Captain Cartwheel

A few weeks have passed and I am starting to feel like I am back on solid ground.  Here is the recap:

The same day I learned that my car was officially totaled is the day my car insurance company (State Farm) told me I no longer had access to the rental car unless I paid for it out of pocket.  These two discoveries took the wind out of me, largely because I had left three messages over three business days (five days passed if you count the weekend) inquiring the status of The Raptor from the claim agent.  Freaking pissed-off, angry and totally frustrated does not even begin to cover the way I felt.   I had yet to begin car searching because I am not the type to take such a huge purchase lightly – why would I start searching until I knew for sure the car was totaled (hence the three f'in messages I left to verify). 

Let me be clear, State Farm was reasonable in the settlement amount, and for that I am pleased.  However, they totally botched communicating with me about the situation.  The true test of an insurance company is how it interacts with consumers during a stressful, time-sensitive issue.  Congratulations State Farm, you got a big 'F' in my book; one guess for the phrase that grade represented in my mind.  I am currently searching for new car insurance.

For four days I was without a vehicle and relied on Metro Transit, friends and family members to get around.  Many people rely on public transit, however I happen to be reliant on my vehicle for work and it is peak recruitment season meaning lots of meetings in the 'burbs. 

My parents were nice enough to assist me in car shopping.  My only previous experience looking for a vehicle included me saying, 'I think I want to start looking for a new car' and Thork saying 'Hey, my neighbor is selling hers,' end of story.  True story.

I ended up purchasing The Roller Skate, which as of today I personalized more, calling her Skeeter. Why you ask?  It was my first impression of her.  She's pretty awesome and when I fully adjust to having a slightly higher car payment, I will likely love her even more.  Skeeter is a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR with 4WD.  She has an amazing sun roof – which has been opened every moment I have driven when it has not been actively raining.  Plus the biggest bonus: every morning I have woken up so far she has been exactly where I parked her.  Whew.

A huge debt of gratitude is owed to my friends and family for helping me through this shit-tastic situation.  Without their shoulders to cry on (literally), vehicles to borrow and complete empathy for my sense of violation and loss, I do not know how I would have coped.  As it was I felt out of sync, lost, and depressed – and those were my good days!  Thank you!

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Foot update: I am back in the walking boot thanks to a still painful right foot, the jury is still out on the recovery timeframe as of now.  This, apparently, is not my spring.