When your day doesn't go as planned, Karma comes back for forgiveness

I tell you what - when your day doesn't start well, it continues to not go well, but you never know, Karma might come back for forgiveness.

I did not sleep well on Wednesday night.  My alarm was to go off at 5:30 AM for networking, but I was woken by Theo having to go out at 4:30 AM.  At least he is such a good dog to let me know when he needs to go out.

Meetings for the morning didn't go as planned.  No biggy, just go with the flow and ended up getting more done in the office than I thought.

My "hockey game" schedule was screwed up because usually the games start at 7 pm and we need to head out by like 5.  Last night's game didn't start until 7:30 so we needed to head out around 5:30.  I was ready to head out at 5 and then remembered, we still had time.

5:30 and we were on our way to the hockey game in DC when the tire light came on in Dan's car.  We were probably about 10 miles from home. He pulled over on the toll road (dangerous at night), and Dan thought he saw something in the tire (ended up being a rock), so we went to the nearest gas station to check the air/add air if needed.

The pressure on all 4 tires (which we just purchased in October from Hogan & Son) were all good, but weren't sure about making it to DC, so looked up the nearest "Goodyear" on the map since we purchased them on our Goodyear credit card. Thinking if something is wrong with the tire, it's covered under Goodyear.

Started driving and lo and behold, it was the Herndon location of Hogan and Sons! When we were getting closer, I was starting to wonder if it was going to be their location or not, but really wasn't sure at all.

We arrived there at 6:40 PM.  Dan was hoping they could plug the tire (still thinking there was something in the tire), and we would be on our way. Mel, the employee working, was hesitant at first because they still had work to do AND it was close to closing, plus he had never seen us before.  He said that we could leave the car and definitely work on it tomorrow. The whole time I'm thinking, well, there goes the game.  Too late to sell them too.

He did take the time to do a visual inspection and as soon as he asked when was the last time we had service and Dan said it was at Hogan and Son in Leesburg, he pulled the car in.  He thought that it might have been the core of the valve stem on one of the tires and changed that. It still didn't fix the light, so said that all of the the tires were ok and good to drive on.  He believed that all 4 tire sensors went and gave us an estimate.  

I asked what we owed, and he did not charge us anything.  He did ask for an online review.  I guess they had have a bad manager previously and they are trying to change their perception. As soon as he started helping us out, I thought about sending them something from SendOutCards.

We got out of there by 7:30 PM and only missed the 1st period of the game. 

When we got to the arena, we got our food and we were standing outside of our section since there was only about 5 minutes left in the period.  We weren't even standing there for that long, when some guy came up to us and said, "Would you like our tickets?  We are leaving.  They are right at the glass."  I'm like, "Are you serious?  You just made our day.  We were late getting here because of car troubles." We walked over to the section and decided to wait until the period ended.  After the flood of people coming up, we went down to the seats.  Yup - right at the glass. 

We settled in, and the next thing you know, this guy said, "You're in my seat."  Both of us were thinking, "Oh shit. We've been duped. Nope. He just meant we needed to be over one because the seats weren't numbered right.  I tried to chit chat with him throughout the game, but he was more interested in talking to the photographer who was in the aisle.  He was cool though when he did talk to me.

We made it on (national) TV.

I forgot how much I liked the seats at the glass.  We used to have seats there a couple of years ago.  Dan, on the other hand, would rather be up a ways to see the whole ice.

The car is at the Leesburg location today for a thorough inspection, and we are hoping that it's not all 4 sensors!  However, more than likely, it's better to changed all 4 sensors because then next thing you know, the next one will go. Since I know the manager (from my networking group), I texted him this morning and even though he's on vacation, he gave them a heads up that we were coming up.

Adventures: The 127 Sale - World's Longest Yardsale

For months now, my sister-in-law and I have been planning a trip to The 127 Sale - World's Longest Yardsale.  We have talked about this sale for years (since it was featured on HGTV) and it's been a bucketlist item for me.   

This trip really did not go as planned.  Basically from the start.  Originally I figured that we would be there the whole time (Thursday to Sunday).  Unfortunately, my sister-in-law had to work on Monday, so no big deal, we'd come back on Sunday.  For planning, I originally thought 100 miles/day but overnight decided on 50 miles/day (THAT was a good idea).

The original plan was for me to drive up to NY with the Jeep.  Well, the check engine light had been coming on a lot (at least once a month since May).  It's always been code 740 (torque converter).  We were told in July 2011 that we would need a transmission, but after a reset and a flush, the code didn't come on again until September 2012.  The jeep has been driving fine, but we figured that we would at least get it checked out before I went on this long trip.  Bad news - it really did need a new transmission.  First gut instinct was "new car" (90K on the car & 10 years old), but then after thinking about it overnight, we changed our mind (no job and new car payment = bad plan) and got some estimates.

Backup plan in effect - I would take the Elantra to NY and we decided to take my brother's car (now my SIL's car) to Ohio.  The Impala is bigger than the Elantra.  That way we could get some stuff in the car!  Bonus change in plans - My SIL's sister, Helen, decided to come with us.  The more the merrier!  Hence another reason why the Impala would be better.  At home, originally we thought that we would have to wait until I got back home until we got the Jeep fixed and Dan would drive it to work and if it broke down, he would just have it towed and then get a rental.  HOWEVER, believe it or not, the Jeep dealership was the best price/deal for the transmission AND we got a loaner car during the work.  WOOHOO!

So trip up to NY was fine (Tuesday).  Wednesday, we were going to leave about 3 pm.  My SIL text me that she was coming home early because she thought she might be getting an UTI and was going to head to the doctors.  Doctor's visit went fine, SIL got antibiotics and was going to down a bunch of water.

Since it was a drinking evening (and I mean water/fluids, not alcohol), we stopped a LOT.  But we were all fine with it.  We had a blast on the ride out.  Luckily, we all get along.  We finally arrived at our hotel about 11 pm.

Thursday, SIL felt better and we had a great day.  We probably stopped at over 75 yard sales.  Some multiple sales in one location.  We started probably about 9 am and by about 3 pm, I was done.  We weren't really seeing anything interesting and I think all of us were about done.

I picked up bunch of old (like 1940's) cat and dog figurines.  I have my mom's dog figurine collection so those old figurines call to me.  I also picked up one small depression glass dish that caught my eye.  And I picked up 2 glass pendants.  I ended up spending about $20.

About 30 miles out from the 2nd night stop/hotel, we decided to just go to the hotel.  Once we unpacked, we headed to dinner and then we were basically ready for bed.

Friday morning, we were in Van Wirt, OH and we were thinking about hanging around there for a Ribs Festival along with the yardsale.  We got ready and then, SIL said "I think we need to go home, I'm not feeling well and I don't want to end up in the hospital here"  That's all it took and we were on our way home.  Let me back up and say, on the drive to OH, whenever I saw a hospital sign, I would always ask "do you need a hospital?"  And on Thursday, Joanne said that she almost said "we need to turn around" on the drive to OH.  I knew if she said we needed to go home, she defnitely wasn't feeling well.  She was WAY TOO excited about this trip to let a little belly ache ruin it.  We (Helen, Joanne's sister) and I could tell she wasn't feeling well during the drive.  Joanne wasn't talking at all.

Friday, we got back to NY about 6 pm.  We took some backroads and took our time.  I figured I would head back home a little early (Sunday instead of Monday), but got to spend some time with each of the nieces & nephew.  Friday, was Maegan's turn - dinner at Friendly's.  Saturday was VJ's turn - dinner at Texas Hot then No Bake Reese's Bars with Chrissy.  Sunday, VJ rode home with me so we got plenty of time together.

Let me say that we came back to a construction mess (we left one too).  Joanne is getting their bathroom redone so no shower for a couple of days, just a toliet upstairs.

Jeepy is back at home and is working fine.  Hubby drove the loaner car - a Jeep Patriot - while I was gone.  This is the 2nd time I've driven a Patriot & I didn't care for them either time - especially this time since there were NO UPGRADES on it - no power ANYTHING (windows, locks, nothing).

Satellite radio was the only good thing.

However, was only for 2 days - it ended on August 1.

The Housewife Tour 2013: The Week in Review

OK, so I haven't been too good about posting the last couple of weeks.  I've been busy doing odds & ends.  Nothing in particular - here's what I can remember.

• I have been spending Wednesdays as my scrapbooking day.  Since we were done with the digital classes, the meetups have been cropping time.  Instead of driving about 1 hour one way, I have been working at home.  Here are the 4 pages I worked on this week from our 10th anniversary in 2008.  These aren't quite finished, but are getting there.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• I am participating in a summer scrapbooking challenge that started this week.  The goal is 90 pages by the end of the summer.  Four down, 86 to go.
• Packing for the beach - yep, going to the beach for the week!  We are going to the same place we went last year, Broadkill Beach, Delaware.
• Volunteering with the Loudoun County Animal Shelter.  Saturday is my volunteer day.  From 9 am to 11 am, I am with the Mobile Adoption Unit.  Usually, it's at Unleashed by Petco.  Last night the shelter had a foster orienation/presentation at the library around the corner from our house, so I told them I would come & help.  Good thing I did!  There were over 70 people who attended! One of the pictures I took was feature in the Facebook post.  Once we get back from vacation, I plan on helping out at the shelter some additional hours with probably administrative tasks.
• Washed the car inside & out.  Wow, what a task.  I wanted to get this done for awhile now and finally did it.  I kind of got sucked into some car wash/wax spray when I was at the gas station one day & spend $35.  See my post/review about the adventure.

On the horizon:

• When we return from vacation, we've got some redecorating scheduled.  I already picked up some paint for our living room!  We are both really excited about this. 
• I've already have a list of things to do when we get back home.  A lot of little things, but little things add up.  Look for those posts when I return from vacation.

Adventures: Wash & Wax In One for the Jeep

Growing up, I can remember "playing" car wash with my aunt's car and cleaning the inside of it.  I can remember I used to play that I was cleaning the General Lee from "The Dukes of Hazzard" and John Schneider would be flirting with me.

I've always been good about cleaning my car.  Not as much now, but still, the Jeep is in good condition for being 9 years old.

Anyway, when I stopped for gas awhile ago, there was a guy selling car cleaner in an aerosol can.  He did a demonstration and explained the product.  Of course he had a "deal" with the more I bought.  I got sucked in.  I figured it would be good for Dan's car since he's been really good about taking care of the outside of it so far.  I ended up getting 3 bottles plus 3 microrags for $35 (plus tax). I asked how many washes would I be able to get out of it and he said about 6-7 washes.  Almost immediately, I had buyers remose, but too late (I think I felt guilty for spending some money). 

I finally got the stuff out this week so that the Jeep would look good for our trip.

First up was the inside of the car.  I just vacuumed and used Armour All on it.  The next day, I pulled out the new product.

This was the easiest stuff to use.  Just spray a portion, wipe with a towel to haze it and then use the microtowel to wipe off.  Just like waxing.  This stuff worked wonders.  The Jeep looks great afterwards. 

Of course the next day, it rained and I was out in it.  Guess what, the cleaning wax worked!  The water was beading up all over the Jeep!

The downside to this stuff - so much for it lasting for 6-7 washes.  It took 1 1/2 bottles to do the Jeep.  I would recommend this stuff - it works! It's always better washing your car by hand than going thorugh a car wash.  The machine always misses something.

I am going to look online to see if I can get it cheaper though. 

From D.I.N.K to O.I.N.K - March Summary

March was not the greatest month for us.  Supposed to be a happy time - my birthday month!  Unfortunately, my brother passed away.  We had extra expenses with travel, gifts (funeral expenses), and eating out due to travel.

Over budget on:

• Auto
• Gas for the Jeep
• Service on the Hyundai
• Dining out
• Entertainment
• Caps tickets - final payment for the season
• Gifts
• flowers for the funeral
• my birthday gifts from D
• gift card for upcoming wedding
• Household
• service on the vaccuum cleaner
• Personal care
• I HAD to get my hair done for the funeral - it had been 3 months and the grays were really starting to show down the middle
• Travel
• security deposit for the beach (which we will get back)

Adventures: A 2 Week Vacation!

Below is the entries I did while we were on vacation in Canada (August 25 to September 8).  Hubby's family has a cottage on Rice Lake in Ontario.  I describe it as "rustic".  The water is from the lake so you cannot drink it and there is no internet and only 3 TV channels (with 2 of them the same).  It's nice and relaxing and I do the majority of my reading when I am there.
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Thursday, August 30

First time turning the computer on this week!  Vacation has been good & relaxing so far.  Saturday, we stayed at my brother’s house.  It was a restless night as Esa did not sleep well.  I think she was more concerned about where everyone was.  It was her first time spending the night there.  No issue with Zed. He can sleep anywhere.  The first hour of the drive to NY was terrible.  We were in traffic only 5 miles from our house AND were stuck there for one hour to go about 2 miles!  That basically blew our whole trip/day.

Sunday’s drive was better and got in some traffic in Toronto, along with the border, but that was it.  We stopped and got a few groceries and got to the cottage by 6pm.  I did realize that there are few cars that have bumper or window stickers or magnets on them.

Monday was the big grocery day.  We went to the Super Walmart and it was an adventure.  The one thing that is hard to get used to in Canada is people do not say excuse me when you are shopping.

Tuesday, we just stuck around the cottage & relaxed.  Wednesday was chore day for Dan (moving some timber & small trees) and then Walmart again for some items we forgot.  My neck has been really hurting me so Ben-Gay & a better pillow was on the list.  Today, my neck seems better.  We did find one geocache that is right down the road from the cottage and got it when we took the pups for their evening walk.  Dan said that he saw the path on Monday, but didn’t go with his instincts and check out the location. 

Today (Thursday) was geocaching day.  We went to the Trans Canadian Trail that is about 2 miles from the cottage and walked about 1 mile.  We found 9 out of 10 geocaches.  Within the last year, people have placed about one geocache every 10^th of a mile.

 

I am on my 3^rd book.  I read “Big Stone Gap” by Adriana Trigiani, “Playing with Fire” by Theo Fleury and now “The Shack” by William Young.  This week is about relaxing, next week, hopefully some reflection and what I want to accomplish when I get back.  Of course, “The Shack’ is making me think though…..

Friday, August 31, 2012
Relaxing day – Dan is out geocaching and I am hanging out at the cottage.  I have started my 4^th book – “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain.  One thing about vacationing here and getting caught up on my reading, it makes me think.  I thought that “The Shack” would be something I read and passed on, but now I think I might keep it.  It just makes you think about God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit – no matter what your religion – from a different perspective.  When I read a book like that, I think “how did the author think of this book?”  I will be looking up more about this book when I get an internet connection.

Whenever I read biographies, I think I need to write my story.  Funny enough, that’s basically what Shania Twain said in the intro to her book.  She was writing the story for her son, but felt that everyone should write their story.  She also mentioned that she wish she knew her mom’s story.  I totally connect with that.  There are so many questions that I wish I could ask now.  I have been thinking about my story for awhile & will do some research on where to start (and how to keep the flow).  Do I just do stories that I remember? Do I start at the beginning, as far back as I remember? Do I start in the here & now?

I did some laundry today and hung the clothes out on a clothesline for the first time in probably 25 years.  I was able to do 2 loads before the line was full, still some loads to go.  At least I’m being green!

I also gave Zed a bath on the dock.  That was fun (not).  I don’t know how much shampoo came off of him, but at least he’s not licking his paws now!  Poor pup.  Not smelling though!

 

I am glad we are here for 2 weeks.  I don’t think I would have been ready to go back today/tomorrow.  I kind of felt like I had an anxiety attack earlier today (just an overwhelming feeling that I get) – thinking I had to give Zed a bath & do laundry.  I keep trying to think about the positive – we still have a week up here!

Sunday, September 02

Saturday we visited the library to get on the internet.

The next door neighbors are here for the weekend and Esa has been playing with their dogs (Luka, Duke & Rosie) - Zed just hanging out with them.  We had a scare with Esa. Dan was playing with her and next thing you know, she’s limping & we could tell that her paw was swollen.  She was using it though so I figured it couldn’t be too bad.

Luckily, she was better this morning.  The pups played some more this morning & then we ran out for groceries and to buy a kayak.  Yup – Dan wanted to get a kayak.  He tried the neighbor’s out first, and really liked it.

 

After that trip, we went to Lang Pioneer Village for a corn roast.  We thought the corn would be on the grill, but it was boiled over an open fire.  It was really good.  They had music and the Canadian Antique Phonograph Society was there with a display.  It was really neat to see.  Dan said, his mom would have loved it.

 Now it’s just hanging out while Dan is in the lake on the kayak.  I’ll never see him the rest of the trip!  Tomorrow everything is closed with Labor (or as it’s spelled up here Labour) Day.  Totally different than in the states.

Monday, September 03, 2012

Labour Day (as they call it here in Canada)

Just relaxing today since everything is closed.  Seriously – so unlike America where it doesn’t matter anymore if there is a holiday or not.  Things have changed so much within the last 20 years (probably less than that) when it comes to holidays in America.

Dan took out the kayak this morning and did a 5 mile round trip.  I hung out and made pasta salad and figured out some goals (yes, time to start thinking about when I get back home).

After lunch I took a nap, read and caught up on some blogs that I downloaded on my Kindle Fire.

 Dan has been working on a puzzle that he got at the thrift store (below the library) on Saturday.  It’s TOUGH! 

 

Tuesday, September 04

Rainy, rainy day.  We ended up going to Peterborough to see if we could find a hobby shop (to buy a gift for my brother), with no luck.  I pulled both places out of the phonebook here at the cottage which was from 2008-2009.  Both places weren’t there and we ended up getting SOAKED walking around going to the addresses.  It was by the downtown “mall”, so we walked in there to see if there was any free wifi.  Finally found some, looked up hobby stores and realized the hobby stores only have radio control models.  So back to the car.  Oh, score on a travel bug though!  When we were parking I noticed a travel bug on a car, so we at least got that.

We then headed to the Lansdowne Place Mall – which is really a “mall”.  Looked around and got some “gifts” for the family for letting us stay there overnight.

I started my 5^th book yesterday, “Inside of a Dog” by Alexandra Horowitz.  I am more than half way through and haven’t learned anything new about dogs.  It’s written kind of scientific, but in an interesting way & easy to read.  It quotes different cases studies and has the author’s stories on her own dog.

Some of the things I have forgotten to mention:

Ducks:  We have a family of 9 ducks who have been visiting us almost daily.  We have been feeding them bread and I realized yesterday that if the dogs aren’t on the dock, the ducks will come closer.  If the dogs are there, they stay out a bit.  Zed has also realized NOT to go chasing the ducks in the water.  He did growl a little yesterday, but stayed away from the edge of the dock.

Beaver:  Last couple of years, we would always see a beaver daily.  We finally saw it once this year on Sunday and was able to get a picture or two. 

 

Fish:  The lake is FULL of fish this year - from minnows to full size.  We never know what the fish population is going to be like.  One year we came up and there were ton of dead fish.  We have also been feeding them.

 

It’s just nice & relaxing checking out the nature around here. 

Wednesday, September 05

Our wedding anniversary – 14 years

Today was a relaxing day.  The ducks were by first thing this morning, so the pups & I fed them before waking Dan up for our morning walk.

Dan went for a trip around the island in the kayak this afternoon.  I started my 7^th book, “My Appetite for Destruction” by Steven Adler.  My 6^th book was “Running with Scissors” by Augusten Borroughs.  That book was crazy – There’s no way that book was real!  It is too far out there!  I think I have seen some of the movie.  Once I get back to the internet, I’ll have to look more into the author.

We went to dinner at Berc’s Steakhouse.  We have been there once before and it was really good (and kind of expensive)

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Last full day at the cottage L

Today will be doing last minute running around (bank & filling up the gas tank) then starting to pack. L

We are heading to my brother’s again and staying overnight.  It’s just easier for Esa since she cannot relax in the car at all plus, I get to see the family for a little while.

 

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So Friday, we drove and hung out at my brother's on Friday & headed out again on Saturday.  Friday night, my SIL had her women's group from church over for dinner & I got to see a church member I hadn't seen since I moved to VA.

On the drive Friday, the check engine light on the Jeep came on.  We took it up to Advantage Auto and they pulled the code.  Internal transmission AGAIN.  The system was reset and hasn't come on since.  I will need to look up and see if this is a usual issue with Jeeps.  If we need a new transmission, it's a no go - we are getting a new car.

Saturday, we drove the majority of the way in the rain - or should I say hurricane rains.  There were several tornado warnings in NY & I guess in the DC area.  The rain was coming down REALLY hard, but we kept going.  We would get ahead of it and then stop to let the pups out, then back driving in the rain.

Today was groceries and finishing up the laundry.  Back to work tomorrow & we will be getting all of our mail delivered.  The below Mutts comic was posted on August 29.  Fitting!  I still look forward to getting the mail.




This Mutts comic was from September 1.  Yes - so much to do once you get back home.

The Importance of Teaching Your Dog "Drop"

What an eventful evening last night.

First of all, the jeep is back in the shop.  When I fill the tank, it REAKS - inside the car when I drive away from the gas station and then stinks up the garage for about 3 days afterwards.  Last night we left the garage door open just to air it out.

Back to the rental (a Jeep Patriot this time).  Anyway, I didn't have a garage door opener so I stopped out front of the house, ran around back, let the pups out, opened the garage and drove around.

When I was in the garage, I heard this SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK!  I run out to the yard and Esa has a baby rabbit.  Immediately I yell -

DROP!

She does and I grab her collar to pull her inside.  Zed, in the meantime, is wondering "What the hell is going on?  What is it?" and is trying to sniff the bunny.  I get him in and run back outside to check on the bunny and see if I can get him back through the fence.  Finally he got through the fence and just inside the neighbor's yard.

A little later, I went out with the pups, armed with a spray bottle.  They were sniffing all over the place, but seemed to be over it.  Bunny gone.  I could see him.  Still breathing.  Mama bunny had come over and checked on him.  First time I went out she was about 2 feet from him and then the next time on the other side of the neighbor's yard, but still watching.

I figured crisis averted.  Not quite.  I let Esa stay out (since she seemed to be over it), but next thing I know - SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK!  I run out and say DROP! and the bunny goes into my flower bed.  Great - even farther from the fence, but still alive.

Pups are back inside and about 30 minutes later, I went to check on the bunny and it wasn't there or it was totally nested there.  Esa couldn't find it the rest of the night, so I'm thinking it went back to the neighbors.

We knew the nest was next door.  Esa had noticed it about 2 weeks ago and started barking at it.  I didn't even think the bunnies would make it over to our yard especially since the dogs hang out on that side of the house.

This isn't the first time Esa has gotten a bunny either.  The first year or two when we got her, she did the same thing - mouthed it and threw it in the air.  Didn't hurt that one either.

So THAT was my evening and the reason it is important to teach your dog the drop command.  You may save a bunny's life.

Click, Click, BOOM

"Click, Click, Boom" is a song by Saliva, but BOOM is what I heard on Wednesday when the Jeep got sandwiched in traffic.  Yup - hit from behind and pushed into the car in front of me.

I was at a light a couple of cars back.  The light changed & I took my foot off the brake, but realized that the car in front of me wasn't moving.  Went to put my foot back on the brake (I really don't know if I had gotten there or not) and BOOM when I was hit behind then boom again as I hit the car in front of me.

Both guys were really nice.  The guy in front of me (in a CRX) confirmed that I wouldn't have hit him if I wasn't hit from behind.  The guy behind me (in a mini van) thought I had hit the car in front of me and then he hit me.

The damage to the car in front of me & to my front end wasn't too bad.  I'm sure the CRX will need to get his bumper replaced & so will I along with a new license plate holder & a grill which has a crack in it.  You can see how the front end is all out of alignment just a tad bit.

front of jeep & CRX after impact

After the CRX moved forward some so we could see the damage. 
There's my license plate on the ground

The back of the jeep didn't look too bad at the scene.  I thought maybe I would just need a bumper and maybe a hatch.

Back of Jeep at scene

We all thought that the van had a majority of the damage.

The van that hit me.

We were all able to drive home. However, when I was about 1 mile from home, I started to smell burnt plastic. Then when I got home, I really looked at the backend damage.

Back of Jeep

I thought that (protective) piece underneath was plastic (which was why I could smell burnt plastic), but it's METAL!  That piece is supposed to be straight and you don't see it when you look under the car!

Then I was thinking - how could only the hood get a lot of damage on the van behind me - he must of went underneath me and I was up in the air!  Which would have made sense since if you look of the pic of the van.  I didn't move up any from where I stopped.  There was a good 5 or more feet between us.  The guy must had just gassed it when he saw my brake lights off to do that much damage.  This wasn't no fender bender.

What was distriburing through all of this was all the people driving by screaming - get out of the road!  Well, there was no way to get out of the road because the traffic would NOT stop!  The only way we got over was when the cop stopped the traffic.  Only one person yelled - is everyone ok.

Once the cop got there, we got off the road into the parking lot that was right there.  The cop said that the guy in back of me was at fault.  Not sure if he was charged with anything or not.

I was basically in shock the whole time.  Trying not to get stressed out.  I think the guy I hit could tell because he kept asking me "Are you ok?"  I could tell that I was kind of out of it.  Well, that continued through Thursday.  Just not feeling right, sore, no appetite.  Part of the stress was I had to keep repeating myself about the accident and I still hadn't talked to my insurance agent until Friday!

Let me just say, Nationwide is definitely on my side.  I called when I got home & when I told the rep that I could smell burnt plastic, he said he agreed to be on the safe side and not drive it.  He set me up with a rental for pickup on Thursday.

Wednesday night about 8 pm (the accident happened about 6:20 pm), I started feeling the pain in my neck, shoulder and lower back & sat with the heating pad the rest of the night.

Thursday morning, we went and got the rental and I went right to the chiropractor.  I was just there on Monday for my monthly alignment, so before the accident I was fine.  Dr Erin said that I basically reverted back to 1 1/2 years ago with all of the tension.  She also said that it was good thing that I didn't see the hit from the back coming because I would have tensed up.

I felt much better after the hour long session (that's the longest I've ever been in there!).  However, I still felt out of it the rest of the day.  When we were going to the car rental, Dan kept asking "are you ok?  You don't seem yourself".  Then all day I just didn't feel that great - mentally and no appetite.  Even at the hockey game that night I seemed a little out of it.

Thursday, I had spoken with the Nationwide towing and they also agreed that it would be safer to have it towed.  I had opened the door that morning and the odor was STRONG - not a good sign.  They came by and picked up the Jeep and by Friday, the auto body company called to get a verbal ok to start taking the Jeep apart.

I spoke with Liberty Mutual (the van's insurance) and they had already spoken with their client & the guy I hit and all our statements agreed.  They told me that everything would be paid for by them (including medical and my deductable!).

I was still a little stressed until Friday afternoon, because I still hadn't spoken to the agent assigned to me.  We kept playing phone tag.  Finally we caught up with each other and she had already spoken with everyone else so everything was ok.  Here's another reason why Nationwide is on my side - because the car was taken to a Nationwide adjuster & autobody shop, the rental is unlimited.  So no matter how long it takes to get the Jeep fixed, I have a rental (our usual policy is a $600 limit).

Now, just waiting to see what the damage amount is on the jeep.  I am a little worried that it might be totaled.  It just depends on if the frame was bent in the back & if not that, how much the jeep is worth versus the cost to fix it.  All I know is that last time (with the fender bender in the parking lot at Goodyear), it was over $2K - that was for a new back bumper and fixing the dent in the hatch.

Physically, I'm ok.  Yesterday & today I've been sore.  I think I'll be going to the Chiro tomorrow for another adjustment then maybe I'll be all set (I hope).

Catching Up!

YIKES! Where to start? I had been meaning to blog last week, but never got around to it. Where to start…..


Bark & Play
There is a new doggie daycare that opened up that is basically less than 2 miles from our house. A week ago Wednesday (June 29), I stopped by because I thought it was the grand opening day, but they still had last minute construction. I got to meet the owner, Pam & her sister, Dani and talk to them. They were more than willing to match the price at Dog Day Afternoon. Which is great!

They asked me to bring Esa by on Friday (July 1) so I did and she had her “interview”. Saturday (July 2) we brought Esa and Zed by and Dan got to see the layout and hung out a bit. Saturday was their official grand opening, so they had an artist doing caricatures. At all of the visits, I was a little worried because it wasn’t busy at all. Of course, it was a holiday weekend. Hopefully, it’ll get busier. They did say they had like 8 dogs signed up.

Blog Move

So Yahoo is closing their blog portion this week. Yahoo 360 is where I first started to blog. For about the last month or so, I have been moving all my former blog entries (Facebook, Myspace and Yahoo360) to Blogger. What a chore! Anyway, it is interesting re-reading my entries. Some things I have forgotten, some things were sad to read again, some were funny – all a part of why I have a blog.

Stupid Myspace though – I’ve lost about 6 months of entries (October 2007 – April 2008). I can’t figure out how to contact them either – there is a FAQs section, but no direct e-mail to customer service.
4th of July
No big plans happened on the 4th. Dan was working so pups and I hung out at home. Z was all in an uproar with the fireworks, but I figured out if I cuddled with him, it calmed him down and he would growl a little, no barking. I still would rather have him aggressive towards the noise than afraid.

Work
We have been extended at work until December 31, 2011, but with a 30 day kickout. So once again, just month to month, but just making plans like we are here until the end of the year. It’s VERY frustrating and unmotivating, but better than no job at all!
Book Review and other
So I finally read “A Million Little Pieces” by James Frey. I have had this book since it was announced as an Oprah Book Club selection. Since one of Oprah’s last interviews was with James Frey, I wanted to read the book and catch up on the old interviews before seeing the latest interview and the Behind The Scenes show.

Maybe I would have thought differently if I read it before knowing that some of it was fabricated, but just the flow of the story, felt like a story and not a memoir. A lot of it, I was thinking how did he remember this if he was detoxing and so sick? The dentist story line was definitely a red flag for me – a root canal with no Novocain? No matter what, it was a great story.

So after I finished the book, I first went online and read the interview where Oprah basically lashed out at him then I watched the 2 day interview and Behind the Scenes. Wow – what a story! I’m so glad it came full circle and everything is fine between them.
Car Problems – AGAIN!
So last Wednesday, the check engine light came on in the Jeep. WTF!!!!! I was hoping it was just a fluke and it would go off, but no. Thursday, we dropped it off and they finally called around 1pm to say that it was an internal transmission code. WONDERFUL! Anyway, it ended up being a short day at work for me since Dan needed the car to get to work. When I talked to the service rep, he said that a transmission flush might help, but don’t know. So, I said to do it. The next step if it comes on again – a new transmission (according to them)! WTF!!!! There’s only 70K on the jeep and it’s not like we don’t take care of it!

So, Plankton (our Nissan Sentra) was transportation for the trip this weekend to New York and who knows what will happen for our trip next weekend to Canada!

If the light does come back on, we decided we will go to AutoZone to see what the code is before taking it into a transmission specialist. We have lost faith in Virginia Tire and Auto.

We don’t like the manager and his attitude. When I mentioned we have spent $6000 with them on both cars this year, he said “I would hate to have those cars!” REALLY???!!!! How about “That’s why you are our favorite customers”. How does a clutch give out after 8 months? How do you not give a customer something extra for damaging their car? We really need to change mechanics – of course, it’s up to me to figure something out.

When I picked up the Jeep, the guy who helped me check out was wonderful. He explained the whole part that the code was saying was bad (the torque converter) and suggested to drive it around town to see if the light comes back on before taking it on a long drive.

So here’s to the light not coming on again……..

Catching up

Caps Game - March 11
Friday, March 11 was our last Caps game in our 5 pack.  Dan picked me up and we got to Verizon Center a little early.  Looked around in the store and got in line.  Within a few minutes, they started to let people in.  I went into my purse and only pulled out 1 (one) ticket - OH NO!!!!!  I always feared this would happen!

I figured it MUST be in the car where I switched purses.  So Hubby headed back to the car (3 blocks away).  I got a text from him - "Did you get in your purse when you were waiting for me?"  I couldn't remember.  Next thing you know, he's walking in with the ticket and said that he found it on the ground - where he dropped me off.  Whoopsies!

The Jeep is back in action
Saturday morning (like 9:30 am), I called the dealership to see if the Jeep was ready.  Nope - what the????!!!!  Supposedly the part didn't get in until late Friday.  Whatever - probably just because they didn't make any money on it.  By 1 pm, they call and say that it's ready.  We picked it up when Dan was heading out to work then I went to AC Moore.  Dan followed me and of course I had to test the Jeep - he said when I stepped on the gas, all he saw was a puff a smoke behind me.  LOL!  Anyway, we are back in action.  No issues.

Out of the Office
Tuesday, I got to go up to our offices in Wheaton to visit my co-workers there - and to do some work. : )  I picked the right day, because I was able to see 2 former co-workers who were meeting others for lunch.

Birthday Weekend Celebration
Friday, the oldest nephew came down from NY.  Can't believe he'll be 25 this year, but it's also cool because he can drive down anytime and go out with us whenever.  This is the 2nd year in a row he's come for my birthday weekend.  There always seems to be a concert that I want to go to around my birthday!  He got to the house around 6 pm so we went out to dinner and then came back to the house to watch hockey.  Our neighbor DS came down and hung out with us - finished watching the 3rd period of the game and then we all went outside to sit around the firepit and eat smores.  I finally went to bed about 12:30 while the guys waited for Dan to get home.

Saturday, we went to Red Robin for a late lunch/early dinner and I got my free birthday burger.  We also got a free appetizer since I just signed up for the frequent customer card.  About 7:30 pm we headed up to Baltimore to Rams Head Live to see Charm City Devils and Halestorm.  We got to see a little bit of Madame Adam (they sounded pretty good).  It was nice to see CCD since it's been awhile.  John threw a CD single out into the crowd.  Next thing I know, it's at my feet!  So I grabbed it!  WOOHOO!  What is it with seeing them play live and getting a free CD?  John gave me the demo when I saw them as Forty Acres way back when.

Halestorm was AWESOME!  Lzzy has as strong a voice in concert as she does on the CD.  They played the whole CD along with 2 covers and 1 new song.

Sunday was Chipotle for lunch and by the time we got back VJ needed to head out. : (  Then DH and I went to Home Depot to get yard stuff and spend the rest of the day in the yard.  The neighbors/Esa's best friend came over for about 30 minutes.  The pups hadn't played together all winter.  The rest of the evening was TV time.

Today I walked into the kitchen to presents!!!!!  WOOHOO!  Dan got me Season 4 of The 4400 and a replacement neck wrap.  He said that another present is on it's way.....

Coming up this week is Janet Jackson on Thursday with my friend, NW.  Then Junkfood posted that they will be in Herndon at Ned Devine's on Saturday.  The celebration keeps going!

daytimer, D&B, and that’s a lot of money.....

Aug 19, 2008

daytimer, D&B, and that’s a lot of money.....

I've decided to go old school on the daytimer. I did some searches on the internet and found www.diyplanner.com. I've decided to use ONE planner for work and home and carry it back and forth. I need to simplify and having 2 planners (for the work and personal) is not simplifying. It's one life, so one planner. So, I'm taking some time and getting the planner organized and filled with info. This should work…….

Yesterday's trip to Dave & Buster's was a lot of fun. The food was good and the games were fun. Once again, Dan got the most tickets, but of course, he gave them to us girls! I got a t-shirt and Maegan got a stuffed animal and a LED lamp that plugs into the computer. We got lost on the way home – so much for the jeep having a GPS system! I was programming it and Dan kept on saying, "I got it, I got it". Well, we ended up going the wrong way on the beltway. We got home about 7:30 and walked Esa. Sable came out and played for a few. Sable is all over Esa – and finally bit Esa's gum (on the inside of her mouth), so Esa was bleeding a bit. Didn't bother her though – I think it worried Dan more. J

We also dropped off Plankton (our Nissan Sentra) for a check-up – he was dripping oil – not good. Come to find out the washer was bad and we weren't charged for it BUT of course they noticed that the emergency brake wasn't working right and of course, it wasn't an easy fix – the console had to be taken out and the brake adjusted there. The jeep also is in need of tires. We noticed when we were in Canada that the front passenger tire was low and 2 weeks later the same thing. The tread has been really bad on all of the tires. The last time it was in for a check-up, Goodyear said we were going to need tires soon. Dan wanted to get the tires .. I take Mae back home so I dropped it off this morning when I picked up Plankton. One thousand dollars later and we have some nice tires with a long warranty. Good thing it's paid off. These tires should last the rest of the life of the jeep.

what’s been going on and Esa’s DNA test (2nd time around)

Aug 17, 2008

what’s been going on and Esa’s DNA test (2nd time around)

Things have been busy here – I just keep moving with the niece to keep her entertained. Luckily, she's cool with just sitting at home and watching movies too!

Monday, like I posted, the neighbors came over with their dogs for awhile. Tuesday, we played "Scene It". Wednesday, the neighbors came over again with Sable and then we watched "One Missed Call". Thursday, we went to see "Tick, Tick, Boom!" by the Elden Street Players (www.eldenstreetplayers.org).

Both of us really enjoyed it. I couldn't believe that the movie was done with only 3 actors (and 3 musicians). I kept laughing at the jokes they made about Newark Airport - Just because of the connection at work.

Friday, we went to DQ for dinner (Mae wanted to try the Chili Cheese Dog). We were going to get together with the neighbors again, but it started to rain on the way home. So we ended up just watching Degrassi.

Yesterday, we went to Chipotle for lunch, Office Depot, Staples, Dollar Tree and then finally Fair Oaks Mall. The main goal - Hot Topic. That was just about the only store we went into (besides Brookstone, Spencer's and Claire's). We got home about 4:30. Dan had his fantasy football draft and got home about 30 minutes after us. We went for a walk, had dinner, started watching Juno and then the neighbors stopped by with Sable. So we all ended out back watching the pups play.

Today, we have already dropped the Nissan off at Goodyear - there's a small oil leak - not good - we are hoping that it is just something not tightened - since it didn't start until after the last oil change. Later on, we plan on going to Dave & Buster's. I've never been (Dan has). Mae wanted to do something like Chuck E. Cheese, but not and Dan thought of D & B.

Yesterday, we got Esa's 2nd DNA test. What a bunch of bull! Once again, it says that there's nothing in her primary (more than 50%); her secondary (25% to 50%) is Shih Tzu; and in the mix (less than 25%) - Alaskan Malumute, Chow Chow, Akita. WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAP! According to that one website I found last time, those breeds are all ancient breeds and all dogs come from those breeds! I just can't believe they left the Shih Tzu on there - I wonder what happened to the Greyhound that was in her? All of the sudden that disappeared?

So, please pass on the word - this is a bunch of crap.