Sometimes It Lasts At Love...

If you’d ever visit our home, you’d instantly think we’re either lovers’ or hoarders’ of cars. We have four “classic” cars that line the side of our house. Three out of the four cars, anyone can see and admire their beauty. They’re not restored, but they’re gorgeous in their old age.

However, the fourth is not a rare model, it’s not made by a special company and it doesn’t have a fancy body. It’s small, blocky, has no leg room and it’s not that old (for a car). It’s just a car from the 80’s that’s covered in dirt and has degraded flat tires.

The other day we took the ’53 Chevy pickup truck for a drive (the ‘Twilight’ truck). Grumpy is slowly restoring this truck and we take it out from time to time to keep it in working order.

After our drive, I hopped out of the passenger seat and ran to the drivers’ side to place the cinder block behind the back wheel – just to make sure it’s secure. And that’s when I saw a little yellow card stuck between the Renaults’ driver’s door and window.

“WE BUY JUNK CARS”

The card was a business card from a local company promoting their removal services for old vehicles and machinery.

“Marty is NOT JUNK!” I shouted loudly as I showed the card to Grumpy. He looked at the card, chuckled and shook his head. Who knows how long that card had been there; and that I would find it a week from my mom’s birthday. But seeing that card on her old car – upset me.

Marty was my mom’s first ‘real’ purchase, at least that’s how she always told me the story. After her first marriage ended horribly, my mom was on her own and Marty was the first thing she bought by herself. She was always so proud of him.

My mom drove that car everyday till the day she died, for over 20 years. My dream is to one day restore Marty, better than he was, and drive him for another 20.

The next day Grumpy and I were driving home from a day of fun, when the song “Someone Like You” by Adele came across the speakers. Since the release of this song, my dad has always associated it with my mom.

“Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg
I'll remember you said,
‘Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead’”

There we were in front of the house, sitting in my car, listening to the song, singing along and staring at Marty.

“They thought Marty was junk.” Grumpy chuckled – and I laughed.

No. No, Marty isn’t junk.

Oh Marty... Video Edition

This video is part of my "Oh Marty" Blog series. Stories, adventures and trials that come along with owning a car.

Oh, Marty - You’re a brat!

Marty’s List:
Fuel Pump
Fix Trunk
Speed Odometer
Heater Core
Alarm Remote

I’ve come to learn that Marty is a very rebellious car. He just can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

I’ve also learned that Marty likes to be noticed.

Marty’s trunk is still not fixed, so this can cause some interesting predicaments. Today was rather windy, very windy in fact that the wind kept lifting up the tied down trunk. So, Marty thinks: “Oh no! Someone is trying to break into me. Must tell mommy!” So he sets his alarm off, again and again and again… EVERY time the trunk is lifted by the wind…

I’ve had problems with Marty’s alarm before. I didn’t receive a remote for Marty’s alarm when I got him, so there’s no way for me to turn him off unless I go to him and place my key in his door.

So, here I am, at work and the wind is messing with Marty’s trunk. His alarm sounds, then turns off after a few minutes and then comes back on after a few minutes when the mind messes with the trunk again. On, off, on off, on, off Marty’s alarm goes for about two hours straight…

Customers and business owners come in complaining about the car. I just smile and nod.

When my back up comes in, I run out and move Marty out of the wind. And then go back to work. Do you know how embarrassing it is to go to a car that has been sounding its alarm for the last few hours and turning it off?

Let’s just say, everyone knows what I drive now…

Oh Marty, you’re insane. But - we will get through this together.

Oh, Marty - People Watchin.

Marty’s List:
Fix Trunk
Speed Odometer
Heater

Marty’s list is getting shorter, so that’s a good thing – especially now that Marty is safe and no longer in danger.

The last four days have been rather interesting, without wanting to go any faster than 40-45mph I wasn’t making too many friends on the road. I never realized how impatient people are, how fast people drive and I gained compassion for older people who drive slowly.

Here I was driving down the road enjoying the scenery, listening to music and driving 40mph; I was enjoying life and soaking in the fact that I can now drive myself. And behind me are 3-4 angry cars; honking, hitting their sterling wheels, and riding Marty’s tail – these cars were in a hurry and were upset with me driving so slowly.

It really made me think; A) how often do we pass up moments to just soak in our surroundings and praise God for the things he’s created, B) how often do we feel like we’re more important than someone else and C) how often do we pass people by because they’re being an inconvenience to us.

I’m guilty of all these things.

I always focus on the task at hand, the situation or the problem and I fail to sit back and look towards God. I forget that’s he’s in control and not me. I pass moments to sit in the presence of the Lord, I pass moments of sitting & chatting with friends, I pass moments of growth and all because I’m focused on the final destination.

It up-sets me when someone at work comes in late for their shift, because I have to stay later than I planned. It irritates me when I’m closing down the store and someone comes in right before I’m about to lock the doors and now I have to wait and serve them. It frustrates me when someone doesn’t answer my text right away when I’m trying to find information out.

Sometimes I avoid people at church because I don’t have the time or don’t want to hear their problems and drama. Sometimes I’m short with customers because I know if I get them talking they’ll never shut up. I only call certain people every so often because I don’t want them in my life.

For me, all of these things are ‘people’ surrounded. I’m a people person. I love to help and serve. I love to encourage and lift up. I love people. But, when I look at the ways of how I blow people off or how I avoid certain people; it breaks my heart. How can I love people so much but leave out the ones I deem as an ‘inconvenience.’

How can I pass people by so effortlessly?

Yes, people were passing Marty and I by, but it didn’t bother us. We were happy and enjoying life. But how many people do they, do I, do you, pass by that aren’t having a good time, who aren’t having a good day, who needs a friend and someone to talk to.


How often do we pass people by who need us the most?
Who’s been an inconvenience lately?
What needs to happen until you need or are forced to slow down?
$300 slowed me down. How about you?


Oh Marty; we'll get through this adventure of life together.

Oh Marty - Shake, Rattle and Roll!

Marty’s List:
Alignment
Squeaky Band
Fix Trunk
Brakes
Speed Odometer
Heater
Lower Arm Control

Two things have been taken off this list and one has been added on. The one on the bottom no one could have known of unless you looked very closely at the car and had Marty lifted up high in the air (which, by the way, Marty doesn’t like).

I took Marty to the store and got him new shoes (tires) and changed his oil. When the mechanics were done, one called me over and showed me the front left tire. You can completely turn and jiggle Marty’s front left tire – not good. The mechanic said he had no clue what that meant, but that it had to be taken care of immediately. Which, by the way, was the same mechanic that was making fun of Marty in the first place because his trunk doesn’t close (it’s currently tired down with a piece of rope – ha ha, yes a rope).

So Marty and I geared up and headed to the second auto shop of the day. They couldn’t get us in to do an alignment, which turned out to be a blessing because I would had paid them for nothing. Marty and I leave the second auto shop and headed to the third one. Who knew finding an auto shop down Route 69 would be so hard? After three failed attempts –yes, three attempts– Marty and I wound up where we needed to be.

I walk in and have no clue where to go; the auto shop is a warehouse with many doors and tons of cars. I find someone and ask for help. I explain to him what I came for (squeakiness and speed odometer). He talks to me for a minute, not really sure what he can do for me. I explain that one of my customers is the owner of the shop and that he said he could help me. The man asks me who it was (apparently there’s more than one owner). I don’t know the owner’s name but I know his wife’s.

We figure out who the person is (Sean) and then the man takes me to Sean. We walk into the back and the man says: “Hey Sean, there’s a girl here that says you would help her.” Sean pulls himself from under a car and looks at me. With a sly smile he says: “Nope; never seen her before in my life. Never, ever.” I smile at him and shake my head. He walks out to the car and I explain to him about the speed odometer, the squeakiness and now the tire.

I sit in the waiting room as Marty get’s hosted up and looked at. A few minutes later Sean walks in and says that Marty is really messed up. He explains that the lower arm control is extremely loose and can go out at any moment if it’s not treated correctly. Basically, the arm that holds the left tire in place is woren out and if I speed too quickly or make an extremely sharp turn I can take the arm off the screw and I will go completely out of control.

Oh Marty…

Sean calls his parts guy as I sit in my chair and try to breathe and think; this cannot be good – financially. Sean's on the phone: “That’s my price?” Whistle. “Wow, that’s not a cheap part.” This is not good, not good at all.

Oh, Marty…

Sean gets off the phone and shakes his head: “Alright. I can help you. We can get the part and have your car fixed tomorrow. I can pick up the car (Marty) in the morning when I get my coffee and have him back before you get off. Now, you’re a sweet girl, I’m going to help you as much as I can.” He takes a deep breath. “The part on my end is $350…” I take a DEEP breath. “I’ll charge you $80 for labor and I’ve worked in the price of two belts (the squeakiness), the total cost will be $487.50.”

Marty…

“Now, while we have him up, I’ll look at the breaks, the check engine light and we’ll try to fix you’re trunk. I promise, we will get him working safe for you and I’ll do as much as I can for you.” Sean is a very nice, kind, sweet caring man. When you talk to him, you can tell he is very sincere. The concern in his voice for me and Marty is strong. Sean explains to me how cautious I need to be while driving Marty in this condition.

He reassures me that everything will be okay and that Marty will be in safe working condition in no time. I get in Marty and am about to drive away when Sean stops me and comes to my window, he’s on the phone. “You can’t get the part today or tomorrow? When’s the soonest you’ll have it? Monday. Okay, that… that will have to work. Thank you.”

Sean looks at me, “Alright sweetie, Monday. Be careful. Drive very safely and slow. Don’t do anything too wild or crazy. Just be safe and cautious and you will be fine.” I take a deep breath and nod. I put Marty in reverse and drive away.

I take Marty on the back roads home, no highway for us. I drive no faster than 45 mph; only driving Marty now if I have to, no leisure driving for a few days.

Oh, Marty - we will get through this together; I promise.

Oh, Marty!

I have officially owned Marty for two weeks now.

I’ve only been driving him for a week (had issues with the pink slip).

And he’s already stressing me out.

I knew when I bought Marty that he was going to need to be fixed up. I knew the beginning would be the most expensive. I knew some things would need immediate attention. I knew that owning a car meant taking responsibility in keeping up its maintenance. I knew that taking care of Marty would be a full time job. I guess; I just didn’t know it was going to be this stressful.

Marty’s List:
New Tires
Alignment
Squeaky Band
Fix Trunk
Brakes
Oil Change
Speed Odometer
Heater

This is a small list (not everything is listed), I’ve done small cosmetic work already, but I keep finding things on a daily basis that need to be fixed.

I guess, what’s making me stressed is trying to find time to take Marty to the shop. I work early mornings, so I need Marty to drive to work. I’m afraid if I take him in after work that I will be stuck at the shop for hours or that I will be late for my second job. I could drop Marty off early in the morning before the shops open and then walk to work (there’s a few shops near the coffee shop), but I don’t like the idea of A) leaving Marty somewhere so early and B) having to walk early in the morning along the highway (Route 69). I know these fears are probably nothing, but I still have them.

And with helpful people constantly stressing/reminding me of the things I need to do to Marty, it stresses me out even more.


Oh Marty… we will get through this together.

Voom Voom!

LOOK OUT!

Marty is on the purail. After a week of trying to get the pink slip issue resolved, I now have the title.

This has been a very frustrating and stressful ordeal. I’m afraid that this past week was a test – and I failed horribly. Marty is now legal and ready to drive however. I am now able to drive myself to work, church and for my pleasure.

I bought Marty some presents and made him all spiffy. He looks good in his new clothes.


Now, I know what some of you might be thinking:
What’s up with the name Marty?
Why are you obsessed with naming your belongings?
Why are things always boy names?

Marty got his name from my mother’s first car. After my mom’s first marriage she saved up long and hard and bought herself a new car. She was always proud of her car and drove it for almost 20 years straight. We still have the little blue car on the side of the house at home. He just sits there now, but he’s a reminder to me that when everything seems lost, forgotten and stolen there is hope, redemption and provision.


I don’t know why I have the burning desire to name everything I own… Just like I don’t know why I’ve become obsessed with cows or why I have the impulse to buy every cute stuff animal I see. I’m telling you, I’ve bought more stuff animals in the last 6 months than I have in my entire life!

Again, I don’t know why things are always boys to me, they just are. Like dogs are always puppies. I guess it’s just one of my quirky quirks. But I will say, that I purposely named my phone Kat.

So, here we go again in life.

Have fun and make a difference!

HELLO MARTY!

Meet my new best friend in the WHOLE world – Marty!


Marty is a four door 1996 Saturn Infiniti. Marty is the first 'real' purchase I've ever made. I’ve been working since mid January and been saving hard for him. I paid in full, so no payments, woot! He has a lot of miles on him, but does have a new strong engine. He needs cosmetic work and a few major fixes here and there (tires, trunk, brakes, etc.). But he is ready to go and drive!

I am having an issue with the pink slip however; so unfortunately he is sitting in the drive way being a temptation.

Oh Marty, soon love. Soon!