With a growing family and a minivan about to explode from sheer age, I figured it was time to go a hunting for two vehicles.  The first one we bought was a 2000 Suburban with low mileage.  It's a nice vehicle and seats about 24 (its huge!!!).  Our second purchase was a 2001 Land Rover Discovery.  Of course we all know that Land Rovers are expensive luxury SUV's when they are bought brand new.  But buying it used doesn't remove the stigma, at least in my own mind.  People will come up to me and say, "wow man you must be rolling in the dough to afford that!"  Of course nothing could be further from the truth, but in my zeal to appear poor I quickly throw down a list of why such a purchase doesn't mean I am wealthy, including: 

  - How little I paid for the vehicle
  - How my payments haven't gone up
  - How old the vehicle is
  - Pointing out other cosmetic and mechanical defects

Why do I want people to think I am poor?  Where does this insecurity come from?  Could it be that I place such a high value on my own image, and that poor has become the new rich in some circles?  Is there an inherent nobility to being broke?  In reality, no.  But that doesn't remove the temptation to appear more noble in the eyes of those around me.  I guess I should have thought of that before making the purchase.  But alas I am happy with it, and the kids dig the sunroofs.  Thats a win in my book.  Now I need to grow up myself and simply enjoy the fact that I was able to get a nice vehicle for a good price, no matter what other people think.  Here's to insecurity!