What Could Go Wrong?

What Could Go Wrong?

 

Mrs. Left me alone Saturday to spend a few days at Disneyworld with a friend.  Why didn’t I go with them?  I hate Disney World.  I know every spot the damn cannon balls fall in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride.  I took a pass.  It is not the only time Mrs. C has left me alone, what could go wrong?

The big issue of the trip was how to get these two to the airport, Newark Liberty, about 20 minutes away.   Should she drive and pay about $75 for long term parking, or trust me to drive her car from the airport, and later to the airport to pick them up.  It has to be her car; my Jeep is too small.  I have never driven her car, she won’t let me as she is afraid I will adjust the seat and mirrors and she won’t get them where she likes them.  What is that you say?  I KNOW RIGHT!

Anyway, it was decided I could be chauffer for two 20-minute trips.  What could go wrong?

The night before, we checked our EZPass statement as I had just seen an email that our balance was low.

I double checked the email and my LOW balance was actually in the red $15. 

“WHAT?”

We seldom use a toll road, plus we signed up with a credit card which is supposed to automatically keep a minimum $25 balance.  How did the balance get to the negative?

After much head scratching and internet probing we determined that.

1.    In November we had a balance of $9, and they sent an email warning the balance was low.

2.    On December 1 we were charged $25 for not keeping a balance above $15…who knew.

3.    We then realized that I had replaced the credit card as I thought it was lost, so the balance could not be automatically updated.  

Thanks for telling us that our card was declined!

We updated the account with the new card information, and moved funds to put us in a positive $25 balance.  I planned to call later and demand the @25 charge be removed.  All seemed OK, except we were advised to not use the pass for 48 hours…well that sucks.

The next day I checked the balance, and they received my deposit and they even removed the $25 charge.  We now had a $50 credit balance.

“Well that’s good, and I guess we can use the tag now as the money is in the account.” 

What could go wrong?

Mrs. C drove to the airport, grabbed her luggage, gave me a hug and told me to drive careful… “AND DON’T ADJUST ANYTHING!!”

As I drove off, the car started beeping at me.  “What the fudge?” The emergency brake was still on.  Mrs. C never uses the emergency brake.  Mrs. C makes fun of me because I always use the emergency brake.

“CRAP!” I pulled a lever to release the brake and the hood popped open.  “CRAP!”

I pulled over and could not find the release.  I called Mrs. C who is known for her inability to describe directions.

“Where is the brake release and why is it on, you never use it?”

“It is on the dash to the left, just push it.”

“I see nothing.”

“The red button says brake.”

“There is no button on the dash!”

“Just tap it with your foot.”

“What?  My foot? On the dash?”

“No, by the brake pedal.”

“OK, ok, I found it.  Holy Hell what were you talking about with a button on the dash?”

“Just drive safely!”

“I will.” 

What could go wrong?

On the way home, I drove on to the Turnpike through the EZPass lane and the sign flashed, “Call EZPass.” *

“CRAP”

When I got home I called EZPass customer service.  I explained what happened and used my old-man-card in saying I didn’t understand their 48 hour wait request.  I was told they may pick up the toll correctly, but I may receive a letter telling me I was being charged $53 for a violation.  Just call and explain and the charge will probably be forgiven.

I thanked her and hung up relieved.

What could go wrong?

*Mrs. C took back roads to the airport avoiding tolls…I hate the back roads.