Until October is Over...

As you know, I love the fall - But, October has been strange.

OK, I know strange things have happened here before (like flying grilles – but I digress) …

However, I ran out of gas last week.  That is something that I have never experienced – Running out of gas…I am not talking about me physically running out of energy. I am talking about our “ride” -- The minivan literally ran out of gas last week. In fact, the van ran out of gas... TWO TIMES ...  And just days apart.

It is a terrible feeling – being in the car as you realize it is running out of gas.

The gas gauge has been "out of whack" and I  --amongst the madness of the Holloways insane schedule -- Somehow miscalculated my mileage... twice.

Weird.

I have a 2002 Chevrolet minivan.  “She” has been very good to me and my little family. She has fearlessly faced storms, gotten us to and from school, and back and forth from countless visits to friends and family near and far. She is slowly breaking down. We spend quite a bit these days to keep her running. But, we justify the expense by saying  that  fixing “Ol’ Betsy” is still better than having to buy a new car and start working new car payments into our cozy little budget.

Running out of gas is embarrassing.  Luckily I stopped in front of a shop on the infamous route 123 in which the kind owner of the business had some extra gas stored out back and filled up the van – Enough to get me to a gas station.

Humbly grateful was I.

This month is a good month for the weird and inexplicable I guess. Although I am most certainly not inviting such experiences into my world. They seem to be finding me.

Believe me, when I say we have enough excitement. Regardless of my wishes to tip-toe quietly unseen through the crazies of life --  I seem to be like a "bull in a china shop" these days.

For instance...

Walking out of our elementary school with my younglings last week to find two Norton police officers inspecting my vehicle was surprising and unexpected. Both officers had my car surrounded and blocked in.

As I approached my minivan, my kiddos fell silent. I felt overwhelmed by confusion and concer The officers took one look at us and slightly chuckled. I can imagine what we looked like, the group of five— All linked hand in hand in a straight line and looking upon the officers in silent wonder.

Apparently there was an accident on the corner near the elementary school in which a vehicle fitting the description of my beloved van actually left the scene.

Of course there was…  Why wouldn’t there have been??

The good news is, it was not me… (As I had actually saw the activity at the corner  as I pulled into the school... but paid little attention to it) --  Just a classic example of mistaken minivan identity.   I mean, this must happen all the time...

Right?

To be honest it has all been a bit anxiety producing for me.  I guess a little adrenalin is good for -- a peace filled mother of four. Keeping my senses sharp... Giving me that edge over the Lilliputians…??

Anyways, maybe the universe is trying to tell me something about the minivan. Maybe a new car won’t be so bad. Maybe owning your car and not having car payments is overrated.

I believe in signs… Signs that you are on the right or wrong path. Maybe these are signs…

Unfortunately, I do not have time to figure out what they truly mean.  I have to get the kids in an hour, get gas, mail the bills, pick up a gallon of milk, drop off the dry cleaning, finish the Halloween costume making,  drop off some candy for the Chartley parade, and sign the kiddos up for basketball – All while carefully driving the speed limit on route 123….

If you see me on the side of the road.. . Don’t stop... For your own sake— and my dignity. Send me some well wishes -- Or better yet --You can just email me some names of good car dealers.

Maybe I should just stay home…. At least until October is over……