Random Thoughts On A Thorsday

Do you feel lucky today? I do, and it has nothing to do with pulling a Pochita toy/charm from the Chainsaw Man gacha machine in the middle of the bottom row.

For those unaware, Goodsmile Racing's AMG Mercedes race car is called the Hatsune Miku GT Project. That's why I jokingly call my convertible the Hatsune Miku MINI Project. I've spent over $5k to reverse most of the prior owner's suspension modification related damages. I've had the passenger window realigned to fix a gap issue from an accident repair. I've used touch up paint to address various battle scars with objects. When she's due for her 60k service, which entails removing the engine to examine the timing chain, the motor mounts will be replaced. That's also related to the suspension damage.  

Why would I do so much for a depreciating asset? She's special, even rare.

You want a brand new 2025 MINI convertible in Caribbean Aqua Metallic? It doesn't exist. How about a gently used one? The 2023 Seaside Edition was limited to 500 convertibles worldwide, and from what I've heard convertibles like Miku are just as difficult to spot in the wild in previous model years. Now you understand why I jumped at the chance to bring her home last summer.

So why do I feel lucky? Yesterday, I drove Miku to the comics shop in drizzly weather. She was warm and dry, kept the exterior ambient sounds at bay and there were no water leaks in her convertible top or the windows. 

After everything I've done for her so far, I feel lucky to own such an eye catching convertible that's good in all weather conditions.

***

Tomorrow I'll be alone, not lonely, on Valentine's Day. The difference between the two is simple. If you fill the gaps with family, friends, pets, favorite hobbies or passions, and you can easily transition from one day to the next you're doing it right. If you cannot do this, then tomorrow is really going to suck.

When I see a Jared commercial on TV I think, "Boy, I saved myself $5k!" Then I smile when I gaze at Miku outside my kitchen window. I knew I had to make a similar commitment to her last summer, even when I flirted with Artoria in the parking lot for about a week before I brought her home.

I joke that I'm the hinge in a MINI Cooper S throuple, but it's no laughing matter. If you want to know the truth, owning both Miku and Artoria is like having Terri and Torrie back in my life. I have two similar but different cars that beg for my attention, and I must find equal space in my heart for both of them.

That's why I'm alone as the big day approaches.