Misadventures in the Rain on a Saturday

This afternoon around 5:15, I was on my way to meet Mom and Meema for dinner. I was also planning to spend the night there until Monday...D is in Arizona for Spring Training until Monday night. Today is the 17th anniversary of my stepdad's unexpected passing and he died on a Saturday. I know that even after all these years, Mom still has such a difficult time on his anniversary. I was going to stay there until Monday, so we could spend some quality time together, but Mother Nature and the freeway had other ideas!

As I headed north on the 163 just past Genesee, I was driving slowly in the slow lane...the next thing I know, the back of the car hit the center divide. The front end of the car was in the fast lane...I called 911 because I wasn't sure what to do. A nice San Diego Police officer stopped and let me sit in the back of his car (hopefully, a one time deal...it's scary back there with plastic seats even with the door open!) while we (he) figured out what to do. He figured that the car was driveable, so another officer conducted a traffic break for me to pull out and drive away. I took surface streets home.

I called D...he's heading home in the morning (a day early). I called Mom...she was worried about me before I even called. Apparently, there was a bad accident (with ambulances) close to her house on the freeway. She and Meema are going to come down in the morning and have breakfast with me. She wanted to drive down tonight, but I insisted she not do this...I don't want anyone else to go through this!

I walked in the door and lost it...I still have moments of crying. It's hit me what really happened and what the outcome could have been. I thank God that this accident was not worse. I wasn't hurt...just shaken up. It was not what I wanted to deal with, but at least I'm safe. So, if you're out in the rain, drive extra carefully!

Here are photos of the damage...

Lent...The Carbon Fast

Ugh...I can't believe that it's been over a month since my last post. So much for expressing myself, but I have some good things to post...some of which you know, but due to logistical family drama, I'm waiting to post.

Anyhow...today is Ash Wednesday and the official start of Lent! As a "cradle Catholic" and a 12-year Catholic school attendee, I'm quite familiar with the Lent and what it entails. Unfortunately, I have strayed from being a practicing (attends church on Sunday) member, but still identify with that. I do know that someday soon I will make my way back to church because I'd like to give future babies the same faith foundation that I had as a child. Traditionally, Lent is a time of sacrifice. For some, this means giving up something (ie, Starbucks, candy, soda), but for me, it means spending extra time in reflection. I do adhere to the no meat on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays and Good Friday as a sacrifice. (Although, one year, while having sushi on a Lenten Friday, I ate Kobe beef sashimi and did not realize that it was meat...I think God will give me a pass on that one :) Some make fun of me for this practice, but it's routine and a habit from all my years growing up. It is the one thing I make sure to do every Lent.

This morning, I heard a news story that the church leaders of Britain had teamed up with Tearfund and created the Carbon Fast. For 46 days(February 17-April 3), there is something each day to lessen our carbon footprint in the world while praying and reflecting on climate change. While some may be more difficult to do, others take minimal effort. So, this year, I am adopting the Carbon Fast for Lent. The message of "What does the Lord require of you?" really makes me think about my life and its impact on the world around me.