My car is at the shop. I'm waiting for them to call and tell me it's fixed. If I remember correctly, the things they are doing include:

Replacing the alternator
Replacing hosed something hoses (they were bulging and I forget which ones he said)
Replace/repair the CV joints (which annoys me, as this will be the second time I've had them replaced in three years or so)
Look at why the dashboard lights go out without warning
Install a new fuel filter. Or is it the pump? I think it's the filter.

An expensive little undertaking which my husband is underwriting for me. :/

Cheaper than getting a new car, though. Just frustrating and ill-timed. Luckily, one of my classmates has been very gracious about picking me up and bringing me home, as my car has been having issues since last Thursday. Argh.

On the bright side, once the car is fixed up again, the only thing 'wrong' with it will be the terribly oxidized hood. I am not sure why only the hood has gotten so ugly, but it would be a mere cosmetic fix and not one that affects the structural integrity or anything.

And for those of you not on the mailing list, there are new interviews at Billy Boyd dot net. :)