4 years ago, I took delivery on IQQIMINI and immediately was hooked.

Yesterday, she faded off into the distance to be found by another crazy soul on some used car lot in some distant land....

First, a funny MINI/non-MINI story. IQQIMINI had mods. Pulley, CAI, Plugs, Exhaust. When she idled, sometimes she needed a little 'blip' just to keep humming. I would roll my foot off the brake and give her a little goose. Like a heel-toe.

Cut to two days ago - I am in line at the drive through, and by force of habit, I rolled my foot off the brake onto the gas. Unfortunately, I was not in IQQIMINI, rather I was in my new (old) F150. Automatic. Lurching forward, I quickly deciphered what was happening and punched the brakes. I can only imagine what the poor guy in front of me thought as I hurled forward at him only to stop inches from his car in a big screech. If only the witnesses knew the backstory.

So IQQIMINI is off to find a new family, and I am left with great memories:

- Our last trip before Ben (my 3 yr old son) and our first trip with him were in IQQIMINI.
- Ben came home from the hospital in IQQIMINI.
- I put 90,000 miles on the poor thing.
- Great ride up to Coshocton that one time.
- I remember looking at IQQIMINI sitting in the garage that first week in total disbelief that a cultural icon was sitting right there!
- I got pulleyed in Detroit. I remember feeling like a total loser because for some reason I could not back into the host's garage to get my pulley.
- I thought of my first speeding ticket as a badge of honor.
- I never EVER ordered a car sight-unseen. I didn't even hesitate with IQQIMINI.
- I never EVER put my hands on a car engine before IQQIMINI. Now, I can't wait to get into my new (old) truck and start effing things up.
- I never EVER considered decorating a car. I spent thousands (ok 2) for IQQIMINI to look good.
- I bought 2 Whalens. Yes, I am crazy. Yes they are both custom so no, I can't sell them. I think I want to keep them anyway.
- I took endless pictures. Everywhere I went, I thought fo how cool it would look in a picture.
- One girl asked if I ever took it 'Trick Driving'. I don't know what she meant but I said 'yes'.
...and countless more memories.

I will miss IQQIMINI, and will probably stop in here for some vicariousness from time to time. And chances are I will have my hands on another MINI before too many moons.

People - love your MINIs. They love you. Love your families. They love you too. And for the love of God people, drive it like you JUST stole it!