the road and it would be convenient to use it again. If I'd done things properly, no problem. Aaaggghh.

My doom is approaching

This evening we were going out to see Young Adam but due to forbinproject having succumbed to the lurgy the plan was changed.

He has spent two hours in the armchair wrapped in a duvet, dosed up with Lemsip Max, watching Ben Affleck save the world from a nuclear bomb or something on nthell pay-to-view.

Meanwhile I have read the following:
Astro City #4
Catwoman #34
Powers #3 (#1 consisted entirely of monkeys)
Alias #27 (oh Scott, Scott, what have they done to you?!)
followed up with four issues of a Batman run; I have the other eight to go.

I recognise the names of comics writers. I know which ones are British. I know which ones I like (*sob*). I even recognise names of comics artists. I know that Alan Scott is one of the Green Lantern blokies and not exclusively jfs' father. I've heard of bl**dy Green Lantern which is more knowledge than I had or wanted eighteen months ago.

"Now I wish I could write you a melody so plain
That could hold you dear lady from going insane
That could ease you and cool you and cease the pain
Of your useless and pointless knowledge"

However, I reserve the right to remain blissfully in ignorance of all the different colours of Kryptonite and their various effects. Sherlock Holmes was right; that small extra fact-collection might be the one that displaces something really useful.