The ‘fat lady singing’ comment holds true in all areas of life. Whether the car industry, peace talks, politics, marriage or the National Football League, we never know the outcome till the song has come to a close. Only then is the speculation put aside, and the heart of the matter is revealved. For example:

• Saturn deal with Penske breaks down at last minute
• General Motors confirmed that the proposed sale of Saab to Koenigsegg Group AB falls through
• President Obama, after campaigning against the Afghanistan war, now has committed 30,000 more troops to ‘finish the job’
• Miraculous timing on Pittsburgh’s mayor announcing he and his wife’s divorce - just weeks after dusting off the campaign victory
• Tom Brady and his machine of an offense, break down on a 4th and 2 with seconds left to play allowing the Indianapolis Colts to steal a game and beat the New England Pats

And so it goes with human beings. The course that is in motion may or may not stay at its current rate of trajectory.

 

Ever notice how many people tell you what you should do?  There is no shortage of opinions. We are great at telling others what they should do, when and how they should do it and with whom they should do it with. We are so great at saying what we will do (like at the alter when we say “I do”), but much of the time we are merely speculating.

 

When we are actually in the situation, the experience itself brings up something(s) we never considered – ah, yes, those break downs and things we bump up against can have us change our mind. Our commitments and our courses stay on track only as long as they stay on track.

 

So, the next time the word should, always or never comes out of your mouth – pay attention. Are you speaking from experience or from speculation?

 

In life, it’s never over till its over. We reserve the right to have a break down or two and simply change our mind.

 

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne

www.twitter.com/womendrivers

We have the opportunity to learn new things everyday. Some days I take that opportunity, and some days I don't. Today was the kind of day I did. Well, we did.

I have the honor of having three of my neices assist me in writing this weeks' blog. Makenzie, age 9; Karli, 12; and Alysha, 13; who live outside of Kalamazoo, Michigan, are my guest bloggers. Karli had the opportunity to go to her friend's church today. What she liked about it was the openess and the renewed sense of being truly welcomed. At the Gathering Place, Karli experienced community in a way she doesn't at her current church.

So, what is it about trying new things that we can be reluctant to take on, but when we do, we can feel inspired and at home, much like Karli? She didn't expect to go to a new church this morning, it may not have even been on her radar 24 hours ago, but yet; after being there, she loved it.

A way to stretch and expand ourselves and our perspectives is to explore. To explore new experiences, new points of view, and to hear others. Like going home via the scenic route, or, going to a new part of the country, or, eating new cuisine - new opportunities equate to a richer life. We see things newly.

There was a time I thought I knew everything. But, days like today, with my three new journalists assisting me, allow me to grasp that every day is an opportunity for growth and learning. A day for expansion and turning some of my beliefs upside down. Or, inside out. That I don't have to be so set in my ways. A broader perspective and a wider vision assist us all in understanding that we are not as fixed and stagnant as we think. We are dyamic and open to growth.

And, so it is today -- a wonderful day to learn.

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne & Karli (with an Alysha and a Makenzie who both dissapeared)

Kudos and congratulations to Ford Motor Company for posting 3rd quarter profits of $997 million dollars. In this tumultuous time of our country’s economy, and the shredded auto industry, this announcement is a bright light on the brand.

Surprised about this profit? Hardly. Happiness and relief from investors and from industry leaders, yes; but not surprise. A year ago when talks were developing about government bailouts for the Big 3, Ford quickly took the stance that they would be opting out from this offer. The company has a few CPA's and forecasters on the payroll, I presume, and, was not going to be tempted. Simply put, they didn’t need to. They were able to see that break-even point was within reach, and stayed away from the low hanging fruit.

Good for Ford for staying the course.

While two-thirds of the Big 3 took the bankruptcy route, Ford maintained a favorable perception with consumers. And, most notably, it had products to back it up. The Focus and the new Taurus and simply very, very good cars. Never sexy, Ford offers a great value proposition with a stronger line-up of autos than showcased in years.

Here is to Ford's future and leading its competition down a similar road to recovery.

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate

www.twitter.com/womendrivers