The NuclearGrammyMobile is now an ex-car. Rather like an ex-parrot. It has ceased to be. Actually, it may live a bit longer, but it won't be me who ponies up $1,800 for a new transmission, and that is because I have a lovely new (and I mean BRAND spanking new) car, or actually, and brand spanking new rectangular vehicle of indeterminate sort.
So the 1996 Oldsmobile (yeah, it was an Oldsmobile) is history and I have a Scion xB. You can assume it's Silver as that seems to be the color of every other car or SUV in my neighborhood.* Of course, the Scion isn't an SUV: it's an "urban" utility vehicle. It's built on a car platform. And I truly do love the little toaster, even if I never would have dreamed of owning this vehicle.**
So how do I own a NEW vehicle? Well, Scion is a scion of Toyota, of course, and they're having a smidge of an image problem right now, even if Scion was never part of the recalls. Also, PdeFF has been on another continent, in another hemisphere, since Feb. 10. Because of that, FoilMormor was here in the DC area for a long weekend, right smack dab in the middle of my foray (truly horrific) into absolute single parenting.***
During that weekend, the NuclearGrammyMobile died the good death, unfortunately right when I was trying to take TigerGrrl to a school skating event. I cried in front of my daughters and my mother.
Fortunately, my mother took care of the kids while I lined up the tow ($8 co-pay, thank you GEICO!) and the rental car. She thought about the situation for about 8 hours (while sleeping), woke up last Saturday and announce that we were going car shopping. "You need my help to pay for the repair. I'm not paying for it. You're getting a reliable car. I'm paying for that."
Her plan was a 1-2 year old Subaru, but then we both had the genius thought: Toyota. They'll make a deal. I look at the recs for Toyota Corollas and Matrixes. But then, at the dealership, we discovered the entry level, fixed price, Scion. FoilMormor offered to write a check for a few K less than the Consumer Reports price "Everything included, cash of the barrel, and you have a sale." It was Feb. 28, after a month of bad Toyota news.
I have a new car with anti-lock breaks, front and side-impact airbags, and side airbag curtains. I have a stellar stereo system which I could give a crap about and don't know how to operate, but TigerGrrl is all over that. TigerGrrl and DestructoGirl have been showing off the car.+ It's been two weeks, and I'm still in shock, but looking forward to seeing SNV tomorrow (and washing my car in her driveway).
What do I know? The NuclearGrammyMobile served me and my girls well. Now we have the FoilMormorMobile. It's a mobile symbol of love, much as the NuclearGrammyMobile was. Key FoilMormor quote: "I'll worry too much if you don't have a reliable car. This is new. It's under warrantee, it's cheap, and it's safe. Within three years, you won't be paying so much for child care, and you'll be saving for a new car. And I'm selling the Florida home, and I'll give your sister the same amount (LOS: NSLOS's money will go into a special needs trust) so don't feel guilty. This makes me happy." And it is like FoilMormor was Glinda the Good Witch, waving her wand.
And yes, it is somewhat infantalizing. And no, I don't give a flying fuck.
*It's not silver, but it might as well be silver, so there you are.
**Honestly, I have a brain, and an awareness of my financial situation. I knew the NuclearGrannyMobile wasn't going to last forever, but I thought I'd be lucky to get a used Kia or Hyundai, and I would have been happy to get either, I'm not sneering.
***Let me just say now, true single parenthood isn't for the birds; they for the most part, share parenting responsibilities. Single parenthood is evolutionarily not a very evolved state, bringing out lots of reptilian brain function. "Because I said so" is a common phrase. We had complaints from neighbors about noise when DestructoGirl and TigerGrrl fought. (I resisted the urge to recommend the nearby home for the nearly deceased, and I want an award, or points. Really.)
+Sample DestructoGirl quote of praise: "It has mirrors! It has wheels! It has doors!" So you can see what a deal we made.
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7 comments:
"It has mirrors! It has wheels! It has doors!"
What else do you need?
Oh, I'm all about the new car! And I could hardly have picked a better one for you: they're cute and very utilitarian and get great mileage and, yeah, they're a Toyota.
I wouldn't give a second thought to all this publicity Toyota has been getting (and I can see you don't); they're a huge company and every car company has had its day. They're still the most reliable, long-lasting cars made.
Three cheers for FoilMormor!!
Congrats on the new wheels! Scions are great cars. I wanted to buy one back in 2003 when the first launched but they were only available on the West Coast at the time. Can't wait to hear all about the Scion adventures!
I am SO happy that you have a new, reliable car. That will be the most amazing stress relief for you in the world. I know you're truly relishing the concept of turning the key and having the engine start, then driving to your destination with not a problem whatsoever. FoilMormor's logic was spot on, too. You need it now--not after she sells her house. It'll be equal in the end, and she doesn't have to worry about you anymore. Yay!
SUH-WEEEET!!!
Cookie: Reliable transportation. But we have SO much more. TG just loves the sound system and is trying to convince me that the I-Pod hookup means she needs an I-Pod. My response: "Look up the definition of "need", sweetheart."
Wunelle: My mom is the best. and the Scion is a close second. It is such a relief to know that for the forseeable future, transportation, to TG's Chess Club, karate lessons, cello lessons, art lesson, and occasional tennis and golf lessons, and DG's skating lessons and multitudinous playdates; doctors appointments for both girls (not numerous, but necessary); trips to the grocery store (many and resulting in much baggage); and trips to the country with Innana or to see DOL are going to be worry free for a while. And the toaster is fun to drive, too. My Mom is the best.
Ms. Chick: It really is a lovely vehicle. A little noisy, but with my offspring, all rides are noisy, so that's not even half and issue. And it is FUN to drive.
Kira: My mom is the BEST. Of course, everyone with any sense (and luck) says that about her mother and is right, but I really am right. By the time I need to buy another car, DG will be in 5th grade or higher (probably 8th or 9th grade) and my child care costs will be close to non-existent so I'll have been able to save for a new car. Meanwhile, FoilMormor's magic wand has solved all problems (and her grandchildren, and, not entirely coincidentally, her youngest daughter have reliable, safe, and cost-effective transportation). Life is good.
Ms Peg. Yes, sweeeeeeet. I love my mommy. And that's an earnest, not ironic, statement.
Would an English bought Ipod work over there? If so i can do that.
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