- Joined
- Jun 1, 2006
- Messages
- 22,056
- Reaction score
- 29,343
- Points
- 1,348
- Location
- Mesquite, Nevada
- Resorts Owned
- Free Agent
As I look down the road toward my retirement, that major life intersection is getting closer and closer. I find I'm spending a fair amount of time looking back over my shoulder, too. I'm thinking of some of the amazing (and not so amazing) things I've done, places I've traveled, people I've met, and incredible experiences I've had. It's been a great ride. I'd very much like to hear the stories of your roads traveled, and the most memorable things, good, bad, or outright crazy, you'd care to share with your fellow Tuggers. Here's mine:
One bucket list item I'd always wanted was a two-seat convertible sports car. About eight years ago I couldn't help myself, and I bought a used Porsche Boxster S, the most beautiful car I'd ever seen. The deal was great, the previous owner had classic tales of "Sunday driver" stories, and the car was in incredible shape. My mechanic said if I didn't buy it, he was going to. Deep midnight blue with a grey interior, more powerful than I needed, and a head-turner on any street I drove it down. I loved that car. It served me well for several years, never let me down, and it brought me tremendous pleasure. (For those of you who may remember my previous screen name, I'll point out that BMWs aren't my only passion.) I live in the Pacific Northwest, and in between rainy months, we have incredible, "top down" days that are perfect for a car like this. I took full advantage, and I had a fantastic time with my convertible.
Then my life took a sharp left turn, and I was forced to sell my Boxster. It broke my heart, and I regretted it the day I did it, wishing I'd had another option. I didn't. I've since straightened out the conflict in my life, and I've been shopping for another Boxster to replace the great one I'd foolishly sold. No luck, despite repeated searches, far and wide. None were as nice, all of them had more wear and tear, and none felt like they were "my" car. My fruitless search continued for several years, as recently as three weeks ago. No luck.
Then, like a bolt out of the blue, two weeks ago a good friend at the car dealership who'd bought the Porsche from me sent me a text message with a picture of a blue Porsche Boxster S. It looked VERY familiar. His text read, "Guess what?" I immediately texted back, "Mine?" He said "Yes, and yes, it's on my lot." I think I hollered like a kid, as I texted "DO NOT SELL THAT CAR TILL I GET THERE!!!" I raced down to the dealership, and there it was - as pretty as ever, and seemed to almost smile at me as I walked up to it. I know I was certainly smiling.
The people who'd bought it took great care of it, and only put 6000 miles on it the whole time they had it. They babied it just like I had, and the car was as good, maybe even better, than when I'd had it. There was no question about it: Out came my checkbook, and as crazy as it sounds, I bought my baby back. I have never done anything like that before. I mean, who in their right mind buys BACK a car they'd sold? I'm raising my hand. I did. And I'd do it again.
It's been a week, and I still can't believe it's here. I keep going out to the garage to make sure it's really here. It is. And this huge grin on my face won't go away. I am one very, very happy camper.
Dave, grinning
One bucket list item I'd always wanted was a two-seat convertible sports car. About eight years ago I couldn't help myself, and I bought a used Porsche Boxster S, the most beautiful car I'd ever seen. The deal was great, the previous owner had classic tales of "Sunday driver" stories, and the car was in incredible shape. My mechanic said if I didn't buy it, he was going to. Deep midnight blue with a grey interior, more powerful than I needed, and a head-turner on any street I drove it down. I loved that car. It served me well for several years, never let me down, and it brought me tremendous pleasure. (For those of you who may remember my previous screen name, I'll point out that BMWs aren't my only passion.) I live in the Pacific Northwest, and in between rainy months, we have incredible, "top down" days that are perfect for a car like this. I took full advantage, and I had a fantastic time with my convertible.
Then my life took a sharp left turn, and I was forced to sell my Boxster. It broke my heart, and I regretted it the day I did it, wishing I'd had another option. I didn't. I've since straightened out the conflict in my life, and I've been shopping for another Boxster to replace the great one I'd foolishly sold. No luck, despite repeated searches, far and wide. None were as nice, all of them had more wear and tear, and none felt like they were "my" car. My fruitless search continued for several years, as recently as three weeks ago. No luck.
Then, like a bolt out of the blue, two weeks ago a good friend at the car dealership who'd bought the Porsche from me sent me a text message with a picture of a blue Porsche Boxster S. It looked VERY familiar. His text read, "Guess what?" I immediately texted back, "Mine?" He said "Yes, and yes, it's on my lot." I think I hollered like a kid, as I texted "DO NOT SELL THAT CAR TILL I GET THERE!!!" I raced down to the dealership, and there it was - as pretty as ever, and seemed to almost smile at me as I walked up to it. I know I was certainly smiling.
The people who'd bought it took great care of it, and only put 6000 miles on it the whole time they had it. They babied it just like I had, and the car was as good, maybe even better, than when I'd had it. There was no question about it: Out came my checkbook, and as crazy as it sounds, I bought my baby back. I have never done anything like that before. I mean, who in their right mind buys BACK a car they'd sold? I'm raising my hand. I did. And I'd do it again.
It's been a week, and I still can't believe it's here. I keep going out to the garage to make sure it's really here. It is. And this huge grin on my face won't go away. I am one very, very happy camper.
Dave, grinning