Out with the old, in with the new

When I wrote the number figure on the check today; I almost felt my pen wobble while it made the figure appear. It was the largest amount I have ever scribbled onto a check.
 I usually balk at the skinny electronic screens at the grocery store whenever the total has exceeded what I consider reasonable for a food bill. Or I'll toss my credit card in some hidden corner of my desk drawer so I won't use it again after buying something deemed outrageously expensive.

But buying a new car shoved away all my usual miszner ways. It is perfumed with all those new car scents; nothing is stained or shabby. The outside is colored a sparkling maroon color; there are no scratches or dents.

It's a real thrill to get something that is shiny and new but I won't forget my former car. I won't forget when I bought it at the dealership when it was all shiny and new. When the keys were turned over to me, I drove out of the car lot and proceeded to make the wrong turn and ended up taking the long way home. It didn't bother me one bit - I had a my very first car  and this very beautiful black VW Beetle gave me freedom - freedom to drive anywhere, free reign over the radio dial and total control over the thermostat.

Ever since I have always loved to taking the long route back home; it reminds me of that thrill I had of taking my first real big step toward independence.

As a result of what that Beetle gave me; I always loved it. Even when the transmission died or when the battery choked in the middle of winter. I adored it even when the button for the gas cap broke and I found myself flopped half in and half out of the trunk, feeling around for the cord to manually open the cap at the gas station.

While waiting for paperwork for my new car at the dealership, I stole a glance at my former set of wheels. The license plate had already been stripped off and some sort of sticker had been  put in its place, It didn't seem like my car anymore. It had become a stranger's automobile. Well, whoever that stranger is, they better take good care of that car. For what it has given that Beetle deserves nothing less.

My dad and I with my new car!