Nebulous Mooch

I’ve written quite a bit about my husband’s unusual driving habits. Well today he displayed a new one.

I put a post on one of my other blogs about how to save money on gas. My husband has been coasting to save money–I’ve written about that before. Today I was telling him that one of the ways to save money on gas was to avoid idling your engine. Just as I said that, the person in the car next to us at the red light started his engine.

“That’s a great idea!” my husband exclaimed. “That’s how you avoid idling.”

After that he started turning off the engine while he coasted to a red light. Then he turned the engine back on just before the light turned green.

I was freaking out the whole time, of course. I think it’s a dangerous practice and hope it won’t become a habit.

He recently learned a lesson about changing his clothes while driving. He tried to change his shirt while going 80 on 275 and the shirt got stuck on his head so he couldn’t see. He said it was the most terrifying few seconds of his life.

Some people name their cars. I have to admit that I’m one of those people. I remember all of my past cars’ names and personalities like they were old friends. Herbert was my whimsical Chevette. Elliot was my shy Plymouth Horizon. Claus was a sluggish Volvo 760. And Frankie is an optimistic PT Cruiser.

I’m remembering my past cars because I’m selling Frankie this week. I spent the morning cleaning him out. I gently wiped the dirt off the doorhandles and cleaned crumbs from door pockets. Misty eyed I looked over oil change receipts from Sears.

Frankie and I had some good times together. We like to go to the same places and listen to the same music. He’s quiet, but aren’t cars supposed to be quiet?

I’ll miss walking outside and seeing him, gleaming in the parking lot, waiting for me. He has become such a good friend. It’s hard to see good friends go.