The Calmly Frightening Cab Driver

Two nights ago I rode with the least aggressive cabbie I have EVER seen. I noticed right away that he wasn't trying to run everyone over like all the other times I've ridden in a cab in NYC.

But every time we would come to a stop, I would see the light turn green and he wouldn't budge. Now, it was 2am so there weren't always people right behind us. But soon enough, someone would pull up and LAAAAAY on the horn.

It happened at almost every light. (And there's a lot of lights between Penn Station and the UN) And the thing was... he wasn't looking down or around the car. From my angle in the back seat it looked like he was looking straight forward, which made it all the more confusing.

Do I say something? Or clear my throat? I mean... ummm... green light, go. Anyone?

Especially someone who drives for a living?

So about 6 blocks from Ma's apartment... I could see his reflection in the rear view mirror. Again... green light... nothing... HOOOOONK... and he goes.

HE WAS CLOSING HIS EYES AND TAKING A NAP AT EVERY LIGHT!

How's that for safety!? Made me feel REALLY good. But at this point we were so close, and I knew we only had 1 more light to go through, so I bit my tongue... agonized over "do I tip him horribly because he's falling asleep at stop lights? Or do I tip him really well because Good Lord I feel sorry for the guy. That is one sleepy dude." (That was pretty much my exact internal monologue) So I split the difference, tipped him average, and RAN.

Not sure I'll ever again experience such a calmly frightening cab ride!

Peace. Love. Fiddle.

~natalie

Superstitious Much?

We made it back to Iowa safely tonight. I was so pumped for the first 6 hours of the drive - it was FLYING by. Not having the trailer allows me to use this revolutionary thing called... CRUISE CONTROL. It's amazing what a difference that makes - my back doesn't hurt, and we can actually drive the speed limit the whole time. What a concept! Well... until it started snowing. As SOON as we crossed into Missouri, the snow started to fall. BIG SURPRISE. Missouri is NOT our lucky state. I'm not one to be superstitious... but it's pretty unbelievably consistent.

We were back on that same stretch of highway again tonight where our wreck with the semi happened. UGhh... I was having to go between 35-45 on the interstate because I couldn't see the lines. The snow was covering everything, and it was coming down pretty hard for the last 4 hours. It doesn't scare me normally... but being in that same spot... well... every time a semi passed me, my whole body would tense up.

But we're here now. Safely. Thank goodness. We'll be spending the day with family and friends during visitation tomorrow. It's gonna be a full day of celebrating Grandpa and everything he means to all of us. There's never a shortage of Dick stories. Believe me :)

Peace. Love. Fiddle.
~natalie

My Jeep Is a Champion

I feel like ALL... I... have... done... the last four days is... TAXES. But you know what? I mailed them in!!! YAY!!!!

I know. I know. Taxes are due in April. But this is what those of us procrastinators that file an extension have to go through. Every year I get more organized with it. But I am PUMPED about some of my new organization for next year. I am gonna be on top of my game. You watch it! Actually, you don't care. But I am pretty excited none-the-less.

And let me just say. My Jeep Cherokee is a CHAMPION! I've had her for 13 years. :) I had a little glitch back in March, but we have been out on the road so much that I haven't had time to deal with her. And the poor thing has sat under the trees getting SAPPED on for the last 6 months. She looks pretty rough. But tonight? At 2:30am when I NEEDED her to start? SHE DID! It's incredible. James was getting the jumper cables out... we both knew we'd have to jump her to get her going. But no. She's a freakin champion. I love that vehicle. I can't wait to clean her up and take her in for a check-up. Then I can DRIVE her again! YAY :) For now... she'll remain safe in Columbia until we get back from the next week of shows.

I highly recommend Jeep Cherokees.

And doing your taxes in a timely manner.... that would be metal.


Peace. Love. Fiddle.