In Tribute: The Buick

Yesterday, I was informed that my ‘93 Buick Century is…(to put it delicately for myself) retiring.
It didn’t pass inspection, for a variety of really obvious reasons. It’s 20 years old after all.
So, allow me a moment to pay tribute and respect to this heap of junk and all that it’s done for me.

I was 20 years old when the car was bestowed upon me (it was my grandparents’ car…I remember them getting it when I was in kindergarten. I also remember running away from it multiple times when I would ride my bicycle in the driveway of my childhood home).
It was 2007, between my sophomore and junior years of college.
It was one of the roughest summers of my life. I was going through my first real heartbreak, working full-time…the car was one of the high points of an otherwise crappy time. Finally, I didn’t have to ask permission to borrow the car…I had my own baby to take care of.

Finally, I could drive myself wherever I wanted. I could bring myself to and from college. I could get a job off-campus during the school year. (And I did, Blockbuster, which was the best part-time job ever). Since that summer, nearly 6 years ago, the Buick (named Bu’, pronounced “byoo”) has basically been my partner in crime. I’ve gotten some crap for it, but I was always proud!

I have to thank it for making it this far. For driving me to and from King’s College when I was still in school. For having a bench seat so that I could pile as many friends as possible inside to make the trip to Jim Thorpe, to Hickory Run, or to the Hometown Auction. For at least having a tape deck so I could plug in my Zune and blast all of my favorite tunes. For making it to and from various concert trips to Philadelphia. For making it to and from New Jersey for a day trip to the beach. For making it to and from Long Island to visit a long distance friend.
For getting me to and from work, which is 20 minutes away. For getting me to and from Brad’s house, because who knows if the relationship would’ve even started if I couldn’t get to him (and away from my hometown) without it.

I have laughed, cried, freaked out, and talked to myself in this car. It has seen a lot of weird things.
And I’ve seen it do weird things. I’ve watched a cop pull my muffler off because it was dragging on the road behind me.
I’ve been followed by a police car because my car stalled and I didn’t know whether or not I would make it home.
I was pulled over twice. Once for going through two stop signs (I didn’t even notice, that was bad), which I got a ticket for. The second time was for “not using my turn signal” on some crappy merging roads in NJ…I only got a warning for that one because it was BS.

The Bu’ has been a massive part of my growing up process. It’s heartbreaking to see it go…but it made it a lot farther than any of us could have ever imagined and I’m thankful that I got to have this crazy, rusty gray boat to call my own for so long.

Thanks for the memories, Bu’. I’ll miss ya.

Reeling

I am still feeling the effects of the series finale of Lost. This is the first time I’ve witnessed the end of such a groundbreaking show that has been an important part of my life for the last few years. I am completely satisfied with the end, because it reminded me of why I loved the show in the first place…all of the characters and the relationships they had.

There are, I’m sure, so many angry and disappointed fans who feel as though they’ve wasted their life waiting for answers to questions that got pushed aside. Well, let me remind you of the entire first season. The struggle to survive. The philosophical questions: Why did they land there? What is the purpose of the island? What is their purpose for being there? Was it coincidence or destiny?

The show has always been about faith and science, philosophy and purpose, life and death. It was easy to forget amongst all the time-traveling and polar bears and (at the time unknown) smoke monster business. But the show brought it around full circle, managed to turn me into a blubbering child, and remind me why I held out and why I love this show so much.

I’m so thankful I got to experience this show, because it wasn’t just great entertainment. It served as a great way to bond with many of my friends, both at school and at home. It’s a common factor for a lot of people, and it’s fun to share something so passionately.

The End of an Era

As you or any of your fanatic friends may know, tonight is the final episode of Lost. 6 years of insanity is coming to a close, and I am nervous and excited and sad.

Though I haven’t been watching the show since it first released in 2004 (I caught up in time to finish the 4th season, a couple years ago), I pretty much instantly fell in love (I can only imagine how people who have followed and waited patiently since the beginning for this feel). Name another show like this for me on television, I dare you. There is action and suspense and humor, romance and horror and passion. And you’ve probably heard, a lot of confusion and unanswered questions.

Perhaps that’s why I am so nervous for tonight. By 11:30 this evening, one of my favorite shows will have ended, and I don’t know if I will be satisfied or confused or angry or just completely done with the show. I have watched many a series finale, but (since there’s nothing out there that’s truly like this) this one has a lot to live up to, because it’s created a foundation on keeping people guessing. I don’t know. But it will be missed. I’m in disbelief. But I suppose I’m ready to see what they’ve wanted to show us since the beginning.

To commemorate, here are a few key moments that define the show.

Oh, please don’t upset me…

{All pictures from Google image}

EDIT: I am happy. And sad. But I’m okay with that.