It started with the beast!

My parents were generous with the three of us growing up. We were all promised a car to drive on our 16th birthday and I was just hoping that "my" car wouldn't' be the 1982 Buick Le Sabre (complete with battery acid stain in the hood) that had been sitting in our driveway for two years since my mom decided she needed a new Lincoln. But alas, it did turn out to be my 16th birthday car and honestly, it was great. My parents didn't have to worry about my being hurt in a wreck since I had 2 tons of metal protecting me. The car was so big that I managed to fit myself and 13 friends in it one winter evening (including 4 football players) while we did donuts in the high school parking lot. Hey, there's not a lot to do in Dover, Ohio!

Once I headed to college, I got Baby Blue. BB was a V6 Beretta that was awesome. I LOVED THIS CAR!! It was fast, it looked cool and had a pop up sunroof that could be completely removed and placed into a giant protective cloth envelope in the trunk. Talk about cool!! BB lasted through college and well into my move to Chicago. BB died as a result of a cab driver who stopped too quickly and my friend's (who we will call Humberto) ability to drive a little too close. In all honesty, we know how Chicago cab drivers are, if they see a fare they will slam on the brakes from going 60mph to get it. I was actually out of town when this incident occurred, and despite what many friends thought, upon my return, I did not throw said Humberto from the car while speeding down the highway but rather I assured his safety from the accident and began my new car search.

Next came my white Saturn...never really had a good name for it. WS was cute, had a sunroof and survived many road trips across the USA including my move from Chi-town to NC in 2008. Sadly, in the last year WS has had some issues. Most recently, it billowed smoke while I idled at traffic lights. I pretended to ignore the looks of passersby or pedestrians that were coughing and running away from WS. These incidents made me think that I needed a new car. The boyfriend and I have been talking and since I will be getting a roommate soon (another post with details will follow) I will have some extra cash for a new car and it may be best to trade in WS before we actually have to push it to a dealership.

So, last night we went to a dealership with the intent of looking around. We decided on a car as opposed to an SUV since boyfriend already has one and it makes more sense to get something that will be more economical on gasoline. I like the Civic and the price was in the range we wanted to spend. We looked at the differences between the LX, EX, etc and ultimately, I knew I wanted a sunroof. That left us with the EX. We did the pricing and with incentives and the discount from being an employee of the University Who Cannot Be Named...During Basketball Season, the financing was right on. I picked the color I wanted and we almost signed the papers when....boyfriend remembered there was an EX with Bluetooth and a navigation system on the lot. He suggested to the sales guy that we just take a look at it. Well, I should have just put up the white flag cecause as soon as he saw the Navigation system he was sold. Me, I was a bit more hesitant. See I come from the the school of thought where all I need is my trusty atlas to get me to my destination. I do not like a voice telling me "Turn left now" or "continue ahead 5 miles" or "Missed turn, redirecting." But, I weighed the pro's and cons and after learning that I do not always have to use it, I caved and said yes. Ultimately the decision was mine, but seriously bf's puppy dog eyes were too much for me to say no. Needless to say, we've owned the car for less than 24 hours and his phone is already programmed into the bluetooth...whatever that is :)

So, I am now the proud owner of a new Honda Civic known as Black Beauty. I know its cheesy, but I haven't brainstormed a more suitable name yet. Suggestions are welcome. My drive to work was absolutely lovely...and exhaust-free!!

PS: This is not the actual Black Beauty as I do not have my camera with me :)