I’ve got an interesting question, how many people ride down the road in silence? I have some friends who actually do this, I know because I went to a football game with one of ‘em and the whole family was like dead silent—I can’t do that!

I’ve got an interesting question, how many people ride down the road in silence? I have some friends who actually do this, I know because I went to a football game with one of ‘em and the whole family was like dead silent—I can’t do that!

I never realized just how important my car stereo was until it went on the blink, which may be an understatement, and well … it died. I felt like a little piece of me went with it too and for a week or so, things were very drab and dismal driving down the road with no stereo. I’ve come to realize that I’m a very vocal person and when I went shopping for my new sound system … I didn’t want just a radio!

My husband nearly died when I said I was considering spending $1100 on my new system and I couldn’t believe that he, a guy into cars would tell me “NO”. It’s been quite the debate but I was too busy downloading from Napster to pay him too much attention. I love Napster anyway, I went to a few stores and I found myself getting carried away. Because my hubby was upset about my newfound excitement and I don’t know how to hook up a system, I went to only the best of shops that could hook me up the right way—installation and all!

These stores have it all! I don’t know how much business they have but there were quite a few people in a few I went to. I set my eye on a Pioneer stereo, I’m not gonna mention the wattage this sucker was totin’ but the sales guy told me that I would need some hefty speakers and for maximum “thump” I needed a bass tube and an equalizer. I wanted all Pioneer for bragging rights! He showed me some 10-inch speakers, some 6×9’s but I wanted more, and my damn car was just too small! He said I could get everything I wanted if I used my backseat just for sound. Of course with all the new wiring, a few install kits, all the sound gadgets and the stereo itself the grand total for everything “I wanted” was, get this … $1731.91!

Realizing that my dreams were probably common with those of a 17 year old, my ego bruised, my wallet aching and a hubby who would have a massive coronary … I chose to wait.

My husband came home one afternoon and he was outside messing with my car, when he finished he told me to come outside to take a look at what he did. He installed a new radio, a $50 silver radio with red lights from Wal-Mart and kept my old speakers. I’m still a little distressed about the whole thing but my burned Napster CD’s play just fine I guess and I am able to crank up some noise, just a little. The big thing is my radio works and I can jam on my way wherever.

I have gotten some attention though, while parked at the grocery store last week I cranked up an old Keith Sweat tune called “Nobody” and a teenage boy started bumpin’ and grindin’ in the parking lots in sync with my hot tune. I cackled a little but when he threw me the thumbs up, I realized I’m still cool and even if I have to wait to get my “real system” that’s okay. I guess I’ll have to look for a bigger car though and I’ve had my eye on an old Dodge Magnum that could be a good project—look out!