The Monday that showed up on Wednesday (a post script to my flat tire)

@jerzgirl (9384)
United States
December 18, 2008 3:56am CST
As some of you may know, I had a flat tire on Monday. On Tuesday, I found someone who came and put my spare on for me. There was a nail was in the sidewall of the tire, so I was going to need a new tire, not just a tire repair. On Wednesday, I began calling around to see if anyone had a decent used tire to fit my car. I found a place who said they had one and drove over there after noon, planning to also get a oil change and lube before picking up some groceries and going to see Mom. Here's how it went. I got to the garage and the guy working the counter happened to be the step-dad to my daughter's friend. He personally took over with my car. Two hours into the wait, they're still arguing about there being a tire on the lot that would fit my car. Finally, the big guy comes in to tell me he's sorry, but he was wrong, they have no used tires to fit my car. So, I end up having to buy a new tire plus the oil change and a quart of tranny fluid. $108.10, to be precise, total. Finally, I get to leave and get on my way. By now, I'm hungry, because I hadn't eaten lunch before going over, so I swing into Taco Bell and begin smelling burning oil. Well, there is a car in front of me, so I'm hoping it's them. By the time I get my food, I'm beginning to see puffs of smoke coming up in front of me. As I drive, there is more smoke, more burnt oil smell. I'm thinking, great - they spilled oil on my engine. By the time I get to where I was picking up the groceries, I'm surrounded by a bluish white cloud that is pouring from under my hood. I pull over and open the hood only to see smoke everywhere, oil everywhere and the oil cap sitting neatly on top of the radiator. S.O.B!!!!! They forgot to put the damned cap back on!! God only knows how much oil I lost. So, I call them and tell them what I've found and where I am, and I again wait for them to show up and evaluate the damage. Thankfully, I didn't lose too much oil, but they did give me a couple quarts (as well as profuse apologies) just in case to keep in the car. By now, I'm frustrated, considerably late in my plans and have a headache the size of Texas, so I just went home. To hell with it. I called Mom from the house and asked how she was doing and told her how my day was. Thank God she understood. At least I have a good tire on the car and a good spare. Have you ever had a mid-week Monday?
1 person likes this
6 responses
• United States
19 Dec 08
Poor Jerz, I know you had a really really crappy day!! It sucks doesn't it? Like I had said in my email I think I would have personally "killed this man" for what he did and in your case "didn't do by making sure the oil cap was back on DUH!!!! And with everything else you are dealing with, I know for sure I would've flipped a "major nut" there..LOL! Glad its all fixed, glad you are back on the road again (hopefully no more of those kinds of days), and YEP I have those Mid-week Monday's all the time eventually they all are going to find their way into my blog...(G)!
1 person likes this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
19 Dec 08
Yikes....What a day you had... I've been there done that...Always rains here then pours and then pours some more, just for good measure..... I am so very glad it worked out the way it did and having the oil cap off didn't cause more damage...I feel for you having to buy the tire...but at least you know it is a good one... I hope you have a good weekend.. Those headaches the size of Texas can knock you for a loop...Hope you got rid of it...
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
18 Dec 08
I am glad that your bad day is over. Just drink a hot chocolate, put some comfy clothes and put your favourite movie on DVD. forget about this day. I hope you will feel better afterwards.
@ElicBxn (64169)
• United States
18 Dec 08
I hear ya... I've had whole weeks of Mondays sometimes. I've even had weekends so bad I'm looking forward to going to work to get away from everything else!
@tyc415 (5706)
• United States
18 Dec 08
I am sure we have all had a mid-week Monday and I guess I have too many for even one to come to mind right now (it's too early for my brain to work that hard right now) haha I am thinking this is the end of your bad luck, you have had more than your share. I am thinking your mom is still doing pretty good? Hopefully she will get to come home before long.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
19 Dec 08
Hey jerz~Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that you had some much trouble with your car. That's so not what you needed after all that you've been through. But, it sounds like your Mom is doing better or at least I hope she is. That was just a day that you didn't need to deal with, especially since you know so much about cars yourself! I hope by now things are all sorted out with the car and you were able to go see your Mom and she is doing better and you can catch your breath! I am still praying for her and sending positive thoughts your way and I do hope that the next days to come will get easier and you do get some kind of break soon because you surely do deserve it. Please do take care. Your friend, Opal