BUMPER CARS
As mentioned in an earlier story, I used to drive around a 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. If you looked up “Clunker” in the dictionary you would see this car. The windows did not roll down in the back seat. The front seat was a bench and if you wanted to move it up, it required the assistance of your passenger. “1…2…3…FORWARD!” I often would have 3 or 4 people sitting in the front seat (accompanied with furious chain smoking). The radio didn’t work so my Dad somehow fashioned ANOTHER radio via rubber bands around the dashboard. It would hang down, almost touching the floor. When it rained, the roof leaked.
Seriously, the list goes on and on. I grew to love this car and affectionately referred to it as “Ug.” I think most people in my high school graduating class got the opportunity to drive that car. What it did have going for it (other than charm, of course) was that it was a safe car. You needed a CDL to drive it. It was HUGE.
During my senior year of high school I was working after school at a Kid’s Klub at the local park district. This was before the “incident,” so I was legally able to be around children. There had been a pretty bad snowstorm, as it was January in Chicago, and I was in a hurry to make it there on time. For whatever reason I opted to drive my Mom’s car that day.
Of course.
When I was on my way to work the car in front of me stopped suddenly. I managed to stop in time, but then heard a loud CRASH as the car behind me slammed into my mom’s car. I had just been rear-ended in my Mom’s beloved Mazda 626!
I suddenly hear tapping at the window, along with angry yelling. I squinted as I looked through the fogged up window and saw that it was my then-boyfriend! He did not realize it was me until I opened the door and shouted, “It’s Leigh! It’s Leigh!” He was shocked and managed to calm down without me using his face as a punching bag.
YOU crashed into ME, Road Rage. Remember that. (flex flex)
What are the chances of getting into a car accident with someone you know, LET ALONE someone you are dating?
Sober Contemplations
Knock on wood, but it’s been some time since I’ve been in a car accident. This is likely due to the fact that I never drive and NOTHING to do with me becoming a better driver. I’m a horrible driver. I am easily distracted by the song playing on the radio, the text message coming in or the pretty cloud that looks like Billy Ray Cyrus’ face. Pretty bird.
Anyways, what was I saying? Oh yeah. Easily distracted. I’m also impulsive and like to drive fast. Really more of a sidenote, as this accident was not at all my fault. It was my stupid ex-boyfriend’s fault!
But I would be the person that somehow finds a way to get into an accident with someone I friggin’ know. What are the chances???
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