When it rains, it pours!

Can you tell Sera is fed up? There's a story behind this photo, so if you can bear it, read on ...

It was going to be a relaxing day for both Sera and myself. The plan was to drop her off at auntie Iris' place for a few hours of babysitting, while I have tea with Lena. I mean, it was that simple. What could possibly go wrong? EVERYTHING!

A downpour started just before we stepped out of the house. No problem, I could surely juggle Sera, he baby-bag, my handbag, and the umbrella. A bit of a struggle trying to strap Sera into her car seat while at the same time, holding the umbrella, but I succeeded with only getting a little soaked. Since I was like two hours early till Sera's drop off time, I decided to run a few errands and most importantly, I wanted to get some fever medication for Sera. She was much better today but it was a 'just in case' stock up. I drove to Siglap (near auntie Iris' place) but there was a long line of cars waiting to enter the car park. I wasn't going to park outdoors and attempt a juggling act again. So, I drove to Parkway Parade. The usual 10 minutes drive took a painful 30 minutes due to the heavy rain. But since Sera was fast asleep at the back, I didn't mind at all.

The stress only started when I was in the multi-storey car park. There wasn't a single vacant lot. Unbelievable! NOTHING stops Singaporeans going to the mall, come hail or high water. I gave up trying to find a vacant lot so I was inching my way to the exit when my car (this is the replacement car we are using till the original rental car is fixed) stalled while I was driving down a slope to the next level. This was NOT happening ... and Sera was waking up! Panic, yup, I sure did. Please, please let there be a vacant lot so that I can just slowly slide my car in. Pleaseeeee .... ok, I know I'm coming across as being a tad dramatic but I was with Sera who basically DOES NOT LIKE to be strapped into the car seat, UNLESS she is sleepy or the journey is less than 10 minutes. She was waking up so that meant she was wide awake and wanting out of the car seat. And everybody knows this little girl who has been blessed with a pair of big and clear lungs can SCREAM.

The amazing thing is there was a vacant lot just as I came off the slope. Miracle! The relief I felt then was indescribable. Once in the lot, I tried to start the car and after three attempts, the car started. Hmm, I wasn't convinced that it was going to hold up so I took Sera out, stroller and all and decided to do what I was supposed to in the first place, which was to get her fever medicine. While I braved the the bursting crowd in the mall, mama and kor kor stopped by to check the car out. Hmm, not sure what they were planning or could do, but they test drove it around the car park. The verdict was that 'Yes, there was an unfamiliar, loose and rattling sound but it was ok to drive to my next destination.' Okay ....

Anyway, Lena came over to meet us at Parkway and we drove off. I don't know, I think I was having one of my unrealistically optimistic moments when I knowingly decided to drive off in the terribly sick car. Logically, I should have just left the car in the car park and arranged for it to be towed away by the rental company. Anyway, I guess we all know what happened next. Yup, the car stalled, not once but three more times in a distance of about 400 metres ... and at very 'sure to annoy other motorists' strategic spots - in the middle of a round about, before a bus-stop and after the bus stop.

P-A-N-I-C!!!!!!!!!!!

Shall I fast forward this story a bit?

So we didn't have much choice but to park the car by the road side, on double yellow lines. We unloaded the car, switched the hazard lights on and crossed the road to a neighbourhood church, where we took refuge for a few minutes. How nice ... and even welcoming! So that photo above was taken at the church. Sera was entertaining herself while Lena and I decided our next course of action, which was to simply call a cab (it was still raining), load it up with our gazillion things and head to auntie Iris' place. Once there, we left Sera knowing she'll be in good hands and we walked to a nearby cafe (huddled under an umbrella ... yes, it was STILL raining) to FINALLY have lunch or was it tea?

Hmmm ... in hindsight, this incident would have been totally stressful in major proportions if Sera had been all whiny and complaining but she wasn't, not once. She was wonderfully easy and on her best-est behaviour ever. For sure, you'd want her around if ever your car breaks down.