So, what's so wrong with wanting a red car?

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ddd
ddd Member Posts: 82
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
So, what's so wrong with wanting a red car?
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  • ddd
    ddd Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2010

    I haven't written on this site for quite a while, but it's the only place I am free to vent...so here goes...

    My in-laws are wonderful people.  They came to visit and told my husband that we would be receiving a sum of money as a gift.  We desperately need a car and they even suggested we use part of that for a down-payment.  They whole heartedly approved of purchasing the very practical and economical Honda Fit.  When they mentioned if we had thought of a color, I immediately said "only red".  My mother in law thought that was not very sensible, if we might be able to get a white car as a better "deal".  I explained that my entire life, I have always wanted a red car, and I really want a red car before I die.  But she just didn't get it, so I dropped it.

    Even very sweet and kind people just don't get it.  Three years ago I gave up both my breasts to breast cancer, a year and a half ago I had my thyroid removed for thyroid cancer.  I never complain, I never talk about it....but dogonnit after all I have been through before age 45,  I deserve a red car!!!

     Thanks for listening.

    ddd

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited April 2010

    You deserve a red car...why do they want to put strings on a present?

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  • ddd
    ddd Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2010

    I'm not really sure it's "putting strings" on the present, just feels like a bit of insensitivity to me.  Maybe having cancer twice doesn't entitle me to want something just a little more, but I feel like it does.  I have always been a very frugal person, but a little voice in me really wants a red car. LOL

    ddd

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited April 2010

    Go get that red car, girl!!!

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited April 2010

    It could be that, for some people, the color of the car influences the practicality. A red Honda Fit is impractical, a white Honda Fit is sensible. Not logical, but there it is.

    Go for the red car! If your inlaws are shocked afterwards, tell them it costs the same, it runs the same but it makes you feel like every ride is fun. From what you said of them, they might not understand but they'll accept it.

    Leah

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  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 778
    edited April 2010

    Hahahahahahaah!!! Get your red car! Get a new hair-do to match. Get red shoes and red undies and love the whole damn show. There are bigger things to fret about as we all know xxxx

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  • ddd
    ddd Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2010

    I DID already get the new hair-do..........RED!  LOL  Long, red and long bangs!!  And red feels great!  My husband understands, I'm sure we can get the red car.

    I bet other gals have similar stories....would love to hear from others, too.

    ddd

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited April 2010

    Get a RED car and enjoy it!!  You deserve it!!!

    Have fun!

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited April 2010

    From someone who used to sell cars (me Kiss), here's the scoop on a deal:

    The dealership usually get's the cars for 90 days before they have to pay for them. That is when they are at their cheapest, when they first hit the lot, as the dealer has no money in them yet. They are known as 90-day cars. Once the dealer has to pay for them, they have to maintain margin, so the car cannot be discounted as much.

    If the dealer bought a bunch of one colour, the above would still apply. Normally they will buy more of red, white and blue so you could be in luck. If one dealer can't give you the price you want, go to another one and tell them you've been shopping! Wink 

    Get the red car and enjoy it guilt free! We said so!

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited April 2010

    Go RED!!!!  And don't look back!!! 

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  • mke
    mke Member Posts: 584
    edited April 2010

    Red is a good colour, other drivers can see you.  White is a bad colour - disappears in snow and fog and of course shows dirt.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited April 2010

    I love my RED Subaru WRX.  Get the car you want.

    Your car, not theirs.

    I drove a basic rustmobile for years prior to being able to afford something that was presentable.  So when I had gone through a career change, I finally got the car I wanted.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2010
    lovemyfamilysomuch wrote:

    Go RED!!!!  And don't look back!!! 

    DO look in the rearview mirror once in a while to see what's behind you.  Surprised

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited April 2010

    I've had red cars from the time an 18 wheeler ran over my "practical" colored silver car.  And yes, I'm SEEN now.  I heard cops "see" you speeding more, so I just slow down.  There is nothing as fun as walking out of Wally world and cking out your RED car!

    Sounds like inlaws, as kind as they are, may prefer a bit of control.  Been there, done that, and refused the t-shirt that was offered, "even when they would pay for it". 

    Enjoy your red car, we all have misconceptions of what things "mean".  IE: white cheaper than red.

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited April 2010
    • Go get the red car. I am going to do the same thing. Always wanted a red convertible. I am looking. After going through this stuff we all need to do what feels good. Red is great. Dianne
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  • Joviangeldeb
    Joviangeldeb Member Posts: 213
    edited April 2010

    Go get the red car.  I went a got a red ford focus after finishing chemo.  Best thing I ever did. I love it.

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited April 2010

    Maybe it is a generational thing. Maybe red is impractical because years ago, it cost more? I have no idea.  It seems crazy to me. It's not like you wanted a different model of car like some fancy sportscar (although that would be fine, too). It's the SAME car, just a different color. Very perplexing to me - BUT I say get what you want. You're the one who will be driving it and looking at it.

    AND ENJOY IT!!!Kiss

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited April 2010

    Red cars never cost more, they're just considered flashier. Think of the man with the mid-life crisis that wants a red convertible. What's good for the goose...

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  • Morgan513
    Morgan513 Member Posts: 664
    edited April 2010

    You are so entitled to anything you want.  We all are!  Get the red car and LIVE OUT LOUD!!!

    Lorrie 

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited April 2010

    There is nothing wrong with wanting a red car.  I'd wanted a red car for years so about 16 years ago, I bought one.  I loved it.  And I figured that with that car, I would get "red car" need out of my system and move on.  I didn't.  I'm just now on my third red car.  I still love it.  I smile whenever I approach my red car in a parking lot.  You deserve to smile too!

    Nice car!  Go for it!

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited April 2010

    red is good.

    get it and thank them kindly.

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  • ddd
    ddd Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2010

    Wow!  I have been offline for a few days...and what a pleasant surprise to see all the supportive comments about my red car.

    In fact while offline, it occurred to me that I should make a poster and hang it up...especially the next time the inlaws visit.  It starts like this:

    Life is too short...to not buy the red car.

    Life is too short...to not eat every meal in the dining room.

    Life is too short...to not use the "good" dishes everyday.

    Life is too short...to not burn the rose-shaped candle.

    Life is too short...to not drink martinis.

    Life is too short...to not use the expensive perfume.

    Life is too short...to not color one's hair for fun.

    Anyone have any more of these for the list?  Smile

     ddd

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  • Sierra
    Sierra Member Posts: 1,638
    edited April 2010

    I love Red

    and red cars as well

    You can really spot them out there

    safer no

    You go ahead and enjoy your CAR!!!

    big time

    Hugs, Sierra

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited April 2010

    Life is too short to......skip desert!

    ......not buy the outrageous purse because it doesn't match anything else in your closet!

    ......not take a nap when you want to.

    ......hold a grudge without trying to resolve it.

    ......finish a book you're not really enjoying.

    ......save for a rainy day...surprise! It's raining!

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited April 2010

    Life is too short: to not put the good dishes in the dishwasher.  OK, you can hand wash the crystal.  (and I USE mine!!)  I use my good silverware too.

    Life is too short to "save" the good linens.  Including the "good" sheets.

    Life is too short to hand iron the tablecloth--send it to the laundry.

    I totally agee about the naps!

    Life is too short to "save" the 'nice' bath soap/lotion. 

    In fact, life it too short to "save" anything --- enjoy it and Use it!  If you bought it, you know you will like it.  If it was a gift, it was meant to be USED>

    When my grandmother died, we found boxes and drawers of new underware, dishtowels, stockings, and you name it----it had been saved for decades, I'm unsure what for.  Such a waste of her self esteem, she never felt "worth" it to use or wear these things.  They were given to a charity and I bet who ever bought them, wore them/used them the very next day.

    I collect hand embroidered pillowcases and dishtowels---all that work and they went unused.  I sure enjoy them. 

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  • NatureGrrl
    NatureGrrl Member Posts: 1,367
    edited April 2010

    You go, girl!  Get that red car!

    I'm facing something sorta kinda similiar...

    I have a '02 Saturn 4-door that's been great.  70,000 miles.  Should last a long time as long as I keep maintenance going but it's also due for some pricey routine stuff soon.  Solid, dependable.

    Mom died in December.  She had an '03 VW bug.  It has less than 8000 miles.  Yes, 8000.  Drove it to the grocery store and back and little else. 

    Oh... and it's a convertible.

    The trunk is almost impossible to get into and it's very small.  I doubt a carry-on size suitcase can go in there.

    Not a practical car.

    But it's a blast to drive.

    And it's a convertible!!

    I can't keep both ($$).  The Saturn is the logical, practical choice.  But I've about decided it's time for some FUN!  Call it my midlife crisis car, my post-cancer car, whatever... I'm really thinking I need a convertible!  I'm thinking I'm a convertible girl! 

    Let's go, girls!  Vroom, vroom!!

    Life is too short... to not tell people you love them.

    Life is too short... to not pursue your dreams.

    Life is too short... to not put the top down!

    PS  Iodine, yes, use it!  I'm so sad to see all the things my mom bought and never used... I just don't understand that thinking.... I mean, intellectually I understand it, but really, I just can't see doing that.  Life is too short!!!

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited April 2010

    ddd, it sounds like your MIL was just trying to help you make the money they're giving you go the furthest.  But, as Barbe pointed out, her "best deal on white" theory is incorrect, so hopefully you'll be able to educate her as you shop for what you want and find a fantastic deal on a red one.  I wouldn't stress over the comment.  She's obviously extremely practical, but I'm sure you are too, and you know what you want.  If a red car will make you happy, go for it!  I'm sure the one you want is out there waiting for you!   And we want to see a pix when you get it!     Deanna

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited April 2010

    Dotti, when my aunt was going through my great-aunt's belongings to get ready for an auction, they found brand new linen hankies that had been given to her and her mother around 1930-1940's. At the auction, I was able to buy the hankies and I am making them into a patchwork quilt top with all the dainty lace and embroidery work showing.

    I have had my red car (1998 Taurus) but now am in a white 2002 focus. I liked the red car better but the white car was a good price on the used car lot I was at. Nature, I would love the convertible bug!

    Sheila

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited April 2010

    A red car ... heh heh.

    A red car denotes risk-taking and speed and youth and a touch of wildness.  That's probably why in-laws would discourage the spending of their hard-earned money on something so frivolous.  Now, a blue or white or beige/tan/pewter car... that wouldn't be frivolous.  Sheesh.  Sounds like my parents.

    The only drawbacks I can see to buying a red car are 1) I have read that police tend to pay more attention to people driving red cars; and 2) I've seen more red cars involved in accidents than other-colored cars.  Maybe they do attract trouble, like those in-laws are suspecting?

    Do it.  Buy it.  Go for it.  Life is too short to live by those rules anymore.

    Take the dust covers off the furniture.  Pull the runners up from the carpet and put them away.  Bring out the good dishes and the good silver and the good glassware, and use 'em for every-day, family meals -- not just Thanksgiving and funerals.  Have filet mignon for dinner tonight.  With a bottle of wine that cost more than $20.  (To h*ll with the added BC risk!)

    FYI (beware -- there's an annoying audio in the background of this, so turn the volume down):  http://poetrybyginny.com/MOREWHIPPEDCREAM.htm

    OTOH, NatureGrrl -- "The trunk is almost impossible to get into and it's very small."  STAY OUTTA THAT TRUNK!

    otter

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited April 2010

    I got a speeding ticket 20 minutes after I picked up my used red car in 2007! I didn't want a red one, but it was the only one I could get quickly as I'd had a head-on crash in my pewter coloured car! I can see why the guy turned it in....

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