I like to plan. Planning for any kind of catastrophe makes me feel prepared. Kind George will lovingly tease me about having back-up plans for my back-up plans.
A few weeks ago, I didn’t plan on having a wreck. But I did. No one was seriously hurt, other than the typical soreness that follows sudden impact. The mom-mobile, the dirt colored mini-van, was a total loss.
This didn’t fit my plan at all. My plan was to keep the van until Georganna started college next year. This would eliminate the need for a mini-van. Even “Pimp My Ride” could not make the van cool. Once free of the seat requirements, I would be free to get something I like. Like a nice little Sedan. I could even drive George’s Jeep Laredo, which I love. He could get a truck. Of course this plan involved getting Georganna a vehicle. But at least there would not be a van.
The wreck through that into a tailspin. We didn’t like the idea of a second car payment. We’ve never carried more than one vehicle payment in the 15 years we’ve been married. Still, anything that would seat all the Kirklands fell outside our estimated claim on the van.
I scoured Craigslist and we even made a very ill-fated trip to a large car dealer in Dalton. Nothing “wowed” us. To wow us, the price has to be right for the ride. It didn’t work. More searching the want ads, sales fliers, and internet until my eyes glazed over. Nothing inspired me.
Finally, a friend of King George’s pointed out that at this point, we should just get what we want. He reminded us that Georganna probably didn’t like riding with us anyway and wouldn’t mind driving an extra vehicle.
With reluctance, I began combing the internet. Another friend mentioned he might have a Mustang convertible within our budget.
Middle-aged woman, four kids and a Mustang convertible? Ha. The deal fell through, but for fun, I began to search for the poor man’s sports car on the internet.
We found one and bought it.
It’s crazy, I know. But, it fits the plan.
We paid cash. Georganna will get to drive a neat little car after Geo gets his truck. I’ll have my Jeep, even if it’s not a Wrangler. Since picking up that zippy little car, other plans have changed.
I plan to check traffic conditions on Hwy. 136. I plan to check the blue skies in the mountains. I plan to forget things so I can go back to the store.
I plan to enjoy the drive.
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