Yesterday my friend Sam called and asked me to bring my jumper cables... She needed her car jumped and apparently I'm gaining a reputation in that expertise. That is at least the fourth car I have jump started in the past 6 months. Is it just me, or is that an insane number of people who need jumper cables?
Then this morning, as I was driving out to school, the car next to me is making this terrible roaring noise. Sounded like a plane taking off. It was so loud, I actually sped up to get past them for fear of aerial artillery possibly projectile firing and exploding my jeep. Unfortunately, as I sped up to avoid the car next to me, I realized the incredible noise was actually coming from MY car. The muffler seemed to have either fallen off or was in the process of completing its short fall to the crusty earth and I could not have been more displeased. It was 7 o'clock in the morning. Who would pick me up, give me a ride, or help me figure this out? Ridiculous.
It reminded me of a chapter in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. Car salesmen were exploiting the migration of those suffering from the Dust Bowl and looking to move West. They sold junky cars for 3 or 4 times what they were worth, knowing they'd break down in 100 miles or less. I feel like I've got a jalopy. Apparently mufflers and tailpipes cost $290.... On the upside, the people at Monroe Muffler, Brake, and services are incredibly kind.
