And with the stroke of a pen, another era comes to a close. Perhaps the most "interesting" 1.5 years in the 44+ on this earth, but today the Subie went to Carmax, and did not return home. Back in March of '05 I bought her brand new from Thousand Oaks Subaru. I had been out of the house for a number of months, and had gotten to the point where I really needed something with a back seat (and some more storage space) to haul the boy and whomever/whatever else around.
xmas eve '05, me and the boy in the Subie on PCH
I wanted to get the WRX wagon, but instead decided to go $6K cheaper so I would have some cushion left over in my monthly payment budget to buy a motorcycle. Shortly thereafter I bought the Ducati Monster, then the Triumph but that's another story. In this case I knew I wanted a hatchback/wagon, and like Subarus. I did the entire deal via email, getting a good price and no hassle at all. Vanessa drove me up to Thousand Oaks (I think it was a Saturday), and we caravaned back with the new car. Despite the low miles (for me, 15K in 1.5 years), the car had seen a lot. Carried music gear to gigs at Michael's and 4 on 6, many many trips to Zuma with Calvin, and most recently, the vacation to Big Bear. Calvin liked the Subie, but he seems to like the VW so all is well on that front. I'm a little worried that I'll be more uptight about "active" behavior in this car because it has a much nicer interior than the Subie (mmm, leather), but after the newness wears off it'll likely be fine. I'll just get a tough set of floor and hatch mats, and carry a blanket/comforter like I used to in the 4-Runner.
Since I'm a product of SoCal, and here we are so car-centric, it is normal that a change in vehicles prompts a bit of reminiscing and reflection. It may be silly, but everyone has their own way of marking time. I actually don't change vehicles that often, but interestingly enough when I have it often has come at life-changing times. I got rid of my '67 bug and got the Toyota pickup in '85, soon after getting clean and starting college. I got rid of the Toyota and got the Acura Integra as the only vehicle in my first marriage. I got the Mazda p/u when that came tumbling down, and then right before Calvin was born we got the 4-Runner. The Porsche arrived when things were rocky, and the Subie was the start of a new beginning. What does the VW stand for? I can't say now...time will tell. On the surface it is a reminder of my motorcycle accident and my limitations. As for the deeper meanings, more will be revealed...
the old and the new
