I know that there were a few times recently that I had talked about trading Kassy in and it was more in jest than reality, but unfortunately, the time has come for us to part ways. As all of you have seen recently, this economic downturn has really taken its toll on every aspect of life. While I am one of the fortunate ones to still have gainful employment, there has been talk around the company that they plan to cut 1,000 jobs by this summer. My position is one of those odd jobs that is an integral part of the daily operations in reality, but on paper it'd likely be one of the first considered for the chopping block.

After much soul searching within myself and discussion with the better half, we decided that having a car payment just wasn't the smartest thing to do. With Minis keeping their value so well, we figured that now was as good a time as any to sell. I went out and purchased a car that I could pay cash for, which negates the monthly payment. The good news is that I've gone back to my roots, which means I'm in a Mustang. The bad news is that it obviously isn't a Mini.

I know I haven't made many events nor spent too much time here on the messageboard during my time as a Mini owner. That is one thing I really regret, but my schedule was always very hectic and didn't leave me much time for anything else. I have two semesters left at school, then I'll be pursuing my Masters in earnest, which will afford me the opportunity to join the ranks of those working normal (9-5) shifts again, probably with a much deserved bump in pay. If things work out the way I'd like, I'll be looking to purchase another Mini again.

I will miss Kassy tremendously. She's been the best car I've ever owned, my only complaint has been that with the entire family riding, she just wasn't big enough. I only hope that her next owner will get half as much enjoyment out of her as I have. 

I hope to be able to still visit here and still be considered an 'honorary' member of the Mini family. If permitted, I'd still enjoy the company of my fellow 'Mini'acs and would like to attend the occasional get together, back roads rally or drive-in jaunt. 

I'm encouraged by the number of Minis I've seen running around on Rochester roads lately, even if it has been a 50/50 wave to no wave ratio. Hopefully they'll start to get the message and realize what a great bunch of people Mini owners are.

Here's to the great ownership base of the Mini and more importantly, the Mini itself. I never figured I could fall in love with a car so small, but I know I will miss her tons.    

So if you see a 2007 Mellow Yellow & Black with checkerboard mirrors base Cooper running around, give her a wave. She may not belong to me anymore, but she'll always be my Kassy. 

Thanks for everything.

Derek