Step One is complete. Last week I picked up my new car. I ended
up getting a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. The Roommate takes much joy in the fact
I can't pronounce what I purchased. I keep saying "Hun-die Elen-tra".
It's like that episode of Friends where Joey keeps saying "noodle
soup" at an audition. I know I'm pronouncing it wrong I just can't
stop.

This is the first brand new car I've ever bought. It's a new and strange
feeling having this car. It feels like the car is too nice for me
to have. I've never really had anything nice or shiny and brand new
(except for when I went to college and my mom bought me a new euphonium).
It's almost as if the car is too elegant for me. I have very basic
stripped down needs. I feel like I am undeserving of a nice car which is
of course bullshit.

The one thing I am enjoying without question is air conditioning. Many
people wonder how I survived 3-4 years without it in the desert. Frankly,
I don't really know. You just eventually get used to the misery and the
feeling your flesh is baking. The first thing I did when I picked up the
car was turning the air on full blast on its coldest possible temperature until
my teeth chattered. It was so nice.

Now, onto Step Two.