What an Effin' Morning (so far)!

[no_hypocrisy]

Woke up to texts from an acquaintance, indicating he was suicidal. Wouldn't answer my calls, so I called Suicide Hotline and local police to go to last known address (assuming he's there).

Then it's 17 degrees outside, where my car is parked. I had an appointment at 8:30 and started driving. And I found that my brakes were frozen or locked at the first intersection. Fortunately, no collision or accident and the car's in the shop right now.

Not even 9:00.

[mnhtnbb]

1. Oh, boy. I hope you hear from your acquaintance. Hope your brakes get fixed.

Hope the rest of the day is better.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Thanks. See below.

1. My friend just called and we discussed options which he seemed to seriously consider.

2. I drove my car to the mechanics (barely 1/2 mile away) and it's being fixed.

3. I'm decompressing and wouldn't want to know my blood pressure at this moment.

[Phentex]

3. It's gotten better then...

hope the worst is over!

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Yes and no.

Good news: My mechanic can fix the problems.

Not so good news: A multitude of problems that weren't self-evident before this morning such as worn front tires due to tierod/front end issues, and a rubber gasket-like deal preventing the brakes from working. $1,300+ bill waiting this afternoon. (No, the car's still good and not worth getting another one -- yet.)

But philosophically considered: I didn't get into an accident when I suddenly discovered the brakes didn't work. I didn't involve the safety and lives of other drivers as well as myself and our vehicles. $1,300 is a small price to pay for status quo.

[Phentex]

5. That's one way to look at it...

watching the news and seeing cars and trucks slide into each other is frightening in itself. Being IN that?

My car is making a noise but I have to figure out a time to take it in. I am only driving very short distances so I hope I'm not damaging something in the mean time. It's ten years old so it's not a surprise to have some things pop up here and there. But I hope they don't find other things as well!

[Skittles]

6. do you have an update on your acquaintance

please follow up on him

[no_hypocrisy]

7. He called me back about 3 hours after the last text.

The police came to his house and though he wasn't there, they talked to his brother. My friend called me about 3 hours after the police came.

I persuaded him to stick around to seek justice and he agreed to speak with his attorney to do just that.

Another friend advised me that he may have been posturing, to manipulate me into giving him money. Could have been, but I'm not a professional and I stand by my choices this morning.

I'm guessing that he won't try anything if someone's watching what he's doing.