I can recall the day I went over and handed the money I had been saving to my neighbor. The car was a standard, which I had never been able to drive. Sure I had played around with other people's stick shifts, but I had never driven it the entire way.
Awkwardly I backed my "new" car out of the neighbor's driveway...and pulled it into my driveway. I practiced reversing and driving. In and out of my driveway I went over and over again...in and out, in and out. Afterwards, I sat in my car and looked around at all of the options this car had. Seeing that it was my first car....I can remember that day well.
My car had a sunroof that could be "popped" in and out. (For those of you who are too young to understand...you literally had to pop the thing out and store it in your back seat or trunk). I also had a tape cassette player in my stereo and a glovebox that locked. Since the car was made in 1979...that was about it for the options.
But it was my first car and it got me where I needed to go...although I didn't quite arrive there in the style I would later become accustomed too. In the beginning, there was definitely a learning curve when it came to driving the standard. But over time, the more I did it...the better I got and the more I enjoyed it.
A year and a half later, I got tired of my first car...and decided I needed a better car. Then I saw a white Volkswagen Cabriolet parked in an empty lot with a For Sale sign...and I became weak in the knees. Although I had only driven my Toyota at the time...I had always fantasized about owning a convertible! I sold my Toyota and went home with that cabriolet within two days. I know that seems like I was moving too fast...but I couldn't control my desire!
This car had so many more options than my previous car. Leather seats and a roof that came completely down. Again it was a standard, but that was an option I decided I liked and was glad to have again. I loved driving around in that car, and I can honestly say driving that car compared to my first car was a far more satisfying experience. I was sure I would have this car forever...
Three years later, my convertible was not as reliable as I had hoped it would be in the beginning. Sure it was good to drive, but the time and energy I had to put into this car was not worth those moments of bliss. I traded this car in for another.
When I look back at all of the cars I have driven....they have all been different, but have given me some great memories. Each time I get a new car, I opt for new options...or keep some of the same. Now as I am older...I drive a minivan around town. My minivan has all the options I need, but sometimes I look back and wonder what it would be like to once again drive a convertible. But I know that my minivan is reliable and the car for me.
Why am I telling you about my "first car"? Because I am a true believer that cars are like sex. We all have memories of our "first car" and our 'first time". We probably look back upon that first car...much like our first time having sex. As great as that first car seemed...I wouldn't want it to be the only car I have ever driven. Just like sunroofs, heated leather seats, and power doors...there are many "options" when it comes to sex...and you need to experience some of these "options" to find out what works for you.
Although my convertible was AMAZING...I know I can be just as satisfied with the power-doors in my minivan. I once had heated seats (I believe you should try everything once)...but it was just an experimental phase I was going through. I am not ashamed of the times I rented a car for a day...and never looked back when I turned it in the following morning...maybe I was just using that rental car for my own personal needs? Of course I must point out that when driving random cars, safety is number one....ALWAYS USE A SEATBELT!!
I applaud those who saved up their money until marriage before buying a car of their own....there must be joy in knowing you are the first one to drive the car, and there are no car payments attached. But how do you know that the car you are buying without a test-drive will be the most satisfying experience? Then again, if you have never driven another car...you will never know what you could be missing.
Which brings me to this....
Check out the promo for the show....
6 comments:
Oh for the love of everything holy! What the hell kind of guppy fish death kiss WAS that? That was horrifying. I so wish I had TLC right now.
oh my good golly miss molly -- that kiss had me literally gasp! lol! now ya got me hooked!
That kiss is terrifying! They look like they are trying to share a hunk of food or something!
It's been a while since reading your site. As usual what a fantastic post! What will reality tv think of next! When I saw the add for this I knew I'd have to watch!
You brought back ALOT of memories for me.
That video has brought of LOTS of laughs. I will be just doing nothing and I will think of them chewing each others faces. LOL.
I love my Mini Van. It's so nice to be able to SEE other cars at stop signs!
Wow, well that's an interesting show. XD. Seriously, it's best to just roll with the first car experience. Back then, many teens got second-hand cars. Some lacked basic functions, but they do make a lot of room to learn how to drive.
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