90,000 miles and counting

That's right!  Today was the day when my car hit 90,000 miles.  It was an event worth celebrating, so I treated my car to a 24-hour spa treatment, if you will.  I decided to pamper it with new spark plugs, an air filter, a timing chain tensioner, gear oil (my car was sooooo happy about this one, so much so, it's driving like a brand-new machine!), anti-corrosion pads, basically, the works.  I figured that on top of the 90,000 mile tune-up, I would treat my car to something extra special for all the work it has put in as my go-to girl, or guy.  That brings up an interesting point.  I've had this car - my cute little 2001 toyota corolla - since 2004 and have yet to name it.  My car has no identity (except for the license plate which still manages to keep people guessing at stoplights.  It says BLUIDQT, in case you haven't seen it).  But, name or no name, I've had some great adventures, thanks to my little engine that could.  I was thinking about the places I've been in my car, as I was driving home from work tonight, and I'll mention just a few for your reading pleasure.

First road trip in my car - a trip to Lake Powell - summer of 2004.  Though all subsequent road trips have been a blast, I think this first one was most memorable, due in part to the passenger sitting next to me in the passenger seat - Geoffrey, aka Jeff King - but mostly because of what happened during the drive.  We listened to Ugly Kid Joe's, "Everything about you" over and over again.....until.......BUSTED!  I got pulled over.  True story.  I think that was the first time I'd ever been pulled over.  I freaked out for about 5.47 seconds, but then turned on the charm, and played totally innocent to the officer.  I think I claimed that I wasn't sure how fast I was driving.  The speed limit was 65mph, and I was cited at 87mph.  Ouch.  He found out we were BYU students headed to Powell, and basically let us off with a slap on the wrist for speeding.  He knew I couldn't afford the fine, so made me promise to drive the speed limit the rest of the way (WHICH I DID, I'll have you know.  I'm not totally corrupt, I just suffer from a lead foot.  It's genetic, I swear).  Not my proudest moment, but I'm impressed to this day that I weaseled my way out of a $200 ticket.  I really think my car enjoyed the trek - it stretched its little wings, got sand in its gears, and delivered four passengers to Lake Powell in one piece.  A job very well done!  

Most other road trips landed me in Sun Valley, Idaho.  2008 was with Marie over President's Day weekend, and the most recent was with Steve for the annual Utah State Bar Convention earlier this month.  After passing Snowville, it's a tediously bland drive until you hit the turn off at Twin Falls, and head due North.  Not the most exciting drive, but well worth it to spend time in fabulous Sun Valley.  There are snow sculptures to play on (including a sweet ice slide), laundromats to visit, ice-shows to watch, and great food to eat.  Desperado's will always have the best tortilla soup ever made.  Delish!

So, my car has been good to me.  I hope the time with the mechanic today keeps my silver beauty happy.  I'll be leaving it soon, trying my hand at public transportation in Scotland.  Maybe my car will enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of I-15, and I-215, or the gruesome workouts climbing Chelsea Dr. at least 5 times a day.  Only time will tell, I guess.  Hope my car has had as much fun as I have over these 90,000 miles...