Recently I’ve been reminded of an old pleasure. Now for the majority of my driving experience I have been a manual transmission enthusiast. Almost 80% of my vehicles have been stick shifts because I relish that rush of feeling you get by mastering the transmission, manipulating torque and rousing rpms to excite that charge of gratifying acceleration. I love that feeling of control and power. (hmmmmm …control AND power …just give me a minute …mmmm …yeah …)

…Anyway, my most recent auto purchase, the beloved ClubRav™, is an automatic. At the time I made the purchase I will admit the decision was painstakingly made based on my occupation at the time. Ultimately I decided that it would be easier for me, in city traffic, to eat, talk on the phone and sketch notes while I drive if I didn’t also have to constantly shift gears. (I know…I AM your worst nightmare.) Of course you have to understand, my job sort of required that I live and work in my vehicle. So, I begrudgingly gave up my beloved gear box.

Well recently ClubRav™ was “appropriated by the Feds” for some “government matters” so I am driving Sparky, a spunky little fun-loving sporty Subaru. As luck would have it, Sparky is a stick…and BOY have we been having fun. It’s been quite a thrill remembering the joy of driving again; zipping thru traffic, hugging tight in the corners, leaving SUV’s in the dust and still using less gas….wheee! Yep. It’s been quite a ride.
However, I realize that I’m probably better off (or at least less dangerous) in trusty ol’ ClubRav™. But I have to admit, it did start me fantasizing about getting another little sports car.

Don’t worry; I’ll try to warn all you Dallas drivers if I change my mind.