Monday Morning Grievance: Long Way ‘Round

🎶     I’ve got my ticket for the long way ’round
The one with the prettiest view     🎶

Unless, of course, there’s construction.

It’s Monday morning and I haven’t had my coffee.

I’ve also been forced to go around my finger to get to my thumb.

I suppose that’s what happens when the powers-that-be decide to start months of intensive bridge work just as beach season starts.

Oh, and the bridge? Yeah, it’s the twin-span six-lane providing an essential link not just in town but also on a semi-important state highway.

Now, when would be the perfect time to change traffic patterns in an already-congested construction zone?

I’m thinking a sunny Sunday afternoon after almost two weeks of rain wasn’t it.

Construction + Minor Accidents + Emergency Vehicles = Miles-Long Backups

It took me forty minutes to travel a route that normally takes me ten.

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Then there was the incident of my own doing.

I needed to return some books to the library so I wouldn’t incur a fine.

When I got in the car, the gas light dinged at me. One thing I’ve learned: in my car, do not ignore the gas light.

So I drove to the nearest gas station, only to find I’d left my debit card – yes, the debit card I just replaced last week – on my desk where I’d been updating my online payment details to reflect the new card.

Meaning, I had to drive back home, get the card, and drive back to the gas station hoping and praying I wouldn’t run out of gas. I’m pretty sure I was running on fumes when I pulled up to the pump.

All that before I even made it to the library to return my book. So, once again, what should have taken maybe 15 minutes ended up taking about an hour.

Good thing I didn’t have to be anywhere.

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