My Ford Escort

For 10 years I proudly drove my Ford Escort, and to be perfectly frank, sometimes it was a struggle to hold my head high. I trust you are aware that this is not considered a "status" car. Friends, colleagues, and strangers alike have reveled in lecturing me for continuing to drive her. "What do you think you are saying about yourself driving that?"…"You deserve better"…"You'll be taken more seriously"…”Isn’t it time you get a real car?”…. "You should treat yourself"…"You'll be more successful at work if you drive something better."…."That isn't a car, it's a toy"…and my very favorite "Aren't you embarrassed to be driving this?"...um no....I find it strange that driving a car that gets 30+ mpg for 10 years reads as immature while spending an exorbitant amount on something that wastes energy is considered responsible. I guess that is corporate america for you.

I first got my Escort in 1998 after moving to DC. I made the typical mistake of moving far from work in order to afford a nice apartment. It would only mean commuting 100 miles a day. Easy Peasy. Except it wasn’t. I cried regularly during my morning commutes because I could not believe that this was the adult world. Almost everyone I knew had similar commutes and they all seemed to be handing it better. They bought cars they "loved" and "enjoyed being in". I admit that I sometimes buy into conspiracy theories, but obviously there is serious brain washing in play if you think you enjoy commuting 100 miles every day! The “ultimate driving experience” is getting out of the car, and if you’re experiencing “sheer driving pleasure” I suspect your car must be vibrating more than mine.