I had my annual review at work a few days ago. Things went well. My boss told me how much he appreciated my hard work and effort, gave me a new title (Senior Content Specialist…has a nice ring to it, huh?), more money, and a person to supervise. This is all very exciting. Career-wise, I haven’t had it this good in 12 years. Walking into the conference room, I had but one goal in mind:
That’s right. An “OX” license plate! I’ve always wanted one.
OK, and the car it’s attached to, as well. My parents think I’m crazy. “It’s ugly!” they say. Ugly?!?! The Mini Cooper may be many things, but I don’t consider it ugly at all. Remember the movie The Italian Job? There was a great car chase scene involving a bunch of Mini Coopers. That movie made me realize how badly I wanted one.
How could you not fall in love with the car after watching that? In addition to great styling, zippy performance, and the ability to fit into tight spaces, if you are ever being chased by a gun-toting motorcyclist it’s comforting to know all you need to do is open the door and you will easily dispense of the would-be assassin.
Care to change your mind, mom and dad?
I’ve been thinking about a new car for quite awhile, but have been biding my time. The trusty ol’ Santa Fe has been a good vehicle, and has given me 12.5 years of excellent service. She took me all the way to Ohio and back, after all. But she’s definitely getting up there in years. Lately I’ve been looking for any excuse to upgrade. We were driving home from the company Christmas party last night in the rain, and my windshield wipers were squeaking something fierce.
“You need new wipers, babe,” Tara said.
“Or, I could buy my Mini Cooper,” I replied, ever the pragmatist. “New car, new wipers. Problem solved!”
She thought my solution was a bit extreme, but I’m at the point where I really don’t want to invest any more money in the Hyundai. Her brakes are worn and she’s due for an oil change, too. Or, I could use that money for chrome mirror caps or LED Xenon headlamps or a white bonnet stripe. Clearly, my priorities have shifted.
I’m not saying I’m going to take the plunge. It’s nice not having a car payment to worry about. At the same time, I have owned this vehicle seven years longer than I’ve had any other. If nothing else, it’s nice to know I have options now.
Besides, if it’s good enough for this guy, why not me?
Mark My Words 
Do it! I’m always on board for a new car.
And I agree, Mini Coopers are awesome.
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That’s all the incentive I need! Thank you for pushing me in the right direction…
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Bosch Insight wiper blades on Amazon – $22
Starting the new year with a raise in the bank – priceless
Okay, not so much priceless as practically unheard of in this day and age.
Merry Christmas, Petruska Family!
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I agree: it’s not the norm these days. Thank you, and merry Christmas to the Briggs family, as well!
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Sounds like it will be ‘your Christmas’ this year, Mark! Zoom, zoom!
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Beep, beep! It’s off to a good start. Hope yours is every bit as wonderful!
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Still ugly and where do you put your parents , 4 suitcases and the dog?
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In Tara’s truck, of course!
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Mark, first, congratulations on your great review!
“My boss told me how much he appreciated my hard work and effort, gave me a new title (Senior Content Specialist…has a nice ring to it, huh?), more money, and a person to supervise.”
You GO, boy!!!!
And second, YES to the Mini Cooper! I LOVE those cars!!!!
If we don’t talk before then, I want to wish you and Tara a very Christmas!
Cheers!
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Ooops! I meant to say, a very MERRY Christmas!
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I used to go to school with a Mary Christman. I’m pretty sure she hated the whole holiday season.
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Thanks, Ron! Glad you share the Mini Cooper love. My parents just need to get on board and all will be right with the world. Merry Christmas to you, as well!
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Congrats on the new title! That’s awesome! Perhaps the mini cooper will come with the raise? Company car perk?
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I like the way you think, Jess. I say we hire you as a “corporate strategist” – that way you can ensure I get my company car! Wanna move out west?
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Yes, and yes. I expect voodoo donuts to be written somewhere in my contract. And there should be a clause about geoduck.
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