Matrix's Tantrums
Matrix threw tantrums again today. Well, actually it's because I've not been checking on the water level. Old car lah, need to do all these things and I'm not used to it. Every morning just looking out for bird shit is already quite bothersome. Somehow I think the birds seem to find dark coloured cars more condusive to relief their bowels.
So, I was on our way to my sister's for dinner. I missed a turn and just couldn't get myself out of the unfamiliar maze of winding roads. Then I realised that the temperature was ascending. I panicked a little cos it was getting really near to the red mark this time. Before I could get to a nearby petrol kiosk, the water tank got totally dehydrated and just stalled at the junction of Hougang Avenue 2 and Upper Serangoon Road. So if you happened to pass by that spot from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, that's me in my car causing the "Slow Traffic at XXX on right turning lane".
It was a time of mixed emotions. First, it was like, "Oh no, not again! In the middle of the road some more!". But there was really not much I could do. I just sat in the car with my side of the car door slightly opened to let in some cool evening air, occasionally lifting out my hand to signal the cars coming up behind me to change lane.
And from being pai-seh that I'm causing slow traffic and inconvenience to other motorists, it quickly evolved to a state of calmness cos I knew rescue was on the way. But what calmed me down, really, was that thankfulness to Abba Father that the engine died before any of the water pipes burst, cos I didn't see any smoke coming out from that compartment. Moreover, the fact that I was not at some ulu pandan place (ulu pandan is a real place actually), and not under the hot sun, was God's mercy. And I know it was grace that reminded me that He's in control.
So thank God I was already near my sister's house. And as usual, my brother-in-law came to my rescue. It was him the other time Matrix's battery died at 85 market's parking lot. In between the 2 incidents, I've stopped to top up the coollant and visited my mechanic at Lavender for the first time since I acquired Matrix. That's the life of an old car's owner. But this acquisition was really a trial to see if I could afford maintaining a vehicle if I buy a brand new one. If I were to get a brand new car, it's no turning back and it's easily $10K of depreciation the minute the car leaves the dealer's carpark.
Finally, Raymond came and brought out a bagful of water containers and started topping up the radiator...we were both amazed at how thirsty Matrix was. All the containers were emptied. Easily 4-5 litres, I think. Poor thing...bad owner, bad owner!
After we're done, I followed his car and got to their place. Dinner was pasta and salad, with the Japanese fish - sanma, and a strip of bacon on the side. Quite yummy. It was a hearty meal and a time of random chats. Time to go and Raymond helped me to pour in a few more litres before I drove off home.
Gonna go to the mechanics tomorrow morning. The last time I was there he identified a few stuff that needed fixing. Raymond has kindly offered to meet me there. At least he would understand better what the mechanics is saying and, more importantly, help me to decide with all the implications if the repairs are to be carried out or not. Some may not be that urgent, especially if we decide to sell this car. I don't trust my own knowledge of such things. So I'm glad to just be there and absorb what I can at this stage.
So, I was on our way to my sister's for dinner. I missed a turn and just couldn't get myself out of the unfamiliar maze of winding roads. Then I realised that the temperature was ascending. I panicked a little cos it was getting really near to the red mark this time. Before I could get to a nearby petrol kiosk, the water tank got totally dehydrated and just stalled at the junction of Hougang Avenue 2 and Upper Serangoon Road. So if you happened to pass by that spot from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, that's me in my car causing the "Slow Traffic at XXX on right turning lane".
It was a time of mixed emotions. First, it was like, "Oh no, not again! In the middle of the road some more!". But there was really not much I could do. I just sat in the car with my side of the car door slightly opened to let in some cool evening air, occasionally lifting out my hand to signal the cars coming up behind me to change lane.
And from being pai-seh that I'm causing slow traffic and inconvenience to other motorists, it quickly evolved to a state of calmness cos I knew rescue was on the way. But what calmed me down, really, was that thankfulness to Abba Father that the engine died before any of the water pipes burst, cos I didn't see any smoke coming out from that compartment. Moreover, the fact that I was not at some ulu pandan place (ulu pandan is a real place actually), and not under the hot sun, was God's mercy. And I know it was grace that reminded me that He's in control.
So thank God I was already near my sister's house. And as usual, my brother-in-law came to my rescue. It was him the other time Matrix's battery died at 85 market's parking lot. In between the 2 incidents, I've stopped to top up the coollant and visited my mechanic at Lavender for the first time since I acquired Matrix. That's the life of an old car's owner. But this acquisition was really a trial to see if I could afford maintaining a vehicle if I buy a brand new one. If I were to get a brand new car, it's no turning back and it's easily $10K of depreciation the minute the car leaves the dealer's carpark.
Finally, Raymond came and brought out a bagful of water containers and started topping up the radiator...we were both amazed at how thirsty Matrix was. All the containers were emptied. Easily 4-5 litres, I think. Poor thing...bad owner, bad owner!
After we're done, I followed his car and got to their place. Dinner was pasta and salad, with the Japanese fish - sanma, and a strip of bacon on the side. Quite yummy. It was a hearty meal and a time of random chats. Time to go and Raymond helped me to pour in a few more litres before I drove off home.
Gonna go to the mechanics tomorrow morning. The last time I was there he identified a few stuff that needed fixing. Raymond has kindly offered to meet me there. At least he would understand better what the mechanics is saying and, more importantly, help me to decide with all the implications if the repairs are to be carried out or not. Some may not be that urgent, especially if we decide to sell this car. I don't trust my own knowledge of such things. So I'm glad to just be there and absorb what I can at this stage.
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