When I lived in Murray Hill, I washed my car every weekend. Every other weekend, I also detailed the inside of it.

When we moved to Avondale, we lived across the street from a city park, so there was constant fallout from the trees. We also had a dirt driveway, so washing my car would have done little more than create mud puddles everywhere.

As a result, I didn't wash my car for three years.

When we began condo shopping, I didn't want the appearance of my vehicle to make a bad impression, so I went to a car wash to have my car cleaned. I was amazed (and slighly embarassed) at how nice my car looked.

So, now I can start taking care of my car again. It will be a pleasant change from always having to say, "Let's take your car" when I go places with co-workers, friends, etc.