Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

I wrote a post, back in February, about how my life quite literally came to a screeching halt, how I entered a transition, hoping things would one day get better.

To be honest, I don't know if I've gotten any better. I can start lifting weights again, and I can jog and cycle, but whenever I exert myself, especially during busy calls where I have to rush about the hospital, my left hip throbs and hurts. Most times I just brave the pain, but I have my supply of Arcoxia close by. And, every time I sit behind the wheel, I relive every vivid moment of the accident. For those who cannot remember their experience of road traffic accidents, consider it a blessing. I remember, and my cinematic memory does not make things any easier. Imagine a crash test dummy documentary, where they show a video from inside a car as it crashes, complete with sound effects and background music. Now imagine it replaying over and over again.

That's what it's like for me.

The situation at work is not any better, but I've learned my lesson the hard way. No blogging about work and colleagues lest someone prints out the page and distribute it to the whole department. So, no bitching about work. I'm just taking in whatever shit thrown my way and making the best out of it.

Now. I wanted to post this much earlier, but I had to wait before I could take any decent pictures. Remember the rickety Kancil I likened my transitional life to? I returned it two Thursdays ago, just in time to welcome Mama and Arwen to Kelantan in my spanking new car.

"What?" you ask. "Another Nissan?"

"Yes," I say. "Another Nissan. Because."

My experience with my Latio has been a great one, from the moment I stepped into the showroom at Jalan Raja Laut, to the after sales care, to the moment the car saved my life, and to the period where I was stuck in Kelantan and the staff ETCM/Nissan helped me all the way in claiming my insurance and getting a new car. I'm used to the system, and I'm satisfied with it. So, my most logical choice is an affordable upgrade.

Say hello to my new Sylphy/Bluebird 2012.

I originally wanted to get a Sylphy Impul, but the salesman, Mr. Low, advised me to wait and be patient with my rental for another month or so, as the new model would be launched on March 9. So I waited. And yes, it was worth the wait.

I opted for the full spec model, with a pre-installed navigational system and leather interior. Given the option between black and dark brown leather, Mr. Low advised me to take the black one, so black I took. Faizul and my brother told me to take the solid white exterior, and I'm glad I agreed with them. I added a layer of coating on top of the paint, with a price tag of RM2250. The skirting, v-Kool tint and 16-inch sport rims (5 of them, including the spare tire) came with the package.

The exterior looks solid and sporty, unlike the Auntie-vibe you get with the standard older models, and the interior is elegant and spacious. God, it's freaking spacious. I haven't tried sleeping in the car, and I think I should. One of the cool features is the keyless entry system. The keys remain in my pocket as I touch the door and chant, "Alohamora." The door unlocks. No joke. With the keys still in my pocket, I turn the knob to start the engine. I chant "Alohamora" when I feel like it. Now I'm wishing I can do the same with the doors to my apartment, because, you know, getting the keys out of my pocket and going through the trouble of turning the lock, it's what Muggles do. And you guys know how special I am.

I can go on and on about the specs, but I'm not a car reviewer. Quite frankly, I don't know shit about cars. All I can say is that even though it has automatic transmission, I don't feel the drag-and-lurch I used to experience with my Latio whenever the car changes gears. The ride remains smooth as silk. Fuel consumption is quite good, but I haven't sped my car over 100kmph (where I can do that in Kota Bharu, you tell me), and I haven't travelled long-distance, so I'll tell you about it later. "Accidental" speeding over bumps doesn't jolt my off my seat, so the suspension's awesome. Air conditioning uses climate control; I set the desired temperature, and the car decides the speed of the fan until the desired temperature is achieved. How cool is that? Now I just have to figure out how to make it snow inside the car to achieve full climate control.

Hey, a guy can always wish, can't he?

Two things are important for me, though: comfortable seats with ample leg space for all passengers, and frakking good sound system. For the first, y'all know I'm a single guy with a family, right? So my family has to be comfortable in my car. Mama and Arwen approve, so I'm happy. The second? Everyone knows I'm a music freak. People know my car is approaching because the music gets louder. So imagine my excitement when I found out that the navigational system comes with Bluetooth and iPod dock. Not only I can make calls using the navigator screen, I can choose songs from my iPhone regardless whether I connect it to the dock or not. SCHWING!

I can now listen to all 3000+ songs on my iPhone, and the music is great. The car's insulation system is awesome, and I'm separated from the rest of the world when I shut the door, and I can listen to my music full blast. I can dance while driving (hey, it's still much safer than tweeting or doodling), and I can sing at the top of my lungs. I don't care if you people outside are looking at me funny. I'm insulated, yo!

With my Latio, I just called it "Car". My ritual whenever I drove it the first time after more than 2 days away was to sit behind the wheel, smile, and say, "Hello, Car," under my breath. The car was androgynous. This baby, however, is a girl. Last night, when I got in the car, I ran my fingers over the leather finish, and stroked the leather-wrapped steering wheel, I whispered, "Hello, sweetheart."

I sincerely hope that life post-accident will be an upgrade. For now, I rest my hand on the door handle and chant, "Alohamora."

The door unlocks.

The engine starts with barely a sound.

Cheers. And drive safe.

 

PS: all the photos were taken using my iPhone 4. Goes to show you don't need DSLRs, really. Just saying.

Comments

[Ford AC Condenser]

And I think the beautiful stitches in the car's interior are made by real people. Or was it another make that I saw on TV?

[hantu]

this new car is paid for in blood. innocent blood. and you still can show it off. you have no shame, brudder.

[hantu]

if i were you, i would beg for forgiveness and remove this post instead of rubbing salt on other people's wounds. your mother really hasn't taught you any humility. kurang ajar.