Still here...

Well, here it is 12 years later and I'm still here... and my wonderful Mazda is still running, although showing it's 16 years of age and 145,800 miles. I've wanted a truck for a long while, and actually hoped I'd be able to buy my Dad's pickup from the estate when he passed - a 1992 Dodge Dakota that had just over 23,000 miles with the original tires. But the rotten witch of a caregiver got Dad to sign his truck over to her for $1 without telling my sister or I about it. No, I'm not bitter... just very disappointed.

When I got the Mazda, I assumed it would be the last car I ever owned. At the time, I was actually fearful of not being able to work long enough to pay it off. But thanks to the miracles of science and modern medicine... actually, thanks to some unknown medical research technician working late into the night (my glorified Lifetime made-for-TV movie version!) I'm still here. Similar to the way I finally got my courage up to use my VA loan to buy my wonderful home, I visited the credit union, thinking all they could say was no. But they didn't... and next Tuesday after work, a co-worker friend is dropping me off at the credit union to pickup my new baby... a 2003 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab (with a 3rd door!) new-to-me Pickup, already with a camper shell. 4-speed automatic, 2.2 liter 4-banger, 17,467 miles, and another milestone in my so called life. And Helen at First Technology Credit Union... You Rock!