dying with bravado

last week, i was driving alone on the highway in the pouring rain when our oldsmobile bravada began to smoke, sputter and cough. minutes later, i was pulled over on the side of the busy highway, sure that the car was going to explode.

thankfully, it didn't explode. but apparently the radiator had undergone some sort of quiet death, and we realized, after paying an unfortunately large amount of money to have it fixed, that our relationship with the bravada would soon have to end. this was just one problem in a long line of problems, and we need a car that is slightly more reliable. with, um, slightly better gas mileage. we can do better than 11 mpg, i think.

it's clear to us that we need a new car, and the prospect of buying one is exciting. it will be the first non-hand-me-down for both taher and me.

however, i cannot help but feel sad at the thought of replacing the car. the bravada was handed down to me when i began grad school and over the last 4 years, i have become attached to the car. taher hates it, but that's only because the two of them, they have no history together. the bravada has served me well and despite its definite limitations, i love it.

it will be strange driving a new car. i'll miss my banged-up, noisy bravada. the new-car smell of our looming purchase will probably help me get over it, though...