Pricks and Boo Boos

It's been a mixed week so far. I have one less prick to deal with, but yesterday I was the recipient of an automotive boo-boo.

You may have noticed the pictures from yesterday in my moblog. I was traveling on I-85, happily on my way home from work, rejoicing in the fact that traffic was lighter than usual, when traffic came to a rather sudden stop. Being the paranoid driver I am, as I hit my brakes and safely stopped behind the car in front of me, I looked in my rearview mirror and saw a white Chevy Cavalier approaching rather quickly from behind. I had just enough time to think "Uh oh" (actually, I thought something else, but I try to keep the expletives to a minimum on this blog) and then felt the impact as the other car hit me. He actually veered to the right at the last minute, so he only ended up making contact with the right rear of my car. His front end came up about even with the front of the passenger door by the time he completely stopped. If he had not been able to swerve ... I think it might have been much worse. Have I mentioned lately how much I hate my drive? I really, really do!

So at first I tried to "steer and clear", but of course, Atlanta drivers, being the understanding bunch they are, decided they didn't want to let me over, and furthermore honked their horns at me to let me know they didn't appreciate my inconsiderate decision to be involved in an accident thereby being in their way. Eventually I managed to get pulled off the interestate, along with the guy who hit me. His car was damaged pretty well too. Neither of us was hurt, but I was shaken up a bit. I had a rush of adrenaline but nothing to do with it, so I just kinda shook for awhile. He was on the phone, so I asked if he was calling the police. He said yes. Well, apparently he misunderstood me because then he came back and asked if I had called. So I called 911, and like an idiot, told them I was on I85 southbound just north of Indian Trail road, when in reality I was on I85 northbound just south of Indian Trail. (Did I mention I was a little shaken up?) Fortunately, they were able to locate us without much trouble. (I could just hear the conversation on the police radio: "Well, he's not there, let's try the exact opposite of the location he gave us and see if we can find him.".

The police officer took statements from both of us, our licenses and proof of insurance (thank goodness the guy was insured!) and went back to his squad car for what seemed like a really, really long time. He finally came back, told us that he was finding the other driver to be at fault (there isn't really a whole lot of question when you get rear-ended, I wouldn't think) and cited him for following too closely. Fortunately, although my car is banged up pretty well in the right rear, its drivable. I'm taking it in Monday to get it looked at, as that's the soonest Geico could schedule me an appointment with an adjuster. I don't know, maybe I should have bitched and insisted on something sooner, but the car is drivable. They will also be paying for a rental car for me while the car in the shop, fortunately. So I'm just relieved that nobody got hurt, but not looking forward to dealing with the paperwork and the hassle of having to take my car in.

So this is twice that I have been rear-ended on I85. The other time was in nearly the same location, but going the other direction. (Maybe that's why I gave the directions backwards -- perhaps I was having a flashback). Is somebody trying to tell me something here? Is it time to move?

Oh, and about the prick I mentioned. That has nothing to do with the car thing. I'm referring to needle pricks. As in the ones I have been receiving every few weeks from my allergist. I don't have to get them anymore. Yaaaay! I've been going for -- well, honestly, I'm not sure -- years, at least. First every week, then every month, and I had built up to every 8 weeks. I'm allergic to bees and wasps and such. Well, I guess I should say, I was allergic. I tested negative on a skin test Tuesday morning, so they told me the treatment was successful and I can discontinue the shots. Yippee skippee! Getting the shots wasn't really a big deal, but it was just another pain in the butt (well, arm actually) to have to deal with, and it's nice to have one less prick to worry about. (Really, people, get your minds out of the gutter!)