Holden is talking about a man named Ossenburger who donated a great deal of money to Holden's current school, Pencey. Holden doesn't like Ossenburger, thinks he's a "big phony bastard." But Ossenburger's a rich phony bastard who drives a Cadillac. The world pays attention to people like him, because things like money and cars are status symbols for most cultures.
Me, I drive a 2006 Ford Freestyle that just cracked 100,000 miles. It's a good car with plenty of space. I've owned it for around four or so years. It has now reached a point in its life that, every time I bring it in for an oil change at the dealership, some major problem gets discovered. Last time, I needed a brake job to the tune of over 400-plus bucks. I'm not Ossenburger. I can't afford to drive a brand new Cadillac, and I don't have a pile of dough.
I'm dropping my Freestyle off at the dealership tomorrow morning for an oil change. I'm already dreading the phone call from the mechanic that starts like this: "Well, I've got some bad news." I can't afford any bad news right now. I simply want an oil change. Period.
That's my biggest worry this Wednesday--an expensive auto problem. I've already put off one repair until the fall. I really don't want to go double or nothing. Until I get the mechanic's phone call telling me I'm free and clear, I'm going to be holding my breath and saying a lot of prayers.
Eventually, Saint Marty is either going to turn blue and pass out or heave a very big sigh of relief.
This guy could ruin my day tomorrow |
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