02.07.2002 - Everything Moves Along

After getting unfathomably little sleep last night, I rose before the sun in order to get my car to an auto shop with enough time for me to walk through the doors of my office on time. Unfortunately, I subjected Jackson to early morning grumpiness augmented by worry that he definitely did not deserve. He provided a tremendous service by agreeing to wake up entirely too early to follow me to Woodland and give me a ride from the shop to my office. Forced into a curmudgeonly state and looking like death warmed over, I was unable to express the gratitude I felt towards J-dogg for sacrificing sleep just so I wouldn't have to waddle my tubby ass all the way from the mechanic's to my desk.

So, thank you, thank you, thank you.

I expected to just drop my car off at the shop, as the mechanic said he wouldn't be in until after eight o'clock. We both arrived at the same time, which definitely made me feel more comfortable. The last time I dropped my key and car off at a shop, the employees there conveniently "lost" my key, causing me to lay awake at night for about a week after I got my car back afraid that someone would be able to just waltz into my parking lot and drive away with my baby with little to no effort.

Nowadays, I kinda wish that had happened. It would have saved me about a grand in repairs.

The mechanic estimated the cost of the repairs would total about three quarters of the paycheck that had been deposited in my checking account the night before. It sucks, but at least I don't have to hook to pay the charges this time.

After I signed the necessary paperwork, Jackson dropped me off at the office and I grumbled a few words of thanks. I sincerely hope he didn't miss class for me.

I spent my time at work actually working and it was surprisingly not bad. Time tends to pass faster when my mind is occupied by things other than lame websites and trying to rip off people who actually know how to write.

I'm glad time passed quickly because it gave me fewer opportunities to think about my car and the cost of the repair. At four o'clock, the shop called and informed me that the belts had been replaced and it seemed to be running fine. Because I didn't feel like walking a mile in the rain and they severely depleted my weekly lapdance budget, I made them come pick me up.

As I drove back, I actually had a fairly decent conversation with the mechanic about life in Davis. We compared notes on Japanese restaurants and how much nicer the town is in the Summer. I found it odd that I had a pleasant little talk with my auto worker after repairs had been done, because I usually feel like punching my hand into their chests and ripping out their still beating heart a la Mortal Kombat when it comes time to pay my bill.

When I drove it home, everything seemed fine, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to replace the battery soon. If it ain't one thing it's your mother.

Or something like that.

The twenty minutes I took to retrieve my car and pay the damages was the only break I took in an otherwise full day. As such, I was ready to max and relax by the time I got home. I was also ready to get my crazy madd grub on, but unless I wanted to kill the cat for a particularly urine flavored meal, I had to go to the grocery store.

Yay for spending what little money I have left.

The problem is that whenever I go to the grocery store these days, it seems that all I ever buy is bread and milk because nothing ever seems appetizing. This time, I expanded my selection to include a few cans of soup. I need to get rich and famous so I can have a chef.

Yes, a chef and the longest Slip 'n' Slide known to man. This is what I would buy if I suddenly came upon millions of dollars.

While at the grocery store, I ran into the doctor that ran the Tobacco Is Evil seminar that I took last Spring. He cornered me and talked to me for upwards of a half an hour. He asked me about how my mom is doing. I think he's still pissed off that I didn't interview her about smoking for my final project.

I don't think I've ever wanted to get out of a conversation more in my life.

When I finally broke from his clutches, I scurried home where I promptly removed my pants and ate several slices of sourdough toast. If that ain't relaxin', I don't know what is.

I'm glad to have my car functioning at least relatively well. Hopefully things will be on the upswing for a while.

-- Jeffy