Sometimes, life is fun

About a week ago, someone backed into my Bug as it innocently sat in a parking lot. They crunched the driver's side headlight and came across my hood. There is no way they did not feel it, yet they drove off without leaving any information. Blah. When I saw the damage, I stood there in disbelief for a couple of minutes. It was drivable, so I just picked up the headlight pieces and headed for home.

Here is where the good surprises start. First, if there was ever a time for me to be without a car--it is now. I have very few obligations and am within walking distance of Meijers (similar to a Super Target for you non-Michiganders), a credit union, and the library. Plus, I have an awesome roommate who would let me borrow her car or take me somewhere. So the timing was as good as it gets.

Second, Allstate has been wonderful. I reported the claim on Friday. By Saturday morning at 10 AM, I had a check in hand for the damages and a list of places to take my car to get it fixed. If the charges are more than the check given to me---the fix-it place will bill Allstate directly. They waived my deductible, since I wasn't anywhere near my car when this happened. Everyone from my agent (Jim) to the estimate guy (Brian) to the customer service person (April) has been pleasant and helpful.

Third, Jack Keller Ford has also been awesome. I called Monday morning to get the Bug into them to be fixed and they ordered my parts immediately (not too many Bug parts kicking around a Ford dealership, ya know). Jerry gave me a call yesterday to let me know the parts were in and said they could start working on the Bug first thing this morning. Then he offered me their loaner car for free while the Bug was in their shop. I arrive at 8 AM to find they gave me a Pontiac G6. Wow.

I'm surprised at how quickly everything happened. The incident happened less than a week ago and the Bug is already in the shop. I'm very pleased. Maybe this is the way it is supposed to happen. Since I've never had to do this before, I was apprehensive about how it was all going to go. It was (almost) painless. I say almost because it was painful to look at my car in its damaged state. MY POOR BUG!

It also taught me that when you don't have outrageous expectations and things go well, you feel rather happy. An interesting concept for me to learn. Just go with it. When things go well--it's all bonus.

I just don't know

Where do I go from here? What's next for me?

I received a call from Ferris today, letting me know that I did not get the job I interviewed for. I knew it wasn't a slam dunk, but I had thought I had a pretty good chance. And I admit, I was mentally listing the things that would change if I got the job. I would get to move into my own apartment. I would be able to spend a little bit of money on non-essential things. Those plans are completely out of the window.

I was waiting to see how Ferris played out before applying to other positions. I need to fire up the resume machine. I need to start searching. I need to move forward. I need to figure out my next right step.

A good thing is that I am OK. Financially and emotionally. I am disappointed, yes. I think I had it in my head that the Ferris job was a perfect fit because of timing and the people. I was....wrong (quick, write it in the calendar). But, I do believe God has a plan for me. I have no idea what it is, but I'm trying to relax and trust in the bigger picture. I'll do everything I can and then expect God to work on the things only He can.

More Happy Five

I like the number five for some reason. I don't know why.

The bells on the church across the street ringing out at noon. They just go crazy and it's awesome.

The little girl walking ahead of me who picked some flowers and then threw them over herself like she was her own flower girl at her wedding.

The sun shining!!

The very last second goal for Carolina on Tuesday night.

That the step-grandma's growths they removed are NOT cancer!

Welcome to my pretty boring life

I am still in a holding pattern. I will readily admit that this is something I am not good at. I mentally do so much better with a plan; a goal; a purpose. To do lists are some of my favorite things. Right now, I'm waiting to see if I have a job. I interviewed two weeks ago and I was thinking it was my best shot, so I have not applied for any other jobs. Maybe that isn't the smartest thing. Maybe it is. Only time will tell.

So I spend my time right now doing pretty much what I want to do. Read, watch TV, go for long walks, go through my boxes to try to decide what things I still want to own, write in my journal, play on the internet. Sound a little bit like heaven? Yes, it should be. Except, like I say above, I do better with some pressure. I feel like I don't have any kind of foundation.

I am learning to live without a master plan and be OK with that. To realize that things that are meant to be---will be. To just go with whatever happens. The last few days have been good days. Maybe I am finally relaxing into life. I sure hope so. It's hard to go against the universe.

Bloggity, bloggity, bloggity

I know this blog feeds into my Facebook page, but I think I'm ready to blog again--away from the Facebook notes.

To break the ice, a quick note of five things that have made me smile.
A long walk in the cold rain
An adorable bicycle card from my Mom
The movie Stardust
Hiking with Shanda in Newaygo
Cuddling with Big Kitty