Crash for Clunkers Program

I knew the roads were icy when I was heading to opera scenes practice Wednesday night...and I even thought to myself, "I should take the other road to the snow building." But, I learn over and over that I should not second guess thoughts like this one with thoughts like, "Well, the icy road is a faster, and more direct route."

Well that road was definitely NOT faster on Wednesday...in fact despite leaving 20 minutes early I arrived 10 minutes late - due to a slight fender bender:

You would really think that Idaho residents would be used to driving on the snow and ice...He did not take note of the ice, and as I slid to a safe stop, he barreled into my car...and yes...I literally let out a yelp...scream...whatever you call it when it happened, and then tried to play cool as I talked to the officer who came & wrote a report. At the time the bumper was covered in snow, so we almost drove away thinking there was no damage - but I wisely wiped off some of the snow - with my bare hands, damaging them in the process - and then we called the Rexburg PD.

Well. The unfortunate situation is that the other driver (who was in a truck) did not have current insurance - although for some reason I left the site with the assurance that he would, "help take care of the situation."

Fortunately my when I was registering for insurance this last time I checked a box online that said, "uninsured motorist coverage - $8/mo." I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that now!!! that $8/mo. will save me literally thousands of dollars in medical and car repair expenses - Oh it looks like small damage - but by small means are great things come to past. haha.

I have yet to see a doctor because I am less than medically inclined, and I am not really sure where to go - my car looks slightly how I feel ...rear ended - mostly back pain, sometimes shoulders - put me down most of Friday. I must have been leaning forward when it happened because my lower back seems to have absorbed the hit entirely...don't worry though... it is now sharing that with my shoulders and middle back. At the time of the crash I must have been in a bit of shock because the pain didn't really hit till later that evening, and hasn't really let up since, but I am slowly picking up the pieces as I try to figure out where to go to find the glue to put them back together...maybe some retail therapy?

And! Thanks to the "Crash for Clunkers Program" - I was given the "privilege" of driving quite the hot rod around until my babe is out of the shop.

I have decided that I love my car. I really do...at first I was kind of hoping that the frame work would be a little damaged so that the insurance would total the car, and I could pay it off...but I really REALLY hope that the damage isn't that bad. As you can see from the pictures it doesn't look that bad, but I have heard from several sources that the layers of a bumper are fragile, and if the frame is bent at all - it'd be better to total it...However, I am a firm believer that my car was made for me. We have been through a lot together. My car has been there for me when no one else could be, and in the last years since I've had her I have spent more time with her than any other person. My very first blog was about my babe. And, I really haven't found another that fits me so well, and trust me I have test driven quite a few cars...and this one (although nice...kind of):

just isn't Rosie.

Dating Philosophy #3

I have discovered that I cannot date people who remind me of
my "past" (you know what I mean?)

You know...as soon as similar mannerisms appear
That's the end...
somehow they seem less than attractive, and fall into the immediate category of "just friends"
Is that bad? pre-judging?
It's like I assimilate those mannerisms with lack of trust...
I can't do it.



Dating Philosophy #3.5:
It's possible I am too old to be in a BYU-Idaho singles ward
...I kind of miss the ward in Utah where there was a larger range in ages
maybe it's because I was younger then.

I am definitely feeling...
older.
Most people in these wards range from 19 - 23
(I know that's kind of a generalization)
I know there are guys my age here in Rexburg...
Good. Single. Available guys...

I was talking to a guy
...he looked about my age
he is actually 3 years younger than me...
When he found out my age he graciously moved on.

Now I am not saying that I don't find younger guys attractive
...it just makes me feel old especially with reactions like that.

back to the drawing board.

(haha. More to come.)

Note:
I chose to start writing these because I finally decided that it was simply time to put myself out there. This is the year. Time to adventure, and make friends. Time to date for real. I am tired of "hanging out." I am tired of feeling the way I do. I am tired of reflecting regrettably upon the decisions I have made to hold myself back in the past...so I am adventuring into the unknown world...gulp...of dating. I am simply going to do it. Most of these are in reply to the experiences that occur because of this outlandish decision. haha.

Dating Philosophy #2

Singles Activities
...are not a good place to find single (normal) guys

If you have seen singles ward
you know what I am talking about

They saying comes to mind:

"Guys are like parking spaces;
They are either taken or handicapped"

Yet I endeavor to find a parking spot so I sit and wait...

Dating Philosophy #1 - The First Date

The first date is like a long interview.

And all the while you are thinking...What can I ask that will help me best get to know this person. I try to avoid small talk, but alas on the first date...sometimes it is necessary.

Movies are somewhat awkward on a first date...because you are trying to watch the movie, and all the while being concerned about where you put your hands as to not give the wrong gesture...Ladies we don't want to move too fast. Hand holding is a 3-4th date affair.

While you are on the date you are trying to take everything in stride...I know we are not supposed to compare people, but when there is someone in your past who reminds you of someone who may become part of your future...is that grounds to compare?

I try to pass no judgment because first impressions are often misleading...however there were certain mannerisms that reminded me of another reckless relationship and brought back a flood of memories...and red flags that I missed in previous situations... I am not sure if these are premature...

Although I enjoy the first date setting...I think I would much rather meet someone for the first time on common ground rather than a first date. It would relieve much of the awkwardness...

and that's my philosophy.

More to come.