Tuesday
Feb192008
SUV vs. Mini-Van
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 12:18PM
There is just something about driving a mini-van...and, really, it isn't good. I'm sorry, and I apologize in advance to my MV-driving Rebels out there...
I had to take my RED Jeep Commander in for routine service today, and it always takes a couple of days to get 'er done, so they give me a rental car to drive around until I can go back up to Norcross, GA (which is about half-hour north of Atlanta) and reclaim my baby, Lois. (Yes, named for the mom from Malcolm in the Middle, my guiding light of sanity and humor in the midst of everyday chaos.)
Today, they offered me a "drop-top" -- a 2008 Sebring convertible. While I love the idea of riding around in a sexy convertible with the top down and my big sunglasses on (it is a gorgeous day in Atlanta), wrapped up in a big warm coat and gloves (gorgeous, but still chilly), one little mention of the three kids and all their stuff (backpacks, lunch bags, jackets, snacks, etc.)(I didn't even bring up the dog), brought that fantasy to a screeching halt:
"Oh. Well then, we'll get you in a mini-van."
"Well, I don't know if that's necessary...can't I have the white Jeep Commander you gave me last time, or even the little whatever-it-was-but-at-least-it-sat-five-people-and-had-a-little-hatchback-thing (that the dog fit in, even if she didn't like it) I had the time before that?"
(I'm beginning to realize I sure have to take the Jeep in for service a lot, having only owned it a year or so, but I digress--)
I was feeling a little frantic, half-pleading, preparing to all-out beg, if necessary, to avoid the mini-van, but the Enterprise guy had already grabbed my enormous IKEA bag full of trunk stuff that I couldn't leave in the Jeep -- you know, the tennis racquets, first aid kit, doggie carpets, park blanket, dirty dog (or kid) towel, etc. and was leading the way to my chariot-for-the-day: a WHITE 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.
I admit, I got momentarily distracted by the fact that BOTH side doors slide back, automatically, with a push of the button on the dash or on the keyfob. Yes, that's kind of cool. And then, wow, there is certainly a lot of room in there, with the full bench seat in the back and Captain's Chairs -- separated seating!! -- in the middle, and it all folds down and re-configures...and just LOOK at all those cupholders, holy crap!!
Momentarily distracted. And then I climbed aboard, adjusted the seat, figured out the controls and set out, with the odd feeling of driving a kitchen chair down the Interstate. Oh, yeah, this is sexy, baby. I drove in un-accustomed, complete vanilla anonymity down I85, straight home to my glamorous high-rise in Midtown. Visibility in these things is great, but I guarantee you, no one is looking inside this vehicle. The security guards in the garage of my building, the guys who normally wave and smile and chat-up for a minute if we have the chance, didn't even look up. I slunk through the gate and pulled quickly into our parking space, wishing I could park it somewhere else, not where the red Jeep lives.
I am dreading the afternoon pick-up at school: The kids will be all excited and impressed with the 'new' car. They'll love the very different-ness of it, the automatic doors, the seating and roominess, and all those cupholders. They will want to keep the fancy new white van, and abandon Lois without a glance back. Oh man, I think I just threw up a little in my throat.
I want my Jeep back.
Again, apologies to the mini-van moms -- I am jealous of your cupholders.
On a related note, I came across this article on Forbes.com this afternoon:
What Your Car Says To The Opposite Sex by Jacqueline Mitchell
Enjoy!
I had to take my RED Jeep Commander in for routine service today, and it always takes a couple of days to get 'er done, so they give me a rental car to drive around until I can go back up to Norcross, GA (which is about half-hour north of Atlanta) and reclaim my baby, Lois. (Yes, named for the mom from Malcolm in the Middle, my guiding light of sanity and humor in the midst of everyday chaos.)
Today, they offered me a "drop-top" -- a 2008 Sebring convertible. While I love the idea of riding around in a sexy convertible with the top down and my big sunglasses on (it is a gorgeous day in Atlanta), wrapped up in a big warm coat and gloves (gorgeous, but still chilly), one little mention of the three kids and all their stuff (backpacks, lunch bags, jackets, snacks, etc.)(I didn't even bring up the dog), brought that fantasy to a screeching halt:
"Oh. Well then, we'll get you in a mini-van."
"Well, I don't know if that's necessary...can't I have the white Jeep Commander you gave me last time, or even the little whatever-it-was-but-at-least-it-sat-five-people-and-had-a-little-hatchback-thing (that the dog fit in, even if she didn't like it) I had the time before that?"
(I'm beginning to realize I sure have to take the Jeep in for service a lot, having only owned it a year or so, but I digress--)
I was feeling a little frantic, half-pleading, preparing to all-out beg, if necessary, to avoid the mini-van, but the Enterprise guy had already grabbed my enormous IKEA bag full of trunk stuff that I couldn't leave in the Jeep -- you know, the tennis racquets, first aid kit, doggie carpets, park blanket, dirty dog (or kid) towel, etc. and was leading the way to my chariot-for-the-day: a WHITE 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.
I admit, I got momentarily distracted by the fact that BOTH side doors slide back, automatically, with a push of the button on the dash or on the keyfob. Yes, that's kind of cool. And then, wow, there is certainly a lot of room in there, with the full bench seat in the back and Captain's Chairs -- separated seating!! -- in the middle, and it all folds down and re-configures...and just LOOK at all those cupholders, holy crap!!
Momentarily distracted. And then I climbed aboard, adjusted the seat, figured out the controls and set out, with the odd feeling of driving a kitchen chair down the Interstate. Oh, yeah, this is sexy, baby. I drove in un-accustomed, complete vanilla anonymity down I85, straight home to my glamorous high-rise in Midtown. Visibility in these things is great, but I guarantee you, no one is looking inside this vehicle. The security guards in the garage of my building, the guys who normally wave and smile and chat-up for a minute if we have the chance, didn't even look up. I slunk through the gate and pulled quickly into our parking space, wishing I could park it somewhere else, not where the red Jeep lives.
I am dreading the afternoon pick-up at school: The kids will be all excited and impressed with the 'new' car. They'll love the very different-ness of it, the automatic doors, the seating and roominess, and all those cupholders. They will want to keep the fancy new white van, and abandon Lois without a glance back. Oh man, I think I just threw up a little in my throat.
I want my Jeep back.
Again, apologies to the mini-van moms -- I am jealous of your cupholders.
On a related note, I came across this article on Forbes.com this afternoon:
What Your Car Says To The Opposite Sex by Jacqueline Mitchell
Enjoy!
Reader Comments (1)
I was just going through my inbox - must have missed this one. It really made me laugh! I can't remember the last time I cared whether anyone was looking in my vehicle - in fact I'd rather be left alone if I have a few moments of solitude. But your snazzy red jeep does sound like a lot of fun! I do love my six year old Honda Odyssey and refuse to part with it. :)