08/26/2026
Normally I'm a positive person. Today was not one of those days!
Have you ever heard the story about "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"? Well, that was me today!
I drive for the Aging & Disability Resource Ctr. part time, taking people to Dr. appts, then run errands or shopping sometimes. When we are done with our trip, we are supposed to fill the gas tank (using their cc) before parking their vehicle for the night.
I was scheduled to pick up two women at two different locations out in the country. I am not familiar with all the rural roads and rely on GPS to guide me. First, the GPS took me on a wild goose chase, several miles out of the way.
Second, the A/C decided to work only on the passenger's side. (What's up with that?!)
Third, the low gas warning bell came on when I was about 5 miles from the first client's house. I called the ADRC office for advice. (I didnt want to pick up the client and then make them sit too when I ran out of gas.) My direct supervisor had left for the day and won't be back until Fri!
Fourth, my phone is only at 10%, but you can't charge the phone unless the vehicle is running. The vehicle is not running because it's now sputtering and going to run out of gas. There is very limited cell service in this area, but I finally got ahold of the receptionist. I asked her to call both parties to tell them I would be late, and to send someone with some gas please. I looked at the speedometer which read 158,666! (I was now beginning to understand why at least some of this was happening!)
My co-worker gets there almost an hour later (I told you I was out in the country, right?) with the gas. He asks me if I was going to thank him for bringing me gas, or cuss him out because he was the one who hadn't previously filled the tank.
I stood there for a moment, reminding myself that I am on the clock, and he is a co-worker. I politely told him that I was very frustrated, as this had affected several people's day, not just mine. He says, well this is no excuse, but I was tired after driving to Madison yesterday and figured I could fill the van up this morning before anyone had to take it. I didnt leave the office until 10:30 A.M. (Wonder what time he thought he was going to do that?!) No apology, LAME! I did however still thank him for bringing me gas.
I get to the first client's house about 1 1/2 hours late, only to hear that no-one had called her, and she was upset.
I got to the second client's house to find out they HAD called her, but told her I would be there at one and I got there at two, so the wrong time had been given. She had four appointments that day and missed two of them. Thank goodness she's pretty laid back, and didn't get too upset.
I apologized to both client's, and tried to recall the exact ending of the story! I guess some days just be like this! Lol!
This is me in the work van, smiling!
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