Nikki 的个人资料Fisher Family Updates照片日志列表更多  |  工具 帮助 |
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2006/8/25 Luck runs out with Boston DriversAnticipating a very long day yesterday, I drove to work (figured the client would rather pay the $30 for my parking than the $160 cab ride home). Imagine my surprise when I finished the project early and was able to leave by 5:30!!! I was thrilled, however, the feeling didn't last long. Leaving at this time meant driving in the rush-hour evening commute on the Mass Pike (I-90). It was a clear sunny day and traffic was very slow moving, lots of stop and go. As I was about 5 to 10 miles away from my exit, all of the lanes again began to slow and come to a complete stop, paying attention, I did the same. Unfortunately, the driver behind me did not and rearended me. I was not hurt, just frustrated
 . I promptly called the police (thanks Mom for the good example and advice
 ). I wanted an accident report filed to make sure that I was not held at fault. I know I said I wanted an accident that was not my fault, but this is enough!!! The other driver was very apologetic, and I was nice to him (he felt terrible, there was no point in making him feel worse) but am still annoyed. He said he only looked away for an instant - let this be a lesson for all, an instant is all it takes! He was lucky that traffic was so slow to begin with so he was not going fast when he hit me and neither of us were hurt - I cannot say the same for the cars. As you can see below, my car probably suffered a couple thousand dollars damage - his car was far worse. Because my car was still drivable, I went home after the report was filed (officer told me to leave) so I do not know whether the other driver was cited but I have to assume so. Once I got home, Garrett assessed the damage and took the pictures below while I called the insurance companies. Fortunately, the other driver's insurance company (at least last night) was very accomodating and pleasant. They opened a claim (he had not called yet) and told me an adjuster would contact me by end of today (Friday) to schedule the appraisal. They also offered me a loaner car. Hopefully, this will continue to be an easy process. If not, our insurance (USAA is a fabulous company!) assured us they would cover the damages, waive the deductible, and go after his insurance. One way or another, it will get fixed.
Although not hurt, I am definitely shook up, probably why I am writing this at 5 AM instead of sleeping
 . I hope everyone will take away from this what I have - cars can be very dangerous and we must be alert and focused at all times!!! I may think twice now about using the cell phone or changing a CD while driving . . . 2006/8/21 Lucky Las VegasWe just returned from a fun-filled weekend in Las Vegas! We had a fabulous time visiting with our wonderful friends, the Johnsons and Kevin Pullium (aka the "Triple P"), who drove over from LA. The weather was HOT and
 and we loved every minute of it!!! We arrived fairly late on Friday evening but managed to stay up even later to visit with the Johnsons. Saturday morning we were up early to play with the girls (two adorable little ones - two year old Taylor and four month old Aubrey). This was the first time we met Aubrey and she is every bit as cute and fun as her big sister. Although we already knew Taylor, she hadn't seen us in a year and was a bit shy for the first couple of hours, but that didn't last long and pretty soon she was more than happy to be holding Aunt Nikki or Uncle G's hand when in public!We all headed down to the strip to check out the dolphins and tigers at the Mirage. Taylor and I were especially into the dolphins, who were quite playful and seemed to enjoy showing off with flips. We went to the Nordstrom Cafe for lunch (I love that place!) where we met up with Kevin before heading back to the Johnsons for some relaxation. The girls took naps, which looked pretty good but the adults resisted.
Saturday night was adults only. We went back to the strip and had dinner at Diego's in the MGM Grand. After dinner, we checked out some other casinos before winding up at Hooters Hotel and Casino (some Air Force guys were having a party there and we got to see some folks that we haven't seen in years). There was not much gambling on our part. I stuck 25 cents in an electronic poker game and wound up winning a dollar. I gave 50 cents to Garrett and we each played the quarter slot machines. Garrett one $12.50!!! That may not sound like much but it's not bad when you consider he started with 50 cents
 . Not being big gamblers, we cashed out!!!Sunday was very relaxing. We all went up to Mt. Charleston and had a picnic lunch. I think this is the one part of Vegas that is not 100+ degrees, in fact it was quite pleasant. The rest of the day we hung out at the Johnsons' chatting and playing a fun game called Settlors. Johnson smoked us all both games! Before going to the airport for a red eye flight, the Johnsons took us back to the strip to enjoy some gelato and see the water show at the Bellagio. It was amazing.
Once at the airport, we had about an hour to kill before boarding the flight so we decided to each play $2 on the slot machines. I promptly lost my $2 but Garrett hit the jackpot (okay maybe not the jackpot but he did great). On his second dollar, he decided to max bet, smart move because we were playing the Wheel of Fortune slots and he got to spin the wheel. He landed on 500 (which amounts to $125!!!) We promptly cashed out and decided he was the luckiest guy around! So all in all we spent $5 gambling and walked away with $137.50, we were quite proud of ourselves!!!
Although it was a short trip, we had a fabulous time and hated to see it end. We realize how much we miss living near our Johnsons and look forward to the day when we can have "date night" more regularly. Thank you guys for a wonderful weekend, we miss you already!
Now it's back to the real world. Fortunately, in two weeks, we will be back in WA for Labor Day.
Hope you are having as much fun as we are this August!!! 2006/8/13 Relief from the HeatAlthough it has been a very hot and muggy summer here in Massachusetts, we finally got a break this weekend with blue, sunny skies, temps in the mid to upper 70's and no humidy
we are in Heaven!!! Unfortunately, we have not had much time to enjoy this great weather because of work, but hopefully that will lighten up a bit in another couple of weeks.Last weekend, while I was inside reviewing emails for work, Garrett sanded and stained our deck. He did a great job as you can see in the picture below. The only one unhappy was Salem, who was not allowed outside for a whole sunny day - life is tough when you're a kitty!
This weekend, I spent the majority of the time working (I still have 9,000+ emails to review by the end of the week - what fun!) and Garrett cleaned the house (and made me some very yummy chocolate chip cookies). We did manage to take a break yesterday to have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - sadly, we did not leave room for desert but the food was great. Then we went to Pirates of the Caribbean II - not too impressed but it was nice to take a break.
Fortunately, next weekend we are taking a much needed break. We are going to Las Vegas to visit our friends, the Johnsons. We cannot wait to see them and meet their newest addition, Aubrey. Until then, we will be working hard to make sure that we don't have to bring any work with us - fingers crossed!!!
Hope you are enjoying your final month of summer! |
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