I'm NOT driving in my car

No, I'm not trying to be environmentally friendly.

Nor am I economising.

My car went into the garage on Saturday for an MOT and Service, and well, in the garage it has stayed.

It started off that it needed three new bulbs, two new tyres and a wiper blade to pass the MOT - not too bad considering the car is six years old. They also recommended getting the alignment checked.

Then. . .

it needed a whole new rear light cluster as the current one had flooded and corroded - OK, it's already sounding a bit pricier.

It gets better. . .

They're now having trouble with the emissions - and don't have a clue what's causing it! My car has been with them for three days now! I'm seriously starting to wonder if it's going to be fixable, or whether I'm going to have to kiss my beloved pap, pap goodbye!

I'm trying to keep a brave face on it and says 'Ohh, it's just a piece of metal, it's not like anyone died or anything' - but it is getting me down. I feel as though I have worked hard (degree, professional qualifications, lots of work experience) and am continuing to do so (speaking up in meetings, trying to support other team members, taking on projects) but I'm not getting anywhere. I know I'm feeling sorry for myself really and that there are people much worse off than me, but I kind of thought that by the point I started having the word 'Senior' in front of my job title I could stop buying SmartPrice - it would seem not!