How do you write out $1832.39 on a check?

It's been a lo-o-ong time since I've had to write a big check. Kyle, the banker, writes off all the bills. I just get to spend fun money. And let me tell you, writing a check that fat is not a fun money amount.

My car was due for its 3,000 mile oil change and a 50,000 mile maintenance service. Also, my brakes were squealing. All of this I anticipated when I scheduled the appointment at the Saturn dealership. For whatever reason, I just knew that wasn't going to be all they would find.

I was at Weight Watchers and the phone rang. It was Saturn. They confirmed my regular maintenance and the need to replace the front brakes. And then...

SATURN: Um, ma'am, when they were under there, they noticed your power steering pump was leaking. That will be about $120.
ME: Okay.
SATURN: And also, there is a leak in your powering steering gear. That is a rather expensive one. It looks like that will be $1,100 to replace.
ME: Oh, wow [pause. followed by a sigh and hand to brow]. I need to discuss that with my husband who is not with me right now. Can you do everything else and I'll get back to you about the power steering problems?

SATURN: Sure, We'll get started on it and you can give us a call later.

Boy, did that hit my gut. I walked back in and shared the crappy diagnosis with my mom. She told me the worst car bill they had was when they were newly married and had to pay $100 for the car to be fixed. It was such a blow that she cried. That put it into perspective for me.

So after the meeting, I biked home (yes, you read it right--I biked) and shared the bad news with Kyle. It was more a statement than asking help in making the decision. I called back Saturn and gave them the green light to do what they need to do to fix my car. Fortunately, he must have heard the diappointment in my voice during our earlier conversation, for he informed me that Ian (whoever he is) would be able to take off a couple hundred dollars. Perfect. Exactly what I wanted to spend our $1,800 rebate check on.

I tried to take a little advantage out of the situation and decided to bike over there to pick the car up when it was ready. The dealership is a couple of miles from our house, and it took me about twenty minutes to get there. A nice little ride. But boy, does my butt hurt!

So I get there, with my blank check. The receptionist tells me the amount and I had to stop and think, "how is that spelled out?" But I managed to write it out correctly: One-thousand, eight-hundred thirty-two and 39/100 (dollars). Ugh!

Oh well, it's only money, right?