10.22.2011

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

This morning Chris left early to go to his second day of training for his new job. He was headed downtown for the day, and I was planning on sleeping in and getting a bunch of stuff done. I had today off, which is a really rare occurrence, and I really wanted to take advantage of it. I heard Chris leave and fell back asleep.

It felt like a second later that I heard my phone ring. Chris was calling me, pretty freaked out, because his car broke down on the highway. Yep, the car he's had just a few months that replaced the one that drunk guy ruined... I told him no big deal, he wasn't too far from our house so I'd head out and pick him up. He was able to get his car dropped off at a dealership, and I met him there. We made really amazing time getting into the city, it looked like he might only be ten or fifteen minutes late to his training. We exited off I-90 onto Ohio, and the hotel we needed was just a few blocks away.

I don't often venture into downtown Chicago, I usually make the trek to my sister's house in the Ukrainian Village and we stick to her neighborhood. I get stressed driving in the city anyway, but downtown is just so much busier and more crowded that I usually steer clear. So little did I know that Ohio was completely ripped to shreds. There was one little sign that noted the terrible condition of the road, but for a good six or so blocks there was no indication that the roads were pretty much undriveable. Except, of course, for the manhole covers that were poking up out of the road. They were impossible to swerve around because they were everywhere. I tried to get into the left lane because it was the only one that was paved, but no one would let me in. I was getting ready to merge left to make my turn when BOOM! I hit something. I hit a really high manhole. I drive a VW Bug, it sits about four inches off the ground. This was loud, and I knew it was bad. I made it about forty feet before my oil warning light came on and started beeping. I was so close to the hotel we needed, I just had to get through one intersection and make it to the parking garage.

I pulled into the first spot I saw, got out and looked at the thick trail of oil leading up to my car, and bent down to see the giant puddle that had formed under my car in the seven seconds since we'd parked. I instantly started crying, because that's what I do. Chris went in to tell his boss everything that had happened, and came back to help me figure it out.

We called a tow truck and got it taken into a repair shop a few blocks away. My sister picked me up so Chris could go to his training, and we waited for the call. And then it came: $600. It was gonna take $600 for two hours of labor and a replacement oil pan.

I was just thinking to myself last night that we went through a rough patch a few months back, but that things seemed to be back on track. I guess I got too cocky and the universe needed to put me in check, so it tossed two broken cars into my lap. Chris's car is over double what my repairs cost. We just aren't prepared for something like this, not all in one day. On a day that I was gonna get stuff done, feel accomplished. Nope, that wasn't gonna happen.

So, as you can imagine, this has been an extremely frustrating (and tear-filled) day. We're trying to come up with a game plan for handling these repairs, and part of what I came up with is my Etsy shop. I don't want to beg, and I'm not asking for charity, but if you're interested please take a look at my store and see if you find something you like, and know that it'd really help a girl out. I've listed a few new headbands (including a new color, Georgia Peach!), and I finally got some scarves up! So check it out and feel free to message me with any questions!
susannahbean handmade
Thanks for listening, and to everyone who kept up with me on Twitter this morning, you were so helpful and kind. Thank you.
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14 comments:

  1. Geez, what an AWFUL day! I am so sorry that all happened to you. As if one broken car weren't enough...

    New reader here, and I'm off to check out your Etsy shop. :)

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  2. I am so so sorry. :( I've had a day or a handful like this - they suck, truly suck. I am just glad y'all are safe!!! Thank god nothing horrible happened, right? Right!

    I hope you get loads and loads of Etsy buyers. (I would help myself if I had more than $6 /blush)

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  3. I am so sorry. Just last week I went through some crazy expensive car repair $550, ugh and on top of that it was time to renew my registration and pay the car insurance, ughz it was no fun. But after a couple days of being super frustrated, I told myself it was time to snap out of it because there wasn't anything I could do, and hopefully I won't have another expensive couple of days for a loooooong time!

    Hope things start looking up for you very soon!

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  4. That is horrible what happened! I had an experience similar but I got lucky. I never received a notice on my inspection being due. It was a month over but as long as I just got it inspected and didn't get pulled over I was okay. So I went to a place after school and they said they couldn't pass me because my front tire rods were bad and it'd cost $800-$1000 to get it fix! I just paid off a loan so I just had $1000 and had not even started paying rent or bills yet. Luckily my boyfriend's Dad is a mechanic and had a tool that fixed it without taking all the other stuff out. So instead of $800 I spent about $200 but I was so scared when they told me that because that would have wiped out my bank account! I hope good things go your way and I'll make sure to make a purchase soon :)

    xo Amber P.

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  5. Ugh, horrible day indeed :( so sorry to hear about the car troubles. I am a stress cryer too, I know that pain. As soon as something goes wrong, I need to cry it out before I can stop and actually be functional. Good luck love, I hope you are able to get it all sorted out soon.

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  6. what a sucky day!im so sorry! money troubles are very upsetting and i can sympathize! Ive had tons of Dr bills and things in my house breaking-so know you're not alone, but I know things are going to get better for you soon. Hugs.

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  7. Ohhhhhh no :( That is so horrible, lady. Fingers crossed that things are looking up today and some money comes your way!! xo

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  8. Aww I'm so sorry to hear you had such a bad day. Car problems are such a pain and so costly. I usually cry when I feel super stressed too. I hope things improve and when I have money I would totally want to buy one of the cute headbands you are selling.

    <3

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  9. I read this on your twitter and it's just horrible that both of you had such bad luck. I'm sorry, I went through my share of car troubles this week (and really the past year) enough to get rid of it and start looking for a new one. Car troubles are the worst because we depend so much on our cars :( Sending some positivity your way and hopefully things will work out! The bow scarves are adooorable

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  10. Aww, I'm so sorry! I hope your luck turns around soon, Susannah!

    PS, I can't afford one right now, but those scarves are *gorgeous*!!!

    <3

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  11. OMG! I'm so sorry. Car problems are the worst! Doesn't it seem like when it rains, it pours?

    I hope everything works out for the best!

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  12. Cars are the worst at slapping you in the face without warning but to have two gang up on you in one morning is just plan rude! I'm sorry for your horrible day. I know I rarely comment but I'm sending hugs, cheer, prayers and a lot of possitive mojo your way. With my car I've learned that somehow things work themselves out, ususally without selling a kidney (my first irrational go to plan). Good luck!!

    P.S. Your bow scarves are the cutest things ever! If I weren't on a spending ban & lived somewhere it got cold I'd own one in every color!

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  13. I am so sorry, my boyfriend's car broke down the other day. This is like the 3rd time, we just need to buy a new car. It seems like this kind of thing always happens at the worst time.
    Hope it all works out for you!
    Xo Chloe.

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  14. I'm so sorry about your car, that's the biggest bummer :(

    I have a question for you...I think last year you sold knit berets, right? are you planning on making any more? I'm looking for a mustard yellow one and I swear I saw one in your shop at some point. I'd rather buy from you if you have any plans to start selling them again:)

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Hey there! Thanks so much for your comment! I read every one I get, and I try to reply as much as I can. You can also email me if you want! susannahbean AT gmail DOT com.

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