BROWSE CAR REVIEWS BY:
MAKE
MODEL
Click on a car body type for search results.
 |
 |
| SUVs (two rows) | SUVs (three rows) |
 |
 |
| Crossover | Minivans |
 |
 |
| Sedan | Hybrids |
 |
 |
| Wagons/Hatchbacks | Just for Fun |
Guest Drive: Complicated Mama
Aug 04 2009 by Kristin Varela
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Complicated Mama at the BlogHer ’09 conference in Chicago. We immediate bonded over woeful tales of improperly fitting child-safety seats.
Complicated Mama, who prefers not to give her real name, has two kids, ages 4 and 1, and drives a 2007 Ford Explorer. I felt a kindred spirit to this former public relations professional turned suburban housewife because I also consider myself to be complicated (although I prefer the label “complex”). On her blog, she describes herself as “decisively indecisive and … always over-thinking something.” I’m relieved to know that I’m not the only one who does that.
Here’s a bit more about Complicated Mama’s complicated mom life, as lived in the car.
1. What characteristics of your car embarrass you or your kids?
The mess from snacks. Is there a car out there with a built-in maid? If so, sign me up for that baby.
2. If you could design your own car, what would it look like and what types of features would you add?
First, it would be an SUV with three rows of bucket seats that’s roomy yet doesn’t feel like I’m driving a school bus, and it must have satellite radio (‘cause I get twitches listening to advertisements — even though my husband puts them there and that’s what pays our bills).
Now for the fun stuff: A floor and seats that could somehow make the crumbs vanish at the push of a button; extra hands to grab every miscellaneous item the kids “have to have ” while I’m on the expressway — really, this is a safety feature car manufacturers should look into; automatic GPS for when my husband is driving and insisting he knows the right way, and when he doesn’t the car would just take over and save us the hour of driving in circles (the “turn-right” prompts aren’t enough); and oh, what the hay, a chair that massaged my back as I drove.
3. What kind of terrible mess has occurred in your car? What fixed it (or what didn’t), and do you have any suggestions for our readers?
Years ago, I had a Toyota Corolla with a cloth interior. After coming home from a bridal shower, my sister left the pretty candle favor in the backseat in August in 90-degree heat. Nothing ever got that pretty pink stain out. To avoid this I do recommend giving your kid sister some change for the bus and telling her you’ll see her at home.
4. What are your hopes, if any, for the future of the automotive industry as a whole?
I hope that they can come out with a car that is practical, safe and cute for families of four or more that is affordable; $400-plus payments are not fun.
5. On a scale of 1-5, how confident are you when it comes to installing child-safety seats?
Zero. Oh, wait, that wasn’t an option.
6. Do you consider yourself a multitasker while driving?
Yes (hanging head in shame), but it’s these kids and their demands and ... OK, yes, I am a bad mommy.
7. Describe the view and the passengers in your ultimate joyride:
There are no passengers in my joyride. The most joyful ride for me would be solo. OK, possibly I’d allow Mr. Complicated along — to drive — and it would be a cruise from Nevada to Arizona, seeing all the scenic mountains and the Grand Canyon. Ahh, peace and quiet.
