Margaret

This is a preliminary search. I've been driving a 1998 Toyota Corolla now for about 5 years and I'm dumping a little too much money into it.

My family has always been a "toyota family." I would like a 4-door sedan, probably 4-cylinder that is fuel-efficient and will last a while.

I have $5000 to put down. I'd like to buy new, but I'm hoping to have an affordable payment ($200 and under). I live in Pennsylvania.

Hopefully this is doable. Recommendations please!

My mom and dad have very different opinions about, well, everything. They are divorced so naturally I am in the middle.

I purchased 4 boxwoods for the front of my house to sort of balance everything out. There are bushes on the other side. My dad came over and said that I planted them WAY TOO CLOSE to the house. Grant, they were only a foot from the house and the tag said that the mature size of the bush is 36 inches. So I planted them about 2 feet from the house and now my mom says they are way too far.

Here is a side view. picture http://chezmissmary.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ga...

I have read and watched several tutorials about this. I think that building a patio in my backyard will really enhance the property since I currently don't really have an outdoor living space.

To my advantage, my dad has built brick patios at a few of our houses growing up, and he's willing to help.

My concern is the materials. I plan on going with a standard brick paver. I was hoping to find these for a discounted price but have had no luck so far. The cheapest one at home depot I believe is 45 cents. I want the patio to be 15 by 15 feet so that's 225 sq. feet. Am I safe getting 1050 of these bricks?

How much sand will I need?

What kind of gravel do I need? Crushed gravel?

Thanks!

I'm in the process of scheduling phone interviews for candidates. Several of the candidates simply gave their current employer/office phone number in their cover letters/CV's. When an assistant or another employee answers their line to take a message, I obviously don't want to disclose why I am calling and make it known that the candidate has applied elsewhere. How can I confidentially handle this without being suspicious?

Often the person on the other end asks what the call is regarding.

I know that there are payment estimators out there but I was wondering if someone experienced could give me a better idea. My credit should be pretty good since I've owned a house for a year now and have never missed a payment. If I put $5000 down, what kind of monthly payment could I expect? I live in Pennsylvania if that helps.

Currently driving a very old car and putting money into it each year in maintenance.

My house was built in 1953 and all but 2 of the windows are original, single-paned, and peeling. On Tuesday and Thursday of next week I have 2 different window companies coming to give me estimates on replacing the old with new. My question is about the basement. There are 3 windows down there that provide some nice light. I realize that block windows are supposed to be safer and part of the reason why I'm replacing all of the windows in my house are to compliment my new energy-efficient furnace and air conditioner. I am hesitant to get block windows because I sort of like being able to see outside. Thoughts?

I need 3 letters of recommendation for my grad school application, 2 of which I am confident my supervisors at work will be willing to write.

I'm not sure how I can go about obtaining a 3rd. I feel a big strange trying to contact a professor from my undergrad since a) it's been over 3 years and b) I did not develop a strong relationship with any particular professor.

This may seem rather broad but I would like to start planning for a 1 week vacation this summer. I do not want to spend more than 1200 per person. This will be my boyfriend and I. I have never gone backpacking but have done quite a bit of camping.

I live in Pennsylvania so a plane ticket out west can range from 400-1000 dollars. One vacation option is to go to Vegas and stay with my grandmother for a few nights then drive to another destination. I have been to Vegas and hiking at Red Rock Canyon & the Valley of Fire. Boyfriend has not.

Any suggestions for a feasible, mostly outdoors vacation is welcome. Dude ranch? National Park? What is your experience?

I always look forward to the holidays, especially the chaotic family aspect. I love them all so much. This year, for the first time, all of our boyfriends will be under one roof at my grandparent's house (my 2 sisters and mine). I thought I had completed my shopping but I have forgotten to get a gift for my older sister's boyfriend.

I don't want to spend over 25 dollars. Does anyone have suggestions? I don't know him all that well. He is in his 50's, a classical musician, well-read, etc.

Thanks.