Mommy, I Want it

I know we're in a re/pression. I realize that material goods and overall consumption right now is bad, bad, bad. I remind myself of this each time I find my way to various online sites (most recently Rue La La).

I have cut back considerably on all material goods in the past year. This decision came involuntarily via my being laid off in February 2008. I realized that no matter how fashion forward they may be, I just didn't need that new purse, or the new pair of earrings, or the killer pair of jeans. I had an entire closet, chest of drawers, and room full of fantastic clothes and accessories. And I'm crafty enough to create a multitude of ensembles with what I have. (I smell a personal challenge...)

But a new product was brought to my attention today that I just have to have. Phil sent me a text that read "The New Volvo C70 T5 is tight!" Being the car fan that I am, I immediately Googled it:



Although my ride is pretty standard, I have an ability to name car makes, models, etc. I've always had this, and I'm really not sure what it's all about. I don't fancy myself a gearhead; I guess I just really love cars.

I have always wanted a cherry-red convertible with light-beige leather seats. I have imagined myself driving around town, the wind in my hair, since childhood. My Dad had a convertible in the '90s - it was cherry-red, too - and I relished each opportunity I had to borrow it for important errands, like cruising around town.

It is amazing and glorious and WOW do I want it so badly!

I see the MSRP is around $40,000, and I immediately remember those not-so-distant days I spent living off unemployment, scraping by on the fantastic produce values at Harvest Time, and worrying, each day, as to when I would have an actual paycheck (it took 5.5 months, to be exact). I won't even go in to the panic attacks.

But there is just something entirely magical about this car that I feel compelled to have it.

In my dreams. In my alter-reality. Where I also own a home, with an in-ground pool, and I make it to Europe almost every year (and the years that I don't, I'm in the Caribbean.)

So there you have it: My first impromptu, outrageously extravagant, yet so-real-I-can-taste-it want for this year, induced solely by a shiny, pretty new car I referenced via Google Images. Amidst living in an economy where we're all finding solace in just getting by. I believe I'm back down to perspective already.