Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Confession Wednesday: Top Ramen for the Rest of the Month!
One thousand six hundred fifty-three dollars and ten cents later.
Yeah, that hurts.
I got the call at 10 this morning that my car was finally ready to be picked up. My mechanic, Cowan, actually laughed a little when he could hear how excited I was to be reunited with my freedom after an eight day separation.
Other than the obvious task of getting to work every day (which is 60 miles from where I live), I don't think I ever realized how much I rely on my car. Simple things like running to the grocery store or getting a haircut suddenly became things I had to plan and organize.
(Okay, really, I just ended up not doing either one. Because, seriously, I just didn't feel like paying 3 bucks to take a smelly bus full of weird people so that I could pick up some milk and cereal.)
After hanging up with the mechanic, I finished the very important work I was in the middle of (watching last Friday's episode of Dollhouse) before throwing on some clothes and walking next door to where the mechanic's shop is located. He was so excited to show me all the things that had been wrong with my car. And I think he scolded me about regular oil changes 5,737,389,902 times. And then he was a little surprised when I handed him the total balance due in exact cash. I didn't want anything hanging over my head. I just wanted to part company with my hard earned money as soon as possible, pick up my keys, and go on my merry way.
The car was no longer at the mechanic shop, however. He had already taken it over to the Smog Test Only Facility so that I didn't have to wait for the smog check. What a guy! So I forked over $8.25 for my Smog Certificate (it passed!) and picked up the keys. He pointed to where my Avalon was parked and I went outside, fighting the urge to give the car a hug.
When I got inside, I took a breath. The last time I had seen my car, it was resistant to the idea of, well, running. So when I turned the key and it immediately roared to life, I'm pretty sure I actually let out a squeal. And then I pulled out of the parking lot and onto the street and was shocked. The car is running better than it has in years!
The only question I have now is: since the engine is running so quietly and the Check Engine light is no longer screaming at me from the dash, how do I know when the car is on??
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I have had those horrible car bills that made me want to run from the shop yanking out my hairs like Homer Simpson. It sucks!
ReplyDeleteBut. I'm glad it's purring like a kitten for ya'! And change the oil, Karen! Be nice to the car. It takes you places and requires regular "feedings." ;)
Wow! You don't change the oil and it didn't blow up? You have a great car...
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think the car is 'on' when you no longer have to flag ppl down to help you push it to the side of the road.
So glad you have your beloved car back! I don't know what I'd do without mine!
ReplyDeleteI'll have an award for you on my blog tomorrow (Thursday)!
Car repairs are a big pain in the ass. I'm glad your car is running ok now.
ReplyDeletePS - It's ok if you don't love Edward/Rob the way I do. We can't all have great taste in men. ;) Kidding! At least you like Gerard so I know you're not a robot.
Eek, thats alot of cash! But glad your car is working great. And to answer your quesiton you will know if its on when you put it in gear, lol!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from 2 sets of twins blog.
YOWCH on the bill.....but yeah for a car running so quiet that you don't even know it's on.
ReplyDeleteMy piece o crap makes all kinds of entertaining noises when I drive...makes up for silence because my daughter snapped off my antenna and then my other son stuck juju fruits in my CD player.
enjoy.......
Thank you all for the sympathy!
ReplyDeleteAkilah & RMax: I have been sufficiently chastised! Won't happen again!
Helene: Thank you! I'll be blogging about my recent awards as soon as other stuff stops coming up that demands my attention!
Hotpants: Seriously, check out Luke Grimes and tell me that he wouldn't have made a great Edward!
Newlyweds: Thanks for stopping by and yes, that's a good answer!
Michelle: Too bad! At least there was nothing wrong with my radio!
"I just didn't feel like paying 3 bucks to take a smelly bus full of weird people"
ReplyDeleteOK John Rocker... :)
Congrats on getting your freedom back:) I've been without a car and know how cruddy that is. OUCH on the price, but good you could pay cash!
ReplyDelete