Tonight Matt and I got all dolled up, swung by Kroger to buy some potluck-friendly food and then headed to the GLOBES Winter Social at the Ashford Manor. David and Mario, the owners, spent almost the entire night talking with us, and they're both incredibly friendly and easy to talk to. I didn't know I had it in me to make so much small talk; much less with gay guys, who normally intimidate me; much less enjoy it. At some points I was even-- get this-- witty. Where did it come from? And where the hell does it hide the rest of the time? I want to learn more about this Aaron who is well-groomed and casual and polite and talkative. I guess I need to get dressed up and drink wine more often.
In the end, I'm not getting the Olds. My stepmom just found out that her friend is selling her 2000 Mazda Protege for far below the blue book value since she was given a better car as a gift, and the Protege's in excellent condition. It's small, gets good gas mileage and has a CD player. I'm sold. She's asking ~$5000 for it, which is a lot more than I was intending to pay... but if this can be a car that I can drive and take care of and rely on for many years to come, it'll be worth it. It also has a sunroof, security system, low emissions, and check out those great crash test ratings.
I'm very much looking forward to having a car again but in a way it's been surprisingly nice not having one. In part it's due to the absence of the constant worry my old POS inspired, of course, but also it's been a fun change to walk to places I need to go. The bookstore is only half a mile away and the grocery store is even closer; when I walk to them I'm free to simply relax and wander and think, not to mention get some exercise. I've decided that even once I get a car, I'm gonna continue walking to nearby places as much as I can. Who'da thought? |
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