I woke up Halloween morning a little earlier than normal. I hoped to get right to work, get everything done and get home before trick-or-treaters hit the streets.
In a previous "Editor's Note," I wrote that I look forward to handing out candy on Halloween each year. I also look forward to not having my home egged by angry neighborhood children who would notice if I wasn't around to hand out candy.
My place was decorated, and the candy had been bought; all I needed to do was make it home on time.
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Scott Shelters
Long ago, in a driver education course, I learned that I should look over my car before climbing in it and speeding down the road. Unfortunately, I gave the pre-travel inspection up years ago. If it's dark out and I've recently watched a scary movie, I'll check for an intruder in the back seat, but that's about all I do.
So, after I had paid no attention to the state of my vehicle and began driving away from home Halloween morning, I soon realized my tire had gone flat.
To be precise, there was a hole in the side of it, probably made by a knife. Oh joy.
By the time I had pulled over to safety, called a tow truck, gotten a spare tire put on and finally hit the road, I did not make it to work early.
I had never had a flat tire before, so I guess I've been lucky. And as my father pointed out when I called to complain to him, at least whoever did it didn't slash the other three tires.
It certainly could've been worse. I have always socked away some money in case of emergencies, and that allowed me to purchase a new tire Halloween afternoon.
However, my plan of getting my work done and enjoying a nice evening of Halloween activities was derailed before my day got into second gear.
Fortunately for me, my problems seem trivial when I read articles about those devastated by Superstorm Sandy. I still have a place to sleep, food to eat, a job to go to and a car to drive. And, I've probably got it better than whoever thinks it's fun to slash tires. I'm thankful for that.