End of an Era

A few weeks ago, in a lack-of-coffee-induced AM haze, I totaled my 10 year old Blue Saturn Coupe.  The accident was not that bad, but was my fault, and did more damage to my Saturn than she was worth.  I made do with a rental and with J's car for 2 weeks, and then finally, after research and test driving, last night I bought a new car.

Meet my economical, somewhat sporty, environmentally responsible red Prius!



J and I had been discussing getting a new car for me for awhile, and had done some research.  I had never thought about buying a Prius, but with all of the driving I do (500 miles or so a week sometimes!), it makes sense financially.

As much as I love this new car, I was really sad to see my little Saturn go.  She was a great car, and even though she was worn down, a little dirty, with no shocks and a slow oil leak, I was sad to see her go.  Last night, I even realized that yesterday, August 9th, was 10 years to the day that I got my Saturn.  She was a college graduation gift from my parents and in a way, marked my passage into adulthood.  I started thinking about what has transpired these past 10 years, and how she had been a part of it.

She took me to Spartanburg to move into my first post-college house.  She transported me on countless fruitless job interviews right after 9/11, and finally to a successful one that provided my first job.  She carried numerous college girls to many lunches, coffees, and dinners.  Cleaning her on Saturday mornings provided something for me to do other than sit inside watching TV.  She ferried my roommates and I on many ice cream outings.  She safely transported me to "the Branch" on icy and snowy roads.  She helped me map out the mileage for running courses during half-marathon training. She made the trip to Annapolis with me as I moved my life from SC to Maryland (while the Uhaul had most of my personal belongings, she carried the sterling and the grits!)

She got a fabulous daily workout commuting from Annapolis to the Westside of Baltimore every day. She took me to my first audition for the Chorale. She became an expert at navigating between Annapolis and SC. She experienced apartment living for the first time. Her backseat became the scene of many mid-afternoon naps. She transported me to my first date with my husband. And consequently made many trips to Baltimore over the next 2 years. And learned about Baltimore's window-breakers. She learned how to carry my bike during triathlon training. She's an expert at navigating the Chick-Fil-A Drive-thru. She became a fabulous partner on my wedding planning excursions. Her sound system kept me sane during crazy long commutes. She moved with me to Baltimore and took up residence in our tiny, one car garage. And she finally came to rest in a collision repair facility in Randallstown. Though by now, I'm guessing she is scrap metal and parts. :(

So, my attachment to my Saturn is obviously nostalgic. :) My Prius and I are getting used to each other...and I'm excited to see what my next 10 years with him/her will contain!