insights into the world of caffeinated monkeys
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| javamonkey insights into the world of caffeinated monkeys |
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Thursday, July 24, 2008 Adventures In Wyoming Or why I love living in Wyoming. I was on my way to pick up Liz during lunch so we could pick up our Designing Dinners order (love them!). I had just backed out of my parking space when everything stopped in my car--the engine stopped, electrical system went out, odometer and clock blanked out, a/c stopped running. I tried to get the car started again, and it wouldn't start--no motor sounds, no lights, no battery life. I was blocking the cars on each side of me in their spaces, and both ladies had come out to their cars to leave. I explained to them both that the car wouldn't restart, and they helped me push the car back into the space. I managed to get the car started, only to find that the car wouldn't go--the check engine message said there's a fault with the brake system, and the car cut out completely again. The owners manual only said "stop driving and take car immediately to VW for service" because there was a likely problem with the differential and brake system and the brakes wouldn't work to stop the car. It makes sense--if the car knows you can't stop, it won't let you go. So, how do I get the car into VW to fix the issue? I am in Wyoming, and the nearest VW dealership is in Casper, 144 miles away. I had to have the car towed to Casper. Luckily, my insurance covers towing. And, according to Geico, they will "tow locally to the nearest dealership." When I called them to tow the car, I found out that a 144 mile tow to Casper does indeed count as a "local" tow. Only in Wyoming! But that tow alone was worth 6 months of insurance premiums, so yay for Geico. In the meantime, while I was calling the insurance company and VW dealership (to let them know why my car was arriving via tow truck), Liz made me lunch and brought it to me. My friend Janelle also tried calling me, and when she couldn't get through, she stopped by to check on me. She quickly found out the car horror story, and after the tow truck arrived, we went to get ice cream and her Jeep Commander so that I'd have a car to use without having to rent one. (Note: I live 4 blocks from work, and rarely drive unless I have an errand or am picking up groceries/dinner/heavy things. I could get along in Sheridan without a car--Liz does quite well without one.) When its time to pick up my car in Casper, we'll ride down together, get some lunch/dinner, and she'll follow me back in the Jeep. I'm amazed at the generosity and kindness of people here--if this had happened in MD, I doubt the folks blocked by my vehicle would help me push. I'm sure they would have some choice words for me before trying to back out of their space despite the blockage. I wouldn't have a 144 mile tow, but I'm sure I would have to pay for the towing service. And if I couldn't borrow a car from my parents, I'd have to rent a car for the commute to and from work. I think it'd be a more stressful situation there than here--I don't know what's wrong with my car right now, but I trust that VW will figure it out (and that it'll be ridiculously expensive). I'm also sure that picking up the car will turn into a fun little road trip, with Janelle and Liz and a nice lunch or dinner (sushi?) for all. For now, I know that Wyoming really is where I'm meant to be--even when things aren't going my way, I'm surrounded by folks who are willing to help in any way they can. This whole thing could be a nightmare; instead, it's a funny blog post. posted by jaime | 3:20 PM 3 comments |
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