Categories: uncategorized
Date: 10 October 2006 21:44:27
...well, except in the heading.
I am, in fact, looking for a bit of understanding here. Firstly, on Monday, it took me two hours to get to the office. TWO hours! I left at around 7.15am and arrived at approx 9.15am. As a consequence I asked my plocement boss if I could leave home later in future in order to miss the traffic, as leaving earlier did not seem to work. He agreed. So far, so good.
So why, I ask you, did I not get to work until about 11.00am today?
Well, strangely, it all started on the way home. Driving along I noticed that there was a distinct burning, chemical smell lingering around my car. More than a little worrying. I got home, by sheer willpower and prayer as far as I was concerned and wondered what to do.
Y'see, public transport would be a possible option for a number of jobs, but in my work you need to drive to peoples' houses. So, a bit of a prob. Fortunately, Only Husband was home (due to gremlins of his own) and suggested that I take car to garage next morning to see if they could help.
So, after having let the boss at my placement know that I would be late due to car trouble (bit scarey) I headed off for the garage. Driving along with the faint whiff around me, my thoughts turned to contacting the tenants to let them know I would need to postpone their appointments.
"Good thing I keep a list of thier phone numbers my diary." I thought. Hot on the heels of this thought was one word - "Diary!!!" At the next roundabout I executed a very neat 360 degree turn.
Finally, I arrived at the garage, only to be told that they could not help. The man was very friendly and apologetic, which was good 'cos I am painfully aware of my ignorace re: all things car, and garages therefore scare me. I then headed off to the local ATS (quick brakes and tyres kind of place) and steeled myself to walk in.
Having explained the issue to the best of my ability, the guy at the desk handed my keys to a sullen looking bloke, who I shall call 'Smiler'. Smiler skipped merrily off to my car (or something) and drove it about for a bit. I got a cup of coffee from the machine in the waiting area and sat down to contact my tenants while I waited (numbers in delay-causing-diary, which had been on lounge table). I had barely touched said beverage when Smiler returned and gave the verdict. When I found out I was utterly gutted.
Why? you ask.
Was it incredibly expensive? No.
Would they have to keep the car for the rest of the week and thus my tenants would be left without help? No.
Could they not help at all, leaving me to brave a third garage? No.
It was just very,
very,
very
embarrassing.
The problem?
Bubble wrap up the exhaust!
What is worse, I did not even get to drink the coffee.