Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Conversation with a Vendor

Me: I need to get a quote for encapsulating trade-show graphics with a total width of 70 inches at 50 inches of height.

Vendor: Hmm, that's not within our standard size so I'll have Mr. So and So work up a quote and give you a call.

Me: Thanks.

Vendor: Do we have your number?

Me: Yes, but my direct line is 704-555...

Vendor: Wait, wait, let me get a Crayon....

Me: (speechless)

Well, as long as my message is written in maize or raw umber—now retired colors—I'll be a happy camper.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Angst-less Birthday

Well, It is again the anniversary of my birth and this year there was no birthday angst about turning 34. Odd. I don't understand why I had such a problem with 30, 31, 32, and 33 and absolutely no problem with 34. However, I'm happy about it. I guess I feel a little older and a wee bit more wise as well.

The car problem has been alleviated, at least for now. I will be taking a flight from Charlotte, NC to Chattanooga, TN where my parents will meet me with my Dad's Chevy Blazer. He is graciously loaning this one to me until I can find what I want for the price I am willing to pay. I'm getting small, but decent amount of money for my car considering it was 8 years old and had almost 120,000 on it. My rental car is due back on Monday the 24th and I'm simply not ready to purchas another car. I don't want to rush into anything without thinking it through and for me, at least, the purchase of a vehicle, the incurring of new debt, etc. is not taken lightly. I need to weight and balance everything first. (I know—trait of a Libra—even if I don't believe in astrology) Being able to drive his car until I'm ready to purchase one of my own is a HUGE relief.

Tonight I'll be celebrating my 34th birthday with a lot more peace of mind.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Crash

On my way to work Thursday, October 13 I was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler carrying 65,000 pounds of cargo. I'm quite thankful we were in rush hour because the 18-wheeler was only going about 25 to 30 miles an hour. If he'd been traveling much faster he would have rolled right over me. I'm also thankful that the crumple zones on my 1998 Honda Civic worked like a dream and kept me alive.

When I went to retreive the items from my car I noticed the drivers seat had been twisted. The only thing I can think is that I had my right foot so hard on the break that the left side just shifted forward. I went to the hospital but they didn't take x-rays. I'm still in a significant amount of pain in my neck, back, and running down my left arm and left leg. I'm going to my primary care and then to the Chiropractor.

I am in a rental car, Dodge Magnum, and everytime I go outside I keep looking for my little silver Civic first before I realize it's no longer here. When I purchased the car it had 17 miles on it; now it has 117,000. I can't believe I actually drove all those miles. When you think about it that's a lot of time behind the wheel. I've spoken with the insurance agent and she believes it will be totaled out I guess that means I'll be looking for a new car soon.