Tempting Fate
Saturday, June 17, 2023
On today’s episode of “The Universe vs. Elizabeth”…
The day started off so wonderful and promising. We went to the neighboring town, about 20 minutes down the coast, and walked around the shopping district, visiting more quaint shops, buying more books and souvenirs. After dropping our purchases off at the car, we walked along the ocean cliffs and enjoyed the sea breeze. We decided to go back up to our hotel and grab some lunch.
Me, “This has been such an amazing trip.”
The Universe, “Challenge accepted.”
As we’re driving along, no sooner after my commenting on how wonderful things have been, did we hear thumping coming from my front tire. Checking the air gage, and seeing no change, I pulled over to see if I had unknowingly run something over that was now stuck. Both the boyfriend and I checked under the car and saw… nothing. So we headed off again. As soon as I sped up, I heard the thumping again. Pulling over, I told the boyfriend to get out and watch the tire as I slowly moved the car. He told me to stop and said he saw a string that might be wrapped around the tire. When I got out to look, I saw two things. 1. It wasn’t a string, it was part of my tire. 2. That tire was completely bald and had wires sticking out. I checked the other three tires, which were all in tip-top shape. I began to freak. We were still seven miles from town and had no reception. With caution, I made the journey back… after cutting off the frayed part of the tire.
When we got back to town, I searched for tire places open. Not one. Not a single tire place was open on the weekends. We’re supposed to leave TOMORROW! The closest tire place open was up the mountain, about 45 minutes away, and the road is very curvy. They closed at 5 and it was 3. I called. They were short staffed and advised that I try to make it there. It was one of the worst hour long drives (I drove slow) of my life. But, we made it.
Turns out that my tire alignment was off and the tire was getting worn down every time I turned the wheel. The weird part is, my car hasn’t been driving funny. I haven’t noticed a thing. $300 and a hour later, and I had a new tire. Back down the curvy road that makes me nauseous. And neither of us had eaten since breakfast.
When we finally made it back, we decided on a Japanese restaurant we’ve never tried before… and after our meal, never will again. This is what I get for daring to be positive.
That’ll teach me.