Day 211: Ahhhhh Texting (sigh)

It was a little rough getting into work today.

I ditched the idea of straightening the hair, and just got down to the business of getting ready... no fancy stuff, just get 'er done.

After staying up a little too late last night, because of a little over-indulging with the wine, I was struggling to get ready, and today I had to be out the door super early to drop off the car at the shop.

Of course I was late getting the car to the shop, because Monday wouldn't be Monday without a trip to Starbucks.

Throughout the day I waited for 'the call' from the shop. I was hoping to get 'him' (the car) back before lunch. I don't like to be without 2 things... my car and a tv.

There's something about not having them that makes me very anxious. I think it must be the lack of control with the car, and I can't venture a guess to the tv.

Then it happened, the phone lit up and I recognized the number as the shop so I picked it up hoping for the best.

When I answered it wasn't exactly the news I was hoping for, instead of saying 'your car is ready!' there was a list of other things wrong that needed to be fixed... just a few non-neccessities like the brakes! Bottom line, my bill more than doubled.

With an 11 year old car my thoughts immediately swing to, why do I keep this car? Oh yes, because I love it... that's right. When the massive repair bills come I'm not convinced I love it. At this stage of our relationship, it's certainly not an unconditional love I suppose.

The bright spot in the day was some texting with the wine guy. We had a pretty good back and forth going... the banter was light hearted and filled with some laughter... on my part at least.

And it ended pretty well, he invited me to a wine dinner tomorrow night. Wine and good food are hard to pass up, so I quickly rearranged a last minute happy hour I had planned

Our texting happens through twitter, which is a bit unconventional. In the past I've had a hard time getting used to the idea of being asked out via text, but for some reason while this is exactly the same in theory it doesn't seem like it.

Maybe because that's how we met? I'm not sure but when I think about it, it's kind of strange to not have someone's phone number. Welcome to dating in 2010.

At least I was eased into it, I can't imagine having to enter this crazy world after being married for years and years.

Who am I kidding? I had a 26 year old ask me out via text not too long ago. I wasn't eased into this, I'm just used to it now. I guess it's a sign of the times, and I'm ok with it... at least for now.

Quitting time rolled around and I started to think about how to get my car from the shop. Sunshine wasn't leaving for a while so I decided to call and see what time they closed.

The guy on the other end said '5 minutes'. CRAP! Ok... THINK!!! Who can you get to take you? They offer rides but at 5 minutes before quitting time I was pretty sure that wasn't going to happen.

The Coffee Fairy was leaving in 5 minutes, I could check with her. I ran to her desk and she was standing up getting ready to take off for the day.

Out of breath I asked if she could give me a ride, even though I knew she was heading the other direction. She said 'absolutely! can you leave now or do you need to wait?'

She is so sweet to be willing to wait for me even after her quitting time.

I responded with 'no I'm ready, let me just run back and get my purse,' which I did and quickly met her at the front door.

I am so thankful she was willing to take me, I absolutely hate the idle chit chat you have to come up with a complete stranger in a car driving you to the repair shop.

It should be outlawed. I suppose I could just sit there in silence, but that could be worse. The awkwardness waiting for the other person to speak, wondering what they're thinking.

It's just a bad situation all around, and I"m happy I don't have to sit through it.... today at least.

Texting seems to be a much better way to approach what could be an awkward situation, maybe repair shops can work that in somehow to avoid the random chatter?

I guess that wouldn't work with all the driving going on, but it would make for a more pleasant experience for the customer and isn't that what's really important anyway? Ha ha

Ok so maybe not... another genius idea foiled by practicality.