I think it’s safe to say I am more stressed than I would care to admit. The cold that I have been nurturing may be one sign but it is finally dissipating, leaving me with a sore throat and a sore rib cage from so much heart felt coughing. Then there was the Rusty incident.
The three mechanics have adopted him as their mascot rubbing his ears as they walk by. He in turn sits around minding his own business while trying to keep one eye open on me. Thus it was we were both sitting outside the shop, away from the dust and the incessant radio “Mega Mix” blaring from the three foot tall speaker. Three kids came up the hill, possibly 15 years old, walking toward the sports field just past the shop. I was sitting at the end of the wall on the left where the movable white fence is behind the white pick up, below.
One of them threw a stone that landed between Rusty and me accompanied by laughter. He picked a bad day to bully a defenseless dog. What I should have done was make some denigrating remark about his aim and bad manners but I confronted him to his shock. Latin Americans when embarrassed giggle and I know that but when he giggled I just got madder. I think I needed some stress relief and I got it by yelling at that entitled prick.
It was wrong and it was stupid but some days the dam just bursts. The five minute yelling match which I so wanted to end in fists - that’s how stupidly stressed I was- did have two positive side effects. I got some stress relief defending my dog who had no idea what was going on and suddenly work began to get the mad gringo out of the shop.
I was I will admit pretty pissed off as I had towed the vehicle in 24 hours previously and not a wrench had been raised. Suddenly all three were working on the RAM. and they worked until past dark.
I have high hopes I may start the engine soon, perhaps even by lunch time. I think it’s obvious there is no more room for delay. No one is quite sure now who may be the object of my hitherto deeply hidden dark side.
Do not do this yourselves. Losing your temper is not good especially when you are abroad. But don’t let the bastards bully a defenseless dog either. There is already too much cruelty in the world.
6 comments:
I would have done the same.
absolutely you did the right thing. well done you
The problem with being polite, cheerful and helpful is that some (not all) people interpret it as weakness, and take advantage. So you wind up at the back of the queue, or being ignored, or being expected to accept shoddy work.
At a certain point - not very often - my British Army colonel father’s parade ground voice emerges from me … it has much the same effect as punching them on the snout. Good for them, I feel. Well done! And good luck!
Just watch the van like a hawk in case they decide to come back and start throwing stones at *it.* :(
Good job! Sometimes putting scoffers in their place is being kind! I would’ve done the same.
Cheers Rusty!
Thank you for the support.
Post a Comment