Life really does have a sense of humor. For a month now, I've been patiently watching my speedometer. Reminding my self to be vigilant. Just waiting for it to hit 300,000 so I could save the moment in a photograph. I was even proud of myself when I woke up to find the speedometer had reached 299,998 miles. Somehow I hadn't overshot the mileage. I slowly drove to my favorite tea spot. Diligently watching my speedometer. Prepared to pull over and take the picture.
As I pulled into the shop my speedometer had reached the 299,999. I considered driving around the block, but instead decided to grab my tea first. I stated my car with my tea in hand. I was ready. I slowly drove through the parking lot. Ready to stop the moment the speedometer reading clicked over. Then pulling out into the road I continued to drive the speed limit. Anticipation causing me to be somewhat distracted as I drove. Yet I continued.
It was during this process that my mind has a sudden recollection. I remembered a random conversation with a stranger who pulled over to talk to me because we were both driving the same car. I mentioned at the time that I was only a few hundred miles from hitting 300,000. He snickered and told me that his speedometer was at 299,999. I became excited and was like that awesome you're only a mile away. He said, "yeah but it's been that way for a few years now."
Up to this point I had forgotten about this conversation with a complete stranger. Yet as I continued to drive around. I finally accepted reality. Despite all my diligence. I would not be getting my prized photo. I did everything right, but clearly the manufacturer never expected my car to pass that point.
This one moment perfectly sums up the last six months of my life. I could choose to be bitter, or just appreciate life's weird sense of humor. Either way all I can do is keep moving on.
