If you know me, Mariana Wagner, for any length of time, you will chalk the following story up as yet another Marianaism (not to be confused with Ines’ Miamism … I am not that cool … yet.)
The other day I went to my car, tossed my camera bag and purse into the passenger side, walked around to the drivers’ side, got in, started my car, put on my seat belt, turned up my stereo (Puddle of Mudd? The Doors? Joan Jett? Justin Timberlake? Tchaikovsky? Kenny Chesney? I don’t remember …) and drove away.
Well, apparently I had not zipped my camera bag all the way so when I “tossed” it into my car, the camera strategically fell under the car where I promptly drove it over, and you-guessed-it, demolished it into about 12.5 pieces. (Thank goodness the memory card escaped unscathed…)
I am a firm believer of not replacing anything until I absolutely have to. And THIS would constitute “absolute having-to” – seeing as I am a relatively competent real estate agent … I NEED a camera. And a GOOD camera is the foundation of a great real estate business.
For the past 4-ish years I have used my trusty Nikon Cool Pix 4100. It was a relatively inexpensive camera that took good pictures. However, even in my amateur-picture-taking-status, I had outgrown its functionality … about 2 years ago. But, because of my waste-not-want-not attitude I have made-do with my little Nikon.
However … Now I need a camera. And one that can take great pictures and one that I can “grow” with and one that will accept add-ons and offer cool accessories, like different lenses and flashes and battery options … and it is almost my birthday, so a new camera is even MORE justified. (Birthday presents can be sent to Lani, in hopes to bribe her to be nice to me this week when I visit her and Benn…)
(In case you were wondering … No. I did not drive over my Nikon on purpose, but there is a silver lining to every cloud…)
Next week I am going to Shewmakers Camera shop – a local camera shop in Colorado Springs to pick up a brand new Canon Powershot G9 with Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens adapter. The camera, itself will cost about $499. On top of that, since I am purchasing it from Shewmakers, I get free camera classes and THEY are my tech-support … not some guy in Pakistan. (No offense Pakistan.)
I do not think I have been this excited about a purchase since … um, since I was invited to write on Agent Genius. (10 points for sucking up. Lani, you can send me my 10 points in the mail … or just give them to me over dinner.)
P.S. Ines … You can have your attorney contact me over the blatant copyright infringement on your logo. 😉
Mariana is a real estate agent and co-owner of the Wagner iTeam with her husband, Derek. She maintains the Colorado Springs Real Estate Connection Blog and is also a real estate technology trainer and coach. Mariana really enjoys helping real estate agents boost their businesses and increase their productivity through effective use of technology. Outside of real estate, blogging and training, she loves spending time with her husband and 2 sons, reading, re-watching Sci-Fi movies and ... long walks on the beach?

monika
January 11, 2008 at 11:49 am
I’ve heard that is an excellent camera Mariana. I looked at it when buying my new camera last month.
I’m jealous! I ended up buying a ultra compact with a wide angle…The Cannon SD870IS…so far I love it. But it will not be able to grow with me or will I be able to attach different lenses.
Good luck and I love the new logo …reminds of Ines LOL
Sarah Cooper
January 11, 2008 at 12:19 pm
First Jeff’s iPhone, now your camera — I fear for my gadgets!! Don’t these things always come in threes?
Mariana Wagner
January 11, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Monika ~ Your camera was also on my list as I LOVE what I have heard about it, but Derek recommended that I find something more expandable. The downside being that I will not be able to have the wide-angle lens immediately. I think I will ask for it for Mother’s Day …
Sarah ~ Yes. They DO come in threes … stay inside and lock your doors!
Ines
January 11, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Mariana! How could you??? I am contacting my attorney right now!
I laughed so hard my stomach hurts! Look at it this way, better your camera than your cat. How would you explain that to your kids?
Athol Kay
January 11, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I might try that replacement plan one day…
Mariana
January 11, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Ines ~ I actually remember driving over it and hearing it crunch. At that time I thought it was a chunk of ice that I had demolished. It wasn’t until I pulled back up to my house later that day that I realized that it was NOT just a chunk of ice … I had to laugh, too. (And yes. Thank goodness it wasn’t my cat!)
https://mine.icanhascheezburger.com/View.aspx?EhIneedsto128445535601406250.jpg
Mariana
January 11, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Athol ~ The guy at the camera store laughed at me. Apparently leaving a camera on the roof and driving off is almost commonplace, but flat out driving over it is not that common at all.