On Friday, of last week, my car died and I had to be towed to the local garage. The cost estimate for the work grew from £350.00 to £750.00, then £1000.00 until I received the final bill today of £1400.00. As the mechanic and I stood waiting for my card payment to be processed there was an awkward moment. Rather then let this awkward moment pass the mechanic made the brave decision to explain why the job had cost so much,
"It's the worst part that could have gone wrong. It's an expensive part and very difficult to get at."
If I'm honest I would have preferred the truth, something more along the lines of,
"Despite your best efforts, it was clear, to us all, that your knowledge of the inner workings of an engine were non-existant. When we explained the clutch had melted the blank expression on your face told a story. We could, just as easily, have informed you that the gazelle powering the engine had broken free from it's leash, made a break for freedom and we needed to import a new one from Africa. Thus, you have had to pay, what we in the trade call, the mugs premium."
At least that way I could have respected his honesty and perceptive nature. But, I never complained. I paid the money and walked off towards my car muttering expletives under my breath. However, when I turned the key in the ignition something magical happened. The CD, that I had put in the stereo, just before the car had died, started to play and my mood lifted instantly.
I love music it has been with through the rough and the smooth, it helps me when I'm low and makes me buzz when I'm high. Without music I wouldn't be the man I am today.
Oh, and the song that touched me today was this:
The Divine Comedy - Woman of the World
Engines are the one thing I regret not learning when I was younger. My problem back then was that I didn't give a shit as there were far more interesting things like girls and beer. Now I'm paying the price (literally) for being clueless and at the mercy of the mechanic.
ReplyDeleteKevin - It sounds like you and I both are paying the price for having the wrong interests whilst younger!
ReplyDeleteYou mean it's NOT a gazelle in there? Crikey! Coulda fooled me.
ReplyDeleteThat is great! But it sounds like you know as much about cars as I do. They wouldn't have gotten me with the gazelle, though. Mutant hamster, maybe. But not the gazelle. I'm no fool!
ReplyDeleteLove this post; welcome to a woman's world is all I can say! I daren't take my car to a garage to have work done on it because as soon as they seen a woman walk into the shop they rub their greasy little hands together!
ReplyDeleteCJ xx
Shammickite - No, apparently, not. I think it must be a rabbit or, perhaps, a hare!
ReplyDeleteQue - Luckily the mutant hamster was still safely harnessed in his ball. Apparently, if he had got away the bill would have much higher.
CJ - Thank you for visiting my blog. I have often wondered over to yours. Maybe now I will have the confidence to post a comment! I can assure it isn't just women that happens too.