New Wheels

We said goodbye to our Xterra this month to say hello to our new Prius.  Funny story how it all worked out and No, we were not in the market for a car (said anyone who ever went to a dealership).

Since moving out of the mountains and inclement weather to the Valley of the Sun, the use for an SUV with snow tires has diminished.  We are also becoming increasingly aware of how costly the use of gasoline is and have been dreaming of the day when we can plug our car in instead of fueling it up.  Alas electric technology is not quite there for people with our budget but the idea of a hybrid car has always enticed us.  I have been fairly resistant solely because our Xterra was paid off and I wasn't ready for a car payment plus our SUV has been so helpful for many projects.......

Lily Kissed our Xterra goodbye.

Exhibit A.........Bob transported over 3 tons of dirt for our backyard in it.

But I was willing to look.......so we went out for date night to drive some cars. We drove the Nissan Leaf and while all electric, simply didn't have the range for a family car.  Then we went to Toyota.  I love the Prius, always have.  I think I primarily love it because it is a small car with a hatchback instead of a trunk.  After driving it we went inside and were introduced to our sales guy. He gave us all these numbers and Bob said No.  Not buying a car. He sweetened the deal and Bob said No.  He gave us a nice trade in value for our car and Bob said No.  He then asked what would get us to buy the car today.  Bob gave him this crazy low monthly number and I was for sure we would be laughed out of the dealership. 

But we weren't.  Bob's negotiating skills kicked in and over 24 hours worked us into a brand new car with a smokin' deal.  In fact between the car payment AND monthly gas costs for this 50mpg car we will be paying less than the monthly cost to fuel our Xterra.  It was quite literally a deal we couldn't refuse.

So we kissed our Xterra goodbye and brought home our Prius.  It fits our family perfectly as well as our lifestyle.  There is plenty of room for the 4 of us plus bike carrying capabilities and room in the back for everything else.  I am grateful for the change and for the blessing of a new car.  I am also grateful I married a man who doesn't mind the haggle and has mad negotiating skills.  

Journey to IRONMAN: I Registered.....

......to Volunteer.  I know, not the announcement you were looking for, but an important one none the less.  My IRONMAN....its a journey. I will reach my destination.......but not without several steps along the way.

Volunteering in this year's race is a BIG step.  Why you ask?  Because it gives me top registration opportunity for next year, my year.....the year I accomplish the IRONMAN.  It also gives me first hand opportunity to feel it.....without doing it.  Ever want to be motivated to complete a race?  Go attend one.  The spirit, the glory, the joy, the drive, you can't help but be inspired to cross that finish line yourself.

I am volunteering in 2 different ways during the November 14th and 15th weekend this year.  I will be in the information tent one day for about 4 hours and at the Run Aid station 1 on the day of the race.  I chose these two spots specifically for 2 reasons.  1.  I want the information :)  I surmised that if I had to give information I better know it!  Good stuff for next year. and 2. I want to see the athletes first run aid stop after transitioning.  I want to see their faces, see their pain, see how they handle the beginning of the final leg of their course.  I am also volunteering early in the day so I will get to watch all of the elite pros run.  How cool is that?

I am really excited to volunteer because it will mark the weekend that I register for my own race.  I am coming for you IRONMAN.  

Achieving IRONMAN takes planning, purpose and intentionality.  I am using this time before I begin heavy training to read and learn all I can about nutrition and what it is going to take for me to get across that finish line. I am cycling a lot and trying to up my distance and toughen up my tushy.  I am running, not with intensity, but with purpose. Each day brings me closer.