mere

I have not been to the doctor in over three years. I don't like going to the doctor. I'm not afraid of them or anything, I don't mind getting poked with needles or any of that stuff. I just don't feel it's necessary to go unless I'm bleeding to death or something.

Two weeks ago I FINALLY called up and scheduled a time with my primary because my foot has been hurting for like a month. I don't know why, and even though it's not that bad, it's not getting any better. Plus, technically for my job -which I've had for two years- I should be up-to-date on my tetanus shot.

Last Tuesday rolled around and I left work an HOUR before my appointment (scheduled for 4) to get there, I figured, about 15 minutes early, at the latest. It was pouring down rain. At 3:45, I was still on the San Francisco side of the Bay Bridge, waiting in stand-still traffic. On the radio, there were three accidents announced which was backing up the traffic on pretty much every highway on the other side of the bridge. I was stuck. So, I called to tell them I wouldn't make it in time and they rescheduled me for today.

The weather was fine today. I left an hour in advance still. This time my appointment was for 3:30. I figured - 2:30, there'll be no traffic, it'll be a breeze! Well, the problem is I'm an idiot. The gas gauge on my car is broken - and has been for several years. I reset the mileage whenever I buy gas and I know to fill up around 300 miles, to be on the safe side. I somehow failed to notice that the mileage counter was up to 375, so of course I ran out of gas. But the problem is, I didn't just run out of gas somewhere where I could pull over to the side of the road or onto the shoulder, walk a few blocks, fill up my gas can and be on my way. No, I had to run out on the entrance ramp to the bridge, blocking the right lane, nowhere for me to go.

So, I call AAA, who supposedly gives my information and whereabouts to CalTrans (since I'm stuck "on the bridge", AAA can't help me.). A construction guy nearby puts cones out behind my car and tells me the CalTrans station is right around the corner. I wait for about 20 minutes, then decided I had to call the police because no one is coming to get my car out of the way. After calling the police, I called the doctor to cancel my appointment AGAIN. Apparently, I am not meant to get a check-up.

I really hate the feeling of being in other people's way - it makes me so uncomfortable and so anxious. Being in the lane, slowing down all the traffic coming through that intersection, I was flushed all red and hot. I was just mortified. About an hour after I made my call, the CalTrans guy showed up and gave me a gallon of gas to get across the bridge. As he was filling my tank, a couple of highway patrol cars appeared. Thanks guys, I appreciate your timely arrival.

Anyway, the good news is, my car started right back up and I made it home safely, even if slightly traumatized and embarrassed about the whole thing. I can't believe I did that...