neon epiphany

A word to the wise: never declare out loud that a day looks like it might be good, because you could end up like me, with a cut finger, flat tire and a giant death-cloud of anger floating over my head.

My right rear tire blew out as I was driving home, right in the middle of highway 520, and I was forced to pull into the little triangle at the I-405 interchange to replace it. Now, I know how to change a tire (which has saved my behind on a couple occasions), but I don’t think I’ll ever get used to doing so on the shoulder of a freeway at night. Every single car and truck flashing by at 70 mph threatens to move the car a couple inches, which is a harrowing feeling when you’re trying to jack up the vehicle. I spent a couple tearful minutes on the phone venting to friends before I got up the gumption to go outside and start fixing. To make matters worse, it took me ages to find the stupid security lock so I could remove the fourth nut on the tire.

Things turned out okay in the end, which ended up being a half hour later. I didn’t even realize I’d sliced my finger open in the process until I got home and washed the grime off of my hands.

Anyways, home now. Still upset, though just getting inside has done a lot to cool me off.

Agh, I have to buy new tires tomorrow, damn it.