Jeep Ride - Top 10 Songs

You know the old commercial - "Calgon Take Me Away", it's meant for a relaxing getaway from the stress in your life.  Well, I found a new replacement - Riding in my Jeep.
Here's what you need... 
--A beautiful day like today.
--Soft top down.
--Windows rolled down. 
--Fresh air - a bonus: when you smell the fresh cut grass or BBQ cooking.
--And the music cranked real loud so when you sing the lyrics - out loud - no one can hear you.

To do that last one, you need music.  Here's my list of Top Ten Songs needed for driving in your Jeep with your top down.

TOP TEN JEEP DRIVING SONGS

10. I Want You To Want Me - Cheap Trick

In 7th grade this was my favorite song because the 16 year old boy I had a crush on used to listen to it fixing his car with no shirt on.  It was my first intro to "hard" rock. It hooked me for life. (I've never told anyone that before.) 

9. Rock and Roll Band - Boston

8. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas

7. tie  Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

7. tie  Basket Case - Green Day

7. tie Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day

6. She's So Mean - Matchbox Twenty

5. 3am - Matchbox Twenty

4. Right Now - SR-71

3. 21 Guns - Green Day 

2. When I'm Gone - 3 Door Down

1. You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC

  I went out five times today running here and there.  I enjoyed myself so much I went to the grocery store - twice. It seems I will be needing groceries a lot this summer.  It looks like I will need more than ten songs... so I need to add to my Top Ten Songs.  I will take requests and try out your suggestions.  They may even replace a current Top Ten.

Back on the Road (BotR) for my Next Adventure!
Happy Trails!  

The Jeep Wave

My wrist is a little achy this evening.  I went to pick up my son from sleep-away paintball camp.  It's about a four hour drive, there and back. I think I must of waved over 100 times.  There were a lot of Jeeps on the road today.

If you don't own a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Sport, Rubicon, etc. you may not get this. So, here's a little info I found on the internet I thought I would share.

The Jeep Wave: An honor bestowed upon those drivers with the superior intelligence, taste, class, and discomfort tolerance to own the ultimate vehicle - the Jeep. Generally, when two jeep wranglers pass each other on opposite sides of the road, one of the drivers initiates the wave and the other waves back: a symbolism of a bondage between jeep owners. The wave may be modified to suit circumstances and locally accepted etiquette.

The Jeep Wave Origin: Some say the Jeep wave began after the war, when the soldiers returned home. During the war the Jeep had earned a place in the hearts of many soldiers, and as a result, many of those who made it home, wanted to own their own Jeep. Often the drivers of Jeeps passing on roadways would wave at each other, as they knew most likely each other had served.

Finally, some claim the wave began when civilians started buying Jeeps and taking them off road. The shared fun and excitement of tackling seemingly impossible trails and obstacles in the nimble Jeep, naturally builds a kinship with other Jeepers. The wave acknowledges that shared understanding and appreciation of the Jeep's amazing capabilities and the enjoyment ownership can bring.

Needless to say there are a lot of "Jeepers" out there who share the same enthusiasm of their Jeep as I do.  Unfortunately, my husband doesn't get it. Last night, I revoked his privileges to drive the Jeep.  He completely failed in his understanding, and appreciation of being allowed to drive the Jeep.  He would not reciprocate or even initiate The Jeep Wave. Then he proceeded to make fun of The Jeep Wave.

In all seriousness, I feel honored to be part of such a tight-knit community.  It is definitely a unique experience to share such camaraderie with a group of complete strangers. Unless you own or have ever owned a Jeep Wrangler you most likely wouldn't understand. My Jeep makes me smile, makes me enjoy running errands and makes me want to enjoy life to the fullest.    

Jeep Soft Top Window Roll

I'm a stay at home mom in my late 40's - having left my career in television news almost 14 years ago to take care of my son.  Now, both my boys are getting older, and don't seem to need me as much. Television news has passed me by in this new age of technology. Lately I've been struggling with where I am in life -- not feeling I'm putting in my fair share for the family. I get a little down sometimes trying to figure it all out... what do I do now.

Well today... It was time to take all the windows off my Jeep.

Roll them up in my new Window Roll.

You don't want to fold the vinyl windows, you know. 

The felt fabric roll protects the windows from scratches and creases.

It rolls up easy. 

And goes into a storage sleeve you can hook up right to the soft top.

WAH-LAH

Then it was time to fold the soft top all the way down with a little help from my husband.

Then off the to pool with my youngest for an afternoon of relaxation and pizza for dinner.  Nothing beats spending time with my kids.

A little time in my Jeep with the top down -- looking up into the blue sky helps put everything back into perspective. Life is to short on this planet -- I need to cherish the time I have with my children and savor every moment with them -- and my new Jeep ;)

Jeep My New Grocery Getter

Before the Jeep I would hate to go grocery shopping.  Now that I have my Jeep, I look forward to it.  Everything just seems more fun! When I come walking out of the grocery store, and I see my Jeep, I get a big smile on my face and I say to myself, "Hey, that's my Jeep isn't it awesome!" Sometimes as I'm heading into the grocery store, I sneak a peek by turning around to get a look at my Jeep. I can never get enough peeks.  It looks so good sitting in the parking lot!

BTJ, I would have to take the time to put down the back seats to fit all my groceries in the car. Sometimes that would be too much work, so I would just set the groceries in the back seat. Something inevitably would fall on the floor as I was driving. Well - not in my Jeep.  Everything fit in the back just fine, and I didn't even have to put any seats down.

Things definitely got a lot better with my Jeep, some things stay the same though.  My boys still argue and bicker in the back seat. And of course they never want their picture taken. 

Jeep Mom Duties

The first day home from vacation is usually always difficult.  But, not when you are coming home to your Jeep after being gone for 8 days.  I was relieved to see my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sitting in the garage, where I left it, and was very excited to get back behind the wheel.

The first day back from a vacation for me is spent running errands, and today was no different.  First, it was off to swim practice with my youngest.

Then to the vet. Our dog, Sterling, was crying all night.  Turns out she has "swimmers ear", and she's not even on the swim team.

In the olden days, when I had a mini-van or my crossover, I was involved in many car pools for all the camps and practices. Well, with a Jeep it's a little more difficult to be a part of a car pool in our neighborhood. There are only 3 seatbelts in the Jeep's backseat, limiting the number of kids I could car pool. 

Some mom's see this as a "con" in the list of "pros" and "cons".  I actually see this as a very big "pro". Why?... you might ask...well... On those days when my youngest and I don't feel like heading to swim or basketball or soccer practice, we don't have too. We have no commitments to any car pools. So when the mood strikes us, and we want to play hookey from practice... we put down the top and head out for a drive. 

I figure life is too short, it should be enjoyed. Sometimes you need to be spontaneous and have fun.  My Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has helped me lighten up and relax. It's easy to enjoy life when you have a Jeep.  My family and I love to take a drive with the top down and feel the wind in our face and sun on our skin. Looks like there will be a lot of "Playing Hookey" in our future!   

Top 10 Jeep Mom Must Haves

I'm a wife and mother of two active boys. I've gave up my career in television news to be able to stay at home and raise my boys. It has been a fulfilling journey, one I would never change.  Now that my boys are growing up and becoming more independent, I find myself wondering where I fit into the picture. I'm in my 40's and going through some mid-life changes physically (and mentally).  Some days can be pretty rough on my mental health. I have spent a lot of time trying to find a new place -for me. Buying and being a new owner of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has made a huge impact on my mental health. Being part of the Jeep Club gave me the boost I needed to start on the next journey in my life.

Here are the top 10 things every Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Mom going through Mid-life Changes must have (in no particular order).





Top 10 Things Every Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Mom Must Have

1. A hat (straw or baseball) we must be able to see while driving. The hat keeps our hair from flying all over the place while the top is down.

2. Sunglasses this one is obvious. They make you look cool! 

3. A gym membership this is very important for you physical and mental well being.  Especially for women in their 40's. Our bodies are changing and are not able to process foods the same as when we were younger.  We need to maintain physical activity, cardio and strength training, to be able to stay in good physical shape.  Eating healthy foods are also a must. Not only do these things help our physical well being they play an important part in our mental well being too. With our hormones all over the place this can sometimes help our mood swings. Notice I said sometimes.


4. Water Bottle drinking water is important for everyone, but especially women over 40.  I read in Women's Health magazine that women over 40 should be getting 11 8 ounce glasses of fluid every day.  I like the water bottle with the flip open straw.  This also is good while you are off roadin' and the water bottle tips over.  The water won't spill out.

 5. Victoria Secret Yoga Pants I love my Victoria's Secret Yoga Pants.  I have two pair, one black and one gray.  They are perfect for working out and perfect for lounging around the house.  They are so comfortable and look good! 

 6. I-phone so you can download the Pandora App and play all your favorite songs while driving your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the top down.

7. Pandora App This is a free app in the I-tunes store and I have selected all my favorite bands.  AC/DC, Boston, Green Day, Black Eyed-Peas, 3 Doors Down, Matchbox 20, SR-71 are just to name a few. 

8. Aux Connection Cord This cord allows me to plug my Iphone into the speakers of the Jeep. I am in control of the music I want to listen to when I want to listen to it.


 9. Jeep T-shirt it doesn't matter what kind of Jeep shirt but any shirt that mentions Jeep works.

10. The Weather Channel App This is an important app to have when you are the owner of a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a soft top.  You need to know when it's going to rain.  However, I'm told as a Jeep owner it doesn't matter if the interior of your Jeep get's wet, it's meant to get wet. I'm not ready for that step yet. 

 Back on the Road (BotR) for my Next Adventure!

Happy Trails!  

Rugged Ridge Floor Mats

When I would buy a new car, I wasn't big on buying accessories for my car.  Gas was probably the only accessory my car would get...maybe a car wash once in a while, and an oil change - if I remembered.  A car to me was just a means to get from Point A to Point B.  Well...  A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is definitely NOT a car.  It's a whole new lifestyle.  One of the first things I did -was went online, and bought my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited an upgrade - by replacing the floor mats.  Now, this isn't something I knew to do.  A friend, who also owns a Jeep... Jeep Wrangler Sport ...shared this little secret with me. I bought Rugged Ridge All Terrain Front and Rear Floor Liners - Black. http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-floor-mats-liners/rugged-ridge/wrangler-jk-unlimited.htm

Now... when the floor liners get filled with sand or dirt it's simple to clean up.

-- All you need to do is pull out the liners and dump.

-- If there is a soda spill or even a chocolate shake spill.  You pull the liners out and then spray down with the garden hose.

Now... my friend - who owns the Jeep Wrangler Sport - shared another secret with me...  Actually he shared a couple, that's what you do when you are a Jeep owner.  You become part of a special club and it's not just for men!

This "secret" tip will save you some money.  The Jeep Wrangler floor liners in the back are carpeted on one side and vinyl on the other.  All you need to do is flip it over to the vinyl side and WAHLAH.

 

Bestop Cleaning Products

When it comes to getting things done, I want it done now.  I don't have much patience for procrastination or waiting until later to complete a task. Well, in the case of cleaning my Jeep, my lack of patience was not a good thing. I should have done a little research before allowing my Jeep to be washed at the Boy Scout Car Wash fundraiser.  During my Google research, I found that Jeep Soft Tops are pretty delicate, and require special cleaning products.  Everyday soaps have oils in them that can damage the Soft Top. So - I went ahead and bought three products from BESTOP.







They were all pretty simple to use and took no time at all.  However remember my Jeep was only one week old when I applied the products so there wasn't much grease, dust or dirt to remove.  So far the Soft Top looks brand new, it is only about a month old. Time will tell how effective these products will be. 

Bestop Cleaner is specifically formulated for soft tops, molded or soft accessories and exterior or interior vinyl. It's suppose to safely remove the toughest soils and stains.

Bestop Protect is again specifically formulated for soft tops.... etc.  It's suppose to safely repel dust, grease and mildew.

 Bestop Clean is a Vinyl Window Cleaner again specifically formulated for Soft Top windows... etc.  Safely cleans and protects for unrivaled appearance and helps prevent UV damage.

 

  

Back on the Road (BotR) for my Next Adventure!
Happy Trails!