My Little Red Jeep
Lately, I haven’t had much time to just run around the island. In my case that would be drive around the island, but last Sunday I called a truce with my inner-blog and jumped in my little red jeep and took off for a ride with friends.
I love my old red Jeep that I purchased almost 19 years ago. It is still in mint condition with only 76,000 original miles. Back when I was younger, it was a “man magnet.” Today, when men stop me at the post office or grocery store it is only to ask what year the Jeep is or if I am interested in selling it. And these are older men, not like in the good ole days. True, I am older as well, but the Jeep is just as cute as she was back in 1991.
Spring Break used to be fun because the young boys would pull up with great intentions of flirting and then they would see………..well, an “older woman.” So much for the “show me your t—! I would have had to raise them up over the steering wheel. Now, that is not exactly too sexy for your car!
In spite of all the offers I get to purchase the Jeep, I will never sell her. My friends, Bill and Dave, fight over who can buy it to take to their deer leases. I would never let “Ole Red” go to a deer lease and be dragged through the mud and overgrown brush. She and I have too many years together and too many good times to ever let her go.
I was on my way to a professional development session in Richardson the day I saw her up on the riser, all shiny and new. The next day I went back and bought her. I traded my “real” car in because I couldn’t afford a play car and another car at the time.
These were the days when I always wore high heels and suits with skirts and served as assistant superintendent for a suburban district outside of Dallas. I also had the boss from Hell, who did not like anything remotely connected to fun, and didn’t like anyone else who did. When he saw the Jeep parked next to his big black Tahoe that next morning, I know he must have been horrified – not because he was thinking about how I was going to get in and out of it all dressed up professionally because I guarantee it was a better sight than his big butt lumbering out of his monster truck; he was thinking about how much fun I was going to have and he didn’t like it one bit.
Now, this guy is the only boss I ever had that I didn’t like, and there was good reason. He was one of the “meanest” people I have ever known, and very proud of it. I wasn’t used to this because my boss before him was a true gentleman and all around good person. I hope both are reading this, but I know the cynical one isn’t because this is something fun.
But my point is I wouldn’t care. He was so bad he bragged about putting salt on the shrubs the PTA bought for one of his campuses back when he worked in a different town just because they didn’t confer with him about what kind to buy before they purchased and planted. Do you know how many bake sales, etc. it took for the PTA to pay for those shrubs?? Shame on him! I know I really should feel sorry for someone that miserable, but I just can’t get there.
If he could see me today at the island, he would really be upset because I am having way too much fun. Eat your heart out, Mr. Superintendent. Oh, and I failed to mention that when he “left” the district, I was promoted to his job. God not only opens doors—he sometimes lets them hit others in the butt on their way out. I don’t guess Mr. Supt. will want an autographed copy of Keeping Faith, do you?
Oh my, Cindy! You went easy on him! I’ve got lots and lots of choice words about that sorry a**hole! And that little red Jeep is your symbol of independence, defiance, “in your face”-ness – it’s just Cindy!!!
Hey Kit,
That was as politically correct as I could be about big bad john.
Now that he has been formally introduced, stay tuned in for Thursday’s blog. It may “moo” you!
Cindy, Dr. Bradford (or what is appropriate to call you at 52),
I loved this piece. I can’t wait to read your book and I would love to have an autographed copy. When and where can I buy and how do I get it autographed? So many years have passed but the minute I see your picture, read your words and then look back at my senior year yearbook when Bridget, Buddy, Carla, Lisa, Alfred and myself were on the yearbook staff and the fun we had. I always enjoyed you and your company. So glad after all these years there is a way to connect and stay in touch. Keep up the great words!! Love it.
Christi
Hi Christi,
Yes, I too have very fond memories of all the old yearbook group. We did have lots of laughs although I think I worried a bit more about deadlines than any of you which may have somthing to do with your having more fun than I did. ha! I haven’t forgotten any of you, and really appreciate your keeping up. Thanks for the 52—–try 57, so I think either old woman or Cindy is appropriate as a title. I know the book will be available on Amazon and other places as well, but I am still working on how to autograph some. I’ll keep trying to figure that out so stay in touch
From one Jeep lover to another, this made my day — plus — the mean ole superintendent will get his just rewards– if he hasn’t already — one way or the other and I’m sure you’re voting for “the other!”
Cin:
I just read your blog and cracked up. I’m sure Jan was wondering what the h… I was doing. Oh, well, great blog today, it was just what I needed, had a horrible day at the office. Keep it up!! Susan
Not sure if I want to think about the “show me your …” at 50 something
Cindy Lou Honey, my how you raked the poor b____ over the coal! I am LOVING it. I agree with Kit, you probably were too kind. He really was the world’s biggest killjoy.
This is one of your best blogs. We should put on our wigs and ride around in the Jeep at Spring Break next year to see if we can entertain those Spring Breakers. Bet we could get another blog out of that. This blog ranks up there with the raccoons! I bet those raccoons are having a ball in your backyard with you guys off playing. Hope you have a great time in Galapagos. It was one of my favorite destinations, ever!
love it. sam especially likes the comment about his big ft lumbering butt it was rather large. just seen this. had nasty accident in mass the day we arrived before we had even seen ryan and family bad fall in hotel from a real safety hazard okay but sore as hell and some lovely bruises scalp wounds really bleed and i am yelling at sam you never touch anyones blood with out protective hand covering while he is patiently explaining to me are married at least he knew my brain was okay
i really did enjoy seeing his face turn red while i told him of certain facts standing in the door to the coffee room so he couldn’t escape
do you text if so will call with cell number
Doc,
Glad your Jeep is up and running. My ‘79 pickup is sitting on 4 flats and the gas tank leaks like a sieve. Have been meaning to get it fixed for 8 years. It was the only thing that never got stuck on the 7-H Ranch at Oakwood. Ike fixed the marsh so I can’t hunt it any more, and my airboat driver/fellow hunter of 20 years has gone to his reward, si it’s guided hunts now. Congrats on the book. Still agent hunting here. Maybe season on them will open soon. You live in a great spot. I can see why The Chief (A. W.) hated to leave. He and I email frequently. Happy writing.
HH
I can’t wait ’til I’m at that point where I can express similar sentiments about a boss in my life….but then, once upon a time, I had
the best one ever…Judy Moss. Tell “Moss Boss” I said hello!