Cranking Down The Stress

Sitting in the parking lot of the barber shop, I was ready to execute the next part of my plan. A quick trim, then off to the gym for some stationary biking.

Opened the door of the car, quick wallet check.

My debit card is gone.

The worry-meter starts climbing rapidly.

Countermeasures.

Where could it be?

Could've left it at Baxter's restaurant, failing to take it out of the folder after paying. Meter falls.

Or could've fallen out of my wallet just about anywhere. Meter rises. Because I've lightened the wallet recently so the pockets inside could be loose. Meter rises. But let's assume not for now. Meter falls.

Could've put it in pants pocket after lunch, still there at home after changing clothes. Meter falls.

Got enough cash to pay for hair cut? Yes. Meter falls.

Get hair cut or investigate lost card?

Every passing minute increases chance that someone's out gutting my bank account. Meter rises.

Daily debit card limit should mute the damage, but still. Meter falls.

Ditching the hair cut could also mean ditching the trip to the gym afterward. Meter rises.

Ah, put a little faith in God. Get the hair cut. Meter falls.

Inside waiting area. Got cell phone. Could call Dena and try to describe where the pants are and have her search. Could call Baxter's first (don't have number). Let's call Dena and ask for Baxter's phone number.

No answer. Meter rises? Nah. Faith is carrying the day now.

Finished hair cut. Can I borrow their phone book? Call Baxter's. Got my card?

They'll go check. Waiting... waiting... yes!

Off to the gym. Good workout.

Off to Baxter's for the pick-up.

Almost home. Remember Dena said that gas prices about to shoot up tomorrow due to Joliet refinery snafu. Pull into Qik-n-EZ.

Swipe card. Doesn't work. Meter holds steady.

Maybe Baxter's accidentally demagnetized or damaged the card? Can just order new one tomorrow. Meter holds steady.

Maybe just problem with this pay-at-the-pump machine? Pay inside. Swipe the card. It works! Meter falls to zero.

Thanks to God my personal mental health trainer for the exercise. Faith muscles sufficiently pumped for the day.