Am watching the clock creep toward nine.


Waiting with anticipation a call from Pep Boys.



Car was serviced Saturday, primarily for oil change. Afterword drove it and noticed antifreeze spilled in the passenger footwell.

Car smells like antifreeze inside.

Monday morning drove from LBC to Old Town Pas. Noted hissing from vents and eventual bubbling that led to fumes rising into car - all after engine was turned off.


Mechanic assured me they didn't cause it but the heater was leaking antifreeze. Primary drawback is that antifreeze cannot run through coolant system, leaving engine to overheat.


Saw first (only necessary) indication on drive to Downtown LA after work yesterday. Roughly five miles into it temp gauge has needle *past* red line for "too damned hot." Six-ish miles into drive fumes permeate cabin of car, roll down windows to keep breathing. Thank God I'm not asthmatic.

Get to apartment, locate parking spot, have car die from overheating when trying to move in Reverse. Turn off car for five minutes. Weep.


After five minutes engine struggles and manages to turn over, park somewhat decently. Leave windows cracked open.


Molasses earlier affirmed he would come by because I had forgotten the costume I rented for Ren Faire was due Tuesday. I offered dinner for it and managed to make somewhat decent spaghetti and meatballs. Smothered my tears in wine and Girl Scout cookies.

Last night and this morning repeatedly thanked Molasses for help.


Slept fitfully and dreamt of problems I could not solve.


Awoke at ten minutes to six, arranged items for work, laundry, grabbed costume and headed. Poured roughly two cups of antifreeze into radiator. Sat in car and let engine warm up for one minute. At peak boredom set out and had car immediately die. This process was repeated at next two stops. Intersections were perilous due to inability to increase RPMs and therefore speed in keeping with rhythm of traffic.


Molasses drove in front and I think I scared him when I sat behind him and revved the engine. The temp went suddenly from ass cold to running heat with no stop in between.

Two and half miles later was at Pep Boys and engine was steaming.

8 minutes later shop opened and had attendant look at car. Immediately saw antifreeze running from car. On running engine with hood up leaks were located in one hose and down the engine block.

Hose will be easy to replace. If the leak on the engine block is from thermostat or another hose that will be easy to replace. If the leak is from the head gasket, and attendant seemed worried that it was, then the repairs become prohibitive.


I may be waiting to hear that I don't have a car anymore.


I can empty my accounts to the tune of $1000. That's everything - savings, car account, cash. I'll have to spend the rest of the month eating crackers and chili and lots of Girl Scout cookies. Or... I can get a bus pass I guess.

I can't afford higher loan payments so no trading it in for another car.


Things could be worse. But it doesn't seem like so much to desire a car that runs properly.


What I wouldn't give for an ordinary Tuesday...