I've never prided myself on being responsible

Responsibility is not really my thing.  I'm responsible as in take care of my children and house and cooking etc, but when it comes to stuff like money, cars, bills, 401ks, Save Our motherofpearl Ship.  Really.  I don't read the newspaper, either.  
So let me tell you this story about how I was semi responsible today.  But that will not be the point of the story.


I drive a minivan.  A minivan with two hubcaps (glass half full).  A minivan with TWO MISSING HUBCAPS.  And I like to garage sale.  I hate that that is part of my identity.


So as I was saying, I drive a 2000 minivan with near 150,000 miles on it and i like to garage sale.  Like any well loved car, lights on my dashboard go on when they shouldn't (read: every time I run over a pot hole the check engine light, overdrive button and door ajar pop up simultaneously.)  Needless to say, I don't pay attention to these lights.  ever.  


Something happened to me today that changed all of this for approximately seven minutes.  I was driving on the thruway with my Tire Pressure light on.  (I'm pretty sure it's been on for about a week or ten).  I started smelling burning rubber and I was sure that my wheel was going to pop and I was going to fly into the ditch.  I don't know what really happens when you get a flat tire.  I put on my hazards and slowed down to 35 mph.  I then realized that the shop that Mr Incredible brings our cars to was the exit coming up.  I got off the exit and pulled into the car shop, took my babies out of the car, and responsibly and casually went up to one of the mechanics and asked him if I was in any sort of danger if I kept driving.  He said he didn't know, I would have to go inside and be put on the waiting list to get it checked out.  Not my cup of tea.  So I asked him if he smelled burning rubber like I did, and he said, "no, I smell kids." s;lijasdg ;lkajsdg;lk as;lijgasd;glkj EFF YOU BUDDY.  So my two year old had an accident in the car seat two days ago and I didn't feel like washing the cover (again).  And AND we just went on a road trip to a museum on Monday.  Yes, there is juice, cashews, craisins, white chocolate chips and coffee cups all over the car.  (and we went on a road trip last month and it's possible that I never cleaned out the car then either)(it's really really cold outside)  You smell kids?  YOU SMELL KIDS?  What do kids smell like?


Then I remembered- I grew up with this one family who's minivan was always so sticky and so smelly, and there was always at least one hairbrush that hadn't been cleaned out in the backseat.  Even though the stench was kind of sour and I always left with raisins and Gushers stuck to the bottoms of my shoes, it was such a comforting car to ride in.


I suddenly felt very secure and flattered after this weird sort of compliment registered.


I decided that i was in no immediate danger driving on a funky tire, so I happily told them I might come back tomorrow morning and I pulled away.  And I'm home safe and sound.  and that might be the reason being irresponsible doesn't phase me.  Because really?  what's the worst that could happen?  ( i know, I KNOW, mom.  oh wait, you don't read this either.)  smiley face smiley face smiley face.