Is it that time already?

Bruno said he thinks it's time we start thinking about a new van for me.

Ranked in order of least favorite first:

Shopping for a new car

Dental appt.

GYN annual visit

Cleaning toilets

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but seriously, I hate shopping for a new car. I only have 55k miles on my van, it's paid for, it works well, why are we talking about a new one?

Is it a deep need to resist change? Is that my problem? Or do I just hate oily car salesmen? Alright, I admit it. I think test drives are like that eye test you do. Which is better, A or B? Well, I have no idea by the time I get to B. Is A better? Hmmm, I liked the color better, the interior was nicer, but the ride? No idea. And you never test drive a car on a snow covered hill like the one I live on, so how do you really know how well it will do in the winter anyway? What I REALLY need is to test drive with all the kids in their seats to see how well you can feel being kicked for an hour's long drive from the backseat. If the driver's seat can withstand the stength and endurance of a 6 year old athlete, then maybe we have a winner.

All I really want in a new van is the side windows to roll up and down, and the stow & go seats. Taking the seats out of my van isn't hard, but those suckers are heavy, and trying to do it while 3 kids are running in and out of your legs is dangerous. And the only reason I want the side windows to roll up and down is I'm sick of hearing "why can't you roll down my window mom???"

Now, if they made a mini van with that sound shield thing like they have in limo's, I wouldn't hesitate.