Murphy's Law

Yesterday was one of those days where almost everything seemed to go wrong. It made me remember my friend's blog about being selfish as I had my own moment of selfishness.

In the state of North Carolina, you must have your car inspected for safety before you can have it registered. This inspection basically states that your lights work, brake lights work, horn works, etc. Mine was due in August as was my registration. Due to my preoccupation with graduating with my Master's degree and planning my travel itineraries to Colorado and Michigan, it completely slipped my mind. By the time I got back from my travels, it was long overdue. This forced me to drive the speed limit when running my errands in an effort to not get stopped. Even if I did, I knew that I'd just have to go down to the courthouse with proof that I rectified the situation and they'd dismiss it.

So the Friday after I returned (September 2nd), I headed off into the world to get my car inspected. On my way there, I realized that I still haven't fixed my driver's side brake light from I got rear ended by a dump truck in April. Yes, I said April. I hadn't really felt the push to fix it because it still worked. The bulbs lit up but the assembly was cracked, which will not pass inspection. Oy vey. I'd tried to fix it once but they kept sending me an assembly that was way too small for my car. So I headed to the auto parts closest to my house instead to order the part. For some reason, they couldn't find it in their system to order so they sent me to another auto parts store. 2nd auto parts store came up with the same issue and sent me to one that "definitely had it in stock right now." They couldn't find it either... I drove home defeated. After searching for the part online, I discovered the reason why I was continually sent the wrong part. Apparently my car's model year is technically considered a sedan even though it's a 2-door convertible. So they kept sending me a part for the coupe.

I had to resort to calling the dreaded dealership. They used my VIN to order the part and quoted me $222! But no one else had the part. So I picked up the part and it was the correct one, however the lights didn't work. What's more, I couldn't get the assembly out of the socket either. Long story short (and after much frustration), I had to use a hammer to pound it out and then leave room for the connection to fully connect before tightening everything back up. Lights finally worked! I tore off to get it inspected. And at least that went off without a hitch. Now on to get it registered.

I pull up to the DMV and get in line. There are 2 attendants for the "renew" line and both are occupied. There is only 1 other girl in front of me. This is good. This is very good! As I stand there, I notice the signs that say: "NO CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED." I turn to the gal in front of me and ask: "How much is a renewal?" She says: "$33" Me: "And I just noticed they don't take credit cards..." Gal: "I know. This is my 2nd time coming here because the ATM in the corner isn't working." I sigh and head out the door. I needed to go to my bank anyways to deposit a check. I almost get out $40 but instead I decide to get out $60 as you never know when you're going to need cash these days. I drive back to the DMV and the line is still pretty short. Yes! When it's my turn, the lady pulls up my license plate and says: "Ugh...the government system isn't registering that you got your inspection done so now I have to call. I've had to do this once already today..." I sympathize with her, thinking that she will be in a better mood if I do. She calls to get my hold cleared and says: "That'll be $63." Argh! I forgot there's an extra fee for a vanity plate! I say: "I only have $60. Can I give you $60 now, you print out my registration and when I get back I can give you the $3 and you give me the registration?" This is a no go... She points me to the Trader Joe's across the shopping center and says I can buy something and get cash back. As I turn around to leave, I notice that the line is now out the door.

I go to Trader Joe's and buy popping corn to get $10 cash back. I then return to the DMV for the THIRD time and get into the line that is now even longer. I'm moaning and grumbling to myself that now I have to wait in this huge line all because I was $3 short and wondering why I didn't just beg $1 off of 3 different people when I admonish myself. I start to realize that most of these people are probably on their lunch hour from work and could be in danger of getting back from lunch late therefore risking trouble at work. Whereas I, who am currently unemployed, have no where else to be the rest of the day (other than decluttering my home and purging unwanted items). I selfishly just didn't want to wait in a line. This thought makes me calm down and tolerate the wait.

After making my car legal, I decide that my ordeal deserves a diet cherry limeade from Sonic. It's now 2PM and I haven't had anything to eat since 8AM. First, I completely forgot where the Sonic up this way was as I'm used to going to the other one across town so I end up driving about 5 miles out of my way for it. Then I pull up and push the button to order. The waiter on the other end is so loud that I can't hear what he's saying. Ever have that happen to you? It seems like an oxymoron but it's the truth. I give my order and he responds: "I'm sorry ma'am, we're not serving that anymore." Me: "Okay, I'm gonna need a minute then." I peruse the menu once more, make a decision and push the button. Silence. I wait a while and then push it again. Mr. Loudster comes on and says: "I'll be right with you ma'am." So I wait...and wait...and wait...and while I'm waiting I remember that a friend said he hates this particular Sonic because they never get his order right. I wait some more. Instead of pushing the button one more time, I decide to drive off. I'm starving and I don't really feel like waiting anymore as it seems that's all I've done all day. It's hard not to be selfish when your blood sugar has dropped. So I went home and enjoyed that popping corn I bought at Trader Joe's. Still wish I had a diet cherry limeade to go with it.