Gearing Up for Frustrating Moments

Have you ever had one of those frustrating moments when you can't move forward because of mechanical failures?

One such moment made me late for work today. My Monday started out fairly normal. Hubby Tom prepared a nice breakfast of eggs & turkey sausage. Even my hair obeyed my hands and allowed me to wrap it in a soft bun on the top of my head. I left the driveway in plenty of time to get to work with time to spare.

My favorite parking spot near my office was still available, so I backed my van into it.
I got out and started walking toward the front door, but remembered the weather report for today: 60% chance of rain. I spun around and headed back to the van to get my umbrella. Since it was in the back seat, I opened the driver's door and pushed the button that automatically opens the back slider. The door jiggled, stuck in the "between opened and closed" position, and the "door is ajar" alarm sounded with a constant Beep-Beep-Beep.  I tried locking and unlocking all the doors, pushing the button again that should open or close the door...several times.

Frustrated, I used my key to unlock the hatchback, inadvertently locking it so I had to unlock it again. Climbing into the hatchback, I bumped my head and messed up the bun I had so easily created before dressing at home. I grabbed the umbrella and climbed back out, hearing that constant, annoying Beep-Beep-Beep.
The sliding door remained in the half and half position, so I thought, "Maybe if I start the engine, the door will let me open and close it again." I told myself this was a stupid idea, but threw my purse, lunch bag, tote bag and umbrella into the passenger seat and climbed into the driver's seat anyway. Putting the key into the ignition, I turned it to crank the engine.
Nothing.
I tried it again.
Still nothing.
Uh-oh. That sinking feeling in my stomach. The engine light had come on during the drive to work. Did I kill my Honda Van?

I blew a frustrated sigh and looked down at the dashboard. That's when I noticed the car was still in Reverse. The back doors won't open if the car is in gear. It's a safety issue.
I moved the gear shift up to Park, and the Beep-Beep-Beep stopped. The button that opened and closed the door worked, leaving the vehicle securely locked.

Today's life lesson, which I hope I learned: Before engaging in the day, make sure you are in the right gear. And heed the still, small voice that makes a seemingly irrational suggestion. There's always a solution hidden in there.