Wrecking your car sucks.
It’s friggin’ cold, snowy, and sunny here in lovely St. Paul, MN. And when the sun melts stuff and freezes it into black ice, well, now we’re talkin’ about something much more interesting.
When I fishtailed into the I-35 median this morning, then shot across to the snowbank on the other side, I swear to god my first thought was, “wheeee!” but then I did the obligatory “holy shit!” and checked that I was ok. I was alone, and I didn’t hit anyone else, so whew. The lady who knocked on my window to see if I was ok scared the crap out of me, but I smiled and mouthed “I’m fine!” while dialing my husband to come get my shaken ass off the side of the highway.
Then I called State Farm and then immediately text-messaged Angela to tell her I was in an accident. This is because she is one of my closest friends, and she lives in my timezone, so I knew she was awake and would give me the proper amount of solace and sympathy. I love Angela!! My other close peeps were there for me, too. You know who you are. I heart you!!
It’s a Hoopty!
After driving my newly-made hoopty to the repair shop and then catching a lift home with Hubs, I immediately poured myself a one-finger tequila shot and knocked it back. It’s just as yummy at 10:30am as it is at happy hour, folks. I tweeted my experience, of course, and then went about my daily work.
Now, here’s the interesting thing.
Right around 5:00pm, I started crying, because I COULD HAVE FUCKING DIED this morning. One more holy shit moment, one more tequila shot.
This delayed reaction stuff really works. Amazing how your brain knows just when to spring it on you, right when you are just able to handle it.
I’m totally going to drink tonight.
Needless to say, glad you’re ok and have a clear and concise recovery plan.
Looking forward to your launch of the “do-it-yourself home hoopty kit.” Sounds like the prototype was a success!
From Dave Clarke on December 17th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Gia, I’m glad you’re safe. From the sounds of the accident - it really could have been much worse. And yes, the delayed ‘holy crap’ moment you had is Mother Nature’s way of keeping you strong when you needed to be strong.
From Claire Flanagan on December 17th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Thanks! Sorry about the profanity, but, well, I am profane in situations like this. ;)
From Gia Lyons on December 17th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Gia, I missed your tweet this morning, but I’m glad to hear you are ok!!! That must’ve been a horrible experience. I know it freaking scared me when it happened to me (to a much much much lesser degree) when I was living in Boston and decided to do a ski trip up to Maine.
From Luis Benitez on December 17th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Wow. What a shockingly and riveting post. Good thing you’re okay.
From Kevin Crossman on December 18th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Awww Gia, so glad you were okay! And I told you to go get a massage! I am always just a text away - well at least when I’m not in the same room. Like in January…when we are roomies!!! Wooohooo. Hugs :)
From Angela on December 18th, 2008 at 12:11 am
I HATE black ice!!! Its the equivalent to grapes on the floor at the supermarket. Its almost impossible to see, but once you hit it/them, there is nothing you can do. The only thing that works is gargantuan chains - and who wants to pack those things around.
That being said, Gia if you truly aspire to being a lush, excuses for imbibing in Tequila are not necessary.
BTW, the only thing worse than being in a car accident is your spouse being in one. Make sure your husband drinks with you.
Oh, and glad you are ok……your blog makes my life better.
From Troy Jensen on December 18th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Awww, thanks everyone! Luis, I know! I felt like I was on a Tilt-a-Whirl. Angela, I have a feeling January is going to be like our Vegas trip somehow, except without Paris Hilton. And Troy, the only thing keeping me from being a true lush is the hangovers. I really dislike hangovers. ;)
From Gia Lyons on December 18th, 2008 at 10:04 am
So glad you’re OK!
I was in a bad wreck in August (1 fatality). Although physically I was fine, I was an emotional basketcase for about 2 weeks (broke down at totally unexpected times). When I got home from the accident scene, I took my 1 last “emergency” Vicodin pill I had been saving from a recent surgery. It helped take the edge off….but I should have thought to take it with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt! ;-)
From Joyce Davis on December 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Holy cats, Joyce! That’s awful! So glad you weren’t physically hurt.
From Gia Lyons on December 18th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Only just seen this via a flock feed - glad to hear you’re ok. Had a bad smash a few years ago (truck tried to take my lane over without checking…) and wondered why I suddenly stopped breathing when passing them on the road after that. When I remember to start breathing again, things eventually worked out.
From Steve Cogan on December 19th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Damn, Steve! I’m convinced everyone turns into dolts when driving in bad weather.
From Gia Lyons on December 19th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Glad you are still in one piece and that your kids weren’t in the car. Sorry for the delayed response or lack of compassion, but hey I’ve been busy. My New Years Resolution is to actually Twit more and pay attention to other’s Twits. :-)
From Rainier on December 28th, 2008 at 12:06 am