End of Chapter 2, 2019
It’s never too late!! Every day I learn something new…
The other day I learned that I can’t leave my flashers on in my 2013 Subaru for more than a few minutes. I already knew not to leave my keys in the ignition when the car is off…but the flashers?
So, those of you that know me, know I start stressing out just thinking of going down to Jessica’s in San Francisco the minute I leave my driveway heading to her place. Why??? Because of parking! I try to plan to arrive when she is home so she can park my car. This time I arrived about 45 minutes before she gets off work, so I double-parked with my flashers on and unloaded the car, took Gauge for a super short walk, and then Gauge & I got into the car to go pick her up. But my car wouldn’t start. ERRRRR!!! I have jumper cables in the back and thought…this is no problem, I’ll find someone to jump me. The first person I asked was getting out of a car and responded with “I don’t have a car. This is my friend’s car and she has to get her kids home.” My first NO, so I gave up and texted Jessica what was going on and she said she’d give me a hand, not to worry.
It’s getting dark, neighbors coming & going, and no one checks on me wondering why I’m double-parked in the dark. Needless to say, we ended up calling a tow truck who jumped me for the price of an ounce of gold and then driving around for 20 minutes looking for a parking spot and finding one 10 blocks away. This might not be your situation…but when you face the unexpected…
Be Prepared!
Know what’s in your tool kit and how to use it. Practice with your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, sister…till you are confident and can use the tool on your own. When I get home I’m going to learn how to use those jumper cables with my husband.
Have a Back-Up Plan!
I do have a back-up plan but didn’t utilize it. A year ago I found a parking garage 6 blocks away which I will now remember to use in the future. Whatever you are facing by planning ahead and having a couple life-lines in place you’ll save yourself undue stress. Someone to call, a place to go, if your insurance company calls a tow truck for you or you’re suppose to find a service, you can never be too prepared.
Consider Safety Always!
Be observant of your surroundings. Who is in front of you, behind you, and where you are. Don’t get caught off guard. Lock-up, let someone know where you are, keep an eye on the activity around you and not get distracted by looking at your phone.
Life is an adventure! Keep living life to the fullest! Yes, there will be easy times, hard times, sad times, and exciting times. No promises or guarantees of a carefree life…just how YOU decide to respond.
To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8