When It Rains It Pours...still remaining faithful through it all

I try my best to limit stress and drama in my life, but sometimes no matter what you do, you just can't help it.  Now, although there's not much drama lately--thankfully.  There is some stress.  My car (my little blue baby) has been doing me well for quite a few years.  I got it when it was only 1 year old in summer 2005.  I was so excited because it was fairly new, compared to the 1989 Toyota Corolla that I had previously.   Anyway, I was really excited about the car, thought I was really cool with my darkly tinted windows (which I almost got a ticket for by the way). 

As mentioned in a previous post, I drive a lot (not for work, but for leisure--whether it is visiting family and friends or just vacationing).  Overall, the car has done me good.  I really haven't had to do many repairs, just the standard maintenance (which I kept up with for the most part).  So, I am grateful and thankful for it.  The AC works (essential in this very hot summer), it has good tires...so not many problems--until recently.

A few days ago the "AT" light came on (whatever that means).  I didn't notice anything else and the light eventually went off.  Then it came back on again and not only was there a light, the car started having a massive "kick" whenever I turn it on.  The first time it happened it scared the crap out of me.  So, intermittently over the last few days this has been happening. 

We decided NOT to take it to the dealer because I was afraid of being robbed blind (no offense), so we took it to a local guy that my husband uses for his old car.  The guy couldn't fix it, apparently the computer that he has could not break the code to read what is wrong with my car.  Still trying to avoid the dealer (especially since we do not have warranty on the car) we took it to a shop that specializes in transmissions.  My husband had researched on line that "AT" has something to do with transmissions so we took it there.

After keeping my car for about 24 hours they came to the conclusion that I have some metal scraps(?) in my transmission.  They said I have A LOT of it and they needed to rebuild my entire transmission.  I'm like, why not just replace it with a new one if you have to rebuild the whole thing?  The cost is already astronimical...$2500.    My grandpa taught me how to do basic work on cars when I was growing up such as changing oil, putting on a spare tire, but definitely not fix a transmission. 

So, I'm not sure what to do about this.  I will probably pay the $2500 because I NEED my car.  Besides, I'm tired of driving my honey's old car (although I am thankful for it).  I guess it could be worse.  To remind myself to stay positive (as my blog title reminds me to do), here are some things that I think about to help me deal:

At least I was safe while driving it and nothing harmful happened to me.  Also, it could've been more money.  I can always get a second opinion.  I can always get a new car.  Really, I love the new Toyota 4 Runner and you can add a third row of seats if necessary (just in case we decide to breed a nation of kids we would have more space...lol).  I've been eyeing it for a few months so maybe this is a blessing in disguise.  Ok, this is wishful thinking but a lady can dream, can't she?

Mrs. K