Critters in the Hood

Friday morning I got ready for work as usual, went downstairs, and started my car. All the dashboard lights that flash once then subside wouldn't quit flashing. Turned off engine, tried again, same thing. Google told me it could be a battery or alternator issue, so I called AAA. The guy came out, popped the hood, and there was a possum inside. WTAF?! Critter didn’t want to leave, so the guy had to poke him with a pole to motivate him to skedaddle off. So surreal. I realize this happens, but in all my years of driving it’s never happened to me or anyone I know. The dashboard lights were still flashing because critter had chewed the harness a bit, so the guy taped up that spot, and all seems OK now (crossing fingers). Test drove car a couple times this weekend and nothing flashed. Drove to work today on the 405 and still fine. Keeping fingers crossed.

I’m traumatized though; I become extremely stressed out over anything car related or financially painful or sketchy and go into anxiety spirals. My heart was pounding so hard Friday night that I couldn’t even eat dinner. It’s illogical: I have savings, I have insurance, I have PTO. Why am I so freaked out? It’s not just this. Other “black swans” have upset me far beyond what’s rational. Usually they involve money, but not always. Heck, those random Michael emails caused immediate stress, but unlike the critter issue, that anxiety subsided quickly. Note: anxiety attacks don't respond to "calm down" even when said to self. Who knew? LOL

In otter news, I did see the Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale movie yesterday, and it was a pleasure to view. I felt like I was reuniting with old friends ~ all the main characters appeared, except of course for the Dowager Countess (RIP Maggie Smith). The film was dedicated to her. The movie is set in the early 1930's after the crash, but many people are still feeling repercussions, including Lord and Lady Grantham (whose brother took a massive hit). Lady Mary is now a divorcee, which causes a big scandal and prevents her from attending some social functions, but doesn't dent her snarky personality. Isobel is her usual witty and tenacious self. Mr. Carson is on top form, as are Mr. and Mrs. Bates (my favorite couple). If you enjoyed the series, you will most likely enjoy this movie, as I did.

I've put Hulu on pause, as there is nothing on the platform that appeals to me now. I lost interest in Only Murders and all the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows, and the game shows aren't enough of a draw for me to keep paying the subscription. It's only $2.99 now, but it will increase to at least $9.99, and I want to get used to not having it. I also put Kindle Unlimited on pause tonight ~ I am not sure it's worth $11.99 when I can get books so conveniently from the library. Usually, two or more of my book club books are easily available, and if I don't read all four, so be it. I have a giant backlog of books to read, both physical and on my Kindle, so when I'm done with them, I'll reevaluate KU. Since necessities have become more and more expensive, I'm trying to be more mindful of my spending generally.