In my element

I'm getting a new car. And for the first time ever, I don't have to qualify that by saying, "well, I mean, it's new to me." Not that I ever had a problem with explaining that in the first place. In fact, I'm having a hard time being okay with the fact that I'm going to have a brand-new car.

Isn't owning a new car in some way morally despicable? Or am I just embarrassed? Or do I feel weird because parents, who are more than twice my age, have never purchased a new vehicle? I don't know.

As usual, the decision to buy was marked by an excruciating intensity of discussions, study, and search for the best possible deal--no snap decisions in our household. But aside from the weirdness I feel about buying a new car, I am so excited! What has been referred to as "the ugliest car on the road" actually seems to be the most compatible with our personality and lifestyle, so it's a great fit. (Although what that says about our aesthetic taste and personal appearance, I don't even want to know.)

In case you haven't guessed it from my punny header and my reference to "the ugliest car on the road," we're buying a Honda Element. It should be here within the week, ready to help us with our home improvements, dog outings, camping trips, and even grocery shopping.

And by the way, the ugliest car on the road is not actually the Element, as my father-in-law so aptly observed; it's Toyota's version of the boxy SUV crossover: the Scion xb.

Update: image replaced to reflect actual color of said vehicle.