See-ya Suzuki!

Well its been coming for months now, but we've finally said adios to the Suzuki. In a way it was a bit bittersweet as the Suzuki was my very first brand new car, but one look at our new wheels and I didn't even look back to say goodbye.

I started thinking about trading in about a year ago, but I didn't really need to, and as it was, I was "under the water" on my current car loan..not a fun place to be. So we decided to wait, and I've been keeping my eyes open ever since. Last fall when I was on the road all the time, I had the opportunity to try out lots of different rental cars. Some I liked, some I hated, and one I loved, the Camry. I only had it for one week, but at the end of it I knew I would be buying a Camry in due time, much to my little brother Rick's dismay as I had taught him that Camry drivers are the devil and that I would never in my life be one. (Next time you get cut off or almost hit, look closely, I bet its a Camry :) ).

At any rate, we really started shopping back in February. We ended up at a few different dealerships, and finally found my car. However, either our calculator was on its last leg or we'd had a few too many beverages before crunching numbers, and financially it just wasn't the right time.

So, we waited. The Suzuki plugged along, shaking just a bit when over 65mph, just passing inspection, and essentially doing its duty to get me to and from work every day. Then last week Jim got the "new" car itch once again, plugged some numbers, and figured out exactly what we could do.

Then it appeared. The perfect Camry. The car I've been dreaming of for months. It was fully loaded, low mileage, in our price range, and in New Hampshire. Jim called the dealership, and told them we'd be down the next day.

Saturday morning we woke up extra early, cleaned out the Suzuki, and headed south, very excited. We pulled into the dealership, shook hands with the salesman, and were crushed when he told us the Camry had sold the night before. They called Jim's work...on a Saturday morning...to let us know we shouldn't make the trip.

So, heavy hearted, we headed north. We knew that Evergreen Subaru in Auburn had a Camry, although not as loaded and at a higher price as the one in New Hampshire, but we decided to go check it out. Jim got his Subie at Evergreen and has been extremely impressed with their service and salesmanship, so we liked the idea of supporting the dealership. We got there, tried out the Camry, and were sorely disappointed. It was obviously a smoker's car, and not in great shape. Disheartened, I didn't even know if I wanted a Camry anymore. We were about to leave when the nice salesman invited us to just take a walk around the lot to check out Subaru's. I didn't figure we'd find anything we could afford, until he pointed out a nice, BIG, 2006 B9 Tribeca.

This is the part of the story where I realize this is getting ridiculously long. So, I'll speed it up.

We test drove it. We liked it. We bought it.

It's awesome.

So, here you have it. My 7 passenger, fully loaded, gets the same gas mileage as Jim's Impreza, monster of a vehicle. And it only cost a few dollars more than the Camry.

Is it just a teeeeeeny bit ridiculous?? Oh sure. Does it have everything we could possibly need now and for the next 5-10 years. It does. I couldn't be happier with our choice.

Come on over and I'll give you a spin. Heck, bring 6 of your friends, because I can fit them too :)

Ahhh Summer

Dare I say it? Or even think it?? It seems summer is here at last! The past two days have been in the high 80's, my dog is panting like a madman, and the ice cream shop on the corner has a line halfway down main street. I am in my glory.

Its funny how every February and March we all feel like it won't happen. The sun won't shine more than 10 minutes. The snow won't disappear. Those nano-buds on the trees won't ever grow into full-fledged leaves.

But ever year it happens. The snow disappears. The grass turns green almost overnight. Evenings are spent walking amongst smells of burgers on the grill and fresh cut grass. We take it for granted, and before we know it, its gone , and we are longing for it once again.

So my pledge to myself this year is to take it all in. Embrace summer. Throw my window down. Let my hair blow free. Soak in the sun. I encourage you to do the same, because November will be here before you know it and you'll wonder where this amazing time went.

Shout Out!

This one goes to my hubby...who has just submitted his first ever professional book review, and is featured on the NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) website. Check it out!

If selected, he will be published in this fall's NACADA journal. Nice job babe!