Wednesday, February 24, 2016

So, You've Got A Fast Car...

We* interrupt our** previously scheduled posts*** to show you this:



*there is no "we", it's really just me
**there is no "our," again, it's just me
***I had no previously scheduled posts... rocky start, no?

Let's put up some "traveling music" to help us get through this post. It's optional, but recommended.



Well, as you surely surmised, I made a "boo boo" with my car today.

When I left the house, I was a couple miles out when I attempted to make a call using the Bluetooth in the car. Nothing. I forgot my phone at home. And that is the precise moment I said to myself, "Oh dear. I hope I don't have an accident. It would really suck to get into an accident and not have my phone." That internal dialogue was followed up with mental reminders that I'd driven for many years before cell phones were around. Long trips even. Did I have an accident? No. Did I get lost? Horribly. But, I survived it. Really, I was just being a baby about the whole thing, and I decided to (mostly) not think about it.

But, I couldn't help but mention it to the clerk when I was checking out.... again indicating that I intended to drive exceedingly safely because I'd forgotten my phone. We both agreed it was a real pain when you forget your phone, and I was on my way. Less than 2 miles later... kaboom.

So, you must be thinking, "How did this happen with such a deliberate intent at avoiding said accident?" (You do know that I kinda knew this was going to happen before it did, right??? Usually I'm not all that psychic about myself, but I had a feeling.)

THE CRASH

I was making a left hand turn (busy intersection). The light had gone yellow. I'm out in the intersection. OBVIOUSLY, I thought it was clear. I thought the oncoming car was too far to make the light and went. BUT, this is Jacksonville and "yellow" doesn't mean stop, but instead means "go faster." So, I turned and she went faster... and kaboom.

The crazy thing was I didn't even see her until she was impacting my car. After pulling my car onto the triangular median (and off the road) a Navy Corpsman (as well as several non-Navy folks) stopped to ask if I was okay. I was. Surprisingly, I was. I don't know if the not seeing it coming prevented me from tensing in anticipation or my guardian angels in heaven wrapped me up and held onto me, but I was good. Not a scratch.

So, as I waited the hour for the police to arrive I noticed several things. 1) I didn't melt down. I didn't even cry. This is major progress, people. I simply prayed a little prayer and thanked God for bringing me through this whole thing. I also thanked the good Lord that my mom was NOT in the car (as she hit the passenger side). 2) I felt really good about people. So many people who were turning right (directly in front of my car) rolled down their window to ask if I was okay. That was outstanding. Made me think that people really are good at heart (once again).

THE AFTERMATH
 
Tonight, as I moved further into the contemplative I wondered if this accident was a wake-up call. Was this a prod from up above to start living? I've pretty well been living like Benjamin Button, but I'm not actually getting any younger. Instead, I've been idling for years in the land of hoping and wishing that my life will improve. Not saying I'm doing nothing, but I haven't been attacking life with ferocity and vigor, either. Truth be told, I've kinda just been hanging around waiting to die. I hate to say it so harshly, but that's pretty much the truth. My enthusiasm for the living got buried in the pain of the migraines. Not to mention that it's just easier to not do it. Not go out. Not meet people. Not give anyone the opportunity to emotionally wreck you. Just not.

But, that isn't living. And when that car crashed into me I realized that I didn't want to die. I wasn't ready to die. I'm young. I don't exactly have my health, but I'm gaining on it. I'm not ready for that hotel in the sky.

So, I'm going to get back to my novel, join that Meet Up group, and say "Yes" more. Don't let me skate on this stuff. If it looks like I'm lounging around just waiting to kick off, give me a jab in the rib cage. I most certainly don't want another car crash to remind me to live.

29 comments:

  1. Perhaps you selected that thread of possibility by keeping it in your mind? Glad you're okay, but it's always a pain getting the repair done. I know as I had a minor fender-bender recently. . . .and btw, I do like that Benjamin Buttons movie. It's so sad, though.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I don't think I selected it so much as had a feeling. Usually my "psychic moments" apply more to others and less to myself. Because I was worried about it, I actually was trying to be extra safe. I literally didn't see the other car until it plowed into me.

      As for the repairs... yep, so far it's been a huge pain.

      Delete
  2. GIRL WONDER, Think: "car-crash diem!"
    That means "Ride the bus and seize the day!"

    Naw, seriously, your car will be fine.
    Just spray a little 'Windex' on it.

    Still glad yer Okie-Dokie.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. If you only knew how unlikely the possibility is that I would ride the bus. I complain about the bus system... well, constantly. Even in NYC, I NEVER rode the bus. The subway was so much easier.

      Delete
  3. What a blessing you were all right! You did have angels with you that day. Maybe it was a little prod to live more.

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  4. Ouch! One of those moments you so wish you could go back and do over. Glad you weren't hurt.

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  5. Sorry to hear about the accident, but thank goodness you're okay. Such a hassle! Maybe the wake-up call to action will bring some good out of it all.

    You've described the way I've been feeling to some extent lately. You're far too young to be thinking about giving up. Talent and good sense--you've got so much going for you. Keep the faith and stay in your current mindset. Looking forward to that novel.

    Now to try to convince myself.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Until this accident I'm not sure I would've even put the idea out there (that I was idling). And I would've brushed off you're "far too young" comment simply because I feel so road weary. But, this accident really shook me up. I realized how a life can end just *like that.* And it so often does. In some ways I actually felt better about all those folks who die instantly in car crashes. I now know it truly does happen so fast you don't even have time to mentally register it (or feel the pain of it). It really is that quick. I also meant what I said about "waking up" and realizing I wasn't ready to die. So, I'd say that's the takeaway here.

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  6. I will gladly put a foot in your butt. Your story was a good story. You must not give up on it. And you're a funny, clever young woman- get the hell out there and mix it up a bit.


    I'll be back...monitoring. :)

    PS Glad you're okay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I need a monitor. Or a foot in my behind. One of the two.

      Delete
  7. So many times bad happens for a reason. I think this was far too "prepped" to be a coincidence. I believe you are right, and I believe I am much the same way for different reasons. And yours (even if "only" migranes) make mine look small. Here's hoping we both learn without any more sacrifice of sheet metal.

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    1. Like you, I think all those bad experiences are really just lessons. We can learn them or not. If we don't, we're bound to repeat in one way or another.

      Many of us have things holding us back from living full throttle. I hope you find a way to kick yours to the curb.

      Delete
  8. Sometimes crap like this helps place things in perspective. you may feel some aches and pains in the next few days so take it easy. I hope your insurance won't go up and I am so glad you are safe

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    1. I do believe you're right about ALL of it. I've gained perspective and crazy aches/pains. My entire right leg aches. Just aches. My hands and fingers ache. I think I must have gripped the steering wheel really hard at the moment of impact. It's crazy stuff really. I bet I pounded my brake pedal hard with my left foot... even though I have zero memory of doing so.

      Yeah, I'm hoping that about the insurance, too...

      Delete
  9. Thank heavens you were not hurt and even had a chance to experience the goodwill and caring nature of your fellow man.

    Obviously you didn't have your accident up north (where I live) and people blow their horns and give you the finger for having the nerve to get in an accident and slow down traffic. I'm in PA, but the Beltway around D.C. is notorious for that kind of "adding insult to injury" behavior.

    But the good news: YES, YES, YES! Get back to your novel! Join that Meet Up group! Say YES!

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    1. I don't think I slowed traffic much since I was able to drive up onto that little median. I'm not sure that most of the traffic roaring by even realized there was an accident (with the exception of the folks who saw it with their own eyes!). The other people weren't affected by the collision. They were approaching the intersection and making a right turn (directly in front of me)... but still, it was really nice that people asked!

      YES!

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  10. Oh, sorry about the accident, lucky no big injuries other than the car. Great way of turning what happened into a lesson.

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    1. Thanks! Nothing like realizing you could've died to make you think about your life!!!

      Delete
  11. Wow! Somehow you have managed to the absolute best of this!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Find the absolute best? Survive the best of this? I think a key word is missing here, but I still think I got the gist:)

      Delete
  12. I'm so sorry you got into an accident, Robin, but I'm grateful you're okay and it's given you that mental kick in the pants to be reinvigorated. I hope the car gets repaired quickly and the aches and pains you feel heal soon. Hugs my friend.

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  13. OH NOOOOO!! Sweet friend, I am so happy you are OK and not seriously hurt. Sucky about your car but its just metal and can get fixed. Life is short and you must grab it by the horns. Dang I wish we lived closer. Have any interest in coming to Texas for a visit? :)

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  14. Can't believe I missed this last week and am so glad you are Ok. Yikes! And yes, perhaps a wake up call to live life to the fullest...

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  15. Oh no! I'm so sorry I missed this post, so horrible to hear this happened to you. I was actually in my own accident a few weeks ago. A lady ran a red light and I ended up hitting her car. Having to deal with insurance and such is such a head-ache, but as you say, it's a lot better than dying.
    I hope you are still okay. After my accident, I started to have back problems after a week. After some therapy I'm back to my old self. I'm just hoping things are good for you. Are you still doing good? Are you still striving to live life to the fullest? Don't give up! Take a second look around and try to be as active as you possibly can. I know it can be tough.
    Thinking of you,
    your blogger buddy, Jeff

    ReplyDelete

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