Scott and I rolled the dice by not adding rental coverage to our car insurance policy. We figured that we hadn't been in an accident in years, and that if we needed a rental car we would simply pay out of pocket. We figured it out and we are still financially ahead by refusing the coverage, but that fact is doing little to take the sting out of the bill for the rental car. At this point I just want our SUV to be repaired so I can put the accident completely behind us. Driving a rental is a daily reminder that everything has not yet returned to normal.
Yesterday morning I dropped Robby at school, and Timmy and I headed to Fairfax for an appointment. Everything was going well and despite missing the HOV plates from the SUV, I was making great time. All of a sudden the dash started to light up and alarms started to ding. Having an auto malfunction in a car in which you are familiar is upsetting at best. When it happens in a vehicle which still feels foreign, it is nothing short of frightening. After determining that I was being alerted to a low pressure in a back tire, I slowed my speed and opted to monitor the situation.
Apparently that was a mistake. The tire pressure began to lower quicker than I anticipated. Within minutes nearly all of the air had been leaked and I was forced to pull over on the side of RT 66, a congested thoroughfare in the metro DC area. I am proud of my calm demeanor as I quickly called AAA to request roadside assistance. After I called for help, my panic began to set.
I can easily count the number of friends whose journey to limb loss started by being stranded on the side of an interstate. I knew enough to stay in the car until help arrived, but the wait felt like it took an eternity. The cars were whizzing by, shaking the car as they passed. Timmy, frightened by the sounds and upset by the fact that we were no longer moving, began to fret and cry. I did my best to soothe him by passing back lollipops and singing songs.
Even though it felt like much longer, AAA arrived fairly quickly. The tire was changed and I was escorted back to the rental agency. It was at the counter that I my roadside malfunction turned into a double whammy of insults. I was informed that I am obligated to pay for a new tire for the rental car. Apparently it was spelled out in the minuscule print of the contract that I signed when I secured the rental.
I'm frustrated, but I don't think I have any recourse. We will have to pay for a new tire and chalk this up to another lesson learned. This minor accident is quickly becoming a major expense.
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Tuesday, November 07, 2017
Monday, November 06, 2017
No Pant Weekend
Another week is starting with news of a mass shooting. Each time I hear of another incident, my heart breaks. I am so fearful about the future that lies ahead for my boys. Our society has to get a handle on all of this raw emotion and the all too commonplace action of violence. When does it stop?
After each shooting I console myself with the affirmation that now things will finally begin to change. I declare that this will be the last time so many people needlessly die simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am coming to accept that I am only placating myself, and that change is not imminent. Because I don't know what to do to spark a societal change, I'm just going to continue hugging my boys a little tighter and trying to make the world a little better each day.
This weekend was relaxing and calm. The weather was dreary so we weren't able to play outside. Instead Timmy entertained himself playing with his trains with The Polar Express playing on a loop on our living room television. Robby played video games with friends (via internet) and Scott watched sports. As I predicted, neither Scott or Robby felt compelled to put on pants until last night when they went out for a "Bro dinner."
My ear still hurts but the pain is lessening. I'm worried because my current course of antibiotics will be over soon, and I'm worried the infection has not been eradicated. I suspect that I am in for a recurrence and another round of medicine, and I'm not thrilled about either!
At this point I just want to be healthy. This ear infection has been going on for over a month now, and I'm done with it! Hopefully I'm wrong and the final few days of antibiotics will work magic, completely annihilating this pesky infection. Fingers crossed!
After each shooting I console myself with the affirmation that now things will finally begin to change. I declare that this will be the last time so many people needlessly die simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am coming to accept that I am only placating myself, and that change is not imminent. Because I don't know what to do to spark a societal change, I'm just going to continue hugging my boys a little tighter and trying to make the world a little better each day.
This weekend was relaxing and calm. The weather was dreary so we weren't able to play outside. Instead Timmy entertained himself playing with his trains with The Polar Express playing on a loop on our living room television. Robby played video games with friends (via internet) and Scott watched sports. As I predicted, neither Scott or Robby felt compelled to put on pants until last night when they went out for a "Bro dinner."
My ear still hurts but the pain is lessening. I'm worried because my current course of antibiotics will be over soon, and I'm worried the infection has not been eradicated. I suspect that I am in for a recurrence and another round of medicine, and I'm not thrilled about either!
At this point I just want to be healthy. This ear infection has been going on for over a month now, and I'm done with it! Hopefully I'm wrong and the final few days of antibiotics will work magic, completely annihilating this pesky infection. Fingers crossed!
Friday, November 03, 2017
Weekend
Slowly but surely my ear is beginning to heal. The pain is nagging but the intensity has definitely diminished over the past few days. I'm tired of feeling ill and run down and I'm antsy to feel energetic and happy again. Hopefully this weekend will bring continued healing and I'll be better by the beginning of the week. After nearly a month, I am completely over this ear infection!
Other than Trunk or Treat on Sunday (rescheduled from last weekend due to the weather) we don't have a lot of plans for the weekend. I'm sure that I'll fill the time, but right now a few days with nothing on the schedule and no obligations feels like a vacation. If only I could convince the boys that it would be fun to stay home and watch cartoons all day. Robby could probably be convinced to stay home (if we allowed him to play on the computer) but Timmy would be a much harder sell. He is Mr. Activity and full of energy. I'm sure I'll find something to keep him occupied and to thwart his destructive boredom.
Robby's schedule keeps us so busy that he is happy to lounge and relax all weekend. If we didn't insist he would probably forgo wearing pants from Friday evening until Monday morning. He has gone from not being involved in many extracurricular activities to having a full calendar. We have talked about cutting back but he thoroughly enjoys everything so much I hate to force him to choose. So for now I'll just resign to being a chauffeur in the evenings. I suppose one benefit of being forced to drive a rental this week lies in the miles that were not logged on my car.
I am not looking for any great adventures. Instead I'm hoping for a weekend without an accident, and with improved health. The absence of drama and the lack of pain would be wonderful!
Other than Trunk or Treat on Sunday (rescheduled from last weekend due to the weather) we don't have a lot of plans for the weekend. I'm sure that I'll fill the time, but right now a few days with nothing on the schedule and no obligations feels like a vacation. If only I could convince the boys that it would be fun to stay home and watch cartoons all day. Robby could probably be convinced to stay home (if we allowed him to play on the computer) but Timmy would be a much harder sell. He is Mr. Activity and full of energy. I'm sure I'll find something to keep him occupied and to thwart his destructive boredom.
Robby's schedule keeps us so busy that he is happy to lounge and relax all weekend. If we didn't insist he would probably forgo wearing pants from Friday evening until Monday morning. He has gone from not being involved in many extracurricular activities to having a full calendar. We have talked about cutting back but he thoroughly enjoys everything so much I hate to force him to choose. So for now I'll just resign to being a chauffeur in the evenings. I suppose one benefit of being forced to drive a rental this week lies in the miles that were not logged on my car.
I am not looking for any great adventures. Instead I'm hoping for a weekend without an accident, and with improved health. The absence of drama and the lack of pain would be wonderful!
Thursday, November 02, 2017
Ear Frustrations
This ear infection is really starting to wear me down. I am not feeling as bad as I did on Monday, but the nagging pain and infection is starting to take a toll on my energy and mood. I am trying to be patient with myself, to allow myself an opportunity to fully heal and recover. Patience with myself has never been a strength.
Yesterday I struggled to keep up with Timmy, who was a bundle of energy. I am frustrated that I am not completely able to enjoy our playtime. I keep waiting for my ear to feel better, but the improvement is so incremental that it is infuriating. Instead of happily playing with my little guy I found myself looking at the clock, waiting for Scott to come home so I could take a break.
Today will be another day of taking it easy, taking my medication and drinking a lot of fluids. Hopefully another day of rest will help knock this infection out of my ear for good. I'm tired of feeling sick!
Yesterday I struggled to keep up with Timmy, who was a bundle of energy. I am frustrated that I am not completely able to enjoy our playtime. I keep waiting for my ear to feel better, but the improvement is so incremental that it is infuriating. Instead of happily playing with my little guy I found myself looking at the clock, waiting for Scott to come home so I could take a break.
Today will be another day of taking it easy, taking my medication and drinking a lot of fluids. Hopefully another day of rest will help knock this infection out of my ear for good. I'm tired of feeling sick!
Wednesday, November 01, 2017
Halloween Fun!
Despite his aversion to costumes, Timmy threw himself into the Halloween spirit. He initially resisted putting on his puppy dog costume, but as soon as he saw his brother and daddy changing, he quickly followed suit. Sometimes peer pressure works to a parent's advantage! He will do just about anything if he thinks his brother is participating. Robby still doesn't realize the influence he holds over his little brother. Heaven help us when he figures it out.
Since Scott and Robby always traverse the neighborhood on the scooter to cover more ground, they decided to continue the tradition of dressing in coordinating costumes. The pair dressed as Plague Doctors (Robby's choice.) Bundled up with a long cloak and gloves, they were prepared for the cool air as they scooted through the streets. Timmy and I went as a puppy dog and the dog walker. (Last night was the one occasion where I didn't catch scowls for walking my toddler on a leash.) I must admit that he was perhaps the cutest little puppy I've ever seen.
Timmy had a unique spin on Trick-or-Treating. It started with choosing the pumpkin basket. He was insistent that he take the pumpkin filled with play-do, which was supposed to be put outside in case we received trick-or-treaters. Eager to get moving, we decided to let him take the play-do pumpkin and swapped out lollipops for our giveaway. After posing for pictures, Scott and Robby hopped onto the scooter and took off in search of a big candy score. Timmy sat in his wagon and was content to be pulled through the neighborhood.
With a pumpkin full of treat sized play-do containers, he happily rang each door bell and patiently waited for it to be answered. When somebody opened the door he would smile and say "more treat please." At which point the neighbor would inevitably respond by asking him if he was a puppy dog. Timmy then lifted up his hood to show his face and said, "me, Timmy." He then put his dog hat back onto his head and pointed out that the moon was shining brightly in the night sky. (It turns out that the moon was quite a novelty, probably because he is usually fast asleep by the time it gets dark.) Before carefully selecting a piece of candy he handed the neighbor a jar of play-do. As much as I tried to convince him otherwise, he seemed confident that he needed to trade play-do for a treat.
All of the neighbors tried to return the play-do, but my cute little puppy was insistent that they keep it. With the trade completed, he would wave bye bye, bark and we left for the next house.
We managed to avoid a struggle and he put on his costume willingly. Today the next struggle begins, although this one will be a more difficult hurdle to overcome. I am going to do my best to resist the mounds of chocolatey gooey goodness covering my kitchen counter. I'd like to hold onto the Halloween memories, but I don't need them attached to my bum!
Since Scott and Robby always traverse the neighborhood on the scooter to cover more ground, they decided to continue the tradition of dressing in coordinating costumes. The pair dressed as Plague Doctors (Robby's choice.) Bundled up with a long cloak and gloves, they were prepared for the cool air as they scooted through the streets. Timmy and I went as a puppy dog and the dog walker. (Last night was the one occasion where I didn't catch scowls for walking my toddler on a leash.) I must admit that he was perhaps the cutest little puppy I've ever seen.
Timmy had a unique spin on Trick-or-Treating. It started with choosing the pumpkin basket. He was insistent that he take the pumpkin filled with play-do, which was supposed to be put outside in case we received trick-or-treaters. Eager to get moving, we decided to let him take the play-do pumpkin and swapped out lollipops for our giveaway. After posing for pictures, Scott and Robby hopped onto the scooter and took off in search of a big candy score. Timmy sat in his wagon and was content to be pulled through the neighborhood.
With a pumpkin full of treat sized play-do containers, he happily rang each door bell and patiently waited for it to be answered. When somebody opened the door he would smile and say "more treat please." At which point the neighbor would inevitably respond by asking him if he was a puppy dog. Timmy then lifted up his hood to show his face and said, "me, Timmy." He then put his dog hat back onto his head and pointed out that the moon was shining brightly in the night sky. (It turns out that the moon was quite a novelty, probably because he is usually fast asleep by the time it gets dark.) Before carefully selecting a piece of candy he handed the neighbor a jar of play-do. As much as I tried to convince him otherwise, he seemed confident that he needed to trade play-do for a treat.
All of the neighbors tried to return the play-do, but my cute little puppy was insistent that they keep it. With the trade completed, he would wave bye bye, bark and we left for the next house.
We managed to avoid a struggle and he put on his costume willingly. Today the next struggle begins, although this one will be a more difficult hurdle to overcome. I am going to do my best to resist the mounds of chocolatey gooey goodness covering my kitchen counter. I'd like to hold onto the Halloween memories, but I don't need them attached to my bum!
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
Typically I love Halloween, but this year I'm not feeling the spooky spirit. My ear infection has returned with a vengeance, forcing me to return to my doctor. I have now begin my third round of antibiotics and I'm still feeling lousy.
Alas, Moms don't get sick days, and the celebration must go on. Tonight I will have two trick-or-treaters hitting the neighborhood in their annual trek for candy. Robby has been counting down since September and is perfectly giddy about his costume. Timmy has been far more when it comes to costume selection. So far he has refused every option while continually proclaiming that he will go as "me, Timmy." Hopefully he'll acquiesce and agree to wear the positively adorable costume I selected. Maybe seeing his brother in costume will help spur him into the holiday spirit.
Check back tomorrow for this year's costumes!
Typically I love Halloween, but this year I'm not feeling the spooky spirit. My ear infection has returned with a vengeance, forcing me to return to my doctor. I have now begin my third round of antibiotics and I'm still feeling lousy.
Alas, Moms don't get sick days, and the celebration must go on. Tonight I will have two trick-or-treaters hitting the neighborhood in their annual trek for candy. Robby has been counting down since September and is perfectly giddy about his costume. Timmy has been far more when it comes to costume selection. So far he has refused every option while continually proclaiming that he will go as "me, Timmy." Hopefully he'll acquiesce and agree to wear the positively adorable costume I selected. Maybe seeing his brother in costume will help spur him into the holiday spirit.
Check back tomorrow for this year's costumes!
Monday, October 30, 2017
Accident
We were looking forward to spending Friday at Pumpkinville, playing and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. With cool weather and a bright yellow sun shining, along with Robby and Scott both off school, it felt like the stars had aligned for us to have a wonderful day. This school year has not been easy for Scott, making it difficult for me as well by proxy, and we were looking forward to a day of family fun. It felt like a day of disconnecting from technology was exactly what we needed to reconnect and reboot.
Our plans completely blew up during our drive to breakfast. In the IHOP parking lot we were in an accident. Everybody is fine although we were all quite shaken by the experience. After the accident we all decided to just go home. Nobody felt like having fun anymore.
Our SUV has seen better days and will be going into the auto body shop today. With over 200,000 miles logged already, I'm hoping that the insurance company doesn't decide to just total our vehicle. I am expecting a phone call today or tomorrow with the verdict, so fingers crossed!
Even though nobody was hurt, the accident continues to haunt me. I keep replaying the scenario, reliving the collision each time I remember. I know that cars can be replaced and that I need to focus on the positive, but my anxiety has been thrown into overdrive by the event. When I focus on the positive that nobody was injured, I immediately become panicked as I consider what could have happened. We were so incredibly lucky, and that realization also completely terrorizes me.
The next few days I know that I will continue to be reminded by the accident. Even as the soreness in my back continues to lessen I'll be forced to recount the incident through conversations with insurance adjusters. I'm sure that my muscles will spasm again every time I retell the incident, and I have no doubt that it will spark more panic attacks when I am driving. I'll be glad when the car is out of the shop, the insurance situation is settled and I can begin to compartmentalize the incident as something that happened in the past.
Our plans completely blew up during our drive to breakfast. In the IHOP parking lot we were in an accident. Everybody is fine although we were all quite shaken by the experience. After the accident we all decided to just go home. Nobody felt like having fun anymore.
Our SUV has seen better days and will be going into the auto body shop today. With over 200,000 miles logged already, I'm hoping that the insurance company doesn't decide to just total our vehicle. I am expecting a phone call today or tomorrow with the verdict, so fingers crossed!
Even though nobody was hurt, the accident continues to haunt me. I keep replaying the scenario, reliving the collision each time I remember. I know that cars can be replaced and that I need to focus on the positive, but my anxiety has been thrown into overdrive by the event. When I focus on the positive that nobody was injured, I immediately become panicked as I consider what could have happened. We were so incredibly lucky, and that realization also completely terrorizes me.
The next few days I know that I will continue to be reminded by the accident. Even as the soreness in my back continues to lessen I'll be forced to recount the incident through conversations with insurance adjusters. I'm sure that my muscles will spasm again every time I retell the incident, and I have no doubt that it will spark more panic attacks when I am driving. I'll be glad when the car is out of the shop, the insurance situation is settled and I can begin to compartmentalize the incident as something that happened in the past.
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