Lately, when I shut off my car, my keys don't turn all the way and I can't get them out unless I turn it again (sometimes twice). Am I sweating a perfectly explainable situation, or is this a common problem?

Yeah, it is perfectly explainable. I hope. There are, I believe (guys, help me out here...), 3 situations and fixes:

1. Ignition switch is going bad
Replace switch

2. The leather/plastic shift trigger cover is getting wedged under the shift lever, causing the gear shift to not lock in Park, not releasing your key
Make sure the trim on the shift trigger is in proper position

3. Some other electrical problem that I believe a few others on this site have had
Wait for others to chime in

In short, welcome to the board. Use Hercman's site. This forum also has a wealth of information on it. I would suggest doing searches.

Could be the solenoid that locks your key in is bad. There is a plastic cover under the ignition switch on the steering column bottom cover. If you remove that, you can move it with a screwdriver. I believe it is also releasable by raising the steering wheel all the way up and reaching behind the cover (recent discovery). Anyway, next time it happens check to see if that releases it.

If it is the solenoid it could be a corroded positive battery terminal. Check it anyway. If the solenoid itself is bad, it is removable if you take the column apart without any negative affects.

http://www.grandprix.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=005781;p=0&r=nfx

Thats one of the posts I was tryin to look for. Thanks, Drummer.

No prob, gotta love that search feature ! very handy.

I learned how to get the solenoid to release real quick after a brain fart... After I removed my engine harness, I was being lazy and want to shift to 2 so I could get a better look at the shifter linkage. Dumb me sticks the key in the ignition and turns it on... no power, well it doesn't let the shifter move and the key is stuck. Oops.

I had the issue where my key stuck in the ignition... Turned out there's a module at the base of the shifter and a switch had corroded contacts.

I'll have to do a write up on what I did to verify the issue and my resolution as the junkyard shifter I bought did the exact same thing within months of putting it in.

huh...ok.
I'll try those solutions

THX GUYS! You've been a great help

p.s. thx for having me here! I've learned quite a bit the few days since i joined