God is Mormon

Back in June, a group of friends and I spent a few days exchanging emails and texts trying to coordinate dates, times and logistics so we could all go together to see the Book of Mormon when it came to Hollywood in the fall.   I have been looking forward to seeing this show since then.  Avenue Q was one of my favorite Broadway shows and I had heard equally great reviews about the Book of Mormon. We had tickets for the 6:30 show last night and planned to meet up with friends at a restaurant near the theater at 4:30.  My mom arrived to watch the kids at 3 and PJO and I set out shortly after 3:30.

 

We started talking about how we regretted buying my car (an American car) because we've had so many problems with it (mostly minor, all covered by warranty, but still annoying) and how we should have bought a foreign car because his Volkswagen hasn't had any problems in 4 years.  (NOTE TO SELF: don't ever tempt fate like that again).  Approximately 3 minutes later (when we were a grand total of 15 miles from home and still 30 miles from our destination), the check engine light flashed on and he felt like the engine was jerking.  We started pulling off the freeway and by the time we were on the off-ramp, the car was noticeably shaking and I could smell something burning.  By the time we were able to park in a shopping center parking lot, I saw thick, gray smoke coming out of the exhaust.

 

Fuck.  All I could think about was how I would be so bummed to miss this show (and forfeit our pricey tickets).  After unsuccessfully attempting to troubleshoot based on the owner's manual, we called Geico (which has roadside assistance).  We figured out where the nearest dealership was and arranged for the tow truck to take it there.  We found the only rental car company open on a Sunday evening and we were lucky enough to have a good friend come pick us up and take us there.  The first thing PJO said when our friend answered the phone was "I'm pretty sure God is Mormon.  Listen to this..." 

 

We missed dinner but managed to make it to the show only 10 minutes late and the theater still sat us right away (I guess they're used to rude Los Angelenos being late to everything).  The show was hilarious and the actors fabulous.  I think the songs were slightly less memorable than those from Avenue Q, but catchy nonetheless.

 

PJO talked to the dealership this morning and they said that now, his car wouldn't even start.  We still don't know what the problem is.  I'm guessing it's a classic case of shitisgoingtocostawholelotofmoneyandtakeaweektofix.  He also needs new tires.  I think I only want to lease cars in the future.

 

I'm really glad this happened when our kids weren't in the car and that it didn't blow up or stall out in the middle of the 12 lane freeway.  I'm also glad it didn't happen when I drive it to Arizona in two weeks for a friend's baby shower.  But I'm still a little peeved that it happened.  Not the best start to PJO's birthday week.