Saturday, August 28, 2010

New Age

This past week I got a new pair of glasses, my fall classes started and I got a different car. And, yes, it was getting a new car that topped the list. Everything is relative.

After driving my grey car for four years, I decided to be adventurous and get a .... red car.



Call me a wild and crazy guy. Living on the edge of danger. Throwing caution to the wind. After years and years of grey and beige, I went ... red.



Bailey probably wonders if his master has gone a bit crazy. (Okay, HE'S the master but that's another story.)



When I was considering the car, the salesman kept telling me it came with a built in, modern, state of the art navigation system. I told him I really did not care. Give me a map. Who needs a navigation system? I was almost upset the car had the dumb thing. But what can you do?



Then yesterday I took my first trip in the new, used car with the dumb (!) navigation system. As so often in my life, I was so, so wrong.

I drove to Minneapolis to a wedding and, fortunately, there were family members in the car who helped me realize the navigation unit was a pretty nice feature. Going in and out of traffic in a big town, I soon realized the navigation system was pretty nice.



By the time I got home, I was hooked. I will never again drive a car, if I can help it, without a navigation unit. They are incredible.



Remember, I'm the guy who told people I would never have a cell phone. I was the guy who said my typewriter was just fine, thank you very much, and asked that the computer be taken out of my office. I was the guy who said I would never have a big screen TV.



Sometimes it is a good idea to listen and learn - even though you are convinced you know everything! I could not be without my cell phone. I love my computer and big screen TV. And now the idea of having a car without a navigation unit is .... well, unthinkable!

13 comments:

Maureen said...

Remember mimeograph machines?

Marge said...

We said the same thing, and now we love our Garmin! And our cell phones. And our big screen TV. And our computers. I have a friend who is trying to get me to buy a Nook or Kindle. So far I've not given in, but when I look at my overflowing bookcases I wonder if............

I suppose you came up 35 yesterday... only about 35 miles away from us. And I love the red car!

Marge said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Congrats! That is a beautiful car.

I couldn't live without my computer. But will probably never have any of the other things you mention because I just can't afford them. Have never had a cell phone and might be driving a '99 Corolla until it dies or I do.

Have a good week with that spiffy new car!

Jo said...

Nice ride...! I love red cars.

Okay, now we all want to see your new glasses. :-)

Small City Scenes said...

I love the RED car. Good for you for breaking out of the mold. YAY!!!

For all of our convictions---well that techie stuff is pretty incredibule. OH yeah!!
MB

Pauline said...

whoo-hoo! isn't breaking out fun?

Charlene said...

Buying a red car is an act of hope and adventure. I have two. I love my old truck the best and though the paint is fading, I can't bring myself to trade. Sigh.

Have FUN!

[Watch for cops. They love red cars.]

L. D. said...

It is a wonderful car and I do think the dog approves. We just got a new GPS and you are right, I won't be able to live without it. It got us through a detour on a major interstate in Portland, Maine. The fore warnings are great, but once in a while, they do mess up so do keep your wits about you. In Bucksport, Me. our spokesperson decided we were going the wrong way and told us to make an immediate legal U turn. I knew better and did it anyway and we basically took a two block circle and came back to the same direction and location. It is a lot of fun.

Barbara said...

I love the new red car, but I think dogs are color blind, so Bailey may not be able to see the difference.

I still prefer a paper map any day!

Small City Scenes said...

Hi Russell,
I posted a pic of what goes on in Stanwood. You might like it. MB

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