It's been a few days since 'the incident', but I thought the following events would make you smile :)  As many of you will know, I am plagued with 'bad CAR-ma'.  Apparently, some time...some where...I made one of my cars VERY ANGRY and now all the cars in the world hate me.  I have owned (or been the sole driver) of 9 cars total.  Sadly, I seem to take possession of a used car JUST before something major goes wrong with it.  Only once have I totaled a car in an accident. 

So here's the latest in my 'adventures' --

Two Mondays ago, I got up WAY TOO EARLY to pick up a friend and her son at the airport.  It was raining and yucky outside, so I was glad to get them home with no incident.  Then I hurried back toward my house because traffic was picking up and the only route home is usually a car park during rush hour.  It took me over an hour to get home...

So as I was sitting in traffic about 30 seconds (no exaggeration) from my apartment, my car decided to just shut off.  No warning light, no weird noise.  So I took the key out, and put it back in and tried to start the car again.  NOTHING.  My hazard lights wouldn't even work!  I was dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, there is a HUGE line of cars forming behind me...and some are beginning to honk at me.  I am no longer phased by this, so I get out of my car and move to the footpath to plot my next move.  After a few minutes, a couple of guys did step up and help me push my car a couple feet closer to the sidewalk.

I call my office to get the emergency phone number for my insurance.  This number USED to be printed on the back of my proof of insurance, but sadly not this year.  Finally got the number, and called for a tow!  I was then advised they would be there in an hour :)  No shower, no coffee and stuck in the middle of traffic...for an hour. 

I needed coffee!  So I made a break for Coffee Society just two doors down.  Ordered my Americano, got my loyalty card stamped, and then I waited.  While waiting for my beverage, I glanced out the window just in time to see a guard placing a ticket on my car window.  I rush from the store and explain that I am not PARKED here...my car broke!  He showed some sympathy and told me to leave the ticket on my window so no one else would bother it, then he tore the copy of the ticket up in his book.  "Go on and finish your coffee!" he said, "no one else will bother you!"  So I obeyed...went back and retrieved my coffee.

After putting the proper amount of sugar in, I again glanced out the window to find clampers pulling up next to my car!  Again, I rush from the cafe, this time with coffee in hand and trying not to spill it.  Again, I explain that I have not chosen this awkward spot for parking.  MY CAR BROKE!

Now I wait...and drink my coffee.

The nice man came eventually, and towed my car to the garage.  I walked the final few blocks home to get ready for work.  Great way to start the week! 

Found out that evening that my alternator had died.  It was replaced and now I'm up and running...at least for now!