The last thing I wanted to happen today was to have car trouble. Unfortunately, that was all I could expect after neglecting my annual general service and doing none of the regular maintenance checks (I didn’t even check my windshield wiper blades or coolant levels).

It was only a matter of time before the car refused to turn on. I just really didn’t want it to be the day before my sister’s wedding. I know that I should have taken better care to understand why the check engine light turned on. But I was already running late to the reception, and what was a few more kilometres on the road?

The answer: a day spent stuck on the side of the road with an overheating engine.

After speaking to a local mechanic near Morayfield, I was able to understand the severity of the issue. Despite the fantastic customer service and friendly staff, my day was ruined. I should have kept up with my car’s maintenance more regularly. I hadn’t cared for the resale value, but I had never realised that it could mean getting stuck without a car for an extended period of time.

Luckily, they had a professional who could fix the problem with my transmission service within the day. Problem was, the wedding was tomorrow. What was I supposed to do? The thought of calling my sister made my heart race. I could already envision the scolding she would give me if she found out.

With my heart in my throat, I made a decision. I was getting to that wedding, no matter the cost. Reminding myself to know how to take better care of my car in the future, I booked a replacement vehicle. 

It took an overnight drive, more than a few cups of service station coffees, and a lifetime of staring down empty highways, but I made it to the wedding in time. My sister, whilst upset that I missed the reception, was more relieved that I had shown up for the big event. 

From then on, I swore to always make sure I was prepared for the next wedding. Luckily, I didn’t have any more siblings.

I’ve been asked to make a post on this blog as a kind of digital footprint of my time at Johnny’s Cafe. I’m not very creative, so I think I’ll just answer the provided questions.

Question 1: What is your name?

My name is Jessica Westerly, and although this question didn’t ask it, I work as a freelance digital designer. I know I said I’m not very creative, and that does sound like a creative job, but I meant more in the writing sense. 

Question 2: Why have you come to Johnny’s Cafe today?

I’m not from this area, but I recently went to an auto electrician close to Milperra and got a glowing recommendation for this place. So, on my day off, I decided to come and take a look. And I like what I see!

Question 3: What did you order at the cafe? What did you think?

I ordered the fresh salmon benedict, which was absolutely divine. Of course, I got a coffee as well. Smooth-blended vanilla cappuccino with a mint twist, whatever that means. It was really nice, though. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Question 4: What are your plans for the rest of the day?

I have to find a good mechanic near me, because my car is playing up again. Who knows, maybe while I’m there, I’ll be able to give someone a recommendation for this place. It’ll be a cycle of publicity. Heavens know Johnny deserves it! I think he’s earned himself another regular in me.

Question 5: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I’d definitely have the power of flight, so that I don’t have to deal with my terrible car anymore. Besides, flight is one of the required superpowers to get you accepted into the Superhero Training Academy. Who wouldn’t want to fly everywhere and anywhere? The cold might be an issue, but I’m sure I could make it work.

Thanks so much for getting me to do this, Johnny. I had a great time, and can’t wait to post to your blog again!

It’s actually not weird, going to a cafe by yourself. I noticed that today, after stressing about it for my first few visits. I’ve always just come here with my wife, but now that I’m actually here by myself, I see plenty of people just here on their own. They’re on their phones, reading a book, typing away on laptops…it’s fine. So that’s good to know, because I’ve seriously been needing some quality time away from the house. Debbie has been a little stressed at home, and with work the way it is…well, anyway. It can get busy here, but it’s always quiet.

That’s great, because I’ve still got stuff to do. The car isn’t exactly roadworthy…and I know I can get an RACV inspection in Mitcham, which isn’t TOO far, but then there’s the little issue of risking it to get there. I bet I could get a callout, but that’s more expensive and Debbie probably wouldn’t like that. We’re scrounging for the pennies at the moment, so spending extra money on the car…yeah, probably not a good idea. Maybe I can call Harry and get him to tow me. He’ll probably say i owe him, which I will, but that’s tomorrow’s problem. I bet they’re going to find problems with the brakes as well, because there ARE problems with the brakes. I’ve known that for ages, ever since I skidded through that red light and got the fine, which Debbie was ALSO not happy about. It’d been raining, but still, most cars can stop in good time even if there’s water on the road.

So…might have to dip into the budget for a car brake service. I’m pretty sure there are mechanics who can take care of my car brake service. Ringwood has a mechanic that I once got a roadworthy through, I wonder if they do brake repairs?

At least it’ll only be one trip. Funnily enough, I’m not stressed about any of this. I’ll work a bit more, and maybe drink less coffee. That’s fine. Just BEING in this cafe is a stress-reliever, for real.

-Alan