A Rolling Junk Drawer

When I moved from my last residence, I banned all junk drawers.  I think every household has one.  It's that conveniently available drawer that ends up becoming a catchall for miscellaneous papers and extraneous items.  I've found that many times a junk drawer is typically located in the kitchen, since that is where you usually have an abundance of drawers, but they have been known to crop up in nightstands or even dresser drawers.  My parents had one in every house they lived in and still have one to this day.  Once you start a junk drawer it never seems to go away, and this is why I banned them in my household.  I may have banned the junk drawer from my house, but apparently I didn't do the same in my car.  Last month, at the request of my mechanic, I went in search of all my vehicle service receipts.  The most obvious and best place for me to keep them was in my car's glove compartment.  I assume it was named a glove compartment because vehicle manufacturer's thought it would be a convenient place to store your driving gloves.  Let me tell you, there are no gloves in that compartment of my car.  I found a lot of paper, a lot of old paper, and here's what it looked like:

When I inventoried all that was crammed into my glove compartment here is what I found:

Old vehicle registrations – November 2000 – 2009; Georgia Emissions test results - 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008; vehicle service receipts dating back to 2000; tire purchase receipts - 2002, 2004; (1) owner's manual; (1) insurance bill from 01/2004; (4) insurance cards (from 2 different insurers) the oldest being March 2000; bill pay envelopes to the local electric company; (1)home electric bill from 08/2000, 09/2000; (1) credit card bill from 02/2002; (1) mobile phone bill from 06/2002; napkins; (2) handwritten driving directions; (1) grocery list; (1) fax receipt - 07/2008; (1) coupon for Caltrate that expired 12/31/07; (1) Kroger Plus Shopper's Card; (1) temporary parking pass; (1) mobile phone earpiece instruction guide; (1) graduate school bill statement from 02/2002; GA State personal tax letter; (2) drinking straws; (1) broken floppy disk; (1) computer data cable; (1) purchase contract agreement for my car dated 03/2000; (1) final lease billing statement from AHFC for my previous car a 97 Honda Civic & the FedEx tracking information for the payment; (1) pack of 4mm flat washers; (1) pack of 4-40 x 1 SS Machine Screws; (2) Tire warranty information brochures – Bridgestone, Firestone; (1) empty can of air sanitizer; (1) stick tire pressure gauge; (1) digital tire pressure gauge – broken; (1) ice scraper; countless service receipts dating back to 03/2000.

My mechanic's shop burned to the ground in 2007 and all of his service records for my vehicle were destroyed.  The search for those service receipts will have to continue on another day.  I was looking for service receipts to provide him with the service documentation for that time period, but no such luck today.  I have the 2007 receipts, but they just aren't in that glove compartment.  I guess, by 2007, space in the glove compartment was limited and there was only room for the necessities – the insurance and registration cards.  I have no idea where I filed those receipts, but I can say they were not in that disorganized cluster I call a glove compartment.  If I'd been stopped by a police officer, the there's no telling how long it would have taken me to produce my registration.

 My rolling junk drawer has been cleaned out and now there is only the owner's manual, current 2010 vehicle registration, the receipt for the current tires on my car and the warranty information for them, an ice scraper, and tire gauge.  My glove compartment now has only the necessities, but what about yours?  Send me a picture.  I'd love to see what's going on in your glove compartment.

Maybe now that my glove compartment is clean I can actually store a pair of driving gloves in their rightful place.

SweetSpot

I Let It Fly

For some reason, I love this commercial…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ksZMfoJV8I

I had the hair, but what I didn't have was the courage to look like this…..

It could have been me, but today… Not so much. Sorry Jeep, but I cut my hair so there isn't much of it left to let it fly. Regardless, prior to my hair cut, it's highly unlikely that my hair would have ever blown so sensuously.

Armed with my new haircut, I have a renewed confidence in my appearance. With all my hair gone, I can now achieve open air freedom and let vanity fly right out the window, but it won't be in a Jeep. I won't have to worry about looking like Buckwheat afterwards, either. Now, I feel the freedom to take a note from the advertisers. I'll just have to roll down my windows, open the sunroof, and let it fly (once it gets warmer, of course). Thanks for my cue to experience freedom. I think I'll take that advice, and apply it to every aspect of my life. It can be achieved, and it doesn't have to be experienced "only in a Jeep". ;)

Let it fly!
SweetSpot

Holiday Moments

I had looked forward to my great escape (by car, of course) from Atlanta, GA to North Carolina. Honestly, I was ready for an escape from the year 2009. Christmas vacation was just a great excuse to shut down operations early and coast into the New Year. Say no more, I shut it down and headed home where I spent the week driving Ms. Daisy and Morgan Freeman, among other things. Despite playing chauffeur, I had a ball and spent time with my parents. The holidays are over and I'm still struggling to get over them. Here it is almost a week after my return home and my mind is still not thinking in automotive related terms. Because my mind hasn't quite made it out of 1^st gear, and there really isn't much going on in the automotive world that I wanted to talk about today, I thought I would share a few of my holiday moments.

1. I almost didn't make it out of Atlanta (twice). First, someone's great grandmother (I suppose) almost caused me to get run down by an 18 wheeler. Second, a big, barreling Buick decided he liked the space I occupied in my lane better. Big, barreling Buick vs. Honda Civic = Buick victory. I bailed on that lane, thankfully, no one was beside me….. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord – TWICE!!!
   
2. Realizing that every highway through Charlotte must run like it's under a yellow caution flag at the Charlotte Motor Speedway…. Get the heck on up the road!!!
   
3. Having each parent tag team to call me almost hourly asking, "Are you there yet?"…. Shouldn't this only happen if I have kids inside my vehicle??!!!
   
4. Ripping across I-540 through Raleigh, NC at 85 mph with no cops in sight….. Thank God, otherwise, I'd have no license right now.
   
5. Never paying for a thing. Home is a real money saver for me…. I may as well have hit the lottery.
   
6. Revoking the driving privileges of my mother (Ms. Daisy) and my father (Morgan Freeman)…. They drove too slowly for me.
   
7. My father suggesting that since I'm in need of a job I should consider one as a race car driver…. Haha!…Wise guy! (**side eye**)
   
8. Catching myself before I mistook the dog treats as chocolate covered peanuts, and moments later witnessing my father's reaction after he failed to pay attention, mistook the dog treats as chocolate covered peanuts, and popped a few in his mouth….PRICELESS!!!
   
9. Watching the excitement on my parents' faces as their granddog, Bruno, received his gifts from them - a red leather cap and a wool sweater….. Somebody have a grandchild for these people – quickly!!!!
   
10. Celebrating my father's birthday by going to an adult content comedy show featuring comedienne, Cheryl Underwood….. Okay, I know I'm an adult, but that felt strange.
    

I hope you all had a great holiday, but now it's back to the grind…. Come on brain, it's time to shift gears!!!

Sweet Spot

The Illuminated Sleigh

It's Christmas and now is the time when people have chosen to deck the halls and adorn Christmas trees with lights.  For those who aren't into Christmas trees, but still enjoy the lights, I'm sure they wonder why lights should be limited to your tree.  That had to be my friend's thought when he decided now would be the perfect time to use his car's wheels to display his Christmas cheer.  Seven different LED light colors illuminate all four of his chrome wheels to transform his ride into a modern day Christmas sleigh with lights that glow, pulse and strobe.  Although I was privy to a short daytime demo, the glow of the wheels on his BMW 745 Li could not truly be appreciated or captured in pictures prior to sunset.  After seeing that, all I could say was "'tis the season"!  If Santa can let Rudolph with his glowing nose illuminate his flight, then why not illuminate your wheels.  Santa will park his sleigh and corral Rudolph, but my friend will keep rolling on with his illuminated wheels throughout all of next year.  His car was the first I've seen with this aftermarket accessory, but who knows how many others will receive this illuminating gift for Christmas.  If you want to light up the Christmas of your friend or loved one, then you can order a set from Motionlite.  I hear Tiny, of "Tiny & Toya" fame, already has her set.  I'll be on the lookout for others who will be spreading Christmas cheer throughout the year.

Quet

I’m a Fan of the Wagon?

I've become a fan of crossover vehicles (CUVs), and at this time I'm completely smitten with the new 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover. To me, crossover vehicles are SUV-like, but smaller and more efficient, which makes them better suited for my lifestyle and my wallet. I have to admit I haven't been a fan of every CUV that has hit the market, but over the last couple of years automotive manufacturers have upped their CUV game. I would have to assume they needed to find a happy medium vehicle that allowed Americans to still experience the comfort SUVs had provided while sizing them down to make them more efficient. With plummeting sales that can be (at least partially) attributed to the mass exodus of consumers suffering with rising fuel prices, as well as consumer and government pressure for more fuel efficient vehicles, the CUV has offered a reasonable alternative.

Until 2 days ago, as far as I was concerned, a CUV was a vehicle type similar to a SUV. I didn't put great thought into its vehicle classification until I read a commentary, by Automotive News' John K. Teahen Jr., discussing the CUVs impact on the car market. Mr. Teahen explains while CUVs are counted as trucks, they are the current day station wagon. Eeerrrr….Stop! Oh no, no, no, no, no! Please don't tell me I've been had. The latest and greatest vehicle type introduced to the automotive scene that has me so intrigued is a glorified station wagon? That just bites! While I hate the assertion, when I think about it and look at the evidence provided by Mr. Teahen, it does make sense. Don't get me wrong, the station wagon met certain needs and had its place (until the introduction of minivans) with moms, but I'm not a mom and a station wagon, even the label station wagon, is sooo….WACK (for lack of a better term). A wagon has no place in my life; my needs are on the opposite end of the spectrum.

My needs may be at the opposite end of the spectrum, but at least the manufacturers' have created a middle ground vehicle with the ability to merge the needs of more than one automotive consumer segment. It works for women with no family, such as me, and my solo income that can't sustain a gas guzzler. It also works for the mother who has the family, but is over the minivan and definitely isn't considering a wagon. As a future vehicle choice, it isn't a bad one. Unless lottery-like statistics work against me, and I become a mother to quadruplets, it is an option that has transition potential. I may be a SINK (single income, no kids) today, but who knows, that may change within the next five years and I may need the flexibility offered in a CUV. According to John Teahen's article, through November, there were 1.8 million CUVs sold in 2009 – this provides some comfort in knowing I'm not the lone fan of a wagon. Until the next great vehicle hits the market, I will submit to being a fan of the CROSSOVER-wagon (emphasis on crossover, please).

Quet

An Alternative Source

The call for a replacement vehicle beckons, but must be ignored. While I'd love and prefer a new car, it is a far-fetched idea. A more reasonable compromise is a used car. Although it is more a more feasible option, I typically purchase new vehicles. During a breather from the waiting area, I stepped outside for some fresh air and noticed there were several vehicles parked in the lot that appeared to be for sale. I counted at least three vehicles (all lacking license plates) located throughout the lot that obviously weren't there for service work.

Of all the cars on the lot the burgundy Lexus stood out, it was an older model LS sedan with a clean interior and only a few body dings. I have patronized my repair shop for years, and throughout that time countless vehicles have been parked in Jeff's lot by his customers and friends to accelerate their efforts to sale them. Many times, Jeff's shop has handled all of the service work on the vehicles and he willingly answers any questions about them. I stepped back in to inquire with Jeff, the shop owner, about the car and he gave me a little information about the Lexus. According to the Jeff, the car belonged to a customer who was ready to sell it. While I didn't get all the details on the vehicle, and I didn't drive it, Jeff was able to tell me it was in good condition and valued at $3500, but the owner had priced it for sale at $3100. He then went on to say the gentleman who sold the vehicle was so ready to sell it that he had taken an offer of $2500 just a few days earlier.

Most of Jeff's customers (including me) are women and we are longstanding, repeat customers. While I can't speak for Jeff's other customers, I can attest to the fact that I've never had to take my car back to his shop for the same problem and he doesn't try to sell me parts and services that are not necessary. As a matter of fact, he won't. I once tried to get him to replace both of my headlights because I wanted them to glow at the same brightness and he flat out refused because he said the other one worked just fine. Additionally, he's always giving me breaks on parts or freebies. I think he gave me 4 sets of wiper blades in one year because I refused to replace the windshield that was damaging them. The short of all this – I trust him. Since I am a woman who hates being played for a patsy, I need a used car from a source I can trust. Buying a car that has been serviced by my repair shop is a great option. I've never seriously thought about it because I've never needed a vehicle. With the need for a vehicle and limitations on cash for a purchase, alternatives must be considered. Just because a car is at a repair shop doesn't mean it's ready for the junkyard. Who knows Jeff just might have the right car at the right time, priced just right.

Give the Gift of Direction

It's almost the Christmas season, and Black Friday, which marks the start of the holiday shopping season, is fast approaching. It's not my plan to partake in much Christmas shopping this year, but if it were, and if I had the bank account capable of supporting it, I would purchase GPS navigation systems for select teammates. It is, by far, the most needed automotive accessory for my teammates, and probably the rest of the world. One of the most frustrating, but necessary responsibilities of a captain is to provide navigational directions to teammates who are clueless, hopelessly lost, or stuck in traffic with no inkling of alternatives. To prevent total line up overhauls and the forfeiture of match points, it has become an expected and regular task.

The frustration experienced by the navigator (me) and the directionally challenged (the teammates) during these "Where in the World is Diego" excursions is enough to make me scream and hang up the phone. If you want to see peeved, then you should witness my facial expressions when I get the "Help! I'm hopelessly lost" call. During the entire conversation, I silently pray to prevent from swearing aloud. When it's all over I'm too frazzled to play my match in a calm state, and those teammates who've been lost and in fear of defaulting a match are equally frazzled. If I were the captain for my current team (thankfully, I'm not), then this would have been the case on Saturday when a teammate got stuck in traffic on the way to our match. Fortunately, she was not alone; the other team was dealing with the same situation for at least one of their team members. Unfortunately, I wasn't familiar with the area so I couldn't help; instead she had to endure her father's poor directions given over the phone while driving at a break neck speed to make it to the facility on time.


I'm convinced everyone has someone like this in their lives; for all I know, that someone could be you. We may all encounter unfamiliar territory or a situation that requires us to seek an alternative route. Be the person who enhances everyone's travel experience, recognizes and accepts navigational limitations, and reduce everyone's frustration level by purchasing a GPS navigation system. For the sake of others, if you or a loved one is directionally challenged or a road warrior, then do us all a favor and invest in a GPS system - the best navigational tool invented since the compass and the map.

To help you in your buying endeavor, here is a link to PC World's Holiday Gift Guide to GPS - http://bit.ly/5qQqTc . Happy navigating!

Journey on!

Quet