ragani

For some inexplicable reason, I lost my car key today while out running errands. Yes, I backtracked everywhere I had been, and then some, several times. Nothing. No, I did not lock them IN the car, as I use the keyless entry device which had to have been in my hand to lock the car, which it was. There my car sat in the parking lot of the shopping center mocking me.

Of course, it is more than just a key, which is easily replaceable (Saturn keeps the cut on file) but the keyless entry, not to mention the key to the storage box in the center console. I know I have a spare set somewhere (hey

abditus, any chance you have them somewhere?) but I have not seen them in a while.

I ended up getting a ride to the Saturn of Oakland office, where I have serviced my car before, which was not far away. Although they could cut the key without me there, and could have sent the key out to me, they wanted to make sure I was the person who owned the car, which I appreciate, even if it did take longer than needed. Anywa, after a ride back to my car, it was time for me to do the key-alarm dance. This involved an intricate dance around my car while the alarm was blaring. A couple of well meaning guys walked up to try to tell me what to do, which only proved to make me loose my place in the sequence. I think I set my alarm off no less than three times, and was unable to get the engine started during that time, which had been one of the concerns since it was a keyless entry system. The helpful service guy was trying to talk me through the steps via mobile phone, and eventually suggested that I would have to wait in the car for 30 minutes for the engine lock to reset.

Good thing there was a Starbucks across the street and, more importantly, I had a book with me. I ordered a venti peppermint mocha to keep me company, and took a quick trip to the bathroom, then returned to my car to prepare for the long wait that was probably going to start with the alarm blaring again.

The good news? It started up right away, and no alarm!

The bad news? I still don't have my keyless entry device or a key to the center console. I will have to use my key to lock and unlock my car until I am able to get a replacement for they keyless device, which involves a trip to the dealership, and is probably expensive.