My brain, my car, my ren faire?

[thistlechaser]

I'm glad I've gotten to the point in my life where I sometimes have an idea how my brain works.

Yesterday I hated my new car. I looked up the return policy online. I rehearsed the conversation I'd have to have with the dealer about it. I thought about how I'd have to explain the change to my co-workers, who only hours before I said good things about the car to.

But I know me. I'm really bad with change, with different things, with new things. A car is one of the biggest new things I'll ever get. And it's very, very different than my previous car.

Last night I actually had a bad dream about the car. (Sigh, brain, you're so predictable.) But this morning when I got in it wasn't so bad. Was it perfect? No. I'm still getting used to it. Also, it will never be a perfect fit for me (not enough legroom, really). But I didn't hate it. If only I didn't have a left leg, the car would be a perfect fit! (Seriously. There's something sticking out on the left from both the door (hits my knee) and at foot-level. Makes it hard to find where to have my left leg. Nothing is really comfortable.)

But cool thing about it? I picked it up on Monday, drove it home. Yesterday I drove to work, to lunch, back to work, then home. Drove to work this morning. It hasn't used a single cent of gas yet. (It tracks that for you.) How amazing is that? That's the trade-off for the lack of roominess inside, I guess.

Anyway! This weekend I'm going to a ren faire! My first one! Woot. Is there anything I should know going in? Is it like Disney, where you should bring your own snacks and water because they charge $14/bottle? I have to remember to bring my camera, assuming photos are permitted (I'd think so). Anything else? I don't have a costume or anything, just street clothing.

Comments

[tersa.livejournal.com]

Yes, you probably want to bring your own water. Photos are usually permitted (if you want to take photos of someone, try to ask first and don't kinnear them.) And you don't need a costume, they're perfectly aware that not everyone is going to come in faire gear. They'll take your money regardless. :)

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Huh, new word. Yay! And oops, yep, I forgot to include money on that list. Hopefully there will be fun and interesting things to buy!

[tersa.livejournal.com]

There will be /tons/ of stuff to buy. The only question will be if you find them fun or interesting. :>

Also, forgot to add:
Change is scary, and I'm not surprised you're having issues adjusting to it. :) But if you really don't like it after however much time you have to return it, then you should.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

I'm very picky when it comes to buying things, so while I do hope there will be things there I want, it won't surprise me if I come home empty-handed. Especially now, with crossing 'replacing my car' off my list, next up is moving. Probably. Maybe. *cough*

Unfortunately the return period is only three days, so tomorrow is the deadline. Then I have nine days (six more after the three) to trade it in there for a different car (equal or greater cost) if I wanted. I don't think I'll do either. I may not keep the car 15 years like my previous one, but I think I'll ride it out for now. Especially since I mostly only make short trips I can deal with my left leg being uncomfortable.

[ani-mama.livejournal.com]

Most hybrid cars are not that roomy...I think it is a tradeoff for having an aerodynamic, fuel efficient vehicle. We were shopping for one few years back and my 6'2" Hubby had to fold up like origami to fit into a Prius. We ended up getting an American car with more head and leg room. Too bad, because I would really like to get a hybrid vehicle. The price of fuel is only going up, so you made a good choice.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Agreed, to both parts. My previous car (Saturn, American made) had a ton more room, but of course it used gas. It's not even just leg room -- I like eating lunch in my car and the Prius makes it really hard to do that. I can put things on the passenger seat, but there's a console between the driver and passenger area that makes it hard to reach, plus no where to put your drink down (other than the cup holder, which is BEHIND your elbow).

Ironically, if I had to drive long distances, I'd have to trade it in for some other car.

[ani-mama.livejournal.com]

Maybe there are third party accessories that will fit, like additional cup holders? I am sure you are not the first Prius owner to have those issues.

Haha, yes. Our great big 4 door truck gets rotten fuel mileage, but it pulls the fifth wheel trailer and has plenty of room for people, pets, all the snacks and toys. We often drive 2000 miles or more for the summer road trips, so it works great for that. Rest of the time the truck is parked on the driveway.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

That's a good idea, I should look into that. I want to get a... I don't know what they're called. A unit/thing/something that you put on the passenger seat that has storage, cup holders, all that as one unit. Then if I have to drive someone somewhere, I can toss it into the back.

Oh yeah, I still need to find out how to open the back. :P

I'd think a truck would be especially handy, with your snow!

[loup_noir]

Wait a second. Your leg doesn't fit properly in the car? That should be a deal-killer, if you ever plan on taking a drive longer than a few hours. Trust me. I speak from experience.

We bought a van based on online research. My guy found one that was within his price range, researched all the features, blah blah blah, did everything right except for one thing: actually test driving one long enough to have an idea about the comfort levels before we forked over the cash. GMC Astros were designed by a sadist. The seats weren't bad, but the place you put your feet was built so it angled. Your outside knee was always torqued just a bit. An hour? Uncomfortable but not hideous. An eight-hour trip? Pure misery, both for the driver and the passenger. We're both tall. Maybe short people would find that comfortable. We sure didn't, but we bought it used from an individual who lived in the SF Bay Area and we were already north. Had we purchased it from a dealer, it would have gone back.

Think about this carefully. How many hours a week will you spend in your car?

RenFaires are fun. Make sure you take a hat with a broad brim. The food will be overpriced, as will be the drinks. Depending on where it's held, there may not be water spigots for you to refill your bottle. Take in the shows (assuming they have them). The shopping is way fun. The ones I used to go to had wonderful ceramics, jewelry, leatherwork, bad costumes, etc... You'll need some cash, but these days, unless there's no coverage at all, most vendors ought to be able to take credit cards. Take a camera. You'll probably see everything from steampunk to decent historical costuming.

Have fun!

[ani-mama.livejournal.com]

Read your owner's manual!XD

All out vehicles are 4 wheel drive. If it is not snow, then there is mud, or just plain lumpy dirt roads. At least we do not have traffic!

[hamburger.livejournal.com]

Buy one of those giant turkey legs! That is my only suggestion and sums up my complete knowledge on Renn Faires!

[amanuensis1.livejournal.com]

Renfest! I love 'em.

The renfest I attend has no bathrooms, only port-a-potties. I void before I leave the house and drink NOTHING all day unless I'm very thirsty, then I drink only enough to satisfy my thirst at that moment and toss the rest. This way I can go all day without needing to use those port-a-potties.

On the other hand, smoked turkey legs are fabulous! I buy a couple extra wrapped up as I'm leaving and enjoy the meat off 'em for a week or more.

Have some singles on hand for when the entertainment acts "pass the hat."

Some vendors don't take credit cards and some won't take checks, either, so if you think you might want to buy something big (clothing, art, swords, etc.), take a wad of cash, or at least have your ATM card (there's usually a Ye Olde ATM somewhere on the premises).

My renfest venue is frequently muddy, because of the shade, so wear shoes/boots you don't mind washing free of mud later.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Oh ugh, I didn't think of the bathroom issue. Port-a-potties are just... ugh. Googling the location, it looks like there will be real bathrooms in the park. Public bathrooms are still ick, but better than port-a-potties!

I've never had a smoked turkey leg! I'm looking forward to trying one.

Good idea on singles, too. Usually I have just cash from the ATM, so it's all $20s. I'll start saving them up now.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

I've never had one, so I will for sure! I'm looking forward to trying it. :D

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but unfortunately that will be an issue with all hybrids. I need extra legroom too, both longer and wider, so even on my bigger previous car I still had the knee issue. Luckily work is only about 10 minutes from home and I'll rarely drive more than that. The ren faire is about a half-hour away, so I'll be interested to see how that trip is.

Good idea on a hat! And that reminds me I need sunblock, too. I burn easy as heck.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Speaking of the manual, I can't believe how thick it is. No exaggeration, it's about five inches thick! I can check the index for that though.

[kelen.livejournal.com]

If your Ren Faire is anything like the one here, do not wear sandals of any kind. Wear shoes that cover your feet even if it's hot out, and socks.
Dunno about you, but I don't like rocks in sandals and filthy feet.. ;) Lots of dirt and gravel at the Faire here.

But yeah, bring your own water, expect it to be hot without a lot of shade. Don't expect to get water refills. Sun lotion! The hat mentioned is an awesome idea. :)

I've known many people who worked at Faire's over the years, and yeah, over heating is a problem. You won't have it as bad as you won't be in costume and having to move all day, but keep it in mind.

[amanuensis1.livejournal.com]

YAY for flushable toilets!

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Hello stranger! :) Good seeing you again!

I bought suntan lotion over lunch today. Whew, it's 80 and it's not even noon yet! I think (HOPE) it's going to be cooler this weekend.

And sneakers it is!

[kelen.livejournal.com]

Stranger than most even! ;)

I've poked you on Tumblr, but you didn't reply, so I have attempted contact! ..Not that I am bothered by no reply. Tumblr is weird and not good for replies.

But yeah, expect it to be HOT, and don't forget to put lotion on the backs of your hands and fingers. Trust me, I learned the hard way. Oooooow.

The Faire here has a ton of trees and seating, so we seldom have trouble, but we knew what to do before hand thanks to friends. Tired? Sit and watch a show, or sit and watch the people as you nibble foods. There are many shops that have shade, so that too is awesome. Shopping at the Faire is why I go. So many amazing things to see, especially when you realize they are all hand made. I always find myself whining over lack of money at pottery shops.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Reading more, I'm not sure. The park it's located in has some, but the jousting is described as "behind the port-o-potties", so... Blech.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Oh sorry! I do next to nothing on tumblr. I check the site maybe once a month, unless someone links me and pokes me until I click. I'm really not a tumblr person.

Luckily the weather should be much nicer this weekend! high of 70 on Saturday, 66 on Sunday. (Still need the sunscreen though!)

Woot! Can't wait to check out the shops!

[kelen.livejournal.com]

Can't say I'm much different on Tumblr. ;)

I really hope you have a good time!

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll post about it after! :D

[teaandfailure.livejournal.com]

YIKES! I guess I better test drive one before I get one then! I just hate driving cars that don't belong to me. There's a guy at work who offered to let me drive his. I guess at least I'll ask if I can sit in there and see how the legroom is.

I drive a Corolla now though, so at least I'm used to TINY JAPANESE CARS. And I love the Corolla, Elroy is ten years old and is a horrible shit magnet (he's been in three or four accidents, only one of which was my fault and involved me hitting a stationary object; the other three were people hitting him). So maybe I am shorter than you? I am pretty short.

But I'm glad you posted this, I would have bought one without test driving just for the gas mileage. Which sounds awesome. AWESOME I TELL YOU.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Yeah, test drive for sure! And a long one. This is silly, but driving in front of other people makes me nervous, so my test drive was really short by choice. I suspect I was concentrating so hard on not getting into an accident and totaling a car that wasn't even mine, I didn't notice the leg room issue at all.

Belatedly I learned that some dealerships will let you test drive one for a whole day. If yours will, that might be a good idea.

All this being said, it varies a lot on body type/weight/height all that. Some guys who are 6'2 say it's comfortable for them!

Good luck!

[voidmagus.livejournal.com]

Sad, but that was my thought exactly. Eat turkey leg, watch falconry demonstration, let wife shop for jewelry/clothes.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

You know, there's something amusing about eating a turkey leg while watching a falconry demonstration.

[trackerceirin.livejournal.com]

just chiming in as someone who works faires-- even if the park has its own facilities, there will be additional port-o-potties. With the kind of crowds those draw, you really do not want to rely on the one or two restrooms a park tends to have, and faires on park grounds tend to sprawl. It's convenient to have extras in other locations aside from the public bathroom.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Ah, thank you! That's good to know.