I think it's time

Yesterday, just as usual, I warmed up my car, getting ready to drive to work. I pulled my car out from the parking stall, not even midway, it shaked for 0.1 second and the engine stopped. It's funny that I wasn't even nervous at that moment, because I am so experienced with this problematic car that I found this symptom familiar. It was just like that 6 months ago, but at that time, the car actually shakes for 3 months before it dies. This time, it didn't even give me a chance. So I gave it another try, it backed up for two feet and died again. Okay, now it's getting serious, my car would probably died 50 times before I get to work. So I know I have to go to the mechanic shop. I was thinking of towing my car, then I remember AAA sucks because last time it happened, that guy didn't even tow my car. He said my car needs a flatbed to tow. I ended up driving it myself to the shop with him following me, so useless. So I have to drive it myself with my own way.

I already know my car's biggest enemies: stop sign and red light. I first drived my car around the block to make sure it's not completely dying, then I started my way to the shop. My little trick is whenever I see red light with line of cars, I put my car in park mode and stepped on the gas pedal. I feel like I am in the movie "speed" where I can't do a certain thing with my car. For me, I can't step the brake to a complete stop.

I finally get to the shop safely, but they couldn't find the problem. I kept telling them the car shakes and the engine stops, but somehow it didn't do that anymore. They told me to leave the car here, so that they can check it again next morning when the engine is cold. I didn't have a choice, so I took the bus to work.

People start to think I am pathetic. Nobody takes the bus in LA! Only people that can't afford a car will take the bus. To me, all I care is it brings me to where I want to go, so whenever my car has problems, I'll take the bus to work. I have to admit that the bus ride is not the same as Hong Kong where you will find a lot of white collar workers. In the bus in LA, I find a lot of seniors, construction workers (the ones with dirty looking clothes), disabled people and sometimes smelly people. On the other hand, I also find pleasant moments where the bus riders actually greet each other and chat as if they see each other everyday. The buses start to have TV with cooking, news and weather programs for riders to watch during the ride. At one time I was convinced that I can actually live without a car.

The reality is I can't be that cheap anymore. I have been independent, make a living with my own job and have made some earnings. I shouldn't torture my life by living in the edge of my comfort zone. My car is already 14 years old and I have been with it for 7 years. Although I still think it's a nice car with black leather and stuff, it's about time to say good-bye and buy a new car.