New Set of Wheels

Well, I did it. I bought my very first car. It's a used ( '95 to be exact) Ford Contour but it seems to run fine and despite the scratches, a few minor dents, and broken cup holders, it's not half bad. And, it's mine!

I actually wasn't really in the market for a new car. I had been happily using my mom's little Ford Focus since I've been home. Actually, when I first started working in Sioux City I would regularly ride into work with my dad, who also commutes to around Sioux City. But now with my current job where I work 8-5 instead of 8:30-4:30, it doesn't work as well with his teacher schedule; he would end up waiting for me over an hour each night. So, instead he's been dropping off and picking up my mom from work and I got her car to use.

Well, I guess enough was enough and they decided it was time for me to have my own mode of transportation. The stipulations were that it had to run and be affordable enough for me to pay cash for it since I can't add a monthly car payment to my loan repayments. Also, I really didn't want it to be ugly. My dad proceeded to research some cars online, and after spotting a possibility, we headed to the used car dealership on Monday. After a little negotiating by my dad, I wrote the check and drove my new car home, with bank account feeling more than a little depleted. I will still need to find a solution for my morning coffee mug since cup holders are non-existent, and I also need to have a general inspection to make I'm not driving a time bomb on wheels, but so far I'm happy with my new car.

After my big purchase, I was understandably more than a little irked yesterday as I prepared to get out of my car at the Wal-Mart parking lot. Reaching over to grab my purse from the passenger seat, I noticed a young girl in a sporty car pull into the parking spot next to me. As she flung her car door open and jumped out, I watched the wind whip her car door right into the side of my car. She paused to look at the potential damage on both our vehicles but then hurried off towards the store, with not so much as a look in my direction.

I sat in my car, puzzled, not knowing if I should chase after her or wait and to see if there was any damage. I got out and looked. Sure enough, there was a white paint smudge from her car and the gleam of a fresh dent. I scratched away some of the paint residue and was left with a smaller, but nonetheless noticeable, speck. Uncertain how to react in such a situation, I debated whether or not to leave a note. I didn't know if it was worth making an issue over. So despite being bothered by her rude, indifferent attitude towards the situation, I resisted.

I came back out to the parking lot a little later and drove off to do another errand. I left reluctantly, still feeling frustrated that this rude girl would think she could just get away with turning a blind eye to the situation, even if it had been an accident. Reaching my dad on my cell phone, he suggested at least getting her license plate number.

So on my way back past Wal-Mart, pride for my new little car directed me back into the still-empty spot next to the sports car, which was still there. I scribbled out a short note, letting the girl know I had seen her hit my car and walk away and that I had written down her license number, should I need it. I finished off by suggesting she be more careful next time. A zinger it was not, but I didn't want to be mean, just firm....scare her a little by knowing I could do something. I'm sure I will never pursue fixing the little dent - it's not the first dent on the car and I'm sure it won't be the last one, especially after daily parking in the parking ramp downtown - but it all goes back to the principle. I just felt better knowing the little brat knows she got caught!