jennifer.

I know I just said I was going to avoid "I" posts as much as possible, but this news is just too snazz not to post. I bought a new car this past weekend let me tell you, the experience was a real treat. My superawesome madre and I have been emailing back and forth about the deterioration of my beloved Lois P. Aztek and and after forking over an arm and a leg for some repairs, we decided it was time I start seriously looking for a replacement. Well... it just so happened that one of the dealerships in my crackjack box of a hometown had in its possession a cherry red Jeep Liberty within my price range and an army green one a little above my range. Hello opportunity.

So Saturday morning we mosied down to give the Jeeps a little test drive. Brad, the dealer guy, and self-proclaimed "cousin of many" (?) in my tiny town, began by describing the features of the red Jeep. It had fantastic chrome detailing, so naturally I told him that that's perfect because it will match my own grill, which I'm planning to get soon in an effort to launch my rap/hiphop career. The joke wasn't received quite as well by him as it was my brother's girlfriend. I got more of a "heh heh... not sure what she's talking about" kind of deal from ol' Bradley.

A couple of glory days conversations ("Oh yeah I remember watching you play basketball..."), more joke attempts on my behalf ("Yeah, I was a lot cooler then...") and some signatures later, I gave Lois one last hug good-bye and drove off in my new sassy ride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you... Jennifer:

Aside from my mom bursting with pride because her baby girl bought a Jeep (now I'm one of four in my family who owns a Jeep...) here are a couple of the responses I got:

1. "Really? But your old car had so much character..." That one stung a little. (Jennifer is full of character. Just look at that griiiiiill.)
2. "Whatwhatwhat? I already miss the van." Lois was not a van. She was oh-so-much-more.

RIP Lois P. Aztek. You did me good these past seven years. I hope whoever gets you next gives you the love you deserve.