Goodbye 2011--the Year I Found Stella

It's New Year's Eve, and I find myself sadly reflecting back on what a very difficult year it has been.  I learned a great deal about myself this year--I persevered through trials as I never thought I could, but I never want to put myself to that test again.  Even with all the unfortunate or painful memories that have haunted me today, there is one 2011 event that always brings the smile back to my face--finding Stella.  I've said it before and I'll say it again:  that little red corvette found me, changed me, saved me.  I could not think of a time in my life when I could ever have needed it more.  It's just another reminder that there is some kind of great plan for us all.  That the good things (and yes, even the bad) happen to us for a reason.  That you're meant to be tested and loved and hurt, and when it's all said and done you couldn't be who you are without all these experiences.

2011 was a year of difficult change, but each and every time I drive around wrapped in the warmth of Stella's engine, she reminds me that together we weathered the storm.  The days that I wanted to cry I rolled down her window and the wind blew my tears dry.  Mike and I laughed together sitting behind her sun-bleached wheel as she put miles between us and the worries of our world.

And even when she brought us back home again, we were stronger each time.

Merry Christmas!

Ironically, it's Christmas Eve and we have absolutely no snow!  It's a beautiful, sunny day outside and I find myself thinking that it would be great weather for driving the Vette around if only it weren't in STORAGE! ;)

Stella's doing great--our buddy Steve is kindly keeping her in his one-car garage which she shares with Steve's motorcycle (hopefully they're good friends by now :P).  Mike starts her up occasionally to keep her belts and other moving parts from getting too cold and stiff, and checks her fluid levels to be sure they aren't dropping too low.  One month of winter down and it hasn't even been cold enough for us to consider putting her up onto blocks to keep her tires off the ground!  I'm sure winter will make up for lost time--it always does!

To prevent another summer of repairs like the one we just endured, Mike and I have done a better job (so far) of financial planning to fit Stella in alongside our other lofty plans.  For now we have no major repairs in the works, although I would like to replace the seat belts next if possible.  As a special treat, we're contemplating getting a personalized license plate for her in the spring, but only if I can get her name in some combination of letters/numbers.  Otherwise I think I'll just bide my time and save my money.

Merry Christmas Stella!

Absence

Now there's snow on the ground, which is strange.  It seems like just days ago that Stella was driving us around in 90 degree heat, the engine so hot that our legs sweat through the fabric of our pants against her leather seats.

I miss her and think about her all the time. :)