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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Pooja At The Evergreen Museum


"Kind of classy, but I still wanted her to be a little sassy, because I am."

The Ride
The Driver: Pooja
Car in Question: 2008 Nissan Rogue
Spotted at: The Evergreen Museum, 4545 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210
Odometer: 27,868
Car's Nickname: Natasha

THE DEFENSE

Q: What's your car's nickname and why?

A: Natasha. I actually got my car from my mom when my first car died. So at first, she was kind of a mom car. I thought she needed something sophisticated as her name.

Q: Do you miss your old car?

A: Yes, it was the car I learned how to drive on. It was silver and named Queen Gerald. My best friend and I were coming up with names, and I said that I wanted it to be something regal, but that I also liked the name Gerald. So we went with Queen Gerald, and it stuck.

Q: How do you like having a black car now?

A: I actually like it. I usually wear black, so it matches when I go out.

Q: What's your car's main use?

A: Getting me everywhere. I drive a lot. My barn is 40 minutes away—usually takes me a half hour. I drive to work every day. I have the biggest car out of all my roommates, so when we're moving a lot of things, I'm the one driving. I think I've fit nine people in here at one point.

Q: What's your car's theme song?

A: "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles!

Q: Why is that?

A: It's—I don't know—it's smooth to drive to. It's kind of a sexy song.

Q: What's your absolute dream car?

A: You know, when Queen Gerald passed away—and Queen Gerald was a big car, too—I drove a rental car for a week. It was like a little Mazda3 Coupe. I think I want to try a smaller car, but I don't know if I'm ready to give up the functionality of a bigger one. I think I might try a hybrid next. Maybe a hybrid SUV just for practicality's sake, but like a cute one.

Q: For such a small person, you like a big car. Why is that?

A: I transport a lot of stuff. And I tend to keep a lot of things in my car, even when I shouldn't. I wouldn't go so far as saying I live out of it. But I do keep a lot in here, and I have all my horseback equipment in the back.

Q: Is there a reason you have two air fresheners running in your car at once?

A: I keep my horseback riding supplies in the back, and after a long day at the barn, sometimes saddle pads and helmets don't smell so good.

Q: Tell me about your barn.

A: It's in Monkton, Maryland, so it's just up 83. You pass Cal Ripken's barn on the way there. That's kind of cool. Once you get onto Monkton Road, it's really nice—windy roads, no light pollution. Not a lot of traffic. It's just nice to get away from the city sometimes.

Q: What's the air freshener scent for the fall?

A: I think it might be apple!


Are you ready to Defend Your Ride? If so, email localautos@cbs.com with "Defend Your Ride Baltimore" in the subject line for submission details.

Photos and interview by Jenn Ladd

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