Monday, Monday -- can't trust that day.

Headed to the gym as usual this a.m., but an unusual thing happened. I stopped at the red light and waited at an intersection I've driven through a million times each day for the last 8 years. When the light turned green, I proceeded forward only to be slammed by a car from my right. He was trying to "make the light" and managed to slice off the entire front end of my car. Apparently in some cultures, yellow means hit the accelerator from 50 yards back.

As the slammer didn't have valid insurance, it looks like I'll have to make a claim on mine, which will mean higher premiums for any number of years. And the bodyshop guy looking at my van just shook his head sadly and said, "Yeeah....she took a bit of a shot, din't she? She gohna take an awful lotta work if they dohn' total'er out." *sigh*

Still, neither the slammer nor I was seriously injured, and there was no one else in either vehicle. Stuff can be replaced, even if it's a royal pain in the ass to get it done. Hey! Look at me being all "glass half-full" and "oooh, see the pretty silver lining"...!

OK, so here's the hard truth: I'm pissed off that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and even more that I didn't drive defensively and see him coming through the red in time to avoid being hit. That said, I truly AM relieved -- and thankful -- that I am still around to raise these kids; I'm not in a hospital or a wheelchair; and my mind is still as sound as it's ever been. (Let's save the snide comments and that discussion for another day, shall we...?!)

You gotta admit: it's a hella way to start the week, eh? Maybe I'll just go back to bed. Wake me up when the new car is paid for...!