November 2007 Archives

Yesterday, we were going to go to Homestead Gardens because they have an unbelievable Xmas light display and train set.  I had to convince Jean going to the mall on Black Friday wasn't a good idea.  About 4PM, after Jean got up from her nap and had something to eat - I went out to pull the car out of the garage.  The battery was dead.  I mean D-E-A-D dead.

The battery was showing signs that it was going bad.  With the help of a coworker, I had previously cleaned the terminal connectors, replaced the negative connector, and added water.  I knew there was no point in charging the battery - it was dead.  I went over to our neighbors who were gracious enough to loan us their vehicle so I could go get milk and stop by the auto parts place.  The battery wasn't in stock but they assured me (at 5PM) that it would be here first thing in the morning (8AM).  I placed the order and went home.

Since Jean is considered full term and could go into labor at any point, I decided to get a rental.  I called a local rental place and asked if they could come pick me up.  I was told due to Thanksgiving weekend, the rates were really high.  When I arrived at the shop the clerk indicated he had been on the phone trying to see what he could do for me to lower the rates and found a "shop rate" which is given to dealerships for customers who have their vehicle in the shop.  I took the car and headed home.

I got up about 8:30 this morning and called the auto parts place and sure enough the battery was there.  When I arrived I got a few additional items - terminal cleaner, spare connector, and a wrench set as I was doubtful my socket set would fit.  The clerk, without prompting, decided to see if he could get me a discount and sure enough I got a reduced rate on the battery.  When I got home I changed the batter (my first time) and thankfully the car fired up without a problem.

I took the old battery back to the auto parts place for disposal.  I realized as soon as I got there that I didn't have my credit card so I wouldn't be able to get the $10 return refund.  The clerk asked one of the gurus in the back and they some how figured out how to credit me without the card despite me telling them not to worry about it.  I then headed to the car rental place.

The same clerk who had got me the reduced rate told me that Budget charged $6.00 a gallon and I should probably go fill the car up before he put it into the computer.  I explained that I had only driven $25 miles and that it should only be a gallon and since I didn't have my card I had no way to pay for the gas.  After closing me out he told me that he had not charged me for the gas which I thought was nice but when I looked at the receipt and saw that he had only charged me for 1 day rental instead of two I thought it was really nice.

I had been informed the day before that due to being short staffed on the weekends, it was unlikely I would be able to get a return ride home.  I asked if they could call me a taxi because they were very busy and the clerk got one of the mechanics to give me a ride home instead.

Thank you.

There are so many things to be thankful for.  God has truly blessed me and while it is easy to take that for granted, I try to appreciate it every single day.  I have a wonderful job, caring friends, and loving family.  Thank you.