Thursday, August 31, 2006

Road Trip

After driving 842 miles and 13 hours, I arrived home with my new car at 1 a.m.ish. I love my car, including the color and I felt like it was mine immediately. My car salesman picked me up at the airport in my car and when I saw the yellow beetle arriving I knew that car would always make me happy. I made a few stops in Chicago and each time I came back to the car, looking at it made me smile.

Air travel is not fun in code orange. I had to remove my shoes and put my feet on the nasty carpet. I told my mother this and she said, you walk around outside barefooted all the time, what is the deal. I guess it was the thought that so many people, who could have had fungus, removed their shoes at exactly the same place. I noticed that at Midway airport they had those paper surgeon footy things available. Jackson, apparently, is not that advanced in customer service.

The drive did not turn out the way I imagined. Though I did have much time by myself, the phone kept ringing and ringing and ringing - my children, my mother, my husband, my sister. All were curious about the car and whether I liked it. My children wanted to know exactly where I was each call so they could plot it on a map. My husband wanted positive reinforcement for a job well done. My mother was worried about my safety and my sister, thankfully, called late in my journey and talked to me until I felt alert.

Then, there was the road construction - huge projects everywhere. I did not get out of Chicagoland until almost 2:30, and I had that bumper to bumper, road construction stress related disorder that made me grumpy and late. Leaving Chicago at that hour, I knew all my down time was wasted so I had to rush through meals and rest stops. I had to stay on the interstate the entire time.

I realized something. Physical distance does not make you less of a mother. I saved the airplane snacks for my children because I thought they would like the small packages, I wondered if they were happy, and I answered, patiently, 10 or more calls from each child. They were so curious about the adventure, that they needed to be a part even if it was a remote and distant part. I felt loved.

I did listen to a book, but I will write more on that later. By the way, if anyone in the Chicagoland area needs a VW call Marcus Carter at Pugi in Downers Grove. He is young, exceptionally nice, knows his job, and could use a few breaks. I liked him and I don't think I have ever liked a car salesman. I'm not sure why.

3 comments:

Angela said...

It still sounds like a fun adventure. I am so glad your car makes you smile...that is how it was with me and my yellow VW.

The thinking is rubbing off, as I was looking at a yellow Xterra yesterday, and it had the same effect. We are a year away from needing a 3rd car, as Ty gets his license, and I am looking now for something fun for me.

mull-berry said...

I had a '75 yellow Nova and received yellow Samsonite luggage when I graduated from high school. I don't have the car but I do have the luggage. It's easy to spot on the baggage return at the airport.

Glad you like your yellow bug. One question ... are you going to get eyelash decals for it? : )

Wisteria said...

My brother had a yellow Nova SS. I hadn't thought of eye lashes. Now that would say something.