The big news: I’ve ended my most successful relationship to date

Yes, after 14 glorious years together, I’ve decided it’s over. It’s not that I’ve had a nagging feeling of dissatisfaction; on the contrary, this relationship has served me so well I'd brag about it to anyone who'd listen. And we haven’t been growing in different directions and are no longer compatible. Nothing like that.

It’s just that sometimes you know in your heart it’s time to move on. I can’t tell you how many people have been advising me to do just that, and for how long, but I’ve been resisting; I’d have no part of it. They’d shake their heads and roll their eyes when I’d insist how happy I was and gush about how well it serves me. And no doubt many will gasp an audible sigh of relief accompanied by an exasperated “Finally!” when I break the news.

Yes, it’s true. My beloved 1996 Saturn and I have parted ways.

And look what I picked up last night: a brand new Scion xD!


How freakin’ cute is this? Just like my Saturn, it’s so me!

Yes, it’ll take a while to get used to remote key entry (is that what it’s called?) and pressing a button instead of rolling down the window. And no more cassette deck (!) or relying on my psychic powers to determine when it needs oil. Everything’s different now.

I had a great buying experience over at Findlay Toyota. Scion, like Saturn, has a no-haggle price policy so you don't feel like you're being ripped off or lacking in negotiation skills. Greg Hadges, a nice New Yorker from New Rochelle, took good care of me. I LOVE my Scion and if you're in Las Vegas and are thinking of buying one, call Findlay Toyota at 566-2000 and ask for Greg. Be sure to tell him I sent you!

It’s funny, I came this close to buying a smaller 2006 Scion xA at Carmax, but I was full of angst all day trying to decide what to do—I was really afraid it would be too small. Then I thought what the hell, just buy the freakin’ thing, and when I picked up my cell phone to call the sales rep there (her name was Mary Harrington—excellent), I saw that I had missed a call from Mike. So I called him first, and he talked me out of getting a used car, saying I’d be much better off with something new. He was right—because of the preferable new car interest rate, the payments are actually lower. And now I have a bigger, brand-new vehicle. Good move and excellent twist of fate.

The best part of all this is I can move on guilt-free; my beloved Saturn is going to a good home. I sold it for $300 to my 25-year-old BFF from work, J.P., so it’s staying in the family and I’ll still get to see it. He’s psyched to have it, and we had a laugh when I handed him a three-inch folder of maintenance records (most all preventive!).


Like the old Neil Young song goes, "Long May You Run."

So yeah, my beloved Saturn was the latest casualty of Purgefest 2010, this cleansing kick I’m on. “Sticking my finger down the throat of life” is what I believe I called it.

And I’m not done yet…