Kat - Pole Kat

Yeah, this stinks!

Twenty years of elegant driving, no major disasters... and now... The first nasty weather of the season, and I go sliding off of the road and straight into a light pole.

I wasn't going that fast, I knew the roads were slick... but I was obviously still going too fast. Fast enough to lose control and hit the pole, but slow enough that the airbags didn't deploy. That's probably a good thing, I hear those things break noses and such. I like my nose just the way it is, thank you.

I think I was more scared than anything when I was sliding off of the road, at first, I was heading right towards the lake. Then suddenly, the tires grabbed and I started to turn... for an instant. If it wasn't for that post, I might be dead right now.

I'm scared to death of drowning, and this really shook me up. Although I knew how to swim when I was Trip, I always sank like a rock. I have no idea if I can swim or not now that I've got this body. I guess I'm going to have to go confront my fear of water and find out... but not too soon.

One thing I love about small towns is the 'goodness' of the people. No injuries, no property damage (other than my car), and no insurance reports needed (liability only - it's a cheap car), equals no police report and no ticket. Of course, I'm sure my being a pretty girl on the verge of tears had nothing to do with it (I wasn't faking-it either).

I think I'm getting better at handling these wild emotions. I didn't cry until after I got home and was alone in my room, then I just broke-down and had a good cry. It did feel good. And now, I'm really thankful that I'm still alive and uninjured... well, other than my pride.

I think I'm more pissed now than anything. I feel like a fool... like I just helped prove the stereotype that "girls can't drive". I most-certainly can drive... very well, in-fact - although, I am still human, and prone to make a mistake or two. Although I've never thought that girls are any less mechanically (or automotively) inclined than guys, I absolutely resent that mentality now that *I* am a girl. Well, all of that and I have to look for another car to drive now. It's cheaper to buy another one, than to fix this one.

Kat - Changing with the weather

There's a saying that if you don't like the weather in Iowa, "wait a few minutes and it will change."

A couple days ago it was nice autumn weather... wet and chilly. Yesterday it was nice and windy. Today... well, today it was almost like summer-time. I actually changed into shorts this afternoon. I was tempted to go with short-sleeves, but I'm glad that I stuck with the turtleneck. I think it would have been just a tad too cold when the breeze picked up, especially later this afternoon.

It was almost too warm for the turtleneck, especially with this thick mane of mine. At one point, I considered cutting most of this long hair off - After all, it is my hair now. I have to tell you, it's a really tempting idea. Brushing through the mess of it every morning, and drying it after washing. I won't even go into the pain-in-the-ass it can be every Sunday when trying to get ready for church.

I even tried putting my hair up and back in an attempt to determine what I'd look like with shorter hair. I'm not won-over by the idea, I just couldn't get it to look right. Besides, now isn't the best time to go with short hair anyhow - winter is just around the corner.

On that note, I'm going to go out and try to enjoy this wonderful weather. I think the dogs have been jonesing for a nice walk up the hill all day.