An interesting incident took place today. Maybe 30 minutes after dinner, the doorbell rang and a little boy stood at the door saying his father wanted to know about the car for sale out front. Me and my Dad went out front and my Dad repeated his demand for $1500 in exchange for the car. The man promptly countered with an offer of $700 cash. My Dad left saying I should negotiate. This was bad for two reasons :
1. I need the car just a little longer because I need transportation andmy income is just enough now to put less than a quarter tank of gas in it, so buying a replacement with the proceeds is not an option.
2. My Dad's stated desire for $1500, which hadn't, to my knowledge changed at all.
What did I do? I confessed that I'd been driving the P.O.J. (Piece Of Junk, I really wanted to say POS but I am a church kid) and wouldn't sell it for more than $800 but that at the same time my Dad insisted on the $1500 or my hide. The boy and his father very quickly left, but not before the boy inquired what that awful rattling noise was that the car makes when it idles. I walked inside, very pleased with myself. My Dad asked what I told them. I told him that I insisted on $1500, saying I thought that was what he wanted. My Dad replied that it was not what he wanted but what I could manage that mattered. Which, when i am ready to ditch the P.O.J., should be a very helpful thing indeed, since I will be rid of the great $1500 albatross from my neck.