Tuesday, January 22, 2008

When bad weather happens to good drivers

I had my first car accident yesterday. And it was my fault. Everybody is fine and there was just some damage to the front end of my car. It was just me and hubby in the car; Peanut was at home with my mom.

However, I must say that there were several elements that combined to create the conditions of the accident. It was snowing and westbound I-94 was slippery and icy. I was in the slow lane when I saw that there were cars on the shoulder, so, as is the law, I merged left into the center lane and ended up close behind a van. Much closer than I would normally be. (I'm sure you already see where this is going)

Just after I got behind the van, a semi hauling a bunch of cars cut off the van and started fishtailing. And slowing down. So the van starts to slow down. So do I. And yes, because I had shifted lanes to avoid the accident on the shoulder, I was too close to the van to stop in time. My plastic bumper was no match for that van's steel, even at about 5 mph.

Mr. Nice Gentleman driving the van was understanding, which I appreciated. Officer Freezing was also nice and very efficient, which is not surprising given that he was going from accident to accident on that stretch of freeway. And my husband, whom I love dearly, was the best of all. I had done as well as I could with what I knew even though I didn't know how to slow my car by downshifting and he told me that. He also got me to laugh several times when I got down and shaky. Mom was just glad nobody got hurt. Dad told Mom via phone "That's why it's called an accident--nobody means for them to happen."

But still. I feel like a moron. And now I have a smear on my driving record. Grrr. But my insurance guy and the people at the collision center were very nice. I'd been thinking of looking for new insurance to find a better rate, but with how the service has been so far with my insurance guy, I'll probably stay with him. Good service is very important.

Friday, January 11, 2008

I love grilled cheese sandwiches

You Are a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You are a traditional person with very simple tastes.
In your opinion, the best things in life are free, easy, and fun.
You totally go with the flow. And you enjoy every minute of it!

Your best friend: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Your mortal enemy: The Ham Sandwich


And because it is funny and I want you to laugh, too:
funnyavi