I had a list of errands a mile long. That’s why I was sitting in my car, in front of the library, waiting for it to open. I was running a bit ahead of schedule, but, as this was only stop number two of eight, I wasn’t cocky over over-confident. I knew this was temporary.
I had a few minutes to kill, so, as I sat listening to The Underground Railroad, I decided to look through my wallet to see what Items I should remove before my upcoming trip to Chicago. I usually only like to carry the cards I need, and an emergency credit card. As I riffled through the items tucked into pockets, my eyes caught sight of my car insurance card, and they bugged out of my head. The expiration date was two weeks ago.
I calmed myself down, closed my eyes and tried to remember if the new cards had come in the mail. I couldn’t see them in my mind’s eye, but remembered receiving the list of E-Z Pay dates and amounts that would be deducted from my account. Okay, I thought, calming a little, they haven’t closed my account, so I’m still good.
I tried to remember receiving the big envelope that arrives annually, but couldn’t. That didn’t mean it hadn’t come. Knowing they were planning to deduct the payments, I was sure it had to be at home. I was nervous, but planned to look for the cards as soon as I got home. If they were there, they’d be in one of two places.
The library opened and I got my holds. Driving to complete the next six errands, I was nervous, worrying that, with an expired insurance card in my car, this would be the time something happened. Nothing did.
When I got home I looked in the first of the two places…and there was that lovely large envelope that I;d never opened. I tore it open and there were the cards. I carefully tore along the perforations and put one card in my wallet and another in an enveloped labelled INSURANCE 2017-18, to be placed in the glove compartment later. Then, I sat, and finally relaxed.
So glad your cards were at home waiting for you. I fully understand the panic that takes over when we can’t remember if something came or where it is.I learned that in Australia they call this a CRAFT moment – Can’t Remember A F@#*ing Thing.
Man, we’ve all been there. At our house, we pay our premium twice a year, so it seems like I am forever finding cards and throwing away old ones. It’s hard to keep up. And you’re right… you definitely don’t want to not have it when you need it. Once, I was pulled over for speeding (45 in a 35 on technically a highway, no less) in my husband’s rat-trap of a car. Couldn’t find the card. Dug through the heap-of-a-mess glove box. Clear in the bottom… SUCCESS! Whew!!!
You don’t blame the end-of-school-year crazy busyness, but I am sure that was why you hadn’t opened or even remembered your envelope! Glad it worked out fine. So many small mercies propel us along.
I hate that feeling . . . the unknown. Did I see them? Did I not? I have my insurance paid online and then I download my card straight to my phone. I’m lucky to be in a state with “digital” cards. However, I usually throw in a “physical card” as I know the military base will NEVER accept a digital form in my lifetime!
Not going to happen!
Perfect slice!
And so funny because I did that in May before 2 weeks on the road. Almost like I was getting on the plane and every ounce would count. No pennies. No extra receipts of any kind!
I can relate to your panic! It’s scary to think that the documents are not in order. Glad you found the cards!
I like how you explode this tiny administrative moment — even as I dislike the feeling of unexpected panic that your writing neatly captures. Best of all, congratulations on a most productive day knocking chores off your to-do list 🙂