I got a new car! In fact I purchased a brand new car! Not earth shattering news and kinda first world really, but my brand new car signifies so much to me and it has nothing to do with status or flashiness.
Let me start by saying I’m not shoving this purchase down your throat, showing off or up myself. I totally get that people buy new cars all the time but this purchase, well this purchase kinda moved me on the inside, I mean there were tears even! Fuck me, I didn’t understand that, so I drilled down a little deeper and worked out why this chunk of metal moved me and thought I’d share.
My husband and I have never ever owned a brand new car, partly because kids are expensive but mostly because cars don’t hold status for us. For me a car needs a functioning music box and it needs to be reliable. Simple hey. Well, that’s how it used to be.
Four years ago I finished some pretty gruelling medical treatment and had my life expectancy bubble burst so I threw up a middle finger to all that shit and purchased my ‘fuck your cancer’ car. I purchased a little MG Abingdon in British racing green.
This car signified where I was at in life, living days like they were my last. The top was down, music blaring and sun on my face, and when I got to put the pedal to metal and rip through the gears I was as happy as a pig in shit. It’s a glorious feeling driving with the top down, you’re exposed to the elements and to onlookers and you smell and feel so much as you zip through the streets. It’s fucking liberating!
Sadly after a few months my shit hips and knees couldn’t take the low style driving anymore and the huz and I purchased a more practical Suzuki SX4. The Suzuki was easier to get in and out of and I felt safer on the roads. We kept the MG and occasionally take her for a spin but mostly master 19 drives her.
The Suzuki is cute and reliable but the manual gear stick is a bitch when my bung arm is playing up which is ALL. THE. TIME. in summer. After three years I decided it was time to start looking at other cars. The thing is, I didn’t feel like I deserved another car. I mean three cars in four years just feels bloody excessive. I felt like I should suck it up and keep going in the current car, there was nothing wrong with the current car…just me.
I was playing it safe. But what I didn’t realise was I was putting myself on hold. I wasn’t acknowledging my needs. I wasn’t living my life in the fast lane, instead I had got back on the treadmill.
Cue a visit to the accountant and a hi five for a great year in small business and the suggestion that a car might be a good asset to the business. Bang! The car was back on the radar.
The huz and I headed out to ‘look’ at cars, I had three on my radar and all were smaller SUVs but never was I thinking ‘new’. I was happy with pre owned as long as it met my needs and budget.
Well that was until I sat in Qashqai at Nissan and fell in love. We hit up the salesman for a used option or a demo but he gave us a new model to test drive and then told us of the great deal they had going. After a drive we were hooked, the price was ridiculously good (even though it was a few thousand above the figure I had planned to spend) and a few hours later I had purchased my very first brand new car.
I purchased it under my own name through my business because that just makes financial sense even though it scared the crappers outa me. And then I realised why I felt so bloody giddy with excitement.
I was not on the treadmill anymore. I made a purchase that involved future me! I am worthy of something shiny and new! My small business is successful! Crazy hey!
Sometimes we don’t realise we are putting joy on hold, we don’t see that we have joined the treadmill grind and we forget what unbridled happiness feels like. Life is bloody good for me but I won’t lie, it’s been a tough year in some areas of my life this year.
I’ve spent far too much time in hospitals this year for my liking. Motherhood has been challenging, raising and living with adult children bends my brain and my heart. Business has been good but moves at a frantic pace. All of these added up to some overwhelm and I’ve had to introduce some well thought out changes to reign the crazy in a little.
The new car signified that I’m back on track, driving in my own lane and doing ok. The huz and I are planning road trips together (our favourite thing to do), I am forward planning in my business and most of all the reigns feel looser and some of that ‘fuck you cancer’ abandon has come back into my life. Thank goodness!
Life is short, live in it now. Do the things, value yourself, celebrate wins and stick your middle finger up at the rules from time to time. Remember that.
Mandatory cheesy grins from the huz and I…
Can you believe the fuss the sales team make over delivering a new car? I bloody love it! Flowers, big arse bow, balloons and would you look at the personalised sign that salesman Rene had made, I bloody love that too!. The team at Main North Nissan were super easy to deal with and made purchasing a car a joy, big thanks to them all.
Oh and I think I’ve named my new wheels ‘Purrl’ (there’s RR in the number plate and the colour is pearl ivory). What do you think? Did you name your car?
Til next time
Jen X
Bev WesslIng says
July 22, 2017 at 5:06 pmEnjoy your new car you deserve it.
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:20 pmThanks so much Bev, I sure will x
Maggie Obst says
July 22, 2017 at 5:09 pmWhat a wonderful turn of events for you. And why not?now Huz and you plan a beautiful getaway together and start a beautiful journey together. So Bloody happy for you. Pardon my swearing , but so happy for you. .?
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:21 pmThanks Maggie…and I love it when you get sweary 🙂
Kellie Sheehan says
July 22, 2017 at 5:10 pmLove her name Jen! Very fitting. Your reaction to owning your first new car is lovely. Wishing you, your hubby & Purrl many happy road trips to come.
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:21 pmThanks Kellie, lots of happy days ahead x
Bec says
July 22, 2017 at 5:13 pmI love this post! And I love the name!!! We name all of our cars too. Have since I was a kid and started naming my parents cars. Today is the two year anniversary of my husband’s remission and he drives a crappy old Corolla to work. I know hates it but we also have a big, new family car. He’s about to get a promotion at work and I think it’s time he started living for now! The Corolla is just so cheap to own ?
Enjoy your car Jen! Purrl is a beauty! You deserve every bit of her too!
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:23 pmCongrats to your huz on his cancerversary and I hope he gets a car he love xx
Maxine Kelly says
July 22, 2017 at 5:13 pmYeah and flowers too winning. So pleased for you and Huz it is a great feeling you and your family deserve the best. ???
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:23 pmThanks Maxine, such beautiful blooms.
Desley Baird says
July 22, 2017 at 5:22 pmCongratulations on buying your 1st brand new car! Love the name. You forgot to mention the ‘new car smell’! Driving a new car makes me feel like I am Queen of the Road! Enjoy xx
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:24 pmThanks Desley, amazingly the car has no smell 🙂
Lianne says
July 22, 2017 at 5:27 pmThat’s lovely Jenni, congrats to you. How wonderful xo
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:55 pmThanks Lianne x
Bernadette says
July 22, 2017 at 5:28 pmSo happy for you ENJOY your new car and I think Purrl is a lovely fitting name! Happy driving xx
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:55 pmwill do 🙂
Helen says
July 22, 2017 at 5:36 pmGO YOU.!!! I know the feeling you have described , I no longer have a partner and when I take that leap and buy something expensive, I get scared but then, I think to myself… I’m a grown up!
Enjoy your beautiful new car, you earned and deserve her. Xxx
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 5:56 pmSometimes adulting is FUN
Livby White says
July 22, 2017 at 5:37 pmCongratulations on your new car Jen.! The significance of purchading a new car for you is very significant….youre looking forward! Fantastic
My ‘new’ car was a 1,500 km demo Kia Sportage and I love her. She’s in my name and we bought her when I was driving my husband to and fro to chemo and radio and gazillions of appointments and she never let us down once. Her name is Aty cause thats in her number plate.
Hugs and well done xx
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:23 pmMoving forward feels good 🙂
Pamela Hill says
July 22, 2017 at 5:56 pmJenni, Life is meant to be lived and get as many experiences in as possible. My hubby has had a very serious heart attack and 3cardiac arrests and prostate cancer and decided that we needed to tackle the bucket list. His thing was travel so we have been travelling for the last 10 years have seen some amazing places and had lifetime experiences. We were off to Spain and Portugal this year but have postponed it for 12 months due to my recent diagnosis of large B cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 3. So we are on hold for a while to see how my bloody Chemo goes. Then we will see what’s on my bucket list. If a new car and one that is great to drive and makes you happy the go for it girl. Don’t deprive yourself of anything that is within your reach. I am so happy for you and you are keeping me sane during my process too. Thank you you wonderful lady.
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:24 pmPamela I hope your health is back on track soon and you are back travelling xx
Maureen says
July 22, 2017 at 6:23 pmJen I know exactly how you feel. My husband bought a Renault Sport during his cancer journey. He loved this car, silver grey colour with black upholstery trimmed with orange and orange seat belts, big fat tyres.
Unfortunately he did have to end up selling it, it was very hard on the road and he was very uncomfortable as the cancer progressed..
So you go girl and enjoy your new car ? xx
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:16 pmOh Maureen, isn’t it amazing what a joy a car can bring…even for a short time xx
Maryke says
July 22, 2017 at 6:26 pmMy god I am bawling my eyes out yes you deserve it
I lost my Nissan Maxima through a car crash which was not my fault so we bought a Cruz and then I had a very bad fall and I couldn’t drive for 7 months so husband gets rid of his car so we’ve got the Cruz left and I want my own car and I’ve lost my job so so second car he says is needed you so deserve this car so much I felt every emotion with you it’s so good for your self esteem And wellbeing good luck you darling jenni
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:19 pmThankyou xx
KirsTen and co says
July 22, 2017 at 8:02 pmLove this Jenni! Huge congrats on a much deserved purchase x
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:15 pmThanks Kirsten, it feels good x
Kylie says
July 22, 2017 at 8:38 pmWoooohooooo Good on you Jenni
You hit the nail on the head so often !!!!! Enjoy life Enjoy Purrl You deserve it 🙂
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:13 pmThanks Kylie x
Karen says
July 22, 2017 at 9:04 pmOh my gosh Jenni , what an uplifting and exciting little story ! I can’t help but be excited with you !?
I love how you put things into perspective.,
I’m not sick , but like you I’m working hard at my own business.. you’ve got me thinking ? can I afford to treat myself too !!
Stay tuned , I just might !! ?
Enjoy xxx
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:14 pmoh sounds positive, let me know if you do x
Shannon@ my2morrows says
July 22, 2017 at 9:09 pmPerfect name for a perfect car with perfect meaning. Congrats to you lovely. Enjoy all the kms! Xx
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:17 pmThanks Shannon, it’s nice to have some fun, I’ve really got a kick out of the whole experience x
Veronica says
July 22, 2017 at 9:11 pmGreat looking car congratulations and watch your speed ?
Jenni says
July 22, 2017 at 9:13 pmThanks and will do
Jill says
July 22, 2017 at 10:58 pmWow, what a super lovely post! Your perspective and insight and realness are so awesome and honest and I bloody love following you. Good on you, live for now with your eyes on the future. Happy Days to you and your adventures in your new babyxxx
Jenni says
July 23, 2017 at 8:46 amThanks Jill, looking forward to lots of adventures in Purrl.
Debs Sutton says
July 23, 2017 at 12:03 amwell done Jen! I always name our cars, Ray has Patsy Picasso (Citroën) as she reminds me of Patsy in AbFab & I have Farty Fiat! Xx
Jenni says
July 23, 2017 at 8:47 amLove ab fab!
Von says
July 23, 2017 at 6:40 amWoohoo Purrl is beautiful!! Congratulations Jenny, I hope she brings you alot of adventure, reasons to smile and above all keeps you safe.
Jenni says
July 23, 2017 at 8:48 amThanks Von I’m sure she will do all of the above xx
Amber says
July 23, 2017 at 9:23 amWe bought a NEW maroon honda hrv earlier this year. We named him Ron (Burgundy)
Jenni says
July 25, 2017 at 6:38 pmI absolutely love this
Shell says
July 27, 2017 at 2:47 pmCongrats on the car Jenni – may I ask where the top you are wearing is from? You look great ?
Jenni says
July 27, 2017 at 2:58 pmThanks it’s from Kennedy’s. https://www.kennedysboutique.com.au/product/cut-boho-large-gingham-check