My Baby is Gone!!!

Yesterday, we lost a member of our family: White Lightning.

My very first car was a 1991 Nissan NX 2000 (aka: White Lightning). I bought her the summer of 1997, right after I graduated from Rick's College.

My dad did a lot of car shopping with me, and was there when I first fell in love with this same car in red. It caught on fire while my dad was test driving it. I remember him calling me from the dealership and telling me what happened. My response: "So does that mean I can't get it?"

I was really excited when we found another NX 2000 for sale in white. Fortunately, this test drive was uneventful and we brought her home. (Thanks for the help picking her out, Dad!)

This photo was taken the day I bought it. My best friend Amy had to drive it home because I didn't know how to drive a stick.

It took a while to get used to the stick. I worked at the bottom of a really big hill. I was too scared to drive up the hill, so I used to go way out of the way to get home. For those that know the area, I worked just off 180th in Tukwila. Instead of driving up 180th and basically making a straight shot to my parents, I drove through downtown Renton and went up Maple Valley Hwy, all the way to Petrovisky Road in Maple Valley. The commute took 3 times longer than it normally would. Rick learned how to drive a stick on White Lightning too.

This gem was really the best car ever. It took several trips back and forth between Utah and Washington. It also went on some sweet road trips. We made excellent time on our roadtrips. Proof:

(Mom, don't look at this photo)

We thought we lost White Lightning a year ago when she was stolen. But, after she was gone for a week, she was found safe and sound with only her battery missing. When she was taken, I wasn't angry-just sad. I guess I can understand why somebody would want her. I imagine that this person saw her glistening in the sun at the Park n' Ride and just couldn't resist the temptation.

Yesterday, after 11 years of wonderful companionship (and 130,000 miles), we finally sold her to a nice young man fresh off of his mission. He promised to take good care of her. I can't help feeling like a traitor. It has been so great to have such a reliable car after so many years, but a two-seater just isn't realistic when you have a family.

This is what I will miss most...

1. The way the trunk didn't stay open. It was exhilirating to risk decapitation everytime I loaded the trunk full of groceries.
2. Admiring my disco ball that hung from the rearview mirror. When the sun hit it, it really sparkled.
3. Taking her through the car wash and getting sprayed in the face with water if a stream hit the driver's side door just right. Apparently the seal was broken.
4. Not being able to unlock the passenger side door with my key. It saved me the inconvenience of being courteous to passengers waiting to get in.
5. Making out in the back while at the drive-in. Once the seats were folded down, it was quite roomy. I guess it's been a while since we've done this. We're getting old.
6. Not having a car payment. This gal has been paid off since 2001.
7. Knowing that my arrival would be announced 2 minutes ahead of time because the motor was so loud.
8. The way the seats hugged you while you drove. (Rick and my Dad both liked this)

I took these photos right after I took her on our last ride...

I'm gonna miss this car!