Vehicle imposition

June 28, 2013

Wrench and screw drivers in hand, I surged forward with several choices to attempt to dismantle the security system at 7:00am. With the hood open, driver’s side door ajar and finagling around under the dash to find the valet button, I sighed in exasperation. In the end, that damn little magic button doesn’t exist. I was jabbing at an altogether different black button, without success. Pulled the cables off of the battery, though the alarm chose to defy me and engage anew when I reattached them. I worked at finding the fuse for the system. No luck. Followed the electrical cord but couldn’t detach it. Tried unlocking the driver, passenger, and back hatch doors to disengage the alarm. Nope. Engaged the key in the ignition and pushed the supposed valet button. Failed.

A disproportionately chubby, balding guy in a blue soiled top came to collect the vehicle in a significant truck with an enormously long trailer attached. He tested the battery for me to be sure it was still sufficiently charged and suggested it would take awhile before he got my locked-down car on the lift. My sweaty foot/calf lurched into the cab with Steve and we were on our way across the bridge. Before he could finish his sorry tale of getting evicted from his rental house of two years, losing well over $4500, we arrived at the Viper dealership. He seemed very discouraged to be losing my company and large, absorbing ears but I had to get a cup of coffee and run through the options for my well-secured car.

AAA cost me $69.95 for the year (much more cost effective than quotes of $92 and $147 from the tow companies) and another $125 and change for the alarm dismantling, new remote, and labor. My foot is quite sore from the tottering around and pressing the clutch far too many times. As I pull up to stop lights and signs, I pray, beg, plead that the light changes, and cars get out of the way in a hurry so I can eek my vehicle forward, in one fell swoop. I will be on my feet quite a bit in the next few days with outdoor festivities and maybe a dip in the pool. Then I can linger on the wall and bobble around versus putting so much pressure on the poor appendage. It looks good, yet is tender, and unwilling to take me on a brisk walk or slam dancing.

The cat will have to stay home alone. It will be lonely and upsetting perhaps, yet a friend, Sara will be stopping by a few times to check in on the little critter. Don’t tell anyone Tyrus and I will be away. Moose may not know any better so remind her when you come to call and we are indisposed.