Now, in my mind's eye, I was the superhero girl who stood up for herself, took authority and reclaimed my bag after an athletic chase {in high heels of course} that gave Lara Croft a run for her money. Unfortunately however, my response was more reflective of the dead man in Weekend at Bernie's. I literally just stood there and watched it all happen. So much so that a lady near me had to verbalise "ma'am, I think that young man just stole your handbag" At this point I was in shock...firstly because I was called ma'am, and secondly because I did absolutely nothing to stop him.
Right at this moment, I had a choice to make. Was I going to wallow in self pity or move on and get on with my day. I must admit, the thought of wallowing totally made me feel better for about 2 whole minutes, and then after that, I got a little feisty with myself and refused to let this determine my day.
A lady at the bus stop held out her arms and embraced me. Bless her. She was the sweetest little lady ever. Another man then reached out and handed me a £5 note and told me to use this to get to work.
Once on the bus, I used my new found resolve to try and remember what was in my handbag in the first place. I called my bank. This proved to be the first of many difficult conversations.
Lady:"Miss McBride, for security purposes, can you please tell me your account number or the long card number?"
Me:"Um, well actually, that information is on my card and I don't have my card anymore as it was just stolen..."
Lady:"Ok, let's try another one. What was the exact amount of the last direct debit made to your mobile phone account?"
Me:"I'm actually not entirely sure. As it's a mobile phone account, it changes every month - that's why I use direct debit."
Lady:"I'm afraid, Miss McBride you did not pass the security questions and I am unable to reissue you with new cards. I am pleased to say that I can block them now though..."
Me:"Can't you just ask me my d.o.b and my mother's maiden name? I know those answers for sure?
Lady:"I'm sorry Miss McBride, that is not how our system operates..."
And then just when I thought it couldn't get any worse.
Lady: "Thank you for contacting DVLA. Can I please take your license number?
Me: "Both parts of my license were just stolen so unfortunately I don't have access to that information."
Lady: "Ok, that's fine, let's see if we can find you..."
Lady: "Great, now in order to process your new license we need to take payment. Can I have your long card number..."
Me: "Right. Well that was just stolen too so I guess I will be calling you back when my cards are reissued then."
Lady: "We really suggest you do this now if you are likely to drive a vehicle in the next few days."
Me: "I appreciate that information but unfortunately I don't have access to a card..."
And another one.
Me: "Hi there, my Oyster card has just been stolen and was hoping you could cancel my current travel card and transfer it over to a new one?"
Man: "Certainly Ma'am. Do you have any identification?"
Me: "Um, no, it was all just stolen..."
Surely there has to be a more fun way of doing this! {Mental note: Thinking of getting all my bank account numbers and all security passwords & logins tattooed on my arm in case this ever happens again}
Ok, so the cards were sorted {if sorted means cancelling everything and getting nothing reissued} Now to working out what was actually in my bag. Thankfully, all I had in my bag {other than my wallet} were my gym clothes, iPod, a book, make-up and a bottle of perfume. And I'm pretty sure that not even the iPod will bring joy to the new owner. It was super old and quite frankly, starting to annoy me by freezing all the time. And as for the music, well I am not sure we would have the same taste at all. This reminds me of the time where my car got broken into whilst I was living back in Sydney. I had about 20 cds in the car at the time. All the cds were flicked through...and left. Not even thieves wanted my music! Way to go Amy!
So, little bag thief. Be blessed with my monthly travel card. I honestly hope it takes you somewhere where you will meet someone who will change your world for the better. Enjoy my music, maybe it will speak to you. I will not cancel my Unlimited Movie Card for another week. Enjoy it until then & keep out of more trouble! And as for my gym kit, I'd advise you to stay away from that, I didn't actually wash it last night. That was today's job.
So, was it fun to have a bag stolen? No.
Did it ruin my day and steal my happiness? No
Happy Thursday Lovelies, in spite of everything xx
27-30"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. {Luke 6}
