Introducing the world's newest Soccer Mom!

The taxes are back and the verdict is in: On the count of purchasing a minivan: Guilty. On the count of liking said minivan: Guilty. Who knew?
We bought a 2003 Chevy Venture complete with folding rear seats and a nifty DVD player in the back. It has already made traveling with the kids easier and I was shocked to find that it gets better gas milage than my car! The biggest surprise for me was not feeling like it was the end of the world. When I sat in the driver's seat I did not gain 20 pounds, "mom jeans" did not magically appear on my body, and I did not age 10 years.
Bottom line: I drank the Minivan Koolaid and it was good!

To Minivan or Not to Minivan?

I have long believed that the end of youth is marked by one event: The purchase of a minivan. Now I find myself facing the decision to buy one, and it honestly makes me a little queasy. I know that many women and men drive minivans and it is no different than driving an SUV. If anything, it is more economical and comes with nifty features like captain's chairs and a DVD player. It is all in the perception. Minivans are like Rocky Mountain Oysters. They are great until you realize what they are, and then you throw up in your mouth a little. I admit that  Toyota's Swagger Wagon video has somewhat swayed me, but I still view the minivan section of the car dealership as a place where the carefree single life goes to die.


Alas, I am at a crossroads. Do I make life easier and choose sensibility over style, or do I give in to the stigma of the minivan and buy something smaller or less economical? Only time, and the arrival of my tax return will tell.

Back in the Blog

The move is complete, the computer is set up and we are back in business! Living in Salt Lake in nothing like I had expected. The people here are very friendly and the view of the mountains from our house is amazing.  I tend to be a pessimist, and keep my expectations low, but I have been pleasantly surprised thus far. I will keep you updated on our Utah adventures as they come. 
Remember...eat, drink and be merry. Tomorrow you may be in Utah!