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Reflections on the puddle of life

Sigh

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by
TheFifthElement
, 01-16-2011 at 03:05 PM (1639 Views)
Our year of bad luck continues.

On Christmas Eve someone ran into the back of our car. There was black ice, and they just slid into us. We were waiting at a roundabout so it wasn't a high impact accident and, fortunately, no one was injured. The car was a bit crumpled at the back and we couldn't open the boot because the handle was damaged, but it didn't look too bad.

This weekend, our insurers have informed us that the car is an economic write off. I'm not overly surprised. It was an old car, not worth much, but we were managing to hang on to it and were hoping to get another year, maybe two out of it before having to take the plunge and buy another one. I think we would have managed it. It was a bit rusty, the speedometer didn't work, the front windows couldn't be opened, but it was mechanically sound and in reasonably solid condition. Poor car. I will miss it.

So we've spent this weekend looking for another car, and we have bought something even though we can't afford it because we simply cannot manage without a car. Not yet. In August, when the train station opens, we might have managed okay.

Bummer. Whilst I always knew this year would be a challenge financially I hadn't counted on needing to shell out for something as expensive as a car. I think the tent is off the cards now, for at least this year. I'm hoping we can still get to it, sometime before my son is too old to find it an adventure.

On the up side, my arm is a lot better. It's bruised to buggery, I still can't straighten it properly and my first ride out on the bike was somewhat uncomfortable today, but I'm on the mend. And I'm back on the bike tomorrow come what may. I need the exercise. If nothing else, it cheers me up.

Feeling glum. Roll on spring.
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Comments

  1. qimissung's Avatar
    I don't know why it is but anytime you're just gritting your teeth in the hope that everything will just stay balanced while you're carrying the whole teetering load, something falls and breaks. Every time.

    So try to take a deep breath and focus on the good things (there are two or three I know) that have happened to you recently or in the past.

    Hunker down with cocoa and brownies, the occasional bike rides, a loving arm around your shoulder. This too will pass, and soon the sun will shine again. And let's just say the tent is off the cards for now (what kind of tent do you want, anyway?).

    Here's a cheer up gift from a couple of my favorite Brits (yes, I am aware I'm being almost obnoxiously cheerful ).

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk
    Updated 01-16-2011 at 05:34 PM by qimissung
  2. Virgil's Avatar
    I'm so sorry to hear about this Fifth. I hope you can find something relatively inexpensive for now. I guess there is no way to get a ride to the train station from a neighbor until August?
  3. skib's Avatar
    Oh my! That doesn't sound like a cheerful holiday at all! My sister had to get a new car when a drunk driver hit a corner too fast and broadsided her little Saturn. Hopefully you find something that works well for a while! And heal up! Spring isn't too far away!
  4. TheFifthElement's Avatar
    Qimi thanks for the kind words and the song. It did cheer me up We need to get a six man tent, preferably with three separate sleeping areas. I'm hoping to sort out some finance this week, and then we can maybe still get the tent and manage a bit more easily. There's usually light somewhere. Sometimes you just need to stop thinking in order to see it.
    Virgil Thanks. I still cycle to the station, though I get a lift sometimes. It's more for other things, like visiting my Mum and generally getting out of the village that we need the station for. We're getting there. There's a school now, and a supermarket and a few more shops due, and a doctor's surgery. A few more months and we'll probably barely use the car at all, although if we do manage to get a tent then that'll probably change
    skib thanks for stopping by. I'm glad your sister wasn't hurt in the accident. It's frustrating when you know it's entirely outside your control and not of your doing, but I must admit to having felt really sorry for the girl who ran into us. Once she hit the ice, there wasn't a great deal she could do. I am healing, thanks. Slowly. Good to see you around.
  5. Buh4Bee's Avatar
    What a drag! I hear you. Hate having to scrape so hard. Can you get a used tent? Glad your arm is healing up!
  6. The Comedian's Avatar
    Hope things improve for you -- soon.
  7. TheFifthElement's Avatar
    Thanks Comedian and jersea. The used tent idea is a good one, I'd just be nervous whether it was sound and watertight, but there are probably some reputable places we could look for one. Good thinking. Thanks