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Vehicle Adventure


In March, while having lunch with a friend, a woman came to our table and announced she had backed into my vehicle. In her defense it was a tight parking lot, in my defense, my vehicle was the only one in the parking lot for her to maneuver around. She managed to get my back bumper; it was more like a scrape than anything, but it had to be fixed. That little repair process turned out to involve many appointments. First up was to make a claim. I was relieved I could have it done at my dealership; the adjustor actually did it while I got my oil changed. The next step was to return to the dealership to make sure they had all of the parts for the repairs. I decided to wait until September to get it fixed, I knew anything could happen over the summer, like hail, and why not wait. I guess I waited too long to make the appointment as they booked me in mid-October. I was told that it would take a week to a week and a half for the work to be done. That date had arrived and so the adventure began. 

I could drop my vehicle off at the dealership between 8:00-9:30. There was no better time than 8:00 in my world. I had a driver for my vehicle and so my first stop was to pick up a rented vehicle. At some point in my life, I signed up for the insurance, "unable to use". I was totally unaware I had that on my insurance, until I needed a vehicle when I had to get some hail damage repaired. I figure I am getting my money's worth as I am once again using it while the current repairs are being done. The only vehicle rental place available is "Enterprise". My dealership had booked a vehicle for me, and they were ready for me when I arrived for pick-up. This business is so efficient and friendly, they had me ready to go in a few minutes. When "H" explained to me the additional insurance coverage I could purchase, he said, "say if someone backs into you or something else happens", I replied, "like that would happen". Someone like me is probably safer playing Russian Roulette than not having additional insurance when driving a rented vehicle. 

My new vehicle is a fancy nearly new Tuscon. "H" walked me to my vehicle as he said he needed to explain the gearshift. The gearshift is an interesting gizmo. "H" had so much patience during his gearshift explanation. Even when I shut the vehicle off, he simply said, "Oh you just turned it off, that's ok, just start it again", "you need to put your foot on the brake, is your foot on the brake?". I am not sure if he thought I was ready, but he said I was, so off I go to my dealership on the hill. It is dark, foggy and busy in Brandon at 8:00 am. Perfect conditions for driving a new vehicle.

Things have changed in the six years since I had a new vehicle. I noticed how extremely sensitive the gas and brake pedals were. The sign on the side of the road said 70 kms, but my vehicle thought it said anywhere between 60-73kms. "H" hadn't explained the cruise control, so between the sensitive pedals and soaring up and down the speedometer, it was an interesting ride. I know the people behind me weren't using their cruise either, as they tried to figure out what speed I was going to go. Once I arrived at the dealership, I had to park my vehicle. For some reason I felt like I was driving a very large vehicle, like a semi. My first attempt ended me up in two, possible three parking spots. Getting parked in straight took some practice with the gizmo. For some reason, I shut it off again, I was unsure why I kept doing that, more practice, I guess. The key drop is done, and of course the women behind that desk fell victim to hearing my story up to that point in the morning. I love it when women get me and actually nod their head with understanding. I was leaving the dealership at 8:20 on a Wednesday morning. I was home by 8:40 and glad to be there. The Tucson never left the garage for the remainder of the day. 

I have come to realize I find tasks like getting my car repaired, annoying and inconvenient. I literally have to force myself to make appointments, because I don't want to do it. It seems that everything has to be done twice. Taking things back, or going back, is the way life is right now. I am also reminding myself, if I am a wee bit inconvenienced because of getting a vehicle repaired, I am very lucky. Some people have had their lives turned upside down and get up every day to face challenges. My vehicle adventure was a reminder to me that material things can be fixed, and how simple that makes life.   

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