Back In Black with Velma...

Almost three years ago, I managed to get a 2002 Dodge Durango (nicknamed Trudie) after the previous car I owned (Bianca) tried to kill me. I was happy with Trudie until recently when I started having to pour money into her for repairs. Now, I work and play in a field that has to deal with technology both mechanical and electronic, so I know that wear and tear can eventually break any machine. I was okay with some of the repairs, but after a little while it got expensive. Way more expensive that the car was actually worth. So, with some advice from colleagues at my new job, I decided to get a new car. A different car. My dream car. Meet Velma.

Master of My Automotive Destiny

Six months ago, I lost my car after being unemployed for awhile, and not being able to make the payments on the car. It wrecked what little of a social life I had, and re-established several habits that could have led me to revert to my previous status of hermit. My responsibilities didn't stop, though, so I had to keep moving, relying on friends, family, and public transportation to get around. What got to me the most was the loss of independence. I wasn't able to go where I wanted, when I wanted. And I become a burden on the people around me, and I couldn't do a damn thing about it.

This past Saturday, after much deliberation and research, I finally re-acquired a vehicle, a 2000 Ford Expedition XLT 4WD. I've dubbed her "Bianca".



I'm not one to buy into the propaganda the US tries to front load into its citizens, but there is a kernel of truth to the belief that a car represents freedom. Having a car gives you the ability to accomplish tasks on your own, without having to rely on anyone. Like any other form of freedom, there are costs that are inherent with a vehicle, but those costs are worth it.

Don't get me wrong, getting a car isn't the answer to all of life's problems. There isn't a single unilateral solution to the problems inherent to life, aside from death, of course. But, it does give you a chance to resolve a good portion of them. And it does allow for the deeper enjoyment of the pleasures of life.

For me, it means not being a burden on my friends & family. It means being able to go and visit friends, getting to & from work, and a lot less stress. At least for now.

I am proud to say that once again, I am master of my automotive destiny!

Search...

Currently, I'm searching for three things.

A Better Job

Yes, I have a job right now. It's a good job. But, I already know it's not for me. I want to be in a job where I have the opportunity to be creative. I want to be writing software. Taking random bits & pieces of logic and stringing them together to create.... something. Anything. So, my job search goes on. I send out resumes. And I improve myself, learning new technologies, trying to keep up with the ever changing industry I chose for my life's work.

A Roommate

One of the things that I know is I can't support living where I am on the current job I have. I need help paying rent & utilities. More help that my current roommate can provide. Since I now have an empty room, I'm looking for another roommate. It's an interesting thing to think about. I'm looking for a person to bring into my home. I'm actually looking for some stranger to let into my own personal Imaginarium. I even have an ad up on CraigsList. The weirdest thing... there are people actually RESPONDING TO IT!!

A Car

Speaking about CraigsList, I'm also cruising through CL looking for a cheap mode of transportation. I'm low on funds, and even lower on my credit rating. Hopefully, with the addition of a rent-paying roommate, some of the financial pressures will be lifted & I'll be able to afford a slightly better car, but in the meantime, I need a cheap, car. In the parlance of my sister, I need a "beater".