My predictable morning routine was disrupted yesterday when I
got into my truck as I prepared to head for work.
My predictable morning routine was disrupted yesterday when I got into my truck as I prepared to head for work.
As soon as I slid into the front seat, I could tell something was off. My feet were way too close to the gas pedal; my torso was at an angle that I usually experience while on my reclining couch; I looked up at the mirror and I couldn’t see myself (that wasn’t so bad.) What’s more, the steering wheel tilt feature had been used to scoot it upward so I felt like I was preparing to drive a bus.
Much like the fairy tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” I could tell something was awry.
“Someone’s been sitting in my seat,” I said to myself. It wasn’t quite as bad as someone sleeping in my bed or eating my porridge – though maybe I wouldn’t mind giving up my porridge, which I imagine is like grits or slop. It sounds unappetizing, but the truck cab reconfiguration threw me off.
Once I got my bearings, I recalled that my brother-in-law had just that day returned my truck after borrowing it so he could move some stuff into his new house. He is taller than I am, so I understand why he had to modify the chair-mirror-steering wheel alignment.
I also can’t complain too much because he only asked to use my truck, not to use me to help him move stuff. “Someone’s been moving into a new house and I haven’t had to do any physical labor yet … cool.”
My work day was about to begin, so I had to be on my way, even though I felt like I was in a stranger’s truck.
“Someone’s been using the tilt function…” so I adjusted the steering wheel, which had been in the same spot for about six years. I liked it where I had it, and it didn’t feel right if it wasn’t in that specific spot.
“Someone’s been moving my seat like they were testing a recliner at Fortino’s …” so I slid the seat back a bit and then worked the seat-back handle until my back support was just the way I like it.
“Someone’s found the electronic mirror controls …” so I checked the rear-view mirror and made the necessary adjustment so I could see behind me. I then looked in the side-view mirrors and maneuvered them into the position that allowed me maximum viewing space.
All of this happened within the span of a minute or two as I worked like a one-man NASCAR pit crew. Once everything was back where it should be, I was on my way.
The radio’s volume wasn’t up so I turned that knob and was surprised to hear classic rock coming out of the speakers. “Someone’s been listening to FOX …” so I hit a pre-set button and got it back to what I like.
Now I understand why my life implores me not to change everything in her car when I use it to make a run to the grocery store.
I’ve learned that for a short trip in a car that I do not normally drive, it is better to not be able to see out of all of the mirrors; to be way too close to the steering wheel; and to leave the radio pre-sets alone.
Otherwise, Momma Bear might be serving porridge for dinner.
