Interrupted

My Life Thus Far
2015-10-14 05:55:08 (UTC)

Like It Never Happened...

I am awash in gratitude today! It was one of those days where things could have gone utterly, terribly wrong... but they didn't! One setback was matched by some small (or not so small victory). ,

I slept so good last night, and got to wake up slowly. At my own pace. It was lovely. Somehow I got totally engrossed in reading articles online when I should have been getting dressed. I looked up and it was afternoon! We had an appointment at the Fiat dealership to get our oil changed, and to have some warranty stuff done. Despite leaving the house a little late, it didn't seem like there was going to be any problems getting there. Until the low tire pressure light came on. I told Snookums when it came on that it wasn't really something I mess with. As soon as I can (like, the next gas station) I pull in and fill it. He decided that since we were on our way to the dealership, it should be fine to ride it out and have them fill it there. Well... not even 5 minutes after the light came one, the tire EXPLODED. It didn't just go flat, it completely separated from the rim. The car fishtailed and Snookums almost hit a guardrail, but was able to regain control and come to a stop. Of course, we ended up on the left side of the highway, in the mud. But it was actually safer that way, since it was the rear driver's side tire that blew. Had we stopped on the right shoulder, we would have been dangerously exposed to traffic (the shoulder wasn't terribly big where we stopped). Fiona's jack, a flathead screwdriver, and a couple other tools I don't know what are for, are neatly tucked in a hidden compartment inside the cargo compartment. Her full-sized spare is suspended under her by a crazy cable/winch system. Its easy enough to figure out, and yet it was still a huge relief when a state patrol officer pulled over to help. The jack isn't hydraulic. You have to crank it round and round. Snookums started getting tired and without hesitation this officer got down on her hands and knees, in the mud, and helped him crank the car up. It was definitely a reaffirming situation. Law enforcement gets such a bad wrap on so many occasions. They are much more than just speeding ticket writers.

Our appointment was at 2pm, but we didn't arrive at the dealership until
2:50pm. I called from the side of the highway to tell them we'd be late. They didn't have any available appointments later, but said they'd hold our spot until 2:30. I wasn't expecting them to be able to get us in. I'd fully prepared myself for that. I was really just going in to ask where they'd recommend we take Fiona for servicing, since there was no way for us to get back home on a spare that also had low pressure. The service manager was so amazing. He still got us in, even though we were 20 minutes past our rearranged appointment time. They not only did the oil change we went in for, but did a full inspection, software updates, tire rotation, and because the tire we needed was not in stock, found it at a specialty tire store just a few doors down. At a discounted price, at that. I have nothing but good things to say about the Fiat dealership. I'd read some less than awesome reviews when it comes to their service department, but I can't say I'm one of those people. I had wonderful service, and I'll definitely be bringing Fiona there, even if it may cost a little more than a discount mechanic. Customer Service is so important. Especially when you know customer service, and work it yourself.

The tire store the Fiat service department sent us to ended up being one of the best tire buying experiences we've EVER had. They got us in, and out so quickly. Not only did they mount the new tire, but they filled the spare with air, remounted it under the car, and put all of the jack pieces and tools back in their special hiding place. Fiona was as good as new. Like it never happened... The guy helping us also showed us a few options for upgraded (more durable) tires when it's time to replace the current ones. He says we have about a year, but I'm thinking it might be sooner, simply because I'm tired of filling them with air all the time. The gravel driveway is putting a hurting on them. Low profile tires are so delicate, even if they do look nice. There's a middle ground (still cute, but more robust), and their prices are better than what we've been getting at Discount Tire Company. Snookums says all 3 vehicles will now be going to T&T. I'd have to agree. I really like them.

After all the excitement with Fiona was over, we went to the mall, because I had a few things I needed to do (return something, use some bonus cash, go to LUSH because I'm HOOKED). I decided to spoil Snookums a little, because he never buys himself anything. He got some new cologne (Armani Code), because he likes to collect fragrances (I started that nonsense). He needed some new works shoes (we found him some old school Nikes from way back in the day. Cortez, on sale for $34.99), and since starting work at Trader Joe's he's lost a ton of weight. All of his old pants are swimming on him. So, I had him try on some jeans. He's down from a 46 to a 42. Which is a big deal. I thought he could have even gone down to a 40, but he's used to them baggy and didn't want to try a 40. I'm proud of him for all of the positive changes he's making in his life. Getting healthier, getting educated, taking his future (our future) seriously for once! He's like a new man. The awesome part of it is, I had no parts in this. I didn't force him to change. He decided it was what he wanted to do. We all know that's the only way positive changes stick. He had to want it, and he finally does.

I really need to stay away from LUSH. Today I went back for the perfume I sampled when Annie and I were at Westlake Center last week. Karma. It's first note is patchouli, which I didn't know until I got it home and read what essential oils it has in it. I'm hooked. It's so earthy and warm. So hippy. It's me, through and through. What I love most about LUSH is that it's all natural, all vegetarian, but a ton is full vegan. It's everything I could want in a natural cosmetics store. Now I just need a part time job to afford it all! If one ever opens in my mall, I may get a job there very part time just for the discount.

We found a new pho place! Pho Ever Wok in Gig Harbor. They're even better than the place we used to get pho from (that did away with their veggie broth, why would they do that?) We still go there for other things, but I miss pho. I wish it was a little closer to home, but the distance makes it that much more appreciated.

I need to end this entry. Holy wow, it's long. Today was a full day. A great day. Like I said before, I'm awash in gratitude. So much good happened when it could have gone so much worse. We could have been in a deadly car accident from the blow out, but instead Snookums learned a lesson, and I learned that there is still so much good to experience from others and this life. A lesson worth learning.





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