Riding in my car. . .

For those of you just joining us, I have begun my own personal “beat the funk” project called “Project New Light.” For reference, please read previous posts. Do not confuse this with “Project Green Light” a Bravo-produced show featuring at one point Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as entrepreneurial film makers granting some poor guy his first big directing break. This is about trying to look at my life in a new more flattering light, maybe squinting a little and dimming the lights, my metaphor for denial.

It’s Day 3 and my resolve is certainly being tested. I have blogged about my car previously and my determination to stick to my guns, avoid peer pressure and keep my car. Well, alas, the car gods may just be punishing me for those brave statements.

I had a late afternoon meeting yesterday and on my way I stopped to get a nice fountain Diet Coke. (I am sure that what I am about to relay is in some way punishment for giving into the cola demon.) I drove merrily down the road sipping my scrumptious cola thinking all was right with the world, then as I turned into the parking lot at, my car died.

Hmmmph, I just sat there not knowing what to do next. Did I mention that I was blocking traffic? Did I mention that it was 95+ degrees? I just sat there and frantically tried to restart it. I then began having nasty visions of me pushing my car across a hot parking lot in front of my fellow meeting attendees, humiliation apparent in my eyes, sweat trickling down my cleavage. It would not have been a pretty sight.

Luckily, I got her started and pulled into a spot. A frantic call to Cynical (he’s used to these by now) led me to driving my sweet little car to the mechanic, where she sits today.

So, now I wait. I wait for the call from the man who holds my car’s fate in the palm of his greasy hands. It’s an old car and I can’t justify putting much money into her, so it’s decision time. I keep praying it’s “bad gas”. In my family we blame most automobile sounds and problems on “bad gas”. However, I am holding my breath hoping it’s something that simple.

Now here’s the next dilemma. One of the reasons I have not purchased a new car is that I am working toward being debt-free. It’s a lofty goal, but one I have been working toward for a while, making much headway. UGH, this will mean additional debt and I hate debt. Phooooh, I spit on debt. (Phoooh=sound made when spitting.)

And there’s the whole car shopping thing. I am not going with a new car, but one maybe two years old. What do I want? What am I willing to pay? Will I inherit someone else’s car problems?

The thing is, we knew this was coming, but I really wanted to drive her one more year. By then I would be nearly debt free, and have had time to think about what I want and shop around. I do not want to be car shopping in desperation. Goodness knows what I could end up with? A 1982 Chevette or a 1974 Plymouth Duster?

So, let’s all say a little prayer to the car gods that indeed my sweet little car will live to roll another day, buying her owner some time to find a “replacement.”

The photo above was taken last week. It shows a stained glass window of a church in my community. I grew up near this church, so it's been a staple in many of my childhood memories.