The Raggedys are in the midst of preparing to say a fond farewell to our only family car to date, and the car I myself have been driving a few years longer than that.
Our loyal '95 Corolla, affectionately called "Ninety-five" or "Jimmy" for what you have to do to get the driver's side door to open, is ready to be retired to my father. Together, they'll enjoy great gas mileage, a smooth(ish) ride, and if there's ever a famine, there's a Snicker's bar somewhere in the glove, and some splattered stains on the ceiling (!) upholstery from a Coke can that exploded years ago. Those can probably be licked off in desperation.
Today, RaggedyDad shlepped with Ann and her heavy shleppy carseat by subway to Brooklyn in order to bring home The Van. This is the van we've deliberated over for so long as to almost take all the fun out of it. We test drove several vans. We consulted with some experts in the field - a guy from my parent's shul who finds "deals," the very van-astute Mrs. Balabusta, and of course, the Psychic Friends Network.
Actually, Ann and her Papa had quite a big adventure today, van notwithstanding. They took the bus and the subway, which was very new and exciting, to his office near Rockefeller Center. After hanging out "at work" for a little while, it was back on the train to the car dealer in Brooklyn. Afterward, they drove the van home, where thankfully, only one of them (the right one) fell asleep in the shlepped carseat.
As for me, I'm getting adjusted to the new wheels. Sentimental spirit that I am, I'm already a little nostalgic for our former little road-hugging black car. And now I have to learn to drive (and park!!) all over again! So far I've just been assuming that the car is about 5 times bigger than what I'm used to. But, as my eloquent brother said, "If every Shaindy out there can handle driving a van, so can you!"
16 comments:
Hope you enjoy your new van and you don't mourn the loss of your old car that long. The van looks nice, I don't know how to drive a van at least I never tried.
May you drive it in good health.
Ditto!!
We got our van right before our most recent baby was born and it makes life so much easier!!!
I guess you have graduated! You will need to update us on the new van. We haven't given in, but it is getting stuffy in the back of our Corolla.
Titchadshu; we have a van and I don't like parking it either. THe best thing about it, though, is that I find it's intimidating to smaller cars. In Israel that's a good thing when you need to change lanes!
Mazel Tov on the new van! It will take some getting used to but I'm sure you will love it!
Mazal tov on the new van! I remember when we got our first minivan - when my brother was born and my parents wanted a car bigger than a sedan. However, the minivan needed to go onto a better place a few years ago . . . it was a very difficult parting but we were able to get through it (and having a new, working van helped a little).
My mother still has her old car from 1992, which my sister and I inherited.
When my father first came to the States thirty years ago, he purchased a small, gray Honda Civic which he absolutely loved. (I even have fond memories of that car: going to piano lessons, swallowing a penny in that car . . .) When the day came to get rid of it, he was so sad. He still talks about that car til this day!
May you all enjoy a wonderful new attachment to your new van, and may it serve your family well for many, many, many years!
Mazal tov on the new wheels.
Vans are definitely scary to drive, but I'm sure you'll get used to it! I learned to drive in my dad's Camry so my mom's minivan is still sort of intimidating for me, so I know what you're going through! But being much higher up definitely has it's advantages. You can see everything so much better!
Your brother's comment was brilliant.
We are a two vehicle family -- a small, Honda Civic, and a Honda Odyssey minivan. Believe me when I say I'm no Shaindy. I drive the Civic -- and prefer it!
And each time I get into the van and have to drive it, I'm relearning. Still haven't figured out all the buttons and dials on the control panel, either.
Teetchadshu! Drive safely.
We recently upgraded to a mini van (when our '92 crown victoria died). I had never driven a mini van before test driving when we were looking to buy. I'm under 5 feet and I feel very comfortable driving (and almost right away). I'm sure you'll be fine--and loving it.
You get used to handling the van, and then a car feels very low to the ground. But the gas milage is lousy. No matter what the manufacturer claims, do not expect to do any better than 15 miles to a gallon. And with gas prices what they are !!! But what can you do? Cars are not designed to hold frum families. :-)
Mazal tov on your new wheels. Enjoy! (Just try to ignore the gas-station bill.)
enjoy :)
i remember when i was four and i went with my dad to get our van. those were the days.
Thanks everyone for the well-wishes and anecdotes! So far, every day is a new adventure in this car. Especially parking! Happy trails!
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