Totalled

The car is. Got word that between the extent of the damage, mileage, year of make, and current condition the cost to repair the car is greater than the blue book. Say goodbye to the Santa Fe.

Until yesterday I had yet to see the car. Towed to a lot at an auto body shop, we had to get our stuff out before it is to be donated to charity. Yes, somebody actually wants the car and we get a tax deduction for it!

For those that live in Chicago, you know how bad the weather was Wednesday morning. So picture me decked out in snow gear with an empty duffel bag slung over my shoulder as I walked a mile and a half to the auto lot (no buses or cabs to be found!) in order to clear out our possessions from the car.

When I finally reached the car it was covered in at least a foot of snow. It felt illegal what i was doing. I removed all personal possessions, the licenses plates and city sticker (destroyed it in the process so now I need to buy another!). Remove the VIN and the car would have been officially stripped!

Ever smell a car after the airbags deploy? When I opened the door a wall of burnt air smacked me in the face. As if a fire had taken place in the car. Puddles of coffee were on the floor and had stained the seats. Loose change was everywhere.

As for the exterior, the impact point was the front quarter panel on the passenger side. It was gone. All that remained were dangling wires that were once attached to fog lights, turn signals and such. Fluid was dripping on the snow in colors of blue, green and yellow. The hood was popped up as well. But the car started the first time and the tires were still shiny (had those replaced in December. Grrr!).

It was a bit sad to see the car in its current shape. Some great memories and good times were spent in that car. It was our first co-purchase as a couple. Drove it on our honeymoon as we sequested ourselves in a lake house in MI. Took a road trip from Chicago to Hattiesburg to visit my alma mater and then down to the Gulf Coast (pre-Katrina) with a stop in Memphis along the way. And then there are the little memories such as going to drive-in movies, countless trips to see family and friends. We loved the car so much it was where Gilbert was conceived. Just kidding!

All packed up I trekked it to the closest bus stop and waited. And waited. And waited. I did make it home eventually and now in our spare bathroom shower are the remains of our years spent in the Santa Fe. A moment of silence please.

Next step? Car shopping!