My New Baby

As much as I LOVE the babies of my friends & family – proud parents and PAPA, you know who you are – when I refer to my baby I’m usually talking about my website – or in this case it’s an exciting purchase, like my new car. The 3-month process to get it has really felt like a birth of some sort…

In an attempt to go green, I first had my heart set on the Lexus RX hybrid (no, not for dropping kids off at the Granite) – but sadly that was a no go, so next - in an attempt to be thrifty I fell for the new VW Tiguan. It drives well & I loved the massive pana sunroof. Sadly being self-employed was a roadblock there as well… so as per usual as a new resident without any US credit history, I had to try and try again – thankfully BMW came through (and thankfully I had the dealerships working for me in tandem) and has let me lease a X3 for the duration of my visa (3 years!). The only catch being I have to get my California license before I can pick up my car. It’s ironic because the insurance companies give you a 6-month grace period to get your local license, but BMW couldn’t flex on this at all - even after a lot of begging & pleading.

I never expected at 28 (OK, a week shy of 29) to be taking an eye, written & road driver’s test– after countless hours on the phone, internet and at the DMV office itself - I can really say I’ve felt the effects of California’s budget crisis firsthand. Each call takes an average of 30 minutes on hold (thank goodness for hands-free!) – each line was at least 30 minute’s wait & you have at least 3 per visit (never mind the 35 question test took less than 10 minutes) – and the testing offices are now closed Friday & Saturdays as the State can’t afford to pay the staff.

I shouldn't complain, reading a driver’s manual is probably never a bad idea (it’s good to know California made texting & emailing while driving illegal earlier this year – and of course, heavily enforces hands-free) – and my new friends at Beverly Hills BMW are calling in a favor to get my road test that's scheduled for next week pushed up. So in the end it's worked out - I’ll have my new ride in time for my birthday (BIRTHDAY rides!!) – and after renting, cabbing, borrowing, walking & running my way around the most spread out city in North America – I’ll NEVER take having a car at my full disposal for granted again!!

I'm ready for my “ultimate driving machine, sheer driving pleasure and the ultimate driving experience”! Let's see what these Germans can do...

I can't wait to meet her!!

k