RIP Black Lightning

There comes a time in every relationship that you know it's over. It can be a tough realization or a long time coming, but for the most part, it really isn't a pleasant time in anyones life. Our time came on Tuesday, November 29th. I was on my way to work, about 7:30 AM. I was on the corner of Oakland and North when things turned ugly. I was afraid there was going to be an explosion, but luckily, it was contained until I was in a safe place. My car - which I have, for many years, lovingly referred to as Black Lightning - finally had enough. It was time to call it quits with one of the best cars of my life so far.

I met my baby in December of 2006. I had just returned home from an extended vacation in San Francisco, CA, and was in dire need of a vehicle. I returned to my favorite West Bend car dealership at the time, Kearns Motor Cars (for future reference, don't go there...). I did not have any vehicles in mind, but knew my type - sporty 2 door coupe. I asked my dad to go with me for 2 reasons. One, he is one big, intimidating mo fo, and two, I needed a way to get to the dealership. My dad is the best, he agreed to take me. I talked to Kevin, aka my guy, and he suggests a few in the price range I was looking for. We head out onto the lot, and the first car we look at is not a good pick... it is a beige on beige 4 door Toyota from the late 90's. I took one look and, shaking my head in disgust and threatening to leave, ask to see the next car immediately. Kevin knew me better than that! As we are on our way over to the next pick, a distraction pops up... gunmetal Scion tC. Unfortunately, this is well out of my price range at $23,000. I keep walking, my head held just a tad lower.  

Out of nowhere, I see it. Black 2 door Saturn Ion. This was the second car on Kevin's sad list of three, but I must say Kevin did good... this car impressed! I decided to take it out for a spin with my pops. One thing I notice right away are the suicide doors. It wouldn't be totally impossible to haul my friends around with me - I have alot of friends, so this was a plus. What I notice next as I slide into the drivers seat is the dash is slightly off to the right, not directly in front of you like you would see in any other vehicle. I start to panic slightly as I try to understand how the hell I will be able to keep track of my speed limit if I have to cock my head slightly to the right... then as I flip the key in the ignition to start this kitten up, I calm down. This car fit, it fit like a glove. I was ready to commit.

We finish all the appropriate paperwork, I give my dad a kiss on the cheek for taking me to meet the car of my dreams, hop into my new ride and peel out of that parking lot faster than Kevin can say "thanks for the commission!"

We had a good run, I really enjoyed all the time I spent with Black Lightning. She took me places I may not have gone if I didn't have her... well, probably not. It was time for something new for both of us. I will miss her noisy growl every day, she will never be replaced in my heart, but I know we will both be happier. RIP baby, RIP.