Monday, April 4, 2011

Remembering the Lumy

If you know me then you most likely know my Lumy (aka. my 1992 Chevy Lumina). It was originally my grandmother's and it only had 8,000 miles when I got it 9 years ago it.  I learned to drive and master parallel parking with it. It got me through high school, college, in and out of 4 apartments, and even to Boston when I needed to get my visa for Spain.

(April 28th, 2010)

If it wasn't for a very embarrassing ordeal a week and a half ago involving the heat shield falling off, I wouldn't have known that the car needed $1400 in repairs. $1400 is almost 5 times more than what Kelley Blue book says it's worth, so sadly, it was time to say goodbye. 

My dad and brother came down last Wednesday night to bring it back to Milton. They'll put some work into it and sell it. As I watched them drive it away, I couldn't help but think of the things that I had to put up with for the last four years - and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to miss any of them!
  1. This car was built for someone 5 inches taller than me. My big toe could barely reach the gas pedal. My right let has to be longer than my left after having to stretch it in order to drive for so many years. 
  2. Without fail the rear view mirror fell off twice a year with the temperature changes during the spring and the fall. I learned to always carry a razor blade and super glue for a quick fix after the 5th time it happened.
  3. The left front headlight was taped in with packaging tape for the last 3 years. It's quite scary to have the light fall out going 65 on the interstate. I often had a roll of tape in the back seat - just in case it happened again.
  4. The heat was more like semi-warm air. I can't tell you how many winter nights I'd freeze on my way home from the bakery. I learned to carry an old sweater and used it as a blanket during those evenings.
  5. The driver's side lock couldn't unlock from the outside. I must have gotten over 100 crazy looks from people watching me climb through the passenger's side. 
Now the car shopping begins! I'm probably one of the most indecisive people in the world so this could take a while.....

2 comments:

  1. Hard to believe the poor Lumy is actually gone. It is definitely the end of an era. Hopefully you and your new car will make memories also! Have you found anything yet?

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  2. I remember when Grammy got the car and I thought it was the fanciest thing ever! I've been taking my time looking for a new one, but am trying out a Corolla today. Thank goodness Tom's able to walk to work, but I'm sure he'd like his wheels back.

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