There is a sensor in your car that tells your transmission to shift gears. I know this because I have had this fixed before. I am happy to announce that it looks like I am going to have to have it fixed again.
Here is a picture of Me and Allie by my car during a happier time of full car functionality. (I am not going to make any explanations at this time for the ridiculousness of this photo)
Automotive problems fall on my stress meter just below serious injury or illness to myself or a loved one. Every time automotive problems pop up I start seriously considering the following life changes that would free me from this expensive nuisance:
1. Career change - become a mechanic
2. Move to a city that has a functional public transportation system
3. Develop agoraphobia - making car ownership pointless
Unfortunately, options 1 and 2 would take more time and money than car repairs. Option 3 is simply too unappealing to be feasible.
My auto mechanic is Young Kim on 48th and Dodge.

I have always had good experiences and as an added bonus he sells Diet Dr. Pepper at his shop. I can hardly understand what he says, but I am not fluent in "car" so it isn't a big deal. Most importantly, his shop is within walking/running distance to work.
My fantastic friend and coworker, Beth, is suppose to join me for a boot camp workout at 5:30 a.m. Beth has an "all or nothing" personality like myself, and instead of moderating each other's intensity, we tend to mutually make even more extreme choices. That being said, I am not about to let an annoyance like not having a vehicle keep me from getting ridiculously exhausted and sweaty at the crack of dawn. The game plan is as follows:
4:30 - drop my gym bag and personal belongings at the gym
4:45 - drop my car off at Young Kim's with my key and a note describing the issue
4:50 - Run down Dodge Street in the dark (note to self - lay out obnoxious reflective workout gear)
5:30 - Totally warmed up already - time for "Cardio Conditioning" class
6:30 - ? Kill time with work and any errands I can accomplish on foot from Midtown Crossing
Sometime - walk/run back up Dodge (hopefully in daylight) to relinquish the rest of my remaining sales bonus. Eff.
On a positive note, I am still holding onto the belief that everything happens for a reason. It may just be a mental defense mechanism, but if it is going to help me remain civil and functional despite extreme stress then I'll take it.