Komically Bad Karma

Last Saturday, I bought a new car. 2010 Ford Focus with 36,000 miles on it.

It is a great ride and is very comfortable with cool options like cruise control and aux line in stereo.

This evening, I needed to pick up dry food for my cats after work so I decided to swing by Star Market on Granite St. on my way home. That had been my destination when I had my horrible accident. So, to dispel any anxiety, I drove another route to the store.

I was waiting to pull out from the parking lot with traffic backed up in front of me due to the Burgin Parkway light. At a complete stop, I heard a crunch noise and felt a slight bump. Some teenagers had just hit the back of my car! I got out of my car and asked for their paperwork. I got the kid's license but they refused to hand over the registration until a cop showed up. Some extra helpful Quincy bystanders complained about our cars being in the way. Thank you for your concern. The kids really didn't want to get insurance involved. But since my bank is the lien holder, I have to see the repairs through legitimately. I really hope the teens get a huge insurance hike and get in trouble with their parents!

First off, I am glad that I am uninjured and my car just has cosmetic damage. Secondly, what the fuckity fuck? How am I owed yet another car accident by life? I seriously need to stock up on evil eyes, rabbits feet, and salt!

The Aftermath

When I got ready to take a shower the evening of January 25th, one look at my body, I started sobbing and then I called my mom. I had a bruise on my upper chest that was so dark and massive, it looked like I had a hole in my body. That was the impact injury from my seat belt. Sadly, I have small boobs so the chest strap slips higher. I had a bruise on my left knee where it hit the steering column. I also had bruises from fingers probably from strapping me down on the backboard. I had never seen my body so marked by injuries in my entire life. Those bruises aren't gone yet but they have definitely faded. My upper chest is still very tender/sore.

The physical injuries are a lot easier to recover from than the psychological impact. Most of the accident has become hazy but the moment of impact is slo-mo crystal clear. I can call it up whenever I want to. It's like all my heightened emotions and the physical pain has preserved the moment in crystal for me. I remember my thoughts going from "oh shit," to "well, I guess that grocery trip is nixed" to "did I seriously see the car that hit me careen into a parked car?" and finally, "Ow, ow, ow, OW!" I couldn't breathe between the pain in my chest and horrible exploded airbag mist, the fear, and pain were overwhelming. Since I need to function like a normal adult, I went back to therapy. Now, I can drive without turning into a crying shaking mess. I still say out loud whenever I drive through an intersection, "No one will kill me, right?" On the up side, I kicked serious ass at work - thank goodness for the contract job! Something to focus all my attention and energy upon rather than wallowing. I must admit, I am dreading when this contract gig ends.

Slowly but surely, I'll slap myself back together and be me again.

New Car and Cat Drama

Yesterday, I went to Enterprise with the plan of just test driving a couple cars. I basically feel in love with this 2010 Focus and signed all the paperwork. She's coming home Saturday Feb. 25. I picked Billie for a name since Billie Holiday sang the blues.

This past week, I had to take Rasputin to an emergency clinic since he had been struggling to pee for days and had licked his groin area raw. He's a big lovable lump so vet visits are never a hassle. In fact, the more compliant he is, the sicker he feels. He was checked out and it wasn't a UTI. He has feline idiopathic cystitis. The treatment is pain meds and muscle relaxants. He is doing a lot better now. And he is always great with medications.

On the other hand, Stella had a check-up Saturday. My lord, getting her into the carrier was a chore and a half! My hands were shredded stumps once I got her in. And the vet did not sedate her even though I had asked. So, when she got home, she was a traumatized hissing basket case. Sedation isn't just to help the vet, it's to help her with the exam! I had to keep her in her old isolation room. Rasputin wound up busting her loose (he is such a dope - Stella hisses and swipes him). She is slowly getting better.

Checking In

I'm alive. I hired a lawyer to help with my accident settlement so mums the word on that front. I'm hoping to get a new (to me) car this month. I am deciding between a Ford Focus or Chevy HHR. My last car, Gloria, was a 2001 Focus. She lasted ten years with barely any major repairs, got great mileage, and apparently had great safety features ( hi I'm alive and functioning). So a Focus is a known quantity. I am currently renting a HHR and fell in love. I love the design, roominess, and engine power. Plus, there are many awesome safety features. The only possible downside is that they're discontinuing the HHR model. On the flip side, it is a flex fuel vehicle so hello ethanol.

My temp job has been extended. I have worked at the company already four weeks and it sounds like I can depend on another two. I really love the job. At first it was a pure Excel database research job - like combing through thousands of lines to update addresses or business codes. The final touches were completed this past week. I got a lot of praise on my work and attention to detail. What? Yup, you read that correctly. I'm not a total flake who spaces on details now. After the last couple of rounds of unemployment, that skill has improved tenfold! Maybe it got better with experience? Self awareness? ADD medication? Or anxiety made me ask the right questions? I'm just glad I have improved on that front. Now, I am in numbers heaven with a project researching contract compliance under a new supervisor. Then, the company's head honcho wants my help next week. To recap, this job is allowing me to wow three supervisors. I really like the people I work with and my commute is a dream.

Finally, I have become addicted to this. Pinterest is the reason why I don't get to sleep on time and also why you might see me sporting new hairdos. At first, I really got into retro stuff and loved the walks down memory lane. Now I have 20 boards and 535 pins. Me now: