When Things Go Missing

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 | comments (15)
I know I've had some gripes about owning a car. I know I've said some pretty harsh words about Carmen's recent break downs and flat tires. But I didn't want this. I swear. I didn't want her to leave us.

This morning, C walked out to where she had parked Carmen last night and she was not there. There was a taxi where she had been. An ugly taxi.

It took a few moments to sink in, but our car was stolen, and we are sad.

I guess it's what we get for living in central DC, the only area of DC where property crimes are up. I suppose it was a matter of time until something like this happened.

I called the police. C called the insurance. Everything is underway. The police are going to look for Carmen ("That's right, Officer, she goes by Carmen. That's with a 'C.'") today and if they don't find anything, an official report will be filed. It seems like there's a good chance she'll turn up somewhere, but who knows what shape she'll be in. I hope whoever has her is being nice to her . . .

Sorry, Carmen. I hope somebody finds you. Keep a stiff upper . . . bumper.


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Comments

When I worked in a warehouse one summer during college a co-worker had his full size van 'Selena' stolen. He was pretty upset. Turns out a few days earlier his son had borrowed Selena and went out, parked it, got drunk and forgot where it was. Selena was found a few days later where she had been left. I hope Carmen is OK.

Posted by Patrick on Aug 16, 2006 at 10:56:18 AM
Thanks. C actually wondered at first if she was going crazy. It's kind of surreal to walk out and have your car not be there. She walked around all the areas she might have parked, but nothing. I never thought I'd wish I had a drunk (and forgetful) son.

Posted by Rothko on Aug 16, 2006 at 11:03:02 AM
Sorry to hear about Carmen. When I had a car named Alex noone wanted to steal it. It was a french car - go figure! Hope Carmen turns up safe and sound.

Posted by E :) on Aug 16, 2006 at 11:18:58 AM
Thanks, E. Maybe French cars are the way to go! ;-)

Posted by Rothko on Aug 16, 2006 at 11:40:29 AM
Oh, my. Well, I suppose in the worst case you have to go shopping for a new car. Or maybe the worst case is they find it?

Posted by JP on Aug 16, 2006 at 1:21:36 PM
I'm afraid you might have nailed it with the second.

Posted by Rothko on Aug 16, 2006 at 3:47:52 PM
D, I hope my earlier comments about Carmen in your previous post did not cause her to run away. I certainly meant no harm. And I hope they find her alive and well.

J

Posted by James on Aug 16, 2006 at 4:21:18 PM
My brother's car was stolen two weeks ago. One thing the police told him is that it wasn't necessarily broken into. The new thing, apparently, is that they use tow trucks, and who would look twice at a tow guy trailing a car? Another blogger, Rock Creek Rambler, has had his car broken into several times this summer. It's definitely not a good season for cars.

Posted by Washington Cube on Aug 16, 2006 at 9:39:36 PM
James: I think Carmen left against her will.

Washington Cube: There was no evidence of break-in with my car, either. No shattered glass. Nothing. The police did mention that this was a trend they were seeing and that it might be a tow-truck theft.

Posted by Rothko on Aug 17, 2006 at 12:19:50 AM
Oh how awful! I'll say a prayer for Carmen's safe return.

Posted by Sweet on Aug 17, 2006 at 10:34:12 AM
Thanks! I saw some VWs driving around this morning and I think I'm suffering from separation anxiety.

Posted by Rothko on Aug 17, 2006 at 10:46:27 AM
I bet that mystery Mercedes you own would come in handy about now!!

Posted by patrick on Aug 17, 2006 at 2:13:50 PM
Totally!

Posted by Rothko on Aug 18, 2006 at 11:00:53 AM
Glad she's back!

Posted by Laundro on Aug 19, 2006 at 8:40:34 AM
Umm . . . maybe you know something I don't, but as far as I know . . . she isn't.

Posted by Rothko on Aug 19, 2006 at 10:45:16 AM
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