I went swimming this morning in Tallahassee. The skies were a bright blue with a few fluffy clouds to keep it from being too perfect. Another day in paradise, right?
My friends Barbara and Irena came about fifteen minutes after I’d begun my imaginative water ballet in the deep end of the pool at Trousdale Aquatic Center. When they’re present we chat about wine and books as we paddle from one side of the pool to the other. When they’re absent I pretend I’m a mermaid, so for a quarter of an hour I was in another world altogether.
We had a swell time today and even made plans for wine and cake on Friday. After an hour of frolicking I bid the ladies adieu and headed to the showers. It didn’t take long for me to get squeaky clean, and soon I was ready to go in search of food.
A lady I don’t know came into the locker room as I was leaving. “Did you hear? Shirley’s car was broken into.”
Now I do not know Shirley, but my sympathy was instant and sincere. Like an idiot I asked, “Here? In the parking lot?”
“Yes,” she responded. “They smashed her window and took her purse.”
My heart sank. I’d left my purse under the seat of my car. I hurried out to the parking lot, but didn’t have to walk far in order to see that my driver’s side window had been broken.
Glass covered the seat and floorboard of my Mazda. I cussed. Like a salty old sailor. Then I went to see if the police were already on their way. Four other cars had also been broken into and purses taken from every one. The police officers were efficient, but not very reassuring.
Apparently a group of enterprising thieves in our area targets cars in the parking lots of swimming pools and fitness centers and movie theaters knowing that their owners will be busy for quite awhile. They sure had a nice payday on this one.
It took me the better part of an hour to clear the glass out of my seat so I could drive without poking holes in my buttocks. Even then I pricked my hand on a sliver embedded in my steering wheel.
I spent the remainder of my day canceling credit cards, calling the department of state to notify them that my passport had been stolen, and the IRS to report that our measly little refund check was in the hands of ne’er-do-wells.
Thank goodness I didn’t have my social security card in my wallet. That was the one bright spot of the day. Probably the thing that bummed me the most was that they stole the beautiful bag that I purchased on my trip to Guatemala.
So I want a do-over. I want to go to bed like Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day” and wake up to the sound of Sonny and Cher singing I Got You Babe. It could happen. Right?
Thanks for listening.
Peace, people.
Praying for Eyebrowz 
I have had the very thing happen to me – what a horrible day for you. My sympathies. Good luck replacing everything!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I just feel so stupid for leaving my bag in the car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve all been there!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh sweetie!! I’m so sorry!! Sucks!!! A good lesson learned for all of us though as I’m sure we all do it from time to time!! Little buggers!! 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to hunt them down and demand my purse back.
LikeLike
OH I hate that, makes my blood boil, thriving little bastards. Nothing worse than cancelling everything, arranging new cards and passports and living with no cards. Then having to get windows replaced, car cleaned. Top if off by loosing a wallet and handbag you love. Hugs and Wine to you! XO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m pretty upset.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet
LikeLike
Hooligans!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I’m angry, and upset, and can’t sleep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So horrible just try to concentrate on cake and wine on Friday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Cake and wine, cake and wine. I feel better already.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s really crummy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. It is. I hope karma bites them in the ass. Or the genitals.
LikeLike
Yes, a bite on the genitals, and 1,000 fleas in their armpits.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And that’s just for starters!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Horrid, hope you’ve got over most of the upset today. Happened to me in the 1 minute it took me to get my parking ticket from the dispenser some 50 feet away – which was the only reason the bag was still there, with car locked. In fact, what I don’t understand is all those handbags left in cars? One would never ever do this here…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Normally the darn thing is by my side, but there’s no good place to leave it at the pool. I always thought it was safe to leave it in a locked car–never even considered someone would knock out my window in broad daylight. Fooled me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But apparently you weren’t the only one. Anyway never ever do that again, specially abroad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lesson learned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re usually learned the hard way 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
As so often, the like button is completely misleading. I DON’T LIKE IT
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We need an angry button.
LikeLiked by 1 person