A normal crisis...

Have you ever noticed that when you are impoverished, every little molehill turns into a mountain?? Murphy's Law fiercely rings true, and some seemingly normal mishap, such as locking your keys in your car, becomes a wire-hanger-bending, arm-contorting, car-finish-ruining, cursing-and-yelling disaster. Why? Because when you are skint, you cannot afford the luxury of a locksmith. And it's also likely, you do not even have auto insurance in the first place, or if you do, it's definitely of the frivolous-no-roadside-assistance nature. So, since my husband has secured a regular job, I am very pleased to report I experienced the joys of a normal crisis. 

My little daughter Stella and I were driving to a Matilda Jane trunk show last week, more for fun than for spending money, but nevertheless, the drive was to Mesa. From where I live in the West Valley of Phoenix, this is about an hour's drive one way. 95% of this drive is on the highway with speeds between 65-75 mph. We do not have a spare tire. I was in heels and a skirt. Getting the picture here? We had a little fun at the trunk show, hopped in our beat down minivan to drive back to Phoenix, and as we sped off, I heard this awful clunking sound. When you drive cars as ragged as ours, chances are, you know the sound of a horribly blown tire all too well. I did not have a cell phone on me, why you ask... well silly, we can't afford them anymore, so service was shut off a few months back. I spotted a Shell Gas Station up ahead, and drove ever so slowly to the air pump, to survey the damage. I ran around to the rear tire, and that familiar panic started to well up inside of me, upon seeing a gaping hole blown in the tire, and realizing that this was a complicated situation. The Shell attendant, a very happy and jolly guy, ran out to give me assistance (note to self, if you don't have a spare tire or cell phone, DO wear a short dress with heels). He filled the tire up, taped the hole with duct tape, and sent me up the road to a Discount Tire store. As I carefully yet efficiently drove to the tire place, the panic that had set in began to fade, when I realized several key factors...

1. I just blew a tire practically IN FRONT of a Discount Tire Store.

2. There was a Mc Donalds with wi-fi across the street, and my daughter was ravaged and starving.

3. I HAD REAL ACTUAL MONEY BOTH IN MY PURSE AND IN OUR BANK ACCOUNT.

4. The tire could have blown on the highway, not on a low-traffic surface street with a 35mph speed limit.

Oh my gosh, this is how normal people have a crisis!!!! This thought thrilled me down to my very core. Normal people can AFFORD to pay for a new tire!! I waltzed into that tire store, bought a new tire, walked across the street with Stella, and enjoyed a Big Mac, and she a Happy Meal, while we waited about 45 minutes for our new tire, and drove off into the sunset, happy as a clam!! I can only dream of the day when I have a flat with a spare tire, a cell phone, and roadside assistance... and yes my friends, that day will come!!