Columbia on vacation (updated)

The good hearted ship has decided to take a little break--at least I hope and pray that's all it is. Otherwise I may very well find myself hunting for a REALLY good priced car (with fewer miles I suppose). There's a good possibility the transmission is dead--not confirmed, mind you, so there's always the chance the problem is a little more secondary than that.

It was Sunday evening that Columbia broke up on takeoff. With every gear a perfect replication of neutral, we push her back onto our driveway for the night. Yesterday wasn't quite so simple. My good friend Crystal had pity on this shipless pilot and offered the use of her truck. From there, I'm not sure if I'm the one who is qualified to tell of the ensuing adventures. However, one new battery later (and new tabs), I'm running around campus getting my stick-shifting back up to par.

Does this story have an end? Only God knows. I'll find out what's the deal with my car today. Hope whatever is occupying your time this fine second week of the year is edifying and helpful too.

UPDATE: The official post mortum has declared the transmission a total loss...and thus totalling the car.

"I'm in the market, as it were."