Go Joisey

So, my first extended (36 hours) trip to New Jersey was fantastic. The wedding was beautiful and the surrounding festivities were great - lots of face time with the stars of the show (way to go Jeff and Sandy). I know the newlyweds will be happy for a long time, and now that I know where they live, i'll be back.

As far as the "Jersey Checklist", I think we did well....

• smokey, slightly divey bar
• live Jersey band (with horn section), they covered the Boss, but not Bon Jovi
• slightly drunk, smart-mouthed Jersey girls at the bar ;)
• great pizza at Maria's in Wharton

Incidently, made my first stop in Pittsburgh too with a layover that was supposed to last 45 minutes, but lasted an extra 2 hours on the tarmack (so I couldn't meet hit an airport bar for an IC Light and a discussion of Haitian naming conventions). Proudly picked up a Pittsburgh shot glass, but declined on the Heinz 57 plush toy and I couldn't find a Dave Wannstedt bobble head (or voodoo doll).

End of an era

On Saturday, a big day in my life: I purchased a car to replace the legendary Mighty Jetta. After nearly 12 years in the Murray family and over 10 years in my care, I finally decided it was time. Although the tires and spark plugs are close to new (thanks Ed), the temperature warning light has been blinking continually for 18 months, the AC is out of coolant, oil spews from the exhaust, the radio only picks up AM and I can tell its about time for a new starter.

Those of you who've been wondering why I held on to this car so long are probably not surprised that I got a little sentimental when cleaning the Jetta out for the last time before the charity of choice hauls her off. In that spirit, here are a few final statistics that came to mind...

• 182,200 miles
• 24 Ultimate tournaments
• 10 years
• 9 jobs
• 8 residences
• 7 states (FL, GA, NC, SC, AL, MS, LA)
• 6 passenger maximum
• 3 police stops
• 2 tow trucks
  
• 1 bottle opener (yes Boe, I moved it to the new car)

I have a catalog of stories about this car and i'd love to hear what you remember about that time the bumper fell off, the road trip where you never gave up shotgun, the Clash tape I made you listen to, the time you got to drive, or the oil slick it left in your driveway.