Yesterday, we took a bold leap and purchased our first truly new car in 20 years. In a world where we’ve often settled for “gently pre-loved” rides, this shiny newcomer felt as rare as finding a parking spot at a packed mall at Christmas. Yet, amid the thrill, the entire process was as surreal as watching a political debate where everyone actually listens to each other.

It turns out that necessity and urgency often go hand in hand. My old car was already showing signs of imminent retirement, but the looming threat of tariffs really put the pedal to the metal. Every news headline about these tariffs made our decision feel like a strategic preemptive strike against an economic downturn, as if we were all frantically shopping before the final buzzer sounded.

Another odd aspect of this experience is my long-held fascination with electric vehicles. I’ve dreamed of a future free from fossil fuels—a vision that often seems as elusive as a distant mirage. Ever since I became an early adopter with the Ford Escape back in 2006, I’ve imagined a world powered by renewable or nuclear energy rather than oil and coal. I even flirted with the idea of owning a Tesla—until I discovered that their leader’s brand of leadership was not about pioneering innovation, but rather an agenda that seemed profoundly ruthless and, frankly, evil. Despite that detour, my dream of a cleaner energy future still charges ahead.

As summer waned, we dove into some electrical work at home and made sure to install a 240V outlet in the garage—perfectly primed for potential Level 2 charging. When Peggy returned from her last assignment, it became clear that we needed a second dependable vehicle, so we found her a used electric car. Then, just last week, reality struck: my aging 13-year-old car began demanding repair bills that were nothing short of astronomical. I had planned to ride it out until it finally broke down, saving up for a replacement, but the looming tariffs shifted our mindset and forced our hand in this unexpected rush to upgrade.

Our search for the right car quickly turned into a high-stakes treasure hunt. After many test drives, we decided that this new car met all our planned needs. (electric and a place to throw a futon for retirement life road trips) But even that option wasn’t easy—the one vehicle that boasted all the features we wanted in our desired colors was detained in port, waiting for clearance due to tariffs as if caught in a never-ending suspense thriller. The process was as frustrating as it was ironic, blending car shopping with the unpredictability of global politics.

After an exhaustive 12-hour treasure hunt that would’ve put reality TV contestants to shame, we finally struck a deal on a car that ticked nearly every box on our wish list. With both of our rides now electric, this isn’t just an upgrade—it’s our way of casting a defiant ballot for a cleaner, more sustainable future. In a world where even buying a car feels like navigating an obstacle course set by economic and political plot twists, our choice stands as a cheeky nod to the power of mindful change.

I am excited about the car and eager to explore it after work today. However, as I reflect on why clean or renewable energy mattered to me originally, I am struck by how the loss of my daughter sometimes makes me less concerned about the future of the planet. Other days, I feel deep, anxious fear, worrying that we may not exist as a species by the time we destroy the environment. I fear we will implode through war, poverty, and stupidity long before we have a chance for global warming to get us.