So long and thanks for the memories...

For the past 2.5 months the HyWy and I have been trying to get a new car, because the Celica has pretty significant repairs required and with my parents in town a 4 door car is more practical.  While we have been looking I've been pushing to just get rid of the Celica, but now that the buyer is practically knocking on the door I can't let go.  The Celica was my first car that was my car, because prior to this the wagon I had was left to me by parents when they moved overseas.  It was the first car that I picked.  The Celica has been with me through plenty of good times and a few bad ones.  I know exactly how it feels on certain turns that I drive regularly.  I know the perfect position to drive when I'm tired.  There is a spot on the steering wheel that is well worn from my repeatedly holding it in that same place.  We've taken it to LA, Oregon, Tahoe, and several coastal trips.  I was driving it on the Bay Bridge when I saw an accident happen right in front of me and come to a rest within inches of my bumper.  It was the car I drove the HyWy in when I surprised her and proposed to her.  It was the car we drove around to look at wedding venues.  We were sitting in a parking spot above our neighborhood Trader Joe's when the HyWy found out about the passing of her cousin.  We drove to a meditation center to sit in pray/meditate when I found out about the passing of my uncle.  It was the car my little niece rode in and exclaimed, "Wheeeeee!!!!" as we descended San Francisco's hills.  It was the car that the HyWy entered with a new engagement ring while a friend sat and realized in the back seat what happened and started screaming.  I picked the HyWy up from the airport when she moved here in this car and it also took us to the airport before our wedding.  My parents have stuffed themselves in the car and driven it around.  People have complained about being stuffed in the back and have even tried to stuff an extra person in the back (not possible).  I've gotten 3 tickets (2 stop sign and one illegal left turn) in it.  On stressful days at work I've sought refuge in the car in the form of a nap, a book, or sports talk radio.  I learned how to change the oil, replace bulbs, and about the diagnostic connector on this car.  I've watched sunsets and sunrises over the Bay in the car.  The list goes on and on, but as the end draws near it will be only thing I keep.