pimp my ride

( i couldn't resist that title )

Here is my new car in all of her shiny black glory! It took a lot of pointless dealership runs, test drives, trips to the valley, and a lot of time spent scouring the Auto Trader website, but she is finally mine! 

A big thank you to Pat for countless hours spent on the phone getting 

the details and negotiating prices for the listings I sent you!!! 

Seriously, what would I do without you?!

[[ my fancy new car! ]]

How we got here:

Me and Pat have been on the hunt for a new car ever since the Subaru was pronounced totaled. We started looking around Bend a few weeks ago, test driving and eliminating various models.

We realized fairly quickly (though it took me a little while to accept it) that replacing our car with a new Impreza was just not going to be an option. To go from our 2006 to a newer model we would have to sacrifice the engine, which had been downgraded in power over the years. Since the Sube had already felt sluggish at times, that took them pretty much completely out of the picture. Not to mention that the newer models definitely aren't as good looking as they used to be (in my opinion).

Moving forward, one thing that limited our options significantly was the fact that we wanted an AWD vehicle that didn't feel too big, since I would be the primary driver. We were also interested in certain upgraded features, like heated seats, bluetooth, etc, which ultimately lead us to look at a more luxury class that included these additions as stock. This also confined our search to used models, and lightly used models at that. Once we ruled out Volvo and really started looking in to Audis, specifically the A3 or A4 Avant (hatchback) models, it really felt a bit fleeting for a few weeks. I admit that having my heart set on black on black was not making things any easier either.

We ended up test driving a paper perfect 2011 A4 in Beaverton that was silver with grey interior, but it just didn't feel like my car and at that point we hadn't been scouring the internet for every possible option yet, so we walked away. A few days later a black version popped up in Eugene, so last Thursday after work we set out for the valley in the hopes that we would be coming home with a sweet new ride.

After spending the night in Salem with Tony, we headed for Eugene Friday morning, and six hours later we were driving off the lot in our beautiful "new" BLACK Audi A4 Avant, which is basically a way nicer version of my last car, way more luxury and all, but still sporty and the size is super comparable. Black on black, tinted windows, ALL the extras... this chick couldn't be happier!!! 

I let Pat do all of the driving since he was heading to NOLA again for a week Sunday morning, so I didn't officially drive my car until I dropped him off at the airport. I will say, it handles corners like a dream, though I am still getting used to the breaking/acceleration and all of the damn buttons! 

my week in pictures 46

monday 3/24 - sunday 3/30

Last week ended up being a pretty eventful one involving most notably decorating my boss's office in honor of his first little one, and a very last minute trip to the valley which may have resulted in a new car...

[[ the gym at brasada does not have too shabby of a view. soaking up trace amounts of sunshine in our backyard. decorating the boss man's office. ]]

We headed to rainy Salem Thursday night around 8 (it was kind of a last minute decision). We met Tony at F-Stop and then spent the night at his place. In the morning we both did a little work before driving an hour south to Eugene in the hopes that we would be leaving with a new ride. Mission accomplished, 6 hours and a test drive later. While we were there Pat told me I had to act like I wasn't that excited, so I doodled while he negotiated. Man I hate car shopping! (I will do a more detailed post about the car and all tomorrow).

[[ rainy drive to eugene. the two cars in the running. my doodles. ]]

Once we were off the lot we drove to Corvallis to meet up with some friends for dinner and then sleep over at Nate and Alicia's place. Saturday morning we played with their little baby girl Abby for a little while before grabbing a delicious breakfast in Albany. Shortly after we said goodbye and took our car over the pass for the first time to enjoy the little bit we had left of our weekend.

[[ block 15 for dinner. delicious breakfast. taking our new car over the pass for the first time. ]]

perspective & recent events

Last week was a rotten, no good, very bad week (not simply a day, as the story goes, although one day was a major contributor).

Pat was gone again for work, in Canada this time, so we were hardly even able to communicate with each other. I was sick with this horrible rattling cough and sore throat combo that I brought back from New Orleans. Both of my ears were completely plugged and I had so much head congestion from multiple plane rides home that I thought I was going to burst. Work was extremely hectic and demanding (naturally, after being gone for a week). The weather was cold and icy. Oh yea, and I got in a car accident on my way to work when I slipped on some ice and slammed into a truck, totaling my precious little black Subaru. (Me and ice are not friends).

Things were looking pretty down last week. 

I'm not going to lie, I cried. A lot.

[[ poor little subey - the damage. ]]

Although we now have a major car situation to deal with, and I am still in mourning, this week is already infinitely better because I picked up Pat from the airport late Sunday night and got a long awaited hug before we made our way home and talked about the weeks events. The power of a single hug is truly amazing.

Recently someone posted this little quote on Facebook, and though I normally do not repost these types of things, I found this one relevant to my current situation.

I promise to try my best to think positive. Its true that a car is just a car and I, somewhat miraculously, came out completely unscathed with not even a scratch on me (as did the other driver involved who's truck came away with only a dent). And for that, I am extremely grateful. Keeping things in perspective is absolutely essential.


RIP little black Subaru (2006-2014). 
We had many great memories and adventures together, and its going to be really hard to replace you. (Yes, I'm talking to a car... I am a very sentimental person). 

[[ heres a super old school/awkward picture of me & pat shortly after he first got the car. i have no idea what im doing with my hands... ]]