I've now been the (mostly) proud owner of a minivan for 4 days. With only a few jibes from my friends at work (yes, I think you can go cruising in a minivan). I have to say -- I really am sold. I'm converted. I really, really like driving it. My kids are happy (and quiet, mostly). Which means I'm happy. Ken got the short end of the stick as he is now being the great hubby that he is and driving a hand-me-down car for the 2nd time in a row. It's his turn next (and I owe him a truck after I graduate residency -- that was our deal).
I'm feeling a little nostalgic about saying goodbye to the Pathfinder. It's the first car I ever really bought, during my 3rd year at BYU. I realized I've owned that car for 9 years. It's made it through tons of road trips (camping in southern Utah, snowboarding trips, multiple climbing trips in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, Arizona, the Boundary waters, the Appalachian trail). I've driven that car faster than any car I've ever been in (I used to have sort of a lead foot -- I've been way better recently, I swear -- I think it hit well over 110 during a long, nighttime road trip to Arizona I'm embarrassed to say). It's been through several college boyfriends and hour-long car trips to visit Ken while we were engaged. It got some med school friends and I to a final following a huge Michigan snowstorm that about 1/3 of our class missed 'cause they couldn't get out of their driveways. It made Ken the coolest young men's leader ever with his 11-12 year old boys (nice radio, lack of good shocks made it feel like it had hydraulics). We've driven around 2 kids in that car.
I feel like I'm leaving a little chapter of my life behind me. And starting one consisting of initiation into mommy-hood and settled-down-ness. Which, I've decided, is just about perfect. Plus, I think minivans can still go off roading -- and can certainly pull a canoe to the Boundarywaters. The kids will just whine less in it. And if I blast some 90s rap, I can still feel like I'm 20.
ooh, she's a beaut! saying goodbye to old cars IS always tough. i'm with you!
ReplyDeleteOh, but where is the ode to the DODGE NEON???
ReplyDeleteShe is a beauty, love the color. I was so sad to give up my last car, it was my moms before mine, I took my drivers test in it. Than I was given it while in college, so oh the many memories. I feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new wheels! I guess Ken gets to drive the paddy wagon now, right? Know the feeling about the old college car. I still have mine, been driving it for almost 11 years, and it is approaching its 16th birthday shortly. I think I'm going to keep it and let Annabelle drive it when she turns 16!
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