Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Soccer Mom and a Half

"I will never drive a minivan!" Yeah, we all said it, but I really meant it. I don't know if anyone knows this about me, but I secretly LOVE cars. I don't mean I just love how they get me from points a to b, nor am I particularly enamored by the details of modern mechanics and whatnot. No, I just really appreciate a beautifully-designed car. I realize that it is all in the eye of the beholder, but sheesh! Am I the only beholder who actually opens her eyes? How can ANYONE look upon certain vehicles (I will refrain from pinpointing makes and models, so as not to offend any who may not care as deeply as I) with any degree of discretionary vision, and still decide to drive them? This obsession goes back as far as I can remember: On long family road trips, while you played the alphabet game, blissfully unaware of the other cars on the road, my dad and I played the "who can guess the make and model of the car on the opposite side of the freeway first" game, followed by rousting discussion on the many flaws of particular car manufacturers. Do you need further illustration? When Ty suggested, several years ago, that his truck might be a good alternative to dying if there were an emergency (when he was away at grad school every weekend with my car), I passionately proclaimed that I would just call an ambulance, thank you, rather than set precious foot in that particular make of vehicle. Still not convinced? When that Porsche commercial comes on t.v., or when I click on my bookmarked Utube video of a Ferrari racing through the streets of Italy, I become short of breath, my palms sweat, and my heart beat becomes erratic. Now, having explained myself, let me just say...

I bought a minivan last night.


And I LOVE it.

7 comments:

Marianne said...

Congratulations! So, it's not as bad as you thought? You are so funny! I am with you on a beautifully designed car. Although, I did not appreciate cars at all until I married your cute brother. I couldn't tell the difference between a Ford and a BMW until he educated me. Now we sometimes play that game you played with your Dad, and I now have strong opinions on what are and aren't good looking cars. Anyway, thanks for the advice. I'll have try it next time- if there is a next time. We may just keep Noah indoors until he's 18.

Sharlee said...

Yay, Andy! You knew it had to happen. You're life will be so much easier now--practicality...that's what it's all about. So...what kind is it, anywho?

Amber said...

I am going to have to start making fun of you now! Although we rented a mini-van on a cross-country trip and LOVED it. But, I love love love my car (a Toyota Avalon) so no mini-vans for us any time soon (okay so never). Maybe you should drive that new mini-van out our way for dinner or something. I soo regret that, w/ being in charge of the reunion and all, I had soo little time to catch up when you were here!

Emily said...

They sure are practical, but I still miss driving the car. (& I don't even have a cool one.)

Priceless Heritage said...

AHHH! I can't believe you caved! I'm still against it! I love my trail blazer. Congrats on a new car- mmm the new car smell is yummy!

Marianne said...

Yes, I've added a few songs to my playlist, to say the least. It's getting a bit ridiculous. I have about 50 songs on there!! Of course, Joel contributed some. We both have fun looking up our favorite songs, and it seems like I'm always remembering some favorite of mine that I want on there. I have more fun with my playlist than my actual blog.

P.S.- I like this correspondence we're having through our blogs. It's very fun!

Palmer family said...

I swore I would never buy a minivan either. We bought the van we have now when Travis was in PT school and I made him promise (more than once even!) that we'd get rid of it as soon as he graduated, got a job and we settled somewhere. That was almost 2 years ago and we still have our minivan and I LOVE IT too. All that space! AHHHH. I like the looks of lots of SUV's but they have zero cargo space and as long as I have kids at home I probably won't ever own one. You are like me...I love vehicles too! When we're on trips, Trav will quiz me on cars we are approaching and I am almost always RIGHT! :) He is always impressed. We are looking at getting a newer minivan soon. We've been looking for about 2 months now. Tell me ALL the 'deets' about yours.........