Why Can't I Just Buy A Car Like Normal Folks?

That is the question that's been in my head for weeks. I peruse webpages filled with cars until my eyes start to blur, then I go roam the back parking lots of car dealerships in 20 degree weather (cause I want to see what they have in a tangible way without salesperson interaction). This always works, no one comes out to bother me.

I stand there shivering until I have all the info. I think I need and then I walk quickly back to my car, taking care to avoid the slick patches of ice. I wonder how I ever bought my current car, a 1999 compact Chevy coupe. And yes, I bought it new. It was the first car I'd ever purchased, but my circumstances were different. I recall having to rent a car for a weekend to be able to drive to various dealerships to look at cars. I did not feel as much pressure then because a)I had only two choices that I liked, could afford, and had low % financing and b)I already had donated my hand-me-down Chrysler LeBaron to a worthwhile organization and watched with sadness as they towed it away.

This time is different. I have my car and although it has issues (air conditioner failure and an intermittent electrical system glitch) it still runs. Therein lies my hesitancy. I guess a big part of me doesn't believe you should purchase a new expensive item if the old, at-one-time-expensive item is still working. I know that I am in the minority with this thinking. I believe that is primarily because many people use acquisitions like cars to define who they are or boost their self esteem.

My favorite car was a 1971 Cutlass Oldsmobile with a 350 Rocket engine and a sweet Alpine car audio system. It also had a heater that occasionally didn't work, an intermittent roof leak, and floorboards that had rusted to the point that it was possible at any moment I might have to power my car using the same method as Fred Flintstone. As much as I loved that car, I knew when it was time to retire it. I had two cars at that point, and trying to keep them both while living in a downtown apartment was no easy task. So when someone offered to buy the Olds, I jumped at the chance. It helped that the person I sold it to was a fan of classic cars. I knew it would have a good home.

So back to the present. I've looked at and test driven Nissans, Chevys, and one brand/car that I won't share (because I am all about the top secret). Who knows, if I fully commit to this process, I might end up with a car that I will love as much as the Olds.

The Best of 2010

OK, I'm nearly three days behind on this, but I thought it might be interesting to reflect on some of my positives of 2010. They are as follows:

• Cupcakes-2010 was when the cupcake craze that has been in the big cities for years decided to arise in Indy. Many cupcakeries opened to join local establishment, The Flying Cupcake. My favorite entry into the market is Gigi's Cupcakes, a franchise with Nashville, TN roots. Gigi's are the epitome of sugary goodness. I like them so much, I buy them for my very good friends.
  

• Save the Noggin Bike ride- What can I say? This September ride was challenging and inspiring at the same time. Challenging because I was able to ride 28 miles without any friends accompanying me. Inspiring.... because of the people I met . One participant, who I'll call SA, had just learned to ride a bike again after an injury that had occurred a year earlier. She and others said they felt the need to donate money and ride as a way to give back to the Brain Injury Association of Indiana, an organization that helped them . It was the most difficult athletic endeavor I ever attempted and completed, but by far the most worthwhile.

• Solider of Love (Sade)- This was my favorite album of 2010. Sade hasn't changed despite a near 10-year absence from recording. The new tunes were as jazzy and smooth as ever. I could listen to them multiple times and never tire of them. My choice for runner-up would be the soundtrack from the movie Burlesque, and for happiest, bubbliest album... Katy Perry's Teenage Dream.

• For Colored Girls- I am usually not a fan of Tyler Perry-produced projects, but I enjoyed this because of the monologues (when do you see those in film?) and the talented actresses of color who decided to be a part of this film. Despite some weakness in the script, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Thandie Newton, Whoopi Goldberg, Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, and Kerry Washington gave it their all.

• Kindle-The best gift I never thought I needed, and yes now I love it. Finding engaging books to download that are being offered for free is like a literary treasure hunt.