cooling off

As I was buying my scooter today, I had the opportunity to experience that curious sensation associated with a large purchase. I'd already written the big check (not used to spelling out such large amounts, I used too large a hand in writing the check and had to cram in the last bits on the check line) but then came all the extra forms to sign, including one stating my acknowledgement of California's lack of "cooling off" laws (the existence of which would allow me . As I signed this form, I did find myself in a peculiar physiological state -- I was flushed, speaking quickly and excessively, and could feel my heart beating in my chest. It wasn't as if this was a random, unplanned purchase; I had researched and thought this out quite thoroughly, and I was loath to wait until the weather turned less pleasant to accustom myself to my scooter. It was time. Yet when making the purchase I felt I was in the throes of a sparring match, or skydiving, something...the adrenaline surge was impressive, but totally illogical. What is the source of this reaction? Why do we feel that way when we spend a lot of money? What primal instinct is being triggered by large transactions? Is it the rush of a successful hunt? Or the panic of being stalked? The feeling is an odd blend of elation and fear, and in the case of my scooter purchase, it lasted for quite a long time.

Here's the scooter:



Isn't it cute? I opted for the blue one after seeing the silver one in the daylight -- the silver was just a little too light, and reminded me too much of the family minivan in the 80's. The blue is much flashier and will hopefully get attention in traffic. I bought a cool space-agey looking helmet, too; of course, now I find out they come in other colors than black (I probably would have picked white, for safety's sake again) but black will do for now. It has removable cheek pads and a cool opening design.



Next up: bringing home the baby