149/365 – people to thank who have had an impact on me. Okay, kind of weird but this is a post about inanimate objects. I know it should be about people but hey, I talked about my dog in this blog so this is also warranted 😉 It’s just shy of two years since I got my new vehicle. I absolutely love it. Bittersweet in that my dad passed away but my subsequent inheritance allowed me to afford the one month used 2013 Range Rover Evoque – I tell everyone my dad bought it. I have always been taught to buy neutral colours for cars, phones, etc for resale value and I usually listened until this purchase. I went for a fire-engine red one. I don’t regret my decision at all. Yes, some may say I’m privileged and I won’t argue that but I’d rather say I’m fortunate – I don’t take things for granted and I work hard and this was a necessary treat. I have a great history with cars and I “love” (use that term loosely) every single one of the three cars I’ve had over my lifetime as there have been great experiences in all of them. My old vehicle – a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder bought brand new – was basically driven to non-existence over 16 years. The Pathfinder was there to drive to the hospital and bring back my new son. The Pathfinder was there helping move into our first home in Steveston. The Pathfinder helped get my daughter and son to their various commitments/activities growing up. The Pathfinder was an integral “member” of the household. Towards the end of its life, this was also the Pathfinder that would, if coasting under 5 kilometers, shut off automatically. I had to time traffic lights from a distance and adjust my speed accordingly. This was the Pathfinder that would suddenly accelerate because the pressure you put on the gas pedal somehow wasn’t enough – hard to explain but if you’ve experienced it, you know what I mean. For all its faults in its later years, it was a great vehicle. I was very sad to sell it on Craigslist and giving over the keys was a very hard thing to do. Prior to that, my wife and I bought a very functional car – simply a white Honda Civic. Probably my least favourite as it basically did the job but offered nothing more. Selling it when it was on its way out wasn’t a hard thing to do – maybe because it was so generic but no tears were shed. Not the case with my first vehicle – a dark blue/almost black Acura Integra. Bought it brand new with help from my parents and on day two, someone keyed it. Oh, that was painful. I adored that car as well – it was my first and you never forget your first 😉 It was stylish and enjoyable to drive. Of course, I was very cautious with it and maybe that first keying was a sign of things to come as it was stolen in its second year with me. It was not discovered until two weeks later (settlement cheque already processed) and I had to go to the impound lot to get my belongings from it. I actually shed a tear – sad as it sounds – as it was all gutted (speakers ripped out, rims taken off etc). As I walked away, I literally looked over my shoulder and felt a great deal of sorrow having to say goodbye. It’s weird that I had these different feelings for the vehicles I have been lucky enough to own. I never thought a car could move you – no pun intended – but they do become a part of your “family” in a way and I am very thankful for being fortunate enough to be able to afford to drive a vehicle in this day and age living in the suburbs. Thank you to all the cars that have come and gone with the changes in my life. To all of you vehicles, I fill you up with premium unleaded!
randysangha 