Freaky Friday

For the first time in our 3-year (and 3 months) relationship, Lady Jane Grey (my car) let me down. Yep, you read that correctly. On the coldest day we’ve had so far this fall, Lady Jane simply refused to start. I was even going to be early getting to work, but no matter how many times I turned the key, Lady Jane’s little battery just didn’t have the juice. The engine wouldn’t crank, and I was left sitting in the car listening to the sound of, well. . . .that funny sound cars make when the battery’s dead. It was great.

But then I remembered my roadside assistance (part of that car payment I make!). It was way too early to go beat on New Neighbor John’s door (he probably just got in anyway!), so 1-800 number here I come! I called, talked to a nice lady who assured me help was on the way. Sure ‘nuf, in about 30 minutes, the Pop-a-Loc guy showed up and jumped off the car (well, he didn’t stand on it and jump off it, but he did use jumper cables to get Lady Jane’s little heart beating again.) Once we had the car going, I didn’t dare turn it off. So I set out for AutoZone. But alas, it didn’t open until 7:30 a.m. and it was just a little after 7. So I drove around aimlessly, then went to AutoZone. And while they could sell me a battery, they couldn’t put it in for me due to “all the electrical stuff” on top of the battery. The guy even pointed at all the wires and made sure I understood what he was talking about. I may be an idiot about engines, but even I could recognize wires!

So then I was off to the dealership! FUN! I called on the way and told them what was going on. They assured me they could get me in pronto and all would be well. Two hours later, I was still waiting for my car. I was grateful that I’d stuck some work in my briefcase the other day, because at least I could accomplish something while I was trapped at the VW dealership. Finally, I was informed that my car was ready, and I pressed my lips together grimly as I headed over to pay up. But miraculously, I was still under warranty of some kind. So I didn’t have to pay! Lady Jane is running quite well now and seemed quite content with her new pacemaker. And she got me to work. . .just in time for lunch!