My blog tagline, "Connecting Inner Knowing with Outer Living" reminds me that higher guidance can assist us with practical matters too.
About 6 weeks ago ago our trusted auto mechanic told me that my 1996 Camry could not go more than 2 more months without some essential repairs (timing belt, water pump replacement, major oil leaks etc.) - at least $1000 to keep it going. God bless "Betsy" - she has 195,000 miles on her and has been the best car I've ever owned. She still looks good too. But I know her days on the road are winding down.
My logical side says it's not a good idea to take precious cash out of savings for a down payment on a new car. Fear tells me that my husband can be laid off late this year when the engineering project he's on is completed. This is based on fact - engineers are getting laid off all over the Greenville SC metro area. Safer to put more money into the old car to keep it going.
Yet my inner knowing begs to differ. The past few weeks I find myself detaching emotionally from this car. I no longer feel as confident in her reliability. In spite of logic and fear, I just "know" that we are supposed to buy a new car. My hubbie agrees. Meanwhile, I've run through my mind how we can handle a job layoff financially so that we will not be giving a new car back to the bank.
Last weekend we begin the car shopping in earnest, and after 4 days of intense research and negotiating, we become owners of a new Honda Accord. During that process, I rely on the excellent information at Edmunds, conversations with other Honda Accord owners, and intuition to make our purchase. Edmunds gives car buyers the tools and savvy to make a successful purchase.
In today's economy, we have never experienced such motivated car sellers, or rock bottom interest rates on car loans. Imagine playing 3 different Honda dealers off one another to arrive at the price I want on a "loaded" Accord? We wanted to give the first salesman who worked with us the business. I asked him to match the lowest price I found and he agreed. Two hours later he hands me the keys to my new car!
Inner knowing immediately names my new car "Grace." With new affection for the car I intend to drive for the next 10-12 years, I dub her "Gracie." I express my verbal thanks to Betsy, and as soon as I return from an out of town trip I will donate her to a non-profit. With care, she still has some life left in her.
Now my inner knowing is communicating promptings about my hair color . . . but I won't go there today!
Wow Deb, what a powerful story about a car, of all things. Cool stuff!
I have a 2008 Accord, and I love it. I don't name my cars anymore, though I do talk to her. When I come up with a name, I'll let you know!
Posted by: Phil Gerbyshak | May 11, 2009 at 11:29 PM
I started naming cars in recent times. It's interesting to hear you talk to your car though. Hopefully it's all good stuff - they like appreciation!
Posted by: Deb Call | May 12, 2009 at 11:35 AM