Omens

My days of believing in superstitions, myths and urban legends are long gone. It’s a waste of brain cells trying to rationalize bullshit. I step on cracks in the ground, adore black cats and have no qualms about opening an umbrella indoors, but a series of events Friday challenged my current attitude toward superstitions.
From the moment I got on the road to go to school, I was disgusted and pissed. My state of disgust had nothing to do with any drama in my personal life, but the erratic drivers on these Georgia roads. As a motorist, there is no avoiding them unless you can afford your own personal driver, but I don’t think you’d still be considered a motorist. They are out at all times of day and in all types of weather.

I live in somewhat of a rural county in the midst of being swallowed up by suburban sprawl. The town has the typical long stretches of two lane roads common in small towns. It usually takes me five to seven minutes to travel down the road that leads to the interstate on-ramp, but not that day. This slow driving, elderly (I’m assuming) person turns onto to the street and drove 15 MPH, adding about five minutes to the start of my commute. I shouted profanities until the slow driving fucker turned into one of those auto maintenance franchises.

My interstate drive to school was typical. Traffic wasn’t too heavy and had no close calls of colliding into someone or something or someone or something colliding into me. Too bad I did not have the same luck after I left school.

The first close call was on that stretch of I-20 East that runs from the I-285 connector through Lithonia. As I was merging into the middle lane from the left passing lane, a van, that was probably speeding, almost collided into the back of me. Luckily, there was no incident, but lots of profanities. I FUCKING hate driving through there. Many of the motorists there drive like arrogant and selfish pricks.

My luck ran out after getting of the interstate and proceeding home to pick up my aunt to bring her to do her errands. It was my intention to bring her into town to do her errands first then stop at the grocery store to pick up my own items. Convenience was the primary factor. Unfortunately, she persuaded to go to the grocery store first. After I’m done at the store and back on the road, I needed to make a left turn at the intersection to go into town. As I was in the process of merging into the turning lane, this woman sped down the road and side swiped the front of my vehicle. The deputy came, took our statements and since we were both at fault, no one was cited. I did not look when I attempted to merge and she was speeding. Surprisingly, I wasn’t upset. No profanities, just calm. Now my vehicle has a front bent bumper and a large scrape. I’m also out of $500 due to the deductible of my auto insurance.

So the moral of the story is, I guess, is be extra observant. Look both ways before merging into lanes, making turns and crossing the streets. DON’T ASSUME. And finally, DON’T BE A PUSSY!!