Many moons ago, i was on the road with a band. One of our stops took us to Sedona, Arizona, the mecca for new age spiritualists. We heard stories of how “the vortex” changed people’s lives. We also heard accounts of people using crystals in the grocery store to determine which brand of green beans they should purchase. These people tended to find (or perhaps create?!) meaning in everything. Though I don’t agree with the tenants of their views (can I call it “faith”?), they were certainly committed to integrating their faith into their daily lives.
Interesting place…
A couple of weeks ago I woke up to find a landscaping brick thrown thru the drivers side window in my Exploder. I sat on it for a while, allowing one pretty heavy thunderstorm to gently wash out the interior and then subscribing to the “white trash” trash bag approach. Nice. As there is no air conditioning in the car, except that provided by Mother Nature (or whatever the new agers say these days), a missing window just allowed me to not go thru the hassle of opening it when I get in to drive.
During this time, the ignition got stuck. As in; put key in, key actually DOES go in, but the ignition doesn’t turn. At all. If these were the only issue with the vehicle, then no problem. However, the list is long. So, wait for some clear guidance. Perhaps I’ll actually win that free car with the key attached to the post card I receive in the mail. Right.
Call the mechanic. Not good news, except, his “solution” is to hit the end of the inserted key with a hammer or mallet. Why didn’t I think of that! My “normal” approach often includes kicking or hitting. And that actually solves the issue, one way or another! So, I hit the end of the key while cranking on the steering wheel and using all 3 hands (my knee acting like another hand in this scenario) to try to free the stuck ignition.
It worked.
So, finally, with the car now operable, I decided that the glass issue should be solved. $200 later. I had new glass.
DISCLAIMER: I actually love my Exploder. It’s been a huge blessing to me. Idiosyncrasies and all. I WANT it to work. It works the way I work. I have hangups too…
Two days later. I purchase some 10 foot 2X4’s for a project at home. I slide 2 in at an angle, resting on the dash. Cool. They fit and I can close the back window. (As if that’s really that important on a 98 degree day where I need the airflow anyway). 2 more to go. One at a time. The last one “gently” slides in toward the front glass… Can you see what’s next? Do you get the picture?
At least (for now) the spider web of a cracked front windshield is on the passenger side.
So, back to the opening story. Am I supposed to try to find meaning in this broken glass?
Or maybe I’m just that stupid.
Or, perhaps shit happens.
Of course, I’m an American Christian (aren’t they interchangeable?) and faith and life aren’t supposed to integrate. That’s left to the New Agers.
I just buy Del Monte and call it good.
