Well it is official, at least my boss knows, so now I can share with y'all - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MikeTangas · #1 11-14-2003, 01:38 PM

Only a very few people have been told, plus a couple here on the forums, but now that it is official everyone can know.

I have accepted a little promotion, which is good. Downside, I will have to move just a tad under 2400 miles away. I will be transferring to Port Huron, Michigan, becoming neighbors with the Mackenzie Brothers in the Great White North. Can you say touque?

I got word on Tuesday that I am supposed to be on the ground there by 12/28. That is light speed for for my employer. I am looking forward to this, but approach with some trepidation.

The Missus and little ones will be staying behind for at least a year, multiple reasons: wife's job (14 years is too much time to toss), kid's school and wife's Mom being seriously ill. Most would think that this isn't that great a deal, but it is. The promotion puts me in line for higher positions, which could very well bring me back to Sunny So. Cal in a year. I won't be selling the house, even though I could cash out and do very nicely, but with the market spiraling upward I couldn't buy back in in a year.

Makes for a big bullet to bite. A little searching on the net finds that if I shop wisely I could probably maintain a 2nd home in Michigan. All I have to do is make sure I leave enough $$ to stash so I can pay for airfare and couple long weekends back to California.

Due to the weather conditions and likelihood of salt on the roads I have concerns about taking the 4.5 up. Most likely I will take the 560 only, then if things play out where the whole family comes up, I will bring everything.

As for now, my home improvement projects, which have been on slow simmer for the past couple years, have been moved to the front burner. One day a week has been schedule for the horse trailer rebuild (which is about 1/2 complete). I will probably finish the major portion of the ramp fabrication tonight, about an hours worth of welding, with fitment of hinges and hanging the ramp on the trailer done next week.

I'm trying hard as hell not to let the "short timers" syndrome set in, but after 18 years in one location it is a hard battle - I'm ready for a little change.

Well, I best get back to getting my work gear ready to ship. More info to follow as the big day draws near.

Cap'n Carageous · #2 11-14-2003, 01:59 PM

Better get you a dog. It'll get mighty cold sleeping alone in Michigan.

suginami · #3 11-14-2003, 02:09 PM

Congratulations Mike!

I guess this means we won't be seing you at GTG's anymore.

Is this a promotion within the border patrol?

What kind of responsibility will your new job have?

Botnst · #4 11-14-2003, 02:11 PM

Congratulations, Mike. It'll be a great opportunity.

G-Benz · #5 11-14-2003, 02:17 PM

Congrats Mike! Say hello to my brother in Flint!

Buy some winter wear too.

Unless the promotion offers a substantial salary increase, getting a second home and related expenses will have you break even.

I did a yearlong contract in Colorado Springs and left my family in Texas. Rented a cheap studio apartment and bought a cheap car to get me through (didn't want to take any of the MBs there).

Got a part-time professorship teaching at night, so I was able to pay for my expenses with that salary.

When the contract was over, I moved back to Texas, got rid of the car a year later, and didn't have to worry about selling a house or any other incidentals...it was a clean move.

MikeTangas · #6 11-14-2003, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by suginami
I guess this means we won't be seing you at GTG's anymore.

Well Paul, I guess that will depend on when y'all have a GTG. Remember, I plan some trips back and the 4.5 will still be here.

And, yes I'm still in the Patrol, will still be shooting competitively too. The position is the second in charge of the Port Huron Station, basically responsible for all aspects of the operation.

Been speaking Spanish most of my life, I might have to learn me a little French now. I kick myself in the butt all the time because I spent 6.5 years in South Louisiana and never learned a lick of French - way different dialect than Acadian French or Provincial French, but would have been a great base.

G,

I think I can own for far less than rent. I lose a big chunk of overtime with the promo, but salary offsets that with a little in the plus column. I found a couple small houses (small being the key word here) that with about 10K down leave me a $70 a month payment. So a little less beer and bowling and I'm covered. I think I can handle both house payments if that pans out properly.

The plan if I buy is to either sell or get back into the rental business (not something I want to do after my last experience). If it works out that the whole family comes up, we will sell the house here and buy something big out of town.

Glen · #7 11-14-2003, 02:53 PM

Congratulations on your promotion, Mike!

Sounds like a great opportunity for you and your family...well worth the short term stresses.

BenzOnline · #8 11-14-2003, 03:01 PM

congrats! ...............now you will really be able to see how good the 126 is for a winter car!

Snibble · #9 11-14-2003, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BenzOnline
congrats! ...............now you will really be able to see how good the 126 is for a winter car!

I don't think personally they are great for winter. Awesome cruisers... but through the snow is a little different. This will be my 2nd year in the snow.. and I just recently got new Regatta 2's...so I will see if I change my mind about the 126 being not good in the snow.

G-Benz · #10 11-14-2003, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeTangas
I found a couple small houses (small being the key word here) that with about 10K down leave me a $70 a month payment.

I think you've got the expenses thing covered quite nicely!

Good luck on your new venture!

suginami · #11 11-14-2003, 03:39 PM

Mike,

Be sure to post here when you will be in town, and we'll be sure to schedule a GTG so that we can all keep in touch.

Didn't you buy a piece of property or a cabin somewhere in Michigan last year? I remember reading a post or seeing pics. Is it too far to commute?

Mark V · #12 11-14-2003, 04:36 PM

Congratulations, but is Port Huron a promotion?

el presidente · #13 11-14-2003, 04:43 PM

Wow! Some changes

Congratulations and good luck!

Gilly · #14 11-14-2003, 07:16 PM

I've been through that area quite a bit, it seems like a nice area, and seems fairly cool in that region during the hot months.

I don't think I'd sweat knowing French, it does after all border with Ontario, not Quebec, you'll be fine without that I would think.

On the SEL in the winter, well, I've driven them in Wisconsin during some crappy weather, better have a decent pair of snows, if not a set. I'd recommend Blizzaks, and then remember to only keep them on as long as neccesary. Anything over 40 or 50 degrees and the multi-cell really rubs off, and when the multi-cell is gone, they're not any better than any other snow tire. For weight in the trunk. many things will work. SAND is OK, and you can use it to get yourself out of a real slick spot, like glare ice. If you don't use it, then you have to store it someplace during the summer. Most folks around here use water softener salt, because you can always use that, assuming you have a water softener. You just want to be careful to get bags in good shape and all that, don't need extra salt in the trunk. 126's seem to hold up pretty good up here in the rust belt if properly cared for.

Alternatively, front wheel drive vehicles are very good in the snow with a decent set of all-weather tires, should be able to find something fairly cheap. I recommend most any front-wheel drive GM car, especially with the 3800 V6. I've owned a series of these and very seldom have any problem in the winter. Mid-90's GM stuff like a Regal, Electra, LeSabre or the like, very dependable winter transport.

Gilly

MikeTangas · #15 11-14-2003, 09:47 PM

Ted,

My Dad still has the house and cabin in Rhinelander & Minocqua, plus we have the land in Hazelhurst (those are all in Wisconsin Paul). I figure since I'll be way over yonder, flying solo for a while I'll probably trek over to WI to visit the old man more than once a year like I usually do now. Might even come in from the south and swing up through Madison for a visita (have a cousin in Sparta so the southern trek would allow a visit to her too).

Gilly, Ted et al,

I was thinking snow tires, but had no idea where to start looking. Will check out the Blizzaks. If I buy them early enough, I could probably have them shipped to the station so they'd be waiting my arrival. I figure if I can handle a Crown Vic Interceptor through the mountain snow here on simple V rated highway tires, I should be able to get to Port Huron without too much problem. It is once there that I'll have to be ready.

My kid sister lives outside of Toronto and used to work for Goodyear, she says to find a set of tires with the lowest durometer rubber possible, the lower the durometer the better they adhere on snow/ice.

I have been thinking about a winter beater, we'll see how things are going as the time draws closer. One thing crossed my mind this afternoon, a second ride may not be neccessary as the position may warrant a take home ride. That would limit the amount of time the Benz would be on the road to only a couple nights a week after work, and weekends of course.