August 2009
29 posts
Listen
Operator, this is an emergency.
Fucked up story of the day: As told by OSAKA.
I’m glad that shit didn’t fall apart en route. Could have been a bummer.
So, I take my newly received vehicle that my dear uncle gave to me to get looked at for some problems with the brakes. As some of you may have noticed, driving in my car has been a bit exciting. Every stop felt like the car had just come out of hyperspace, that or something similar to powering down a submarine. Anyways, this fully safe and operational vehicle had been previously inspected and maintained at the request of my uncle via my aunt who took it in prior to his leaving us. Reports come back, a few hose replacements, oil change, nothing too crazy. I proceed to drive it back and forth between San Diego and Los Angeles thinking that the sounds coming from the engine were just standard old car sounds. The car has seen some days, and I didn’t expect it to be perfect. It’s monstrous drive and adventurous character were charming. It’s desire to keep running well past 170K is a true testament to the man who used to drive it. Always pushing on and moving forward.
You can imagine my surprise when I get the repot back this morning stating that the brake pads were completely gone, which explains the metallic growls. Furthermore, the brake itself had fused to the wheel and with the intense heat of friction, had severed off 3 of 5 lug nuts from the front left wheel, leaving two lugs keeping my wheel on and protecting me from a thankfully undetermined fate. Upon removal, one of the two just fell right off. Not the kind of news I was hoping to receive, especially after such a nice stroll through the garden this morning. I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to have made the trip down here at all last night.
Now as I sit here over looking the beautiful fruit trees and flowers that surround my grandparents backyard, my mind keeps racing as I figure out what I can do about all of this. The car is going back to rest tomorrow. I can’t help but laugh at the fact that both the car and I are clueless as to what lies ahead. Will we make that next jump? Will we be stranded? Will the mechanics go on strike? Will the Russians finally catch us and fire torpedoes?
What I do know and can be sure of, is that even if I get thrown a few curveballs, get sidelined or parked on the curb for awhile, I need to keep my head on straight, keep pushing on and move forward.
End transmission.
