Imagine

Zumba was the most exciting part of my day and everything else has been pretty chill so no complaints.

Went to test drive an Impreza yesterday and was imprezzed, ta-da...

Specifically picked this one dealership because they had an older model but what I've learned is that dealers are not interested in selling a used vehicle. One told me that the older model was fully loaded and, therefore, the same price as the 2016.

So much has changed at dealerships. Last night, the 'Fugee went with me and we both got Trader Joe's chocolate as we headed out the door. They also had hot chocolate, tea etc. and there was a sizable monitor where I could imagine the car in jasmine green and quartz blue pearl. Want some color on that car? It'll set you back an additional $3,000 dollars.

Booty from Subaru

I have to keep reminding myself that I need a new car. In fact, I made a list so that I don't forget. My current one is a 2001. The catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The brakes make a god-awful noise when it rains or snows so when I hear that rain is in the forecast, I dread driving my car and, no, the brakes don't need to be replaced. There's something amiss, but not dangerous, with the brake mechanism in the Protege's latter years.

Did you hear about the gas without the station? Wish that I could tell someone what I want in a car and get them to negotiate a price for me. The salesman, of course, tried to get me to sign on the dotted line last night but I've never that impulsive and, sure enough, the discounted offer that I got was the same price, minus discount, at another dealership.

Part of me wants to buy an Enterprise car but they have way too many miles on them, duh, but at least you don't have to haggle over a price.

One "trivial" thing that I like about the Impreza is the sound system which is awesome. Listening to music on my iPod in that car reminded me of Sharon who was an art therapist. I told her about taking my then new Mazda to the dealer to get the CD fixed because I like to listen to music in the morning and she said What dedication to self-care. I will forever be grateful to Sharon for firmly planting that seed in my head.

Being Photographed

We had a silly little contest at work -- about 13 of us. One of my colleagues ordered a new car but didn't know what color to expect. He did tell the dealer that there were certain colors he didn't want. I guessed blue because I've always liked blue. As one of the winners, I would get to be one of the first riders.

Went to check out the car and, out of the corner of my eye, could see another coworker snapping a picture and I was a bit terrified -- especially since it was a side view snapshot. 

Thought about how people at work witnessed my weight loss but... I was relieved when I saw the picture and super relieved that it didn't go to all staff. Also surprised by how good camera phones are. The picture taker was not that close.

Sparkling Sea Metallic and Me (About 20 Pounds Heavier)

Rode my bike from the mechanic's to work. Worst day of the week because the humidity has stepped up its game. Just finished reading a Consumer Reports that had a decision tree regarding getting a new car. If you are spending a significant time with your mechanic then it might be time to get a new car...* 

Will bicycle to the coffee.

Just finished reading Incognito -- another colleague loaned it to me after going to a diversity workshop conducted by Michael Fosberg. It started off slow but picked up around chapter two. Found this Unclutterer article about when people give up on books interesting.

An article that I never thought about giving up on -- Eve Ensler's Let The Mythical Daddy Die.

*Mechanic forgot to tighten a bolt when he replaced air intake hose. So relieved. The one with the new car gave me a ride to the auto place. Could not face the afternoon humidity on a bicycle. Total bicycle mileage for 7\24: 5.5 miles.