"upgrade"

When I got here two days ago, they only exactly one car left. It was a shiny, white, and oh-so-manly Dodge Charger. Not quite the compact car I asked for. Now, I have no problem with free upgrades, even when they make me feel like I'm driving a cop car. (Favorite image search result .... available at WalMart!)

But thanks to an unnecessarily overwhelming dashboard and display, it did take me almost my entire drive to my hotel (50 minutes) to figure out how to change the radio volume. Really? the ONLY place you're going to put that control is on the back of the steering wheel? Not impressed, Dodge.

Can I say though... proudest moment of my entire trip: I parallel parked that monster on a crowded street today! On my first try! About half an inch from the curb! Nothing short of a miracle.

Iowa gambling update: $1 on a scratch ticket, no-go. Redemption in the form of $1 spent at the casino (which was 10 minutes from my hotel tonight and just couldn't be passed without at least stopping in.....). After 10 minutes of playing penny slots I had $4 and decided that was all I needed. Total fall winnings: now $63. I'm buying myself something nice when this is all done.....