Cool Cool

Cowgrit has been talking about needing/getting a GPS for the minivan for a few weeks now. I’ve never had a situation that couldn’t be solved by checking mapquest.com before leaving home or opening a map in the vehicle, so I’ve thought of a GPS as just a silly gimmick for people who think they look cool by having an overpriced gimmick in their car.

Although I thought it was silly, I never said “no” to the idea. I just told her to look them up, pick one out, and buy it. I’d support her decision to get one, but I wasn’t interested enough to do any research or thinking about it myself. I’ve got far more important things to think about, like a new video card for my computer or finding the new Iron Man action figures.

But there’ve been a few instances lately where Cowgrit really could have used a GPS. (She’s not as handy with a map as I am.) So, at last, we went to the store and looked at their gadgets. We got a Tom Tom GPS.

Of course, I was the one nominated to open the box, read the instructions, and set it all up. Fortunately, it’s very easy to start, and apparently very easy to use. Cowgrit also asked me to connect it to the computer and make sure all the maps and stuff were installed up to date. I did so, like a good husband. And in doing all this, I discovered some special voices to download and install in the device.

I downloaded and installed Darth Vader, C3PO (misnamed “R2D2”), Yoda, and a Dalek (from Dr. Who). Cowgrit is just not appreciative of these voices, but I’ll definitely use them when I’m driving the van. (I’m even considering taking the GPS for “a few test drives” in my car.)

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com