This Is Why I Don't Go Out In The Daytime

So I needed to bring the Subaru up to the dealer for a little service which was under warranty. This dealership is about a half hour drive up Rt. 17 in Bergen County NJ. For the most part the road is the highway to hell for six days a week when the malls are open. The only day of peace is Sunday when under the county's archaic blue laws, the stores are closed.

Knowing I didn't want to be anywhere on this road during retail hours, I scheduled the service appointment for 7:30. But of course it's been snowing since yesterday afternoon; luckily not much is really accumulating. So here I am, out in the world on a weekday morning. I know for most of you that is a normal day, but I should be having my second cup of tea and catching up with the overnight internet world.

What I am doing is getting agitated. Yes, the dealership has wifi so I am still connected with the world, but it also has "other people" here. And the woman next to me is playing Song Pop, or whatever the hell that shit is. This is what it is... annoying. The dealership is cool, they have piped in music...right now Mumford and Sons is playing. They also have a nice TV which they switched on and is currently showing the History Channel. Apparently none of us here really care what's on. Then I have missy next to me playing Song Pop. I am being overloaded by sound. Especially those electronic noises coming from this bitch's phone.

How long I ask, how long before I say "excuse me"  hmm.
And I'm getting hungry. This could go downhill very quickly.

Oh look, my car is ready.

And tomorrow is Spring. Life is good.
Sometimes.
Right now I have a headache.
Going home.
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The Hated Journey Is Over: A New Car Is A Beautiful Thing

I loved my 4Runner, really I did.

She had served us well for almost 15 years. So many trips up through New England, into Canada, down to Baltimore, countless drives to Pennsylvania... and never as much as a hiccup in her giddyup.

I loved my sunroof...especially at night. Loved driving into NYC for a show or dinner and having the roof opened on the way back to Jersey. Something about driving and seeing the moon through the top of the car. I loved the room, as I've said before... I don't travel light. There was always room to fit all my supplies and purchases...well almost always.

I also loved her as she got old. There is a certain feeling you get when your car is old and you take her into the city... especially with my attitude. Don't even think of cutting me off, does this car look like I give a shit? You really think I'm gonna cry over a dent...better rethink that move Mr. Mercedes.

But just like everything else in life, all good things come to an end. Shirley (yes, that was her name) and I have gone our separate ways. And you know what..I don't even miss her. She has been replaced..with a younger model.

The new addition to the family is a 2012 Subaru Outback...charcoal grey with black interior. Picked her up last night and am looking forward to taking her out for a little spin today. Now, the size is a bit smaller, that will mean I can no longer throw everything into the back. Now I have to execute a packing plan...something I excell at by the way. It's like doing a puzzle...a challenge for which I am ready, willing and able.

The biggest issue for me is the loss of my sunroof or moonroof... whatever you call it. This car doesn't have one and I will miss it terribly. But just like when you buy a house, unless you have unlimited resources... there are concessions to be made. Those who know me, know resources ain't quite what they used to be. But I digress.

All in all, I am one happy girl this morning. There is a ride to the weekend house tomorrow and a planned road trip for next weekend. It's gonna be nice to hear the music in the car, and not the squeaks and noise from the lack of tailpipe outside of it.

Thanks Shirley, for the 172,000 miles, the fun and the memories.

Time to take out the new girl in town... and I don't even know her name yet...any suggestions?

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Car Shopping: The Hated Journey Continues

Second day of car shopping. Although even that statement is a little misleading.

Years ago when you looked for a car, you watched the commercials on TV...and that was about it. When you thought you knew what type of car you wanted, you went to a dealer armed with nothing but steel toed shoes to kick the tires with. There was no internet to give you comparisons, reviews, specs or the carfax. You had nothing.

Now, buying a car is like cramming for finals. You need to research the car, compare internet offerings... blah, blah, blah. By the time you get to the dealer, you're exhausted and have a bit of an attitude problem. Well, at least I do. But I digress.

Yesterday we took a look at the Subaru Outback. A decidedly different vehicle from my 4Runner, but very nice. It handled well on the test drive and the quality of the car was impressive. There are a few interior issues to think about, but probably not deal breakers. Is it the choice...well, we have not made any commitment yet.

 Stay tuned for the next agonizing event...making the deal.

Advils and alcohol please.

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