So, in my work I have to carry a lot with me. I cover three branches and am all over the place. I have a cute little red briefcase that I carry most of the time with just a few files, my calendar, the daily rates & my notepad. I also carry a not so cute but very practical rolling briefcase. My laptop and all the files weigh too much to carry! When Joey enrolled in his master’s program a few years ago he got the bag for free (well, not technically, but you know!). I inherited it when I started at Chase. It’s been good to me but it’s officially dead to me! A few weeks ago the handle started getting stuck. I could work with it, but it was annoying. Last week the handle would only pull up about half way. I am a short girl, but I would kind of have to hunch down to roll the bag…Cute!
When I go downtown (once a week), I have to park outside and then walk underground about 4 blocks. It’s actually not a bad walk, except for having to carry a 50 pound bag down two flights of stairs at the beginning and end of the journey! Well I had to go downtown today. I knew I could not make it carrying my bag 4 blocks and I could not hunch over for 4 blocks. So, I took the issue into my own hands and tried to “UN-stick” the handle. I put my foot on the bag to brace myself, I pushed the button on the handle, and I pulled back forcefully. Well…..This is what happened!

Smart Suzanne, smart! So…now I turned a problem into a big problem. I did not have my cute little briefcase with me, so I had to come up w/ plan B.
Metered Parallel Parking. The bank is actually underground, but there is a door street level. So I only had to carry the bag to the door, and down the escalator. Ok, first of all, I’m not pro w/ parallel parking, but I actually did okay today! I had an appointment and I figured I’d be there an hour and a half or so. Well, the limit is one hour on the meters. I tried to time it where I could run outside and feed the meter a few more coins. Well…I didn’t make it. I paid for another hour and I noticed that my time had expired, but I didn’t’ notice anything else except for the fact that it was COLD and WINDY outside! I went back inside to gather my things and headed for home. I got in the car and started towards the highway. When I was almost to the highway I noticed a BRIGHT green “flyer” on my windshield. I quickly noticed that it was NOT a flyer! I got my first parking ticket! I had to pull over and pull it off, so that it would not fly away.

I’m not sure how I didn’t notice this before I got in the car!

The moral of the story…We’ll I guess there are a few.
1. Don’t try to “fix” things on my own
2. One hour limit means One hour limit in downtown OKC
3. Always have my backup with me
4. The parking garage is cheaper than $10.00, although not really closer!

My husband is wonderful and this will be an early Christmas present for me!

*I’m trying to upload a funny video from tonight…but photobucket is giving me a hard time!…So check back tomorrow**