Never Take off Between Jobs

So, a few things have happened since I last posted.  I’ll catch you up.  Jill went to the City of Austin, doing similar social working stuff but supervising others.  Kaileigh is finishing undergrad this December at Texas State, takes cute pictures with baby possums, marmots, squirrels, and dik diks; and plans to go to grad school in either wildlife biology or investment banking.

The twins are about to start their senior year.  Alex is in Costa Rica with Amigos de las Americas. Abby is working, driving, ballroom dancing, and sleeping,.  A damn fine summer.

I switched jobs - from Executive Director of Austin Child Guidance Center to CEO* of Refugee Services of Texas.  I started early July, and took just a few days off in between. During that time I had a very unfortunate encounter on my bike with a Red Honda Fit. I was heading south on Jollyville, Fit was stopped in left turn lane heading north, waiting to turn into Montessori school.  Unfortunately, as a middle aged white man, I am practically invisible to society.  Even with my flashing lights and bright orange yellow shirt. Just as I started to pass (in the city approved and universally recognized bike lane)  she realized she HAD to be in the parking lot that very second.  So she whipped in.  I realized that I had to strike her broadside, snapping my bike in two, landing on my side and starting what would be come to be known as the great purple tectonic plate bruises of ‘18.

[*Funny story.- seems like I made CEO before my titan-of-industry brother.  Maybe I can help him find his next gig.]

Seton Northwest hospital did a quick xRay and absolutely nothing else.
Seton: you are good to go.
Me:  the fingers on my left hand still seem to be bleeding profusely.  Any way you could, well, intervene in some way?
Nurse: would you like me to dress the wounds for you?
Me: I hate to be any trouble.  Since I can’t walk, you could wheel me to the front door and I will crawl over the gravel to buy a package of Wal-Aids to use.  Or, conversely, you could just bring me a f@*$#ing bandage.

My bike Red was killed instantly - his kneck was snapped. My hope is he can be a donor: a wheel, a tire, maybe I can salvage the playing cards from the spokes.

I have apprepiacted everyone’s concerns.  It has made me feel better how many people have reached out.  Surprisingly, Calvin fron Geico (Red Honda Fit’s insurance) has been the most concerned, calling me every few days.  After telling me that they take full responsibility, he went into overdrive.
Calvin:  we would like to offer you $———- for your out-of pocket expenses, future medical, and any pain and suffering (in addition to replacing the bike).  Well, my out of pocket was $3.45, the copay for my codeine prescription.  His offer was about 800 times that.  Might cover my pain, but my suffering?  Don’t think so. I’m going to an orthopedist next week, and hope to get the suffering question answered. Calvin promised to call afterwards, because he just cares about me so much.

I am slowly on the mend, and have now had adequate time to reflect on the accident and its meaning, including the fact that a split second difference and the Honda Fit would have T-boned me, likely altering my ability to blog, as well as my ability to not be dead.

And the important, life-altering take-aways from this whole ordeal?
1) everyone needs a Calvin - someone who cares unconditionally, and whose only agenda is minimizing liability exposure for the company; and
2) never take a f@#!*ing day off between jobs.