Flat Tire

I'm not sure how you like to wake up, but waking up to a flat tire is not my ideal morning. It was already a rough start, having slept in and skipped my 18 mile run. I woke up early several times, but couldn't convince myself I wanted to run 18 miles. Around 9, after my friend called to see if I did in fact get up to run, I decided at that point I would try to get some miles in. I do live in Georgia now and 9am isn't as humid in Florida.

Heading out of the house, Dexter REALLY needed to go out. He saw the sun shining so he wanted to plant himself in the grass. Not being in a total hurry, I let him out, got the Sunday paper and the mail from yesterday. On my way back down the driveway I see something that doesn't look right on my car...a pratically flat tire. Trying to remain calm which you'll later find out I wasn't too successful at I do what any single, lady who has not a clue how to change a tire and really no desire to learn at this point - call her dad. Again, trying to remain calm on the phone, with all 30 things I wanted to do today running through my head, I told him the situation. He gave me a few options, of course none of which I really wanted to hear but instead just be frustrated with someone. Taking the option that got me back up and running the quickest I head to get a new tire.

On my way to the Walmart Tire Center, still frustrated about the situation, on the phone with my dad still, I see a Firestone Tires on my way. I stop there, they look open and not too busy for a Sunday morning. The unfortunate man who was working got to hear probably more than he bargained for with my tired being popped. As I got out of the car, I noticed a really BIG screw in the tire. Now it doesn't take Sherlock to figure out that was the cause. I must have driven over it last night coming home from work. So I tell the Firestone man my story. He says they may be able to patch it but won't know until they get it up on the ramp. I timidly ask how much it might cost and approximately how long it will take. If it's just a patch, no more than $20 to fix but it will probably be about 90 minutes before they'll know (still trying to stay calm at this point). I shouldn't drive on the tire and don't have anyone to pick me up so I wasn't really left with many options. I told him to go ahead with it and to just call me when it's done. I was going for a run from the Firestone. I NEEDED to run and keep busy!

On my run, I tried to recollect myself, which consists of running faster than my pace, while listening to really loud music. Did I mention I usually call everyone I know when something doesn't go right? Yeah, so brother got a call, as did a few other friends. Not sure what I expected them to do, but whatever it's how I deal. I figured I'd give them about a hour to work on stuff and then I'd head back and sit - thinking that if I'm sitting there they might work me in a little faster.

As I am heading back to Firestone, my phone rings, "Hi Mrs. Petterson, I just wanted to let you know your car is ready." (53 minutes later) "I'm about 2 minutes away - perfect timing!" I walk in having already dealt with having to buy a new tire with my emergency fund money on my run, I ask how much is the damage. "It's free", "Excuse me, are you serious." "Yes, maam it looks like you'll need to start thinking about getting some tires, but the service today is free!" "You rock, thanks for fixing my tire!"

Really, I guess someone is listening and watching down on me in these times when everything seems to just not be going right. It was definitely a blessing to be able to get in and out of Firestone without having to pay anything!