One Olive Short: Stranded Along Side the Road

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Stranded Along Side the Road - I Need a Martini!

Yep, unfortunately that was me today! 65 mph down the beltline today and my clutch went out. Like, smash it down to the floorboard no engagement whatsoever, out! WTH??? I did the only thing I knew to do which was to coast off on the next exit. Now, I realize that I didn't have a flashing neon sign on the back of my car that screamed, "Stressed out crazy chick in car with no clutch, back the fuck off" but holy shit were there some really unforgiving drivers out there today.

I coast off the exit and onto the shoulder and spent the next 15 mins slamming my clutch down to the floor. Ironically, that must be the remedy - it works! I got tension back in the clutch and was ready to fly. That was until I went to start the car again (why I ever shut it off I have no idea) and the battery was D E A D! Like, mamacita, you may as well sit your ass down and order a drink or two, DEAD.

Panic started to set in and I mentally went through the rolodex in my head trying to decide who I could call that could help. Person A? No, they couldn't find their way out of a wet paper sack so there was NO way that I was going to be able to explain to them where I was. Person B? No, they are the ones that I would be forever indebted to. You know the ones, I could offer to pay them and they will still 5 years down the road (pun intended) bring up the time they had to pick me up off the side of the road. No thanks, I don't that hovering over my head for a lifetime. So, I called my business partner. And, sure enough, no questions asked, no hesitation and she was on her way.

What shocks me is that not ONE person stopped and asked if I needed help from the time I coasted off the exit until the time help arrived. I had the hood up, windows down and it was quite obvious that I was in distress. In a city of a bajillion police officers that are on you for EVERYTHING not ONE drove by.

Anyhow, after a trip to AutoZone, a change of battery and a few hours later I can say that I am safe at home and eating pizza! Pizza is always my go to stress food. And to any of you that I should happen to see stranded along the side of the road - I WOULD STOP and make sure you were okay!

Since I am still a bit stressed out I think I need a drink and this one is going to have to do!

Cheers!