What should I get?

[JadedLegend3]

I'm considering a new big purchase, either a new car, a motorcycle, or a horse.

Let's start with the car. I want a Jeep Wrangler. I just do. There's nothing wrong with my car, it works great, it's a 2003 and it's under warranty and I'm paying practically nothing for it. So I don't really need a Jeep, I just want a Jeep.

The motorcycle. Oh. My. Gosh. Motorcycles are hot. Now, I don't know how to drive a motorcycle, but I've always wanted to learn and I have a friend who teachs classes for the county. So it could be easy. And, from what I understand, you can get pretty low monthly payments on a motorcycle. However, I don't know if/when I'd have the time for the classes.

The horse. Yeah, this is is all a lie. See, I'm pretending I want to buy a pony for my friend's baby (yeah the kid is only 7 months old but you've gotta start young). So what I plan to do is get a horse/large pony, break it myself and get it to where it will be safe for a kid and then let the kid ride it and show it and all that jazz. However, those suckers are expensive to keep. I could probably buy one for $500 or so, but I'd have to keep it somewhere and they eat a lot and require a lot of attention.

Final option, I stop with my longing for material things and focus on saving money for a house next year or the year after.

So, what should I do?

[TheBladeRoden]

must be nice having dispensible income

[kechara420]

Ok, so I voted for #4. Reasons ...

You don't need a Jeep. Wait until you need a new vehicle before you go out and spend money on one.

Motorcycles are dangerous ... I'd get into the whole story of my ex-boyfriend Pablo and his accident, but I'll just say this: In the hospital for a month, four surgeries in a week and a half, in a wheelchair for almost a year, metal rods and pins in both legs, will never walk right again, in pain constantly and has to take pain medication every day ... and he was lucky--it was JUST his legs that got frelled.

Horses can get expensive, and as you said, they're very time-consuming. This would be my second choice for you.

Focus on saving for a house. If your need for material things gets too overwhelming, but stuff you'll need for when you DO get a house. That should satisfy your shopping urge, make you feel like you're spending the money wisely but on something fun, and keep you focused on getting a house.

See, I'm just TOO damn smart :D ...

[Pip_The_Great]

Buy a Jeep! Out of curiosity, what sort of motercycle did you have in mind? Like a Harley, or a Kawasaki?

[malachilenomade]

I vote 4... even if you don't buy the house, it's better to have that money available in the long run... just in case...

[JadedLegend3]

must be nice having dispensible income


Must be nice to be so miserable all the time. :rolleyes:

ETA: Thanks to those who are being helpful. :) You're right, I should save my money, especially since I'm getting an apartment in June.

Pip, I would love to have a Harley eventually but I was going to go for something a lil more sporty...probably a Suzuki or something like that. :)

[AyuRocks]

must be nice having dispensible income

:rolleyes:

Anyway...

Chiana is kinda small, so if you had to get anything I could see going with the Jeep. However, I think that you should be saving your money. You do't really need a Jeep, motorcycles are dangerous (only because of the other morons on the road) and horses are expensive. Although, if I get to ride those horse.. that's a different story.. teehee.

[HawkZon]

Since I own three cars I know what you're feeling.
Where do you live this makes the horse/motorcycle purchase a bit easlier to make.

Since I once owned a horse, I'll tell you the upkeep is MAJOR.

[Pip_The_Great]

BOOOO to all of you voting to save money! lol :yuck: I mean, how boring is it to have a stable income? Where's the fun in that? ;) (says the woman who has $59 to her name... lol)

[JadedLegend3]

haha Ayu, of course you can ride the horse if I get one.

Hawk, I've had four horses so I'm definately aware of the upkeep! :lol :D Right now I'm living with my parents but in June I'll be in an apartment, and there are a lot of factors that need to come together but I may still have a good enough supply of extra money.

:lol Pip! You may be the devil! :lol J/K

I guess I should really use the money to go back to school or else save it...but Pip's right, where's the fun in that? :lol

[eta_carinae]

I voted motorcycle for the following reasons:

Cheaper than a car
Doesn't depreciate in value like a car
You can leave it for months without food or exerise and it won't be dead
Fun as hell to ride, especially in the summer ;)

[JadedLegend3]

See? Those are all the reasons I keep coming up with for getting a motorcylce, eta! <sigh> This is really hard. :)

[eta_carinae]

In terms of motorycles, especially for girls I think, sporty is the way to go. Choppers are REALLY heavy, and (personal opinion) not as cool

If it is your first bike you should consider something small. For me, this is a big deal because I'm not a big person and I can't hold up a larger bike. The one I've been looking at is the Kawasaki Ninja (http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide/Kawasaki-EX250-GPZ250-Ninja250R-ZZ-R250.htm). It's small, and it's not uber-expensive.

edited because:BAH! The link didn't copy

[JadedLegend3]

I agree with the whole sporty for girls thing. Choppers are hot, but like you said, they are really heavy. I'm pretty little, too, so the weight of it is a consideration for me, too.

I'll have to research this Kawasaki Ninja you speak of...;)

[harveywhispers]

I'm gonna break & come up with different advice...

I think that you should invest in a fantabulous travel book regarding some place sunny, warm and wonderful. After that, begin saving money/vacation hours for a period of around six months. Start making plans, with friends, about an awesome vacation where you could make fun memories that would last a lifetime.

Investing doesn't have to be putting your funds directly into a house. Nor does investing have to be about ending up with something that you can show people. The best investment is having a fun life. :)

[malachilenomade]

In terms of motorycles, especially for girls I think, sporty is the way to go. Choppers are REALLY heavy, and (personal opinion) not as cool


:shocked: WHA-WHA-WHAAAAAA?! Had I the $$$ (and actually knew how to drive one), I'd be all over a custom made :aok:

[Shipscat]

Count me in the being miserable all the time category..

I like Kechara's reasoning..and HW's. I've never regretted going for travel over material possessions...everything wears out eventually, but memories last as long as you do!

[Scaper_S]

If you have no fear get the motorbike, if you have a little fear get the jeep. Leave the horse - pay for lessons at a riding school instead.

As for saving - bo**ocks to that - you may not be around to spend it - never know what's around the corner...

[Kurt_eh]

I've thought of getting a Donorcycle, but my sister (an Emergency Medical Technician -sorta like a paramedic) would kill me.

I'd say do what you like, but remember (this is a good rule for everyone):

PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

Take up to 10% of your NET income and put it aside, EVERY PAYCHEQUE. It doesn't matter where you put it: Retirement investments, an extra bank account, whatever, as long as you get a bit of interest out of it. It's best if you arrange with your bank to do it automatically. You'll never notice it's gone, since it 'disappears' before you have a chance to spend it, and it adds up really quick. I've been doing it for a while now, and it really works! The trick is, you're not allowed to touch it, unless it's for a specific something that you've planned for, say, a down payment for a house or vehicle. DON'T use it for impulse purchases. This is your nest-egg we're talking about here. ;)

Trust me, it works!

[TheBladeRoden]

Must be nice to be so miserable all the time. :rolleyes:

It's not bad but I'd rather be rich

[AyuRocks]

I EVERY PAYCHECQUE.

Awwww... look at the cute little Canadian spelling "paycheck" with a "que"... don't you just want to hug him to death??? :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Kurt_eh]

Awwww... look at the cute little Canadian spelling "paycheck" with a "que"... don't you just want to hug him to death??? :hug: :hug: :hug:
:faint:

And I even spelled that wrong ;) (there's no extra "c") But, I've fixed it now. :D


I'll bet you folks don't even spell "colour" correctly either! :D :innocent:

[eta_carinae]

or center

[Kurt_eh]

We really get confused when people mix up meter and metre! :D

[AyuRocks]

Eh... well at least I'm one of the seemingly few Americans that realizes "thru" is not the correct spelling of "through."

I love Eddie Izzard's bit on that :D

[Kurt_eh]

My pet peeve is when people mix up your vs you're and there vs their vs they're :eek2:

[eta_carinae]

I've thought of getting a Donorcycle
:ppbb:


but my sister (an Emergency Medical Technician -sorta like a paramedic) would kill me.

Well that would kind of defeat the purpose of making you stay off the bike now wouldn't it? ;)

[AyuRocks]

My pet peeve is when people mix up your vs you're and there vs their vs they're


Ditto.

[Kurt_eh]

:ppbb:




Well that would kind of defeat the purpose of making you stay off the bike now wouldn't it? ;)

I picked up that term from an old boss who used to work in the transplant section at the hospital when he was in Uni... ;)

[Shipscat]

We have trouble with 'grey' too.

[JadedLegend3]

I've thought of getting a Donorcycle, but my sister (an Emergency Medical Technician -sorta like a paramedic) would kill me.

I'd say do what you like, but remember (this is a good rule for everyone):

PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

Take up to 10% of your NET income and put it aside, EVERY PAYCHEQUE. It doesn't matter where you put it: Retirement investments, an extra bank account, whatever, as long as you get a bit of interest out of it. It's best if you arrange with your bank to do it automatically. You'll never notice it's gone, since it 'disappears' before you have a chance to spend it, and it adds up really quick. I've been doing it for a while now, and it really works! The trick is, you're not allowed to touch it, unless it's for a specific something that you've planned for, say, a down payment for a house or vehicle. DON'T use it for impulse purchases. This is your nest-egg we're talking about here. ;)

Trust me, it works!

I've got a 401K that I put 11% into (my company matches 4% so that brings me to 15%), so that's covered.

I'm also going to get a seperate savings account for like Christmas and birthday presents, that way I'll always have some extra money when those things roll around.




As for motorcylces, I'm going to agree with eta and Ayu...motorcycles are not dangerous. Other drivers are dangerous. Drivers of cars who think that motorcycles are like bicycles and can stop on a dime are dangerous.

Saving my money for a future investment (like a home) is probably the best bet. I have friends who just moved to the Dominican Republic and he dives for treasure for a living, and she is a bartender. They're makingn peanuts for if they lived over here, but there, they are living the good life. That sounds like a plan to me. I would like to live on an island one day, right on the beach and fish or be a boat tour person or something for a living. Something simple.

We shall see. I really appreciate everyone's advice. I knew I'd get good advice here, is why I posted it. :)

[eta_carinae]

I picked up that term from an old boss who used to work in the transplant section at the hospital when he was in Uni... ;)

Yeah, I've heard that one before too ;)


We have trouble with 'grey' too.

I actually got in trouble in elementary school with this one. I think I spelled it 'gray' and the teacher thought it should be 'grey' so I got it wrong on my spelling test. And my Mom was all like "it can be either, so why did she get it wrong?" So confusing! :lol

[kechara420]

Donorcycle is right ... Motorcycle accident victims are the single largest source of organ donations in the U.S. ... and apparently elsewhere, too ...

Travel is a good idea. You could start saving for Burbank. :aok: Actually, I'm getting a rather sizable refund from the IRS this year, and I'm hoping that I'll be able to make it to my first Burbank con this November :groove: ...

[kechara420]

As for motorcylces, I'm going to agree with eta and Ayu...motorcycles are not dangerous. Other drivers are dangerous. Drivers of cars who think that motorcycles are like bicycles and can stop on a dime are dangerous.Unfortunately, that makes riding a motorcycle dangerous.

Pablo's accident wasn't his fault. He was driving home one night, and the roads were wet because it had been raining. He was on a back road, and the car in front of him got into a left turn lane ... then, all of a sudden, swerved right back in front of him. Apparently, the woman decided she didn't want to turn after all. Pablo tried to avoid her, but couldn't stop. He skid, hit her, bounced, flew, and slammed into a cement post.

And the woman never stopped. Thankfully somebody drove by about 10-15 minutes later, saw the smashed bike and stopped. (He'd flown about 10 feet from the cycle, and couldn't get to it--and his cell was on the bike.)

[JadedLegend3]

My dad's had lots of motorcycles and he's been in lots of accidents, too. Bad ones. I'm not going to let the possibility of something bad happening dissuade me from living my life as I see fit. :shrug:

Anywho, I respect your opinions because you are right, there is danger involved. It's just not enough to dissuade me from doing it.

Now jumping out of airplanes, that's another story...I ain't that dumb! :lol

[Kurt_eh]

One great piece of advice I've heard about purchasing a house is this:

Lots of people go into buying a house thinking "well, I'm paying $800/month for rent, I can afford an $800/month mortgage" forgetting about all the other expenses that go along with it.

If you're really considering buying a place, try the extreme, start a new account and put aside a value worth 1/4 of your rent payment. In the above example, pay the $800 rent, and put $200 into the account ON THE SAME DAY YOUR RENT IS DUE. Do this for 6 months.

The reason being, you may have additional bills (for example, heating and water may be included in your rent, but not your mortgage), AND property tax to pay. You may even have condo fees if you purchase a condo unit...

If you can go for 6 months without fuss, then think about investing in a home. If you miss even ONE of the $200 'payments', then you may want to reconsider for now, OR consider purchasing a smaller home with a smaller mortgage (say one that's $500 month).

The bonus of the above experiment is, you've now got $1200 that you can use to help the downpayment, do something fun with, or just about anything (paydown some debt, perhaps ;) ).

(Guess who has a girlfriend taking accounting ;) and 'forced' me into watching a YF&B one Sunday night :innocent: )

[kechara420]

You know, it's bizarre ... I have a friend who loved to go skydiving ... but doesn't like to fly when he travels. I asked him, and he said he doesn't mind jumping out of an airplane ... he's just afraid of being in one when it lands. :rolleyes:

[BrowderChick]

The jeep would be good for the weather.

Motorcycles cant be driven in snow.

Horses are cool (obviously) but the upkeep will cost more money if you cant keep it where you currently reside. ie..boarding....

Save your cash for a house or a nicer apt or even a rainy day. Younever know whats around the next corner and you might need the money for something.

[Mike0812]

If you're gonna get a motorcycle, just make sure, when you find that island of yours, it isn't anywhere in the Mediterranean. To quote from Under the Tuscan Sun:

"Frances: Do traffic lights mean anything around here?
Marcello: Sure. Green light - avanti, avanti. Yellow light - decoration.
Frances: What about red light?
Marcello: Just a suggestion."

You'd be safer jumping out that airplane ;)...

Personally, I'd save for a trip :yes:, but that's me :)

[AgentSun]

i voted for the jeep but then i read the rest of the thread and i want to change my vote.

if the only reason why you want a jeep is because you want a jeep, then it's not worth it. first of all, you already have a car that you're practically getting free because you said you weren't paying much on it. that's GREAT. do you know how expensive insurance is on SUVs?

motorcycles are also expensive, insurance wise. it's because there is less safety when it comes to a motorcycle and even if the cost of the bike is less, the insurance will bite you. you've stated your opinion on motorcycles and safety and while i'd also like to have one, i wouldn't want one to ride around on a day to day basis. i think life is hard enough without needing to complicate it even further by doing things that are needlessly unsafe (heaven forbid there's an accident against a rusty pinto, you'd probably lose). i'd love to ride a motorcylce...but i'll do it on back roads, next to the coast, with salty air flying through my hair. on the Washington D.C./Virginia Beltway? are you kidding?

you should evaluate where you go on a day to day basis, how you get to work, what things you have to carry, etc. and how overall convenient it is for a young woman to be driving a motorcycle considering what kind of job you have, what expectations people have of you, and/or what kind of clothing you are expected to wear for such a job. i mean, i wouldn't ride on my bike in a business suit.

you mention that the possibility of accidents is not something that will dissuade you from getting one. well, the simple fact is, nothing can guarantee you safe from an accident. but your chances go up much more if you ride a motorcycle vs. a car. again, i stress that you have to evaluate your job, what route you take to get to work (motorcycles on a major highway = big bad) and of course, as i said before, what you expect your career to be like.

motorcycles are harder to drive at night (one headlight instead of two makes for worse visibility) and as browderchick said, they don't drive in snow. they're not so good on rain either. i knew someone who totaled his bike and hurt himself fairly bad when he skidded on light rain. he was just riding along, had all his gear on, and the rain was just bad for his tires i guess.

showing up at a job interview on a motorcycle may not be the most impressive thing, unless you plan on working for harley davidson. i think that in your case, an investment for the sheer sake of having money to invest may not be the wisest decision. i think something more worthwhile to you as a person, like travel, would be a better option, especially since you can take the money and divide it into several vacations, not just one large lump investment. you could go to other countries, see the sights and remember them forever because you also invested in a really cool digital camera. :)

[JadedLegend3]

AS, it's not car OR motorcycle...it's car AND motorcycle. ;) Just to clarify.

You made a lot of good points, though. Thanks. :)

[AyuRocks]

As for motorcylces, I'm going to agree with eta and Ayu...motorcycles are not dangerous. Other drivers are dangerous. Drivers of cars who think that motorcycles are like bicycles and can stop on a dime are dangerous.

Saving my money for a future investment (like a home) is probably the best bet. I have friends who just moved to the Dominican Republic and he dives for treasure for a living, and she is a bartender. They're makingn peanuts for if they lived over here, but there, they are living the good life. That sounds like a plan to me. I would like to live on an island one day, right on the beach and fish or be a boat tour person or something for a living. Something simple.

We shall see. I really appreciate everyone's advice. I knew I'd get good advice here, is why I posted it. :)

I wish they'd teach you in driver's ed that tailgating a motorcyclist is INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. Unfortunely, since it's not dangerous to the driver of the car so in most cases, people just don't give a damn.

My dad, who is a motorcyclist and has been in several accidents on his motorcycles, thinks that there's the false belief, especially in the eyes of the law, that if you didn't mean to kill someone in a car crash that that suddenly makes it ok... and I tend to agree with him on that one.

I'm usually a great driver, and I myself almost hit a motorcyclist once, since I didn't see him signal for a left turn and wasn't prepared for him to stop...even when I was a few car lengths behind him I wasn't ready to stop... thank goodness no one was in the right lane so I could just fly over. I couldn't imagine living the the rest of my life knowing that I killed someone.. accident or no.

[JadedLegend3]

I would agree with your father on that, too, Ayu.

[eta_carinae]

motorcycles are also expensive, insurance wise. it's because there is less safety when it comes to a motorcycle and even if the cost of the bike is less, the insurance will bite you.

You'd be suprised how not bad the insurance can be, depending on your provider.


but i'll do it on back roads, next to the coast, with salty air flying through my hair.

Now there is a danger I will NOT take. When I'm on a bike I'm suited up - helmet, riding jacket (leather with bodyarmor), long pants, gloves, and boots that go above the ankle.

you should evaluate where you go on a day to day basis, how you get to work, what things you have to carry, etc. and how overall convenient it is for a young woman to be driving a motorcycle considering what kind of job you have, what expectations people have of you, and/or what kind of clothing you are expected to wear for such a job. i mean, i wouldn't ride on my bike in a business suit.

This is defintely a legitimate issue (the others were too, I just deleted them to save space). You have to be going somewhere where you can 1) put your gear, and 2) it's ok to wear jeans. A backpack or a small bag on the back of the bike also don't hold a lot of stuff, so you can't carry a lot of stuff with you. And going anywhere with the pooch negates riding the bike for obvious reasons.

[AyuRocks]

My dad thinks that it's actually safer to ride without a helmet, he says it cuts down on peripheral vision signifcantly which makes it easier to crash. He still wears his helmet, but takes an issue with mandatory helmet laws.

I have no idea what to think of that, personally, since I don't ride motorcycles.

I think I'm gonna have my dad teach me this summer, just for the heck of it. I doubt I'll be any good though.

[JadedLegend3]

I have issue with mandatory helmet and seatbelt laws just because I don't think the gov't should be able to tell me that I have to wear a helmet or a seatbelt. Can I say that, mods?

Anyway, if you fall off a motorcycle and someone runs over your head, a little peice of plastic is so not going to save your life.

[eta_carinae]

Yeah, but if you fall off a motorcycle and skid across the pavement, it could make all the difference in the world.

I should also point out (as far as costs go), my boyfriend mentioned that to fill his bike with gas for the week costs about $7 right now, but to fill the car costs closer to $25. Over time, that really adds up!

[AyuRocks]

I'm just thinking, are helmet laws the reason that so many motorcyclists are organ donors? As in, it may save their physical life but leave them brain dead so they become great candidates for organ donation?

Thinking out loud here.

[JadedLegend3]

eta, I agree with that, and I would always wear a helmet...in fact my friends that I ride with will not let me on their bikes unless I have a helmet. I learned my lesson falling off of horses and busting my head open...and they only go about 35mph! :lol

[eta_carinae]

Um, I don't know. Interesting question. I always thought you could take organs from recently deceased people?

[JadedLegend3]

eta, I think it comes down to whether their family pulls the plug or not...to use a crude but accurate term.

And on ER they always had to wait until the person flatlined and then took the organs right away. :shrug: But I really just watched George Clooney in that, not the medical stuff. :lol

[eta_carinae]

eta, I agree with that, and I would always wear a helmet...in fact my friends that I ride with will not let me on their bikes unless I have a helmet. I learned my lesson falling off of horses and busting my head open...and they only go about 35mph! :lol

Glad to hear it :hug: I remember when I was young they had this rule at the place I took riding lessons that you had to wear a hard hat if you were under 14. And then I turned 14 and suddenly I didn't have to wear it anymore, and it felt weird.... And you know the silly thing? If I'm on a bicycle or a horse, I don't usually wear a helmet. But you will never catch me on a motorcycle without one!

[eta_carinae]

Um, I don't know. Interesting question. I always thought you could take organs from recently deceased people?

:lol

That sounds really morbid



And on ER they always had to wait until the person flatlined and then took the organs right away. But I really just watched George Clooney in that, not the medical stuff.
Today 01:05 PM

It's hilarious the amount of medical information I think I know, just from watching shows like that :lol

[AyuRocks]

eta, I think it comes down to whether their family pulls the plug or not...to use a crude but accurate term.

And on ER they always had to wait until the person flatlined and then took the organs right away. :shrug: But I really just watched George Clooney in that, not the medical stuff. :lol

There was an episode where a woman was brain dead and the family signed her organs away and they did it like immediately after that.

Again, TV show.. I'm trying to find out more information on the subject, just because I'm curious.

[JadedLegend3]

Glad to hear it :hug: I remember when I was young they had this rule at the place I took riding lessons that you had to wear a hard hat if you were under 14. And then I turned 14 and suddenly I didn't have to wear it anymore, and it felt weird.... And you know the silly thing? If I'm on a bicycle or a horse, I don't usually wear a helmet. But you will never catch me on a motorcycle without one!


Wait, you're glad to hear I fell off my horse a lot, or you're glad to hear I always wear a helmet? :lol J/K

Yeah, there are a lot of times when I just wear my cowboy hat when I'm on a horse. And I never wear a bicycle helmet.

Shoot, with all the falling down I do I should wear a helmet everywhere.

tee hee, one day I was feeling silly and I had my friend with me who is easily embarassed, so I put my motorcycle helmet on my head while I drove my friend around in my car for a while. :lol Yeah...I'm from the country...not much to amuse ourselves with...

[AgentSun]

AHHHHHH!!!! you guys are making me nuts! hahaaha. i recently learned all this stuff so i'll clarify it right now. i get to share knowledge!!

NO THEY DO NOT TAKE YOUR ORGANS WHILE YOU ARE STILL ALIVE AND/OR BRAIN DEAD.

the requirement is that you are dead, as in not living, as in not on this earth coporeally. if you are flatlined, that's great. they have to resussitate you if they can. they have to do every single thing it takes to try and save you. and if that doesn't work and you're an organ donor, okay. doctors rarely ever know whether a patient is an organ donor before or during the process of trying to save a life in the ER.

if there is no frelling chance in hell that your heart is going to beat again and your mind is firing neurons, then you're declared dead. if you're brain dead, like in a vegetative state, they do NOT take your organs. you're still alive, aren't you? if you crash and there is an order to resussitate you, they will do it, to the best of their ability. if you do not have an order and they follow those orders, then they wait until you are confirmed to be dead before they do anything.

Now there is a danger I will NOT take. When I'm on a bike I'm suited up - helmet, riding jacket (leather with bodyarmor), long pants, gloves, and boots that go above the ankle.

i have really long hair. so a helmet isn't going to prevent my hair from flying behind me in the breeze.

I should also point out (as far as costs go), my boyfriend mentioned that to fill his bike with gas for the week costs about $7 right now, but to fill the car costs closer to $25. Over time, that really adds up!

i'm under the impression that motorcycles also have much much smaller gas tanks, therefore require more trips to the gas station. i'd like the numbers on this but if 3 to 4 gas fill ups in a motorcycle equal 1 in a car, then it possibly won't be cheaper. it'd just mean that you have to go to the gas station more often.

[AyuRocks]

But, your family can choose to refuse care (again, brain dead.. not going to do much good) and pull the plug or whatever which means that your organs can go to donation as soon as they flatline, right?

Trying to come up with a reason why that statistic can make any sense.. not that any source for it has actually been posted.. so :shrug:

[AgentSun]

that's true, but they will not take your organs while you are still alive. which means your family has the ability to refuse care and all and have the "do not resussitate" order but if you have it listed that you are an organ donor and have your wishes spelled out that you do want to be resussitated, your parents (regardless of them being your parents) do not have a legal right to tell the doctors to pull the plug.

[trinamick]

When I paid off my first car, I kept saving that monthly payment for about a year or so. Then, I bought a horse. And then I was broke. And now I'm still broke. And then I was given a colt by my uncle, and now I'm even broker. Six months, $700 in vet bills and feed (not counting my current vet bill yet to come this month). My dad scoffed about the danger of a motorcyle, even after several accidents. Then he nearly died in a wreck (gear shift through ankle, broken bones, loss of pints of blood, almost completely scalped, etc.) and finally changed his tune. Jeep? Why not wait until your car craps out and then get it? I'd go with the saving the money one. That way, if something cooler comes along that you would really want to do, the money is there.

[eta_carinae]

i have really long hair. so a helmet isn't going to prevent my hair from flying behind me in the breeze.

:lol So do I! I didn't even think about that. Though I admit, usually when I hear people talking about the "wind in their hair" on a bike, they're not refering to the knotted ponytail sticking out from under the helmet ;)



i'm under the impression that motorcycles also have much much smaller gas tanks, therefore require more trips to the gas station. i'd like the numbers on this but if 3 to 4 gas fill ups in a motorcycle equal 1 in a car, then it possibly won't be cheaper. it'd just mean that you have to go to the gas station more often.

Nope. While the tank is smaller, the bike is also lighter weight and more fuel efficient - a week's worth of gas for a bike versus a week's worth of gas for a car. Seriously!

[trinamick]

Yeah, there are a lot of times when I just wear my cowboy hat when I'm on a horse. And I never wear a bicycle helmet.

Shoot, with all the falling down I do I should wear a helmet everywhere.


I laugh every time I see someone wearing a helmet when on a horse, but when you think about people like Christopher Reeves, it kinda makes sense. Of course, I have never once hit my head when coming off a horse, but it only takes once.

[AgentSun]

i've always wanted a motorcycle, but only as a recreation vehicle. i much prefer my SUV for getting around in. i want the new range rover.

according to Save7Lives.org Myths (http://www.save7lives.org/myths.php):

Myth: "If I'm admitted into the hospital and the doctors know I am a donor, they won't try to save my life."
Fact: There is no conflict between saving lives and using organs for transplantation. Medical professionals will do everything they can to save your life. By law, the doctors who work to save your life are not the same doctors involved with organ donation.

Myth: "They might take my organs before I am really dead."
Fact: Organ donation is only accepted following the declaration of death by a doctor who is not involved in transplantation. In order to donate organs, a patient must be declared brain dead, or in cases where a family requests withdrawal of ventilator support, declared dead by cardiac criteria. Brain death is the complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, including the brain stem. To be a legal determination, Virginia Code requires two physicians to make this declaration based on clinical exams and nationally accepted brain death testing methods.

Myth: "I don't need to sign up as an organ and tissue donor because my family will make the final decision."
Fact: The Code of Virginia states that family permission is not required, and your decision at save7lives.org will be honored. It is helpful to talk to your family about your donation decision so that they may assist in carrying out your wishes.

[eta_carinae]

Trying to come up with a reason why that statistic can make any sense.. not that any source for it has actually been posted.. so :shrug:

Which statistic? The motorcylcle crashes causing so many injuries/deaths one? I think that is mostly due to the whole not-encased-in-a-metal-frame thing. :dunno:

[JadedLegend3]

eta's right on the gas thing. We've driven upwards of 500 miles on the bikes before needed fuel. Those were BMWs...<sigh> Oh how I travelled in style then!

[eta_carinae]

Shoot, with all the falling down I do I should wear a helmet everywhere.

tee hee, one day I was feeling silly and I had my friend with me who is easily embarassed, so I put my motorcycle helmet on my head while I drove my friend around in my car for a while. :lol Yeah...I'm from the country...not much to amuse ourselves with...

Have you ever seen the movie Garden State? That image just totally reminded me of that movie - cause she's always got a helmet :)

[JadedLegend3]

Nope, I haven't, but I'll have to check it out! :D

[LiLOrion]

I havent read the whole thread, (cause I'm lazy) but I voted #4. I also wouldnt have added "moron" in there - but since you did... :lol

Motorcycles are sexy and all, but I dont trust the other morons on the road that would end up killing me. I've seen too many people ride the asses of motorcyclists and it would just make me too nervous to ever get on one and take it out onto a road that was used by other motorists. :)

[AyuRocks]

Which statistic? The motorcylcle crashes causing so many injuries/deaths one? I think that is mostly due to the whole not-encased-in-a-metal-frame thing. :dunno:

Donorcycle is right ... Motorcycle accident victims are the single largest source of organ donations in the U.S. ... and apparently elsewhere, too ...

That one.

And goodness.. I need to not post when I'm doped up on meds for the vertigo and the respiratory infection.. cos I swear I wasn't thinking of them taking it from a living person..I wasn't posting all the connections I was making... but I dunno.. I need to go to bed.

Eta2: I guess I was thinking of it in the same way that head injury stats jumped up once they started using helmets in WWI...

so if you're brain dead on a vent or whatever that you're otherwise working fine and therefore have more usuable organs to donate if you're taken off the vent.

eta: My dad used to have a BMW cycle.. now he was a Kawasaki Ninja.. I forget why he got rid of the BMW.

[JadedLegend3]

That Ninja is hot...I looked it up.

The BMWs though...oh man. :thud:

[eta_carinae]

Yes, BMW's are nice. But they are BIG and $$$$$

My boyfriend has a Ducati Monster (http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2005/ducatiModel.jhtml?family=monster&modelName=M620D-05). It's sort of a cross between a sport-bike and a cruiser. But sportier ;) It's not too big and it's definetly different from most bikes out there. But it's just a tad bit on the heavy side.

If I could have any bike in the world, I think I would go for an Aprilia (http://www.aprilia.com/portale/eng/home.phtml). But I'm not rich and I'd probably kill myself on that thing! :lol

[fiona-maria]

Chiropractors will tell you - motorcycles: NOT A GOOD IDEA. Not because you don't know how to drive one, but because people don't see you, and in an accident, you are far more likely to get seriously hurt or killed, even with full-head helmet, leathers, boots and gloves on, than the person in the car who wasn't paying attention for a split-second. I know - I wanted one. MY chiropractor and I had a LONG talk about it.

Jeep Wrangler? Sounds to me like you are spending too much time listening to your inner child; I want! I want! Noisy, uncomfortable ride even in the driver's seat, not very fuel efficient. I know - I wanted one. My car guy and I had a LONG talk about it.

Horse? MAJOR upkeep and I mean, beaucoup bucks. Get a dog if you want an animal who loves you unconditionally. I know - no, I never wanted one, but my sister did. And no, no one to talk to about that...but I reckon it is like a boat, which is really what I want...but then I have to live next to the sea, and I don't, so....

House? Ah. Now, a house will accumulate equity. A house will keep you warm, safe, dry. A house will repay all the love, effort, time, and money you throw into it, and you will throw lots if you are responsible about it.

A house is home. A house is sanctuary. A house is a sacred space. A house is good. Save money for the big payoff - a house. Much better than the instant gratification of Jeep or motorcycle, and a hugely better investment than a horse!

I know - I have a house.

Fiona

[JadedLegend3]

Dogs are repulsive so no dogs for me. I don't need more unconditional love...I get that from my cats and from God. I want a horse because I belong on a horse...I was made for the back of a horse...the only time my back and knees don't hurt is when I'm on a horse.

The Jeep thing...I've always wanted a Jeep but the other day it was really nice outside and my dad had taken me for a ride in his convertible and it made me miss my convertible and then I started thinking about relocation (not to an island but to out west somewhere with cowboys) and I thought about Jeeps again. <sigh> I don't know.

The motorcycle is inevitable...it's just a matter of when. :)

[LiLOrion]

I want a horse because I belong on a horse...I was made for the back of a horse...

I'm waiting for one of the guys to jump on that comment. :lol


A motorcycle is like a REALLY fast horsie only you dont have to feed it. Well, okay, it needs gas...but you dont have to clean up after it - thats a plus.

I like the BMW motorcycles too. And there is another one, I cant think of the name at the moment. My broinlaw was looking at them at one time so he had motorcycle mags all over the place.

[KayandTonio]

Bike bike bike!!! :D
You'll save $$ on gas. They're WAY more fun! And once you learn to pack carefully, you can carry all kinds of stuff with you, so unless you live & work someplace where the traffic is just hellish, riding to work is no biggie. In fact, if other people where you work ride, you can get 2-3 bikes in a parking space. Other people in cars will be able to park that much closer to where they work, so they'll love you! And, if you wind up being an organ donor, so what? We're all gonna die some day anyway, and think of how many people you'll help when they get your inner bits! :D Yep, I've got a motorcycle for altruistic humanitarian reasons, heh!

One of those little carrying baskets you see at the store (as opposed to a regular shopping cart) is about the same size as a tank bag I used to have. When I went grocery shopping, anything that wouldn't fit in the basket went back on the shelf. I picked up WAY less useless crap that way! I even took home a 25 pound bag of dog food on the back of the bike once - although I wouldn't want to do it again. Getting a cruiser type bike might actually be better than a sport bike. They can be heavier (depending on which one you get), but sport bikes have a higher center of gravity, a shorter wheelbase, and a higher seat. Cruisers usually have a lower seat, so you can get at least one foot flat on the ground even if you're not too tall.

Bike bike bike! :D You know you want one...

[Lord Loser]

Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: To be able to live on my own successfully
Now, you know which choice has to happen for that to be accomplished...I'm waiting for one of the guys to jump on that comment. :lol then I started thinking about relocation (not to an island but to out west somewhere with cowboys) I'll let the posts speak for themselves... :ewink:

[JadedLegend3]

Wait what has to happen? I already have an apartment, we're just waiting for the move-in date. :)

And yeah okay, so my horse comment was not quite as well-worded as I would have liked...:rolleyes: :lol

[harveywhispers]

Dogs are repulsive so no dogs for me. I don't need more unconditional love...I get that from my cats and from God.

All a matter of perspective ma'am. I happen to be highly allergic to cats, have only met cats slightly the right side of nasty and...hence consider most cats repulsive.
;)

[JadedLegend3]

All a matter of perspective ma'am. I happen to be highly allergic to cats, have only met cats slightly the right side of nasty and...hence consider most cats repulsive.
;)


Very true (about the allergies thing).

I just can't get over the drool, the stench, the whining, the neediness, the stench, the loudness, the licking, the stench...:lol

To each his own. :D You have dogs for me and I'll have cats for you. :)

[Lord Loser]

I hate to break this to ya Jac... but if you want a cowboy, you're gonna have to like dogs. Cowboys and dogs are nearly inseperable. Don't know any that don't have at least one.

Don't even think about it KTM, Kech, or any of you other miscreants

[JadedLegend3]

I don't want a cowboy forever...an hour will do just fine. :ewink:

I'd have a dog if I had to...but it would learn to shut up and stay away from me is all.

[Lord Loser]

AN HOUR?!?!?! Oh, my dear... what have they done to you out there...

I know the Philthydelphia area has a faster paced lifestyle, but an hour? Damn... things would just be getting interesting after an hour... :ewink:

[JadedLegend3]

haha well I'll take whatever I can get. :)

[arthurfrdent]

heh... lotsa fun stuff in here. But lets be real for a moment. You could always split your money 4 ways and have each thing in turn eventually :aok: And I won't tell you not to have fun now, 'cuz now it the time to do it, before you do the family thing [unless you decide not to do that, then you can just keep going]... but there are many things to spend on in this world and if you are in a position to save now, do it. Because it will make future choices easier. Let's say later you decide you really like volunterring at orphanages, except for the 'we don't pay' part. Well if you have enough cash for a year to do that, then you can experience it. Same with anything else. You are living with your parents now, how do you think they afford all the stuff they do? Have a long talk with your parents, about goals and dreams delayed or abandoned when they started haveing children... that will give you some perspective on what the middle part of your life will possibly be like. Then you can make some decisions going forward. Had I known when I was in college the gifts around me, I wouldn't have spent so indescriminantly. I could have made some different decisions then and been where I wanted to be rather than still trying to get there. You don't have to decide WHERE as long as you give yourself the option to make the decision. Many people get bogged down in stuff to the point where every decision is made to support the stuff, rather than made to support themselves. They save yearlong to go to cancun for a week, so that they can save a year to go to cancun again... where with some planning they could have lived in cancun. They may go deeply in debt to buy a boat to go to powell 3 times a year for a week, and the rest of the year the boat sits in storage because they are working. You see? Ask your parents how long they payed on the house before it stopped owning Them

It's all about making smart decisions where you know as much as you can, before you get so far down the road that you are stuck...

bottom line things to think on for your 4 options:
The jeep. :shrug: Interesting vehicles. Had a 2003. Good for 4 wheeling, newer longer model has enough room for more than 2 people. Me and 2 kids in regular... OI cramped, no extra space. Loud. they 4cyl model gets 17-19mpg even on the highway, [i]because it isn't designed for the highway. Drove it cross country several times, was OK but not great. Minimum time to take off the top: 15 minutes, as it doesnt retract like a convertable. PainINTHEA$$ if it's windy. You ALWAYS get dirty removing the top, because there are nooks and crannies for road grime. Never had anything stolen, but many friends in the Jeep Club have safes in theirs fo CD's, radio fronts and whatnot.

Bottom Line, know the pros and cons going in, rent if you can, and live with it a while. The hard one: Sit down and actually figure out how many times you use it to go 4X4 and what percentage it works as a car. You my find the percentage astonishingly low. Might be worth planning the trip, and then renting one, to go 4wheeling, that way you get the best of both. OR perhaps an old used one that you have as a toy, to keep the cost down.

Motorcycle, same criteria as a jeep really. Small bikes [Ninja 250, Buell Blast :aok: ] work particularly well for smaller women simply because the peower to weight ratio is still high and they are inexpensive $3000 for Ninja, $5000 for the buell... and they get good milage at that size ~70mpg though the buell has a small tank. Both weigh less than #350 dry...

You will Have to weigh the safety aspect yourself. There are dangers with anything. I have ridden bicycles at >65mph, but one slip at that speed is roadrash for a mile, one stupid car driver is death. I had a friend die on his daily circuit ride at only 21mph. He hated wearing helmets so he chose that. The lady in the SUV chose to go to jail for vehicular homicide. Her est 45mph + his 21 is 66mph closure. It's simply a matter of physics. The important thing is to Choose Actively, rather than choosing by not choosing. On a motorcycle your closure can be a great deal higher, but you are a vehicle so you get to take a real lane, people who don't see you wouldn't likely see a car either, they are just dangerous. you simply must take that into account. I would suggest a used N250 first so you can learn, drop it a couple of times without worry... what costs the most on those is that every drop, you break palstic parts off and they are expensive. A lot of those drops happen in parking lots, at stops and stuff, so you feel even more stupid :rolleyes:

Bottom line: enless you get a lot of nice days where you live, you may not use it alot, so it could turn into a very expensive thing-in-the-way in the garage. Buy used first and see if it's worth it...

The horse. I think you know all 'bout these, but have you ever looked at the cost/benefit? I know many that have horses and have to pay to have them stabled, pay to have them excercised, etc... They ride onece every 2 weeks... Seems like seriously wasted money. And what does the horse think? Seems like it'd be better to work out an agreement with some local stables to volunteer to help them. When you get some rapport with the owners, you can hang around horese, excercise them, get to have a favorite, etc. For little or no cost to you, but all the same perks. Try not to make this one an emotional buy. It's amazing how many people I know who get the horse[or dog, llama or whatever] and then proceed to buy a house based on the horses needs, a truck to haul the trailer for the horse... etc... who owns who?

The house... two minds on this, having owned several. If you get lucky it will appreciate...but it wont appreciate more than the mortgages total cost. This is the thing many people choose to ignore. The Total Cost of Ownership. I have friends that needed someplace to put money, that's a total different thing. If you are just looking for a place to live, there is whole different criteria, for it's value. If you have reached a point in your life where you are in a cereer you may stay in for a while, in an area you think you want to live, then a house/townhouse is a good investment over renting. Because you end up with something of value. renting you get nothing. On the other hand, you have spent ALOT on that house. A 15yr mortgage on $150000 at 6% COSTS $227880 just for the mortgage[ not taxes or improvemnts or insurance] While a 2bed apt at $900/mo. costs $162000 [assuming the rent doesn't change fwiw]

BUT after 15 years you own the house, you own it's appreciation, the tax deductions ETC. So in the long run it's a bit better. The downside is that if you decide to move after a few years, you have to deal with whether it has appreciated enough to pay the realtor [6%] enough to offset what you lost with the mortgage [mortgages intrest are front loaded, in the beginning, you pay almost all interest.]

So it can be a good thing or not, but YOU must make the decision based on what's best for your current situation. Know all the facts!




OK, so that was really wordy and stuff and you may not even care, but getting .02 from everyone helps you avoid all the mistakes they made, or to decide which ones are worth making...
;) AFD

[kechara420]

I hate to break this to ya Jac... but if you want a cowboy, you're gonna have to like dogs. Cowboys and dogs are nearly inseperable. Don't know any that don't have at least one.

Don't even think about it KTM, Kech, or any of you other miscreantsAre you calling me a miscreant? Why the frell am *I* suddenly getting all the damn snarky comments? Huh? Where's the L-O-V-E, man?!?

[Lord Loser]

Love goes the way of the sprinkle...

And past posts lead to miscreant status... :yes:

[arthurfrdent]

I just can't get over the drool, the stench, the whining, the neediness, the stench, the loudness, the licking, the stench...:lol


uh, if you looking for a REAL cowboy, meaning somone who works a ranch... the dog will probably smell better... you can always tell 'em because their pickups are old but paid for, their handshake is firm and calloused, and they generally don't say much. They may also wonder why the cat is inside, cats dont come in the house and they don't have names. Heh, sometimes wish I had chosen that life over this one, that one's a lot less complicated...

Heh, to separate cowboys from "dudes", ask them how to tenderize a holstein steak. They may look at you funny before letting you know that holsteins are dairy cows... :rollin:

[Lord Loser]

Heh, sometimes wish I had chosen that life over this one, that one's a lot less complicated...
All occupations have their downsides. To think that one is less complicated than others isn't quite accurate. As for complications, any job looks appealing at certain times...

[arthurfrdent]

All occupations have their downsides. To think that one is less complicated than others isn't quite accurate. As for complications, any job looks appealing at certain times...

shyeah, you got that right pal... although I think you will find fewer women chasing programmers than cowboys... :rollin:

[Lord Loser]

:lol

Chasing a dream perhaps. Reality bites. Hard.

Programmers are a much better catch. ;)

[AgentSun]

i think we tend to look at what we want vs. what we need and it becomes a much shorter list.

do what is best, not what is pleasurable at the moment.

boy, i get wise when i'm tired,

[eta_carinae]

shyeah, you got that right pal... although I think you will find fewer women chasing programmers than cowboys... :rollin:

I chose a programmer over a cowboy :D :lech:

[Shipscat]

OMG-by that definition I AM a cowboy!

Okay, I do have a very spoiled indoor cat but I've never quite gotten over feeling just a tiny bit guilty about it..and when I had a pet rabbit my relatives kept commenting on what good eatin' he looked like he would be...

[arthurfrdent]

OMG-by that definition I AM a cowboy!


well, possibly...

except for the boy part :rollin: ...thinkin cowgirl for you ;)

[JadedLegend3]

uh, if you looking for a REAL cowboy, meaning somone who works a ranch... the dog will probably smell better... you can always tell 'em because their pickups are old but paid for, their handshake is firm and calloused, and they generally don't say much. They may also wonder why the cat is inside, cats dont come in the house and they don't have names. Heh, sometimes wish I had chosen that life over this one, that one's a lot less complicated...

Heh, to separate cowboys from "dudes", ask them how to tenderize a holstein steak. They may look at you funny before letting you know that holsteins are dairy cows... :rollin:

Sweaty men who've been out chasing cows and riding horses all day smell good. And besides, they can always shower. ;)

[kechara420]

Love goes the way of the sprinkle...

And past posts lead to miscreant status... :yes:Well, then, at least the love is in good company ;) ...

And I have NO IDEA what you could be referring to regarding past posts. I am :innocent: and have done nothing to suggest otherwise ...

[Lord Loser]

:spew: :rolleyes: :g2f:

[kechara420]

:spin: :innocent:

[Lord Loser]

Well... a certain farm animal comment comes to mind...

[kechara420]

:rollin: Well, ok ... but you were just begging for that one ... left yourself wide open ... how's a jirl supposed to resist? Resisting is NOT one of my strengths ...

[Lord Loser]

...and you want to be a part of the harem... *shakes head woefully*

[zahncrelnik]

You are young, save your money. I never listened as a teen
when they said to put $100 a month into a savings account.
Now that I am older I have nothing, no money and huge
debt which I can never fully pay off. The more you save
each month the younger can be when you are able to retire.
Talk to a financial planner before you do anything. At least
learn what you would need to save (or invest) to retire
with a decent 'income' from your own savings.
I won't hurt to educate yourself before the money is gone.
It just takes a few minutes with a knowledgable financial
planner to find out what you need to set aside for yourself.
At your age a few dollars a week put away and you can
retire comfortably at a younger age.

[kechara420]

...and you want to be a part of the harem... *shakes head woefully*Perhaps THAT was just a momentary lapse in judgement ... you wouldn't be able to HANDLE me :spin: ...

[AgentSun]

un-hijacking the thread here...:-P

like zahn said, have you considered just saving the money? i mean, put it in the bank and let it accumulate. keep it there, add more in as it comes and maybe when you're settled and you know you don't have to go paycheck to paycheck, use the money for something worthwhile.

[JadedLegend3]

Yeah I do save a good deal of my paycheck, for bills and just for, already. I should save more of it because it can't hurt and once I move in to this apartment, who knows what kind of bills I'll have and stuff? It may be worse than we are expecting. :shrug: We'll see.

My dad and I are going to look at Jeeps on Saturday (just look) and unless they'll give me one for the same amount I'm paying for my car now, and with a killer warranty like I have now, then I'm not getting one...which pretty much translates to, I'm not getting one.

[arthurfrdent]

Sweaty men who've been out chasing cows and riding horses all day smell good.

eh? :rolleyes: [thinks of the olfactory fortitude required for this, and fails to find it] :eek:

you must REALLY like cowboys... really like them, I can't even stand myself, after a day like that. [although I wouldn't be riding the horses anymore...] Tote Goat is better, 'cuz you can put a bale on the back and get the cows to come after you, instead of hearding them... but after a day mucking stuff out, setting ditches, and repairing the-next-thing-that-breaks... OI! clothes MUST BE BURNED! [heh, or left to stand guard out in the garage... ;) ]

[trubador]

Dogs are repulsive so no dogs for me. I don't need more unconditional love...I get that from my cats and from God....
So, THAT'S what you call that stuff your cats left for you on that fateful pillow of yours.:idea:

:puppy::puppy::puppy::puppy::puppy:

[kechara420]

trubs! :g2f: That's just not ... not ... :lol not nice ...

[JadedLegend3]

hahaha trubs :lol

My cats have never done that to me, thank God! :D

[AgentSun]

watch, you're going to say that and tonight when you go to bed, you'll find that you have laundry to do!

[JadedLegend3]

:lol You're probably right, AS! :)

[trubador]

I thought one of your fightin' felines recently did a nasty :hork: on one of those feathered headrests. :kitty:

[kechara420]

ewwwww

[JadedLegend3]

I thought one of your fightin' felines recently did a nasty :hork: on one of those feathered headrests. :kitty:


OMG that's right. I totally forgot about that. :(

Yeah, it was my mom's cat though...mine wouldn't do such a thing. :D

[trubador]

Of course not.







(meow)

[AyuRocks]

Her babies are good boys!

[JadedLegend3]

:hug: That's right! :)