You know the saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side."
I've been thinking that a little bit lately. Sometimes I wish I hadn't been in such a hurry to graduate from college. You see, Stephan comes home from school/work and he has to study and do homework. Me, I have no homework and I don't have to study for any tests. And yet, when I was getting closer to graduating, I was looking forward to having time to pursue hobbies, read books for FUN, and not have to worry about homework. I have to say, it's been an adjustment going from being in school for a good part of my life to having no school whatsoever. I have so much time on my hands that I don't know what to do with it! If you know me, I don't deal with boredom very well. I have to do something productive or else I will beat myself up for it at the end of the day. Another indicator that I am my parents' kid.
Sometimes I also think having a job will be better. But I'm afraid of not having enough time to cook delicious meals (Stephan loves my cooking) or to keep the house as clean as I have come to. I hate to say it, but I don't know if I trust Stephan to keep the apartment as clean as I do, ha ha.
On the plus side, we have discovered that Stephan's income is helping us more than we ever thought it would! Honestly, I think that's a tender mercy right there! It must be a blessing for paying our tithing and living within our means. So folks, live within your means, you'll be blessed for it. The only debt that we have is Stephan's scooter, and technically the car we have to pay my parents back for overtime.
I am learning to enjoy life as I am living it now, instead of focusing on what I don't have (which can be hard). Doing housework does wonders for boredom, though it can get tedious so I have to discover ways to make it more interesting. I have taken more pleasure in reading. I have gotten started on researching for my future novel, and have received a lot of inspiration for it. Stephan loves the food I make, so apparently I have underestimated my abilities as a cook. Baking has also become a talent of mine. More hobbies are being pondered, and yes I am still looking for a job.
Sorry if this post has seemed scattered. It was just how I was thinking. Maybe I'm tired. Good night.
Oh wait, we are most likely spending part of Christmas break in Houston. I'm looking forward to a snow-free Christmas!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The car, has returned
I substituted a line from The Lion King for the title. I am so original.
Six weeks after the accident, we finally have our car back! I know a lot of people are wondering how in the world it took that long. I know some cynics who think that I got cheated or something.
The reason it took so long is because there was A LOT more damage than what was initially thought. At first we thought there was just some bumper damage and that was that. Well, as the mechanics started working on it further, they discovered that the transfer case was cracked. They had to take the car to the dealership at that point, and the dealership found out that the transfer case my car needed was on national back order. What was worse was that there was no release date for said back order. Wonderful. Thankfully (we think it was prayer that made this happen) they got the part in a matter of days. Hallelujah! But they still had to keep repairing, they had to put the air bags back in, etc. And then there was taking it to the painters and taking it back to the dealership so *they* could evaluate the repairs they did.
I know that the mechanics were repairing my car during this entire time because they called me at least twice a week to update me on what they had done. So you cynics can stop telling me that I should have bothered them every single day. It wouldn't have helped one bit.
The only annoying part was that it took them longer than I had the rental car for to finish the car. We finally ended up borrowing a car from Stephan's parents for the last few days so we wouldn't have to pay out of pocket for the extra few days with the rental (we saved a couple hundred bucks doing this). We picked up the car in Draper (yes, Draper) and we almost didn't get to because I didn't have the first estimate check with me. Since the car is still under my parents' insurance (until I am employed), the check was sent to my parents. I made an urgent call to my mom right then, which was a good thing because she was on her way to the temple (my parents are ordinance workers). She was able to give them her information over the phone, and all was well in Zion. We got our car back, although we are still trying to figure out how to get the clock and radio to work. I'll probably have to ask my dad, since it used to be his car.
Other than the car, I should probably talk a little more about what's going on with the Andersons. I still don't have a job. I actually interviewed with a company two weeks ago, but they *never* contacted me, so I have moved on. I've gotten more rejections. We're financially fine right now--Stephan's job is helping us more than we thought it would. My mother-in-law was relieved to hear that because she's been worrying. I guess she gets flashbacks of what her newlywed life was like, which was apparently a whole lot worse than ours is. I have placed an ad at UVU for my editing services, but no response yet. Anyone want me to look over their papers?
I've been getting brilliant ideas to save money. I'm starting to think about making our own laundry soap. I think my sister-in-law already does it and it saves them money. We've also been making our restaurant decisions based on what coupons we have for them. Oh the joys of being poor.
Stephan is doing well in school. He says that being married has improved his grades, mainly because I help motivate him. If I go up and randomly hug him while he's studying, he becomes more motivated and his productivity improves. Who would have thought?
Oh, and tomorrow marks one year since we met. We're celebrating today, however, since tomorrow is Sunday. We'll probably go to dinner at Mimi's Cafe (we have a 2 for 1 coupon), do a session at the Provo Temple, and then go to Maestro's for some gelato. Maestro's was where we concluded our first date, though I know for sure that this trip will be much more enjoyable than our first date's was. Ha!
Six weeks after the accident, we finally have our car back! I know a lot of people are wondering how in the world it took that long. I know some cynics who think that I got cheated or something.
The reason it took so long is because there was A LOT more damage than what was initially thought. At first we thought there was just some bumper damage and that was that. Well, as the mechanics started working on it further, they discovered that the transfer case was cracked. They had to take the car to the dealership at that point, and the dealership found out that the transfer case my car needed was on national back order. What was worse was that there was no release date for said back order. Wonderful. Thankfully (we think it was prayer that made this happen) they got the part in a matter of days. Hallelujah! But they still had to keep repairing, they had to put the air bags back in, etc. And then there was taking it to the painters and taking it back to the dealership so *they* could evaluate the repairs they did.
I know that the mechanics were repairing my car during this entire time because they called me at least twice a week to update me on what they had done. So you cynics can stop telling me that I should have bothered them every single day. It wouldn't have helped one bit.
The only annoying part was that it took them longer than I had the rental car for to finish the car. We finally ended up borrowing a car from Stephan's parents for the last few days so we wouldn't have to pay out of pocket for the extra few days with the rental (we saved a couple hundred bucks doing this). We picked up the car in Draper (yes, Draper) and we almost didn't get to because I didn't have the first estimate check with me. Since the car is still under my parents' insurance (until I am employed), the check was sent to my parents. I made an urgent call to my mom right then, which was a good thing because she was on her way to the temple (my parents are ordinance workers). She was able to give them her information over the phone, and all was well in Zion. We got our car back, although we are still trying to figure out how to get the clock and radio to work. I'll probably have to ask my dad, since it used to be his car.
Other than the car, I should probably talk a little more about what's going on with the Andersons. I still don't have a job. I actually interviewed with a company two weeks ago, but they *never* contacted me, so I have moved on. I've gotten more rejections. We're financially fine right now--Stephan's job is helping us more than we thought it would. My mother-in-law was relieved to hear that because she's been worrying. I guess she gets flashbacks of what her newlywed life was like, which was apparently a whole lot worse than ours is. I have placed an ad at UVU for my editing services, but no response yet. Anyone want me to look over their papers?
I've been getting brilliant ideas to save money. I'm starting to think about making our own laundry soap. I think my sister-in-law already does it and it saves them money. We've also been making our restaurant decisions based on what coupons we have for them. Oh the joys of being poor.
Stephan is doing well in school. He says that being married has improved his grades, mainly because I help motivate him. If I go up and randomly hug him while he's studying, he becomes more motivated and his productivity improves. Who would have thought?
Oh, and tomorrow marks one year since we met. We're celebrating today, however, since tomorrow is Sunday. We'll probably go to dinner at Mimi's Cafe (we have a 2 for 1 coupon), do a session at the Provo Temple, and then go to Maestro's for some gelato. Maestro's was where we concluded our first date, though I know for sure that this trip will be much more enjoyable than our first date's was. Ha!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Pictures!
Here are some wedding pictures. Blogger is a little weird about pictures, so I'll only upload these for now. Maybe I'll put up some more later. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Two months!!
Stephan and I were married two months ago today. We are currently spending the weekend at my in-laws--they are all in Disney Land and we're house sitting. Stephan did a little bit of homework and then we took off for the mountains to see the fall colors. It was beautiful! I've got some issues with Utah, but it sure does know how to do scenery! Now Stephan is making dinner, and I feel like reflecting on my wedding day, a la my friend Amy (who I remember best as Sister Hanson when she was a missionary in my home ward).
Hats off to The Silver Hanger for providing my wedding dress, veil, and shoes (well, temple ones at least). I first went to Allyse's Bridal in Orem with my cousins, but didn't get anything there because they told me it was too expensive. I have since learned that they are not that expensive, but rather Mormons are cheap. Anyway. My mom and I went to The Silver Hanger out in Katy, TX when I was home for a break between Winter semester and Spring term. It was a small store, but they had a nice selection and we went during the day when there was almost no one there. We got great service from the lady who owns it! I finally selected my dress, which was a semi-popular dress, but not so much. Hats off to my wonderful mother who altered my dress and replaced the too-tight cap sleeves with much more flexible tulip ones.
A wag of the finger goes to China, for not having the material for my sleeves ready until the middle of JUNE!!!! As if my mom didn't have a busy enough summer getting my brother ready for a mission besides. Another wag of the finger goes to all those people who thought it was terrible that my mom wasn't making my wedding dress. While my mom is an amazing seamstress, she wasn't going to be able to pull off making my dress in only a few months and with me being away from home for most of that time.
Tip of the hat to Le Jardin for being so helpful and not being too expensive. Seriously, I highly recommend having your wedding reception here. They aren't outrageously expensive (especially if you have it during the day like I did), and it includes setting up, linens, and all that jazz. They also did our flowers (my bouquet and the various bouttenieres) and they were beautiful!!! You get the beauty of nature without worrying about the weather, which goes to...
Wag of the finger at the weather. When I decided to have my wedding in August, I assumed it would be like all Augusts past and be BLAZING hot. Nope. When I woke up on my wedding day, it was cold and windy. And then it started raining right before my sealing! I was upset. But thankfully, the rain let up for pictures, but it was still wet out. And our photographer still got some amazing pictures despite the rain.
Tip of the hat to Rachel Spencer, who took our engagements; Jacey Jensen (my cousin) who took my bridals; and Scott Jarvie, our wedding photographer. Rachel was in my ward when I lived in Glenwood, and she's really good with a camera! We were very happy with our pictures, and had a hard time choosing which ones to go on the announcements! My cousin Jacey was very accommodating with my bridals--especially when I didn't know when I would have my dress (my mother was altering it). The wait was worth it, and she took some really beautiful pictures!
I searched long and hard for our wedding photographer. It always seemed like photographers were too expensive or did not take good pictures. My mom suggested having an aunt take pictures, but I didn't think that was a good idea at all. I have certain relatives who would hijack the picture-taking process and take forever if she were the photographer. I reminded my mother of this, and she agreed that a professional would be best. I finally found Scott Jarvie through a facebook ad. He had some amazing pictures and his asking price wasn't too shabby either. I got him for the last available Saturday in August he was available! I am so glad I hired him because he knew how to operate in the rain. And he was really mellow and easy to work with. I would highly recommend him to all my friends, and not just for wedding pictures! And certain relatives kept their mouths shut during our pictures. Our pictures turned out wonderfully!
Tip of the hat to my mother-in-law Kathy for doing our cake. We basically decided to have her do the cake before we were engaged because she had done it for Heather's (Stephan's older sister) wedding, and she does good work! We saved a ton of money having her do it, and the cake was beautiful! Plus, it was tasty. And if you know me, you know I don't usually care for cake.
Tip of the hat to my brother-in-law Alex for desigining our wedding announcements for the price of a $25 iTunes gift card. He also offered to do a slideshow for the reception, but unfortunately we never got around to it. We got a lot of compliments on our announcements, which honestly weren't so different from others! I guess Stephan and I just look that good together ;)
Tip of the hat to the Maywood String Quartet for performing at our reception. It also turns out we had a celebrity cellist in that group--Steven Sharp Nelson. I didn't even know! My parents were the ones who booked them, and they definitely didn't know! My dad also jumped in for "Sunrise, Sunset" (he plays violin). Everyone (including me) loved it! Although wag of the finger at the quartet for playing "Canon in D". As a violinist of several years, I think it's one of the most OVERPLAYED pieces of all time. I thought my dad explicitly told them not to perform it...oh well.
Wag of the finger at the many people who did not read their invitations and assumed that the reception was going to be in the evening. You have NO IDEA how many people e-mailed me later to tell me that they were going to come, except they thought it was in the evening and didn't know until they looked at the announcement and saw that it was that afternoon. To be brutally honest, all I can really say is: LEARN TO READ!!!!! Honestly, it wasn't hard to see that the invitation specifically said 1 to 3 PM. Gee manee. Okay, I got that out (it has been bothering me for a while). Please don't think I hate anyone, I just don't have patience for people who "assume".
Tip of the hat to the many people who provided me with transportation during the wedding planning. Tiffany, Tia, Kerry Andersen, Anika, and if there is anyone else I am forgetting, forgive me! And for those people who listened to my rants and worries during the whole process, namely my roommates, and especially Jessica.
But really, the most important part of my wedding day happened at ten o'clock that morning when my great-Uncle Herschel Pedersen performed our sealing. One of the reasons I chose the Mount Timpanogos Temple was because Uncle Herschel is a sealer there, and my Grandpa Slack (who had been the family sealer for years) passed away almost two years ago and couldn't perform mine. And my entire immediate family was there, which I was very pleased with because we were afraid Paul wouldn't be able to come because of his school schedule (he's a teacher). He caught the last flight out of Yuma, AZ the night before the wedding just so he could be there! Plus, his aides were determined that he would make it to my wedding, so they really helped him get everything ready. I was so happy to have him there, along with the rest of my immediate family. I know it is a great blessing for my parents to have sat in the temple with all four of their children. I am grateful that we all kept ourselves worthy to be in such a holy place. I was also grateful that so many of our relatives could attend.
Hats off to The Silver Hanger for providing my wedding dress, veil, and shoes (well, temple ones at least). I first went to Allyse's Bridal in Orem with my cousins, but didn't get anything there because they told me it was too expensive. I have since learned that they are not that expensive, but rather Mormons are cheap. Anyway. My mom and I went to The Silver Hanger out in Katy, TX when I was home for a break between Winter semester and Spring term. It was a small store, but they had a nice selection and we went during the day when there was almost no one there. We got great service from the lady who owns it! I finally selected my dress, which was a semi-popular dress, but not so much. Hats off to my wonderful mother who altered my dress and replaced the too-tight cap sleeves with much more flexible tulip ones.
A wag of the finger goes to China, for not having the material for my sleeves ready until the middle of JUNE!!!! As if my mom didn't have a busy enough summer getting my brother ready for a mission besides. Another wag of the finger goes to all those people who thought it was terrible that my mom wasn't making my wedding dress. While my mom is an amazing seamstress, she wasn't going to be able to pull off making my dress in only a few months and with me being away from home for most of that time.
Tip of the hat to Le Jardin for being so helpful and not being too expensive. Seriously, I highly recommend having your wedding reception here. They aren't outrageously expensive (especially if you have it during the day like I did), and it includes setting up, linens, and all that jazz. They also did our flowers (my bouquet and the various bouttenieres) and they were beautiful!!! You get the beauty of nature without worrying about the weather, which goes to...
Wag of the finger at the weather. When I decided to have my wedding in August, I assumed it would be like all Augusts past and be BLAZING hot. Nope. When I woke up on my wedding day, it was cold and windy. And then it started raining right before my sealing! I was upset. But thankfully, the rain let up for pictures, but it was still wet out. And our photographer still got some amazing pictures despite the rain.
Tip of the hat to Rachel Spencer, who took our engagements; Jacey Jensen (my cousin) who took my bridals; and Scott Jarvie, our wedding photographer. Rachel was in my ward when I lived in Glenwood, and she's really good with a camera! We were very happy with our pictures, and had a hard time choosing which ones to go on the announcements! My cousin Jacey was very accommodating with my bridals--especially when I didn't know when I would have my dress (my mother was altering it). The wait was worth it, and she took some really beautiful pictures!
I searched long and hard for our wedding photographer. It always seemed like photographers were too expensive or did not take good pictures. My mom suggested having an aunt take pictures, but I didn't think that was a good idea at all. I have certain relatives who would hijack the picture-taking process and take forever if she were the photographer. I reminded my mother of this, and she agreed that a professional would be best. I finally found Scott Jarvie through a facebook ad. He had some amazing pictures and his asking price wasn't too shabby either. I got him for the last available Saturday in August he was available! I am so glad I hired him because he knew how to operate in the rain. And he was really mellow and easy to work with. I would highly recommend him to all my friends, and not just for wedding pictures! And certain relatives kept their mouths shut during our pictures. Our pictures turned out wonderfully!
Tip of the hat to my mother-in-law Kathy for doing our cake. We basically decided to have her do the cake before we were engaged because she had done it for Heather's (Stephan's older sister) wedding, and she does good work! We saved a ton of money having her do it, and the cake was beautiful! Plus, it was tasty. And if you know me, you know I don't usually care for cake.
Tip of the hat to my brother-in-law Alex for desigining our wedding announcements for the price of a $25 iTunes gift card. He also offered to do a slideshow for the reception, but unfortunately we never got around to it. We got a lot of compliments on our announcements, which honestly weren't so different from others! I guess Stephan and I just look that good together ;)
Tip of the hat to the Maywood String Quartet for performing at our reception. It also turns out we had a celebrity cellist in that group--Steven Sharp Nelson. I didn't even know! My parents were the ones who booked them, and they definitely didn't know! My dad also jumped in for "Sunrise, Sunset" (he plays violin). Everyone (including me) loved it! Although wag of the finger at the quartet for playing "Canon in D". As a violinist of several years, I think it's one of the most OVERPLAYED pieces of all time. I thought my dad explicitly told them not to perform it...oh well.
Wag of the finger at the many people who did not read their invitations and assumed that the reception was going to be in the evening. You have NO IDEA how many people e-mailed me later to tell me that they were going to come, except they thought it was in the evening and didn't know until they looked at the announcement and saw that it was that afternoon. To be brutally honest, all I can really say is: LEARN TO READ!!!!! Honestly, it wasn't hard to see that the invitation specifically said 1 to 3 PM. Gee manee. Okay, I got that out (it has been bothering me for a while). Please don't think I hate anyone, I just don't have patience for people who "assume".
Tip of the hat to the many people who provided me with transportation during the wedding planning. Tiffany, Tia, Kerry Andersen, Anika, and if there is anyone else I am forgetting, forgive me! And for those people who listened to my rants and worries during the whole process, namely my roommates, and especially Jessica.
But really, the most important part of my wedding day happened at ten o'clock that morning when my great-Uncle Herschel Pedersen performed our sealing. One of the reasons I chose the Mount Timpanogos Temple was because Uncle Herschel is a sealer there, and my Grandpa Slack (who had been the family sealer for years) passed away almost two years ago and couldn't perform mine. And my entire immediate family was there, which I was very pleased with because we were afraid Paul wouldn't be able to come because of his school schedule (he's a teacher). He caught the last flight out of Yuma, AZ the night before the wedding just so he could be there! Plus, his aides were determined that he would make it to my wedding, so they really helped him get everything ready. I was so happy to have him there, along with the rest of my immediate family. I know it is a great blessing for my parents to have sat in the temple with all four of their children. I am grateful that we all kept ourselves worthy to be in such a holy place. I was also grateful that so many of our relatives could attend.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
On the road again
So a week went by without hearing back from the car rental agency, and it was annoying me slightly. But I thought that it wouldn't be much longer before I got the car back, so what would be the point of having a rental for only a couple of days? Well, I decided to call the body shop to get an update on the car. Well, they found out there's more damage than they thought and that implies it's probably going to take longer. After getting that information, I called the rental place and asked for a car they had promised. They had one. One of the agents picked me up and I signed a bunch of papers when I got there, and they put me in a Hyundai Sonata since I'm used to driving a Honda Accord. Let me tell you that it was freaky to be behind the wheel again, especially since the rental place was on a very scary section of State Street that I am not familiar with. So, I was driving a car I wasn't used to driving; it had been a week since I had driven; and rush hour was beginning. Not a good mix! I was a nervous wreck, but I managed to get home all right. It's nice to have a car, but now I'm kind of a nervous driver and I don't want to be!
It's been getting cold around here, which has been nice, but this morning it was so cold that Stephan didn't want to ride his scooter to UVU. He asked if I would drive him, and I didn't want to be so selfish that I wouldn't drive him. Marriage is about sacrificing for the other, right? I managed to get him to UVU with little difficulty. My difficulty was the sun. It was about 7:45 or so in the morning and the sun was getting in my eyes! It hurt and I had difficulty seeing! My transition lenses were not helping very much. But all was well and Stephan got to UVU and I managed to get home in good condition.
It turns out Stephan just wanted me to drive. He could have gotten to UVU on his scooter. Oh well, it got me back on the road. I think for now, I will try to do most of my driving with him and I will stick to familiar areas. I have never prayed so much while driving in my life.
P.S. We have seen our wedding pictures on our photographer's website! We should be getting the CD really soon. Be expecting to see pictures on this blog really soon :) :)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Life without a car
It's been a week since my car accident. On Wednesday, I was on the phone for a few hours talking to the necessary people, and then got a phone call from a car rental agency telling me that I was on top of their list for getting a rental (my insurance company called them). Well, six days later, still no car. Never have I been so grateful for Stephan's scooter in my life. But as it is, I'm stuck at home a lot. I probably should call them really soon to yell at them, but I'm currently sitting in the UVU library. There was a job fair today, and Stephan encouraged me to attend, and obviously I checked it out. Stephan is at work right now until one, so I'm just trying to use my time wisely until then. I found one good lead at the fair, so that's encouraging.
But the good news about the car is that it is repairable! They should have it done by the end of this week or the beginning of next. That makes me happy. But for now, it's my feet or Stephan's scooter.
I was pretty sore for a few days after the accident. A couple days after the accident, I found some bruises on my hips. That was probably from the impact. My back still hurts a little bit. I was also emotionally messed up for a few days. Thankfully, I am married to someone who is very patient and understanding. I don't know what I would do without Stephan.
Let's see, what else? I went to the Relief Society Broadcast with Kathy and Heather (Stephan's sister) on Saturday. It was really good. I went to Mimi's for the first time with them--the French Onion Soup was really good! I had chicken parmesan, which was pretty good, but not the best I had ever tasted. I developed a lovely case of heartburn later on :( Italian food does that to me, but I still love it.
My mother-in-law taught me how to cut Stephan's hair this last Sunday. Stephan has SO MUCH hair!!! And it's wiry. Cutting hair is a challenge, but Stephan thinks I did a good job (Kathy helped). Although it's shorter in front than he usually wears it. Oh well. We'll save a lot of money this way. It's more money to get *my* hair cut. Our children are destined for thick hair. I hope we don't have to name any of our children Esau...ha ha ha.
Here's to living the poor newlywed life! But being married to Stephan makes it all worthwhile. He is so good to me, and he says I'm good to him too (I do try).
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
my car accident
For those who are not on facebook or who have not heard yet, I was in a car accident yesterday. I am not injured, though yes I am a little sore. Unfortunately, the accident was my fault and the car had to be towed. And thankfully, it is still under my parents' insurance until I have a job.
Here's how it happened:
I decided to go to Target around 5 yesterday to look at picture frames and other decor items. Stephan was doing homework, so I thought it would be a good time to give him some quiet. I didn't exactly know where the Orem Target was, so I thought I'd just trust Jay (what we call the GPS). Unfortunately, Jay thought that the closest Target was in American Fork. I did not want to drive all the way there when there was a Target in Orem! So, I just drove around hoping I'd find it. I did not, so I thought maybe I'd go home. But then I went the wrong way, and it looked like I was getting close to the Lindon Wal-Mart. I was gauging my location on State Street, and I guess I wasn't looking ahead when before I knew it WHAM! I rear-ended a stopped car in the street and caused it to rear-end the car in front of it. My airbags deployed and I was screaming bloody murder this entire time. I was afraid that the car was totaled and I knew that the accident was my fault. That was when I started crying. A witness called the police and came to check on me and he checked on the other drivers. I called Stephan in a panic and he stopped everything he was doing to come to me. He also called his parents. The cops arrived, and I was ordered to stay in the car because since my airbags deployed, I was required to be checked up by paramedics. I was fine except for a sore leg. The officer asked me if I had been texting or talking on the phone. I was happy to say that I was not. The paramedic asked me some questions, they towed the car, gave me some cards, and I could go.
This was a traumatizing experience to say the least. I am grateful that the damage to the car was not serious and that it can be repaired. I am grateful that we also have a very good car. I don't know if anyone remembers, but Stephan and I had a disagreement a few months before we got married about our car situation. What I wanted to do was let my parents do what they had done for my older brothers: buy us a Honda from our next door neighbor who owns a Honda dealership. The agreement with all this is that we have to pay my parents back over time (before you think we're spoiled rotten). The neighbor has given my parents the best deals on the cars they have gotten from her. However, Stephan was not comfortable with this. He wanted to buy a car with the money we both had, which would basically buy us a junker. We compromised and asked my parents if it was possible to get a slightly-used car from Stacy (the neighbor). What ended up happening was I got my dad's 2007 Accord (still going to pay them back) and my dad got a new car. If I had been in a junker, I probably would be in the hospital right now. So basically, I now think everyone should get a Honda because they are good, sturdy cars!
Anyway. I am happy to be alive and mostly unhurt. It's an experience I never want to have ever again. But I think I am less judgmental of other drivers now. There are many, many things I'm grateful for right now that I may list at a later time.
If you want my advice, here it is: Know where you are going so you can plan accordingly. Keep your eyes on the road at all times (that was my biggest mistake). If you are lost, just get back to familiar roads and just go home. Target wasn't that important anyway. Or park the car and call someone for directions. Don't drive aimlessly. Oh, and don't text or talk on the phone while driving. I wasn't doing either, but I think that was one of the reasons the cop didn't give me a ticket. Plus, it's illegal to text while driving around here.
Sorry for my long post :)
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