Ramblings: My terrible, horrible, no good, really bad day

Looks like a bad CARS movie, huh?

The day started off pretty good. Especially when you compare it to the middle of the day. It was sunny, I got compliments on my shirt, had a good meeting with some exciting projects, then planned on going to our "PD Fun Day" at the park for a little lunchtime break.

PREPARE FOR SOME VENTING!!!

I was driving down Rice Street, listening to my beloved Juno soundtrack, eating some carrots, and NOT talking on my cell phone (that part was unusual). I went about 1 block and glanced at my directions to see if I should take 36 East or West. It was West. Next thing I know, my head is slammed against my steering wheel (ouch) and the front of my car is crushed. I look up and see that not only did I hit one car, but I then made THAT car hit a third car. What a nightmare. The first thing I worry about is that the people in the other car are all okay, which they are, thankfully. Next, I fear for my life since, well, let's face it, Rice Street is kind of shady and I was worried about WHOSE car I ran into. Again, I was fine. I get out to survey the damage and check on the other cars. First, I see my license plate lying next to my car door. That's nice. Next, I see green coolant pouring out of my car as well as a loud screeching. That's right, I should probably turn my car off. So, I do. I cry, of course, because I'm scared and super embarassed (especially that this happened ON Rice Street). Police came and we got everything figured out (once again, I was lucky because the police officer was really, really nice). When the police officer showed up, of course the girl whose car I hit decided that her neck hurt and she should probably be checked out. While we were sitting waiting for them to come, she said, "Well, you're probably going to get the worst of it. We were parked." Gee, thanks for that uplifting remark. Then, "my car is probably totaled since it's older and all" and I reply "Well, I guess it is your lucky day then". For the record, her car was so far from "totaled" that I can't even believe it. She had a small dent. ANYWAY, I then get a mandatory ticket for "inattentive driving". My car gets towed since I can't drive it.

OK, so I make it back to our office and am lucky enough to get a ride back to Woodbury right away.

I talk to insurance and call the transport and recovery place to find out about my car (note that they don't even tell you WHERE your car is being taken. They said it was on Concordia, so thank goodness for Google). This leads me to Twin Cities Transport and Recovery. Don't ever go here if you have a choice. I call and they let me know that in order for my car to be towed for repair, I need to drive to this place and pay the fine first. They don't say that I need my license, proof of ownsership, and proof of insurance OR that I needed to pay with cash only. Luckily I learned these little pearls of wisdom before I left. I'm sure MOST people these days carry that much cash around though, so that shouldn't have been a surprise or inconvenience...RIIIGHT. Once I got there (driving Ryan's big ole Chevy truck through St.Paul with my trusty Tytan by my side) and got that part figured out, I finally got to pay the $149.80 they charged me to pick up my car and hold on to it for a few hours. But wait, they then realize, after I signed the receipt, that they had forgotten to charge me a $25 fee for 24 hour storage. I think they're crazy, because my car was only there for 3 hours. It's not like I was a bad person who got their car towed in for some other reason, I had no choice to have my car sent there. So, despite my best efforts, my bill then jumps up to $174.80 with that nice little fee (not to mention that they also charge a $25 admin fee. Seriously?).

So, my car will hopefully be transported to Woodbury tonight and this day can't possibly get any worse.

So, for some comic relief, here's 1 more picture. Note the white spot on the windshield. That's the 100 calorie pack of ranch veggie dip I had on my seat for my carrots. That's right, it must have been thrown against the window and dripped down. That will be REALLY nice in a couple of days after sitting at the tow-yard and now the shop. Ugh.