Parting Ways

Some people name their cars and others use it as a storage place. I admit, I've done both. Up until a week ago, I had a little, cute, convertible...that got me all the way to Abilene from Miami. While it was the perfect car to tote around in to the beach, I don't think it was meant to drive across country. But, nevertheless Cabiria (as she was sometimes known) made it all the way and for the most part in one piece to my new home, here in Abilene. But, as I got into Tyler, TX...my AC did die...and luckily, it wasn't too hot, so it was survivable. The AC was put on the to-do list when I saved up some money to pay for it. But, then it seemed like it was one thing after another for good 'ole, Cabiria. The torkenconverter needed to be replaced, among some other parts. $$$$$$

Then of course the weather started to heat up, and not only did I not have AC but my convertible roof top was out-of-commission. Apparently, because of humidity (likely from FL wear-n-tear) made it shrink up, causing the back, glass window to fall out of the car. It didn't shatter or anything but clearly their was a wide-open hole in my roof...

And then came the rain...of course, we'd go months without any rain drops and then when I had a hole in my roof...it decided to pour. Luckily, my BFF, Timothy (who you know as Tim Johnston) temporarily donated an old tarp for me to cover up my car every time it rained. Now while the tarp was relatively effective, if it was raining...I couldn't really drive the car, or if I did...it would get wet because I couldn't keep the tarp on a drive.

Then the worst of the worst happened. My seat somehow popped out of the bolts...and it got to the point that the seat would not stay locked in any position, but instead slide back and forth. I had to hold onto the steering wheel to keep myself secure. Talk about dangerous.

So...I knew it was time to say goodbye. I started car shopping all over town. I'm sure many of you can relate how stressful that is. What I had the hardest time dealing with was the trade-in value car dealers were willing, or I should say not willing to give me. It was hard for me to hear numbers thrown out, that didn't even amount to half of what I paid for it...and just to think it could be worth so little.

Finally, I found the perfect replacement for me...a newer car, with low miles, mint condition, and at a reasonable price. Plus, they offered the most for Cabiria. Problem was, I didn't actually plan on selling my baby to the dealership that day...but that's what happened...which brings me to even write this blog.

Saying goodbye to a car is an emotional experience. Many of times, I took my car for granted. And while it failed me on many occasions, I was so sad to hand over the keys. It was like losing an old friend...driving off the lot in the shiny new ride and seeing my old convertible missing it's window. It's amazing how so many memories pop into your head, when looking at your car.

But now that I've gotten comfortable in my new set of wheels, I am excited for all the adventures I'll have with it. She/He hasn't been named just yet. Any suggestions? P.S. anybody else name their cars? Or have similar separation anxiety from a car?