MINI Commitment

It would seem that I am now committed to staying in San Diego, or somewhere in  the US for at least the next three years.  I signed a lease today which tells me I am responsible for paying for a very adorable, very cool, very fun MINI Cooper S.  I am ecstatic to have this beautiful machine to drive around San Diego and SoCal, but the occasion also gives me a bit of a heart attack, as it cements my decision to stay put.  You would think that starting a business would have the same affect, but actually, it’s the fact that I have to pay for and take care of something.  That’s true love, baby.

I have already enjoyed driving my new toy. I put about 100 miles on it, dancing around San Diego’s freeways.  It is clear this car is a boy and I am searching for a name which suits his personality, style and color.  I’d like to choose an S name to fit the S in Cooper S, but the name Massimo “Little Great One” is standing out to me and the dark gray, brooding little boy seems to better fit this moniker. We’ll see, no decision just yet. I need to drive him more and let his character shine through.

It’s rather enjoyable to  have my own vehicle again. It’s been nearly nine years now.  How weird is that? I sold my Jetta VR6 in 2002 just before I left for Japan.  I loved that car.  I was thinking about getting another Jetta or even stepping into a little GTI. When I returned to the US in December, I rented a little Toyota Yarius.  I very much enjoyed the compact size and great gas mileage.  So I took those points and added a bit of luxury and zippiness and – bingo – I scored a MINI.

The sales agent and I discussed what color and package I wanted on my MINI. And we found him in the inventory list. He had just boarded a boat and was on his way to the US. That was about a month ago. So I knew he was making his way toward San Diego, and I wondered what the adventure on the boat was like for him. I thought it fitting that my new little car came to me after his own world journey.  Perfect match!

He arrived in the US on the 18th, as scheduled, and it was just a matter of days to get through customs, travel to the dealer, pass inspection and be turned over to me! : ) So far, all is well in this new relationship and I am falling deeper and deeper in love by the minute. For now, my new found affection for this MINI is masking the my deep seeded “What the hell am I doing?” sentiment and realization that I’m staying put for a while. Gulp.

Here’s some photos for you to enjoy. Or click HERE to view the album I added.

Cheers!