Counting jeeps

this is a cry for help.
last sunday i went to the auto show with my kids.
we went to satisfy jonah's Volvo addiction.
our plan was to sit in and drool over the Volvo c30
and the new volvo hardtop convertible.
that part went as planned.
what we didn't plan on was the three of us falling madly in love
with the same car.
we all fell instantly madly and passionately for the Jeep Liberty.
we read motor trend and consumer reports magazines.
we know all about jeeps less than stellar reputation for reliability.
oh yeah, and the roll overs and the bad bad very bad gas mileage.
but we fell for it anyway.
remember back in high school when you fell for the wrong person for all the wrong reasons but you didn't care?
that's us.
we know it's stupid.
we don't care.

the interior isn't remarkable but it's cool in an understated way.
the exterior is slightly sexier, especially if you purchase the chrome detail package..and why the hell wouldn't you for an extra 1,000 bucks and some change.
but here comes the real reason for buying the car.
it reeks of FUN.
driving to the dentist would be fun.
driving to the tax prep person: more fun.
why?
because of the retractable roof.
surely you've seen the commercial with the guy singing "rock me gently" along with
several woodland friends that he is joined by along the way.
until you've actually parked your butt in this jeep with the roof cranked open,
you won't get what all the lust is about.
once you do it, you will.

i have spent way too much time on the jeep website creating my own liberty, and
checking into financing.
i have spent way too much time pointing out all the libertys on the road to what ever sorry soul may happen to be driving with me.

my husband, ever the voice of reason, continues to point out all of the ways in which this would be an idiotic purchase.
he reminds me that cars are about getting from point A to point B as safely and inexpensively as possible.
and he is obviously right.
but unlike the three other members of this family his butt has not been parked on the seat of the divine jeep liberty.

i already have a name for the car that i should NOT buy.
his name is Patrick Henry.
give me liberty or give me death!

i am trying to visualize myself at the pump cursing myself put for being such a bone head.
likewise i picture myself writing a check for a car payment for 5 years..when i could be car payment free.
nothing seems to help.

as my friend said, you get into a relationship thinking you can change the other person..and you think the jeep will change!! but it won't.

so what is a love crazed, lust filled girl to do?
my kids assure me it is a must-buy car.
our lives would change. it's all about FUN!
fun is even in jeeps tag line.

i thought as a parent , i was supposed to influence my kids but in actuality, it is the other way around.

i've even talked to current jeep drivers, hoping they would regale me with tales of woe..bad gas mileage , constant repairs, and the like.
but no, they all speak of their silly jeep with love in their eyes..
it's worth it they tell me.
and then there's the guy whose wife is contemplating going to Jeep Camp this summer
where you meet with other cult members for off road activities and music.

I NEED HELP!
I'm suffering the effects of driving a suburban minivan for too long.

not knowing where else to turn, i just called the Click and Clack radio show on NPR
and left an extended and emotional message on their producers answering machine.
now all i can do is wait for their return call.
it's in God's hands now.