I’m a killer
Did that title catch your attention? 
Don’t worry, not a work, just on the way to and from it.
Okay, so, never in, what, 7-8 years of driving, have I ever hit an animal. Not even the Kamikazi squirrels, of which we had a ton in Indian Mound. Ask Amber, I even swerved to miss, what turned out to be, a rat crossing the road once. Well, that was the past.
Tuesday night I was coming home from work at about 8:45, not by my usual route. You know, just changing things up a bit with that wild hope that is seated deep in all of us, that some route will be magically quicker than another. (which it most certainly wasn’t by the way) Anyway, driving along Flannery, you know the woodsy part with no street lights. And here is where I can sympathize with Jordi. My headlights aren’t the best either, usually the headlights of the car behind me reach further than mine. (sad isn’t it?) Anyway, an armadillo ambles out onto the road in front of me. He came out on hte right side of the road heading left. There weren’t any cars around so I veered over into the left lane. Apparently not far or fast enough though. Bummer. I think he “lost his head” and sped up. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Anyway, animals certainly don’t make as big of a bump as you think they would. Odd. Armadillos must be squishier than they look. Ok moving on…
Thursday morning, 5:55 am, heading down Hwy 16 by my house. Trying to mind my own business, going about 55 (the speed limit), no actually about 58. BECAUSE a truck had come up behind me and was tailgating me. I mean, give me a break; we’re in the middle of nowhere at 0555 in the morning! Anyway, so he does pass me. Just as he does, however, a fluffy raccoon RUNS across the road. I mean, he was in full gallop. I have a freeze frame of him stuck in my mind with those little legs out full tilt. 
So the truck was just coming around me so I couldn’t do anything but peg the poor little guy.
So ends the woeful saga of the hit and run driver. Because, no, I didn’t remain at the scene until the authorities arrived or give my statement. Nor did I go back and check for a pulse or begin CPR until the EMS arrived.
And can you believe, I had just washed my car Monday. The first time since late this fall.
But what can pearls of wisdom can be gleaned from these unfortunate accidents? #1. ALWAYS look both ways before crossing the street. #2. Never go head to head with a car, the car always wins. #3. Get out of my way, I’m a NURSE!
I sympathize! Though I’ve not run over anything that large. I ran over a bird Monday.. or Tuesday. It was sitting on the road and usually they fly away as soon as they see you but this one underestimated how fast I was going and it took off to fly away… right as I drove over it. It made a big thump. Now every time I see one like it I’m sad that I killed it.
I think I would have a heart attack if I killed somebody’s dog or cat. I’m glad none of us have done that yet!
Comment by Bekah — February 23, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
Okay, that is FUNNY. “Get outta my way, I’m a NURSE!” I don’t think I’ve ever hit anything. I guess if I have it hasn’t stuck out in my mind because I’m not a girl.
Although, I have found it entertaining to note how many frogs I hit. Because at night you can see them in your headlights as they jump. Before you hit them. It like playing Frogger only you’re in the car.
Comment by Boogerface — February 23, 2007 @ 10:46 pm