Bakersfield Life

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      There’s something about a new car that can make you feel like an up-and-coming star, whether married with kids, or a poor college student.
I drive an SUV, so you already have an idea of my life.
But for a couple of days, I test drove a car that had evolved my status into something more like a sophisticated, charming local celebrity, far removed from the always on-the-go life of a cop’s wife with four bustling boys — two of them charging into football season.
Not that I’m complaining.
But there’s something about the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe that can leave you feeling like a smoother operator.
How can a car influence your attitude? Is its sleek design? The smell of new car? Its shiny wheels? The pulsating speakers that transform us into musician warriors? Or maybe it’s I-can-do-just-about-anything remote control that, in this case, had me guessing at times.
I suppose some of my friends or relatives might see this car and say I can fit with it just fine — just the hubby and me, minus the boys. And yes, my lovely iPad, Coach purse, and Carlos Santana heels would match it so greatly. But I have to be realistic. This car is too small for my big family life.
It is, however, perfect for the hard-working professional GQs of the world (I’m imagining my cousin, Eddie Ronquillo, a state correctional sergeant fitting the bill). Or the trendy, classy community women like my gal pal, Terri Doty and volunteer queen Nancy Chaffin.
And tech-savvy people who appreciate cars would dig it.
My current car is a bit outdated, unfortunately, so the geek in me was feeling like a kid at John Incredible’s Pizza. Finally, I could have a conversation via Bluetooth and plug in my iPod or switch over to satellite radio whenever my little heart desired.
Yup, this car is smart. So smart that I couldn’t figure out why every time I hit the lock button, it would remain unlocked. What the…?
Then my husband, Julio, walked over, hit the lock button, walked away and voila!, it locked!
“You needed to step away from the car, Olivia,” Julio said, shaking his head and smirking.
Once inside the car, I felt above my pay grade, and I earned the envy of relatives and friends who drooled over the car’s beauty.
Ah, to live in such admirable existence. Even I felt compelled to dress up before stepping in the car.
Then reality hit home, and it was time to return the ride.
My older boys, 11 and 13, were hoping I’d keep it. (A day earlier, we had snuck away to the Tulare Outlets for shopping. Lots of thumbs up and smiles along the journey). It was the three of us against the world. We were it!
With just a minor problem – we forgot about my other half and two other boys who make up the rest of our family.
So we learned to accept fate and let go of the Coupe. We said our good-byes.
I know I will see this car again, someone roaring down the 99. And when that happens, I’ll smile and think of my 15 minutes of fame.