26. Sep 2008, kurz vorm FeierabendCrash test dummy
So, this was my “crash-free” driving history. After some smaller (rear-end) collisions in my wilder times as a young guy ;-) I managed to stay crash-free for several years. Until last Thursday, 23rd September. Then it hit me. Well, this time I was unblameable. I was just returning from the Kindergarten where I left Nadja. I was driving on side streets when somebody took my right of way. He simply misjudged the braking power on wet cobbled roads – or was simply sleeping.
It was an OPEL Astra stationwagon. Quite new. From Hoyerswerda, a small city in the region of Brandenburg Saxonia with not the best reputation. A petty bourgeois’ car at its best. Did I mentioned that I hate OPEL? And in most cases does not like Opel drivers? Then the surprise: The driver was mid-twenty, maybe nearly thirty, not older. Wearing a mohawk haircut and a bit “anarchic-styled” clothes. The solution: he has been driving his parents (in their car) to the Berlin airport where they were departure for their two-week-holidays. And this guy was already very close to home, he told me that he usually drives another street which he missed that morning. Well, another evidence for the “sleeping theory”.
To cut a long story short, here are the results: He is guilty, has to pay a high fine, the car (company car) got damaged for around 9.500 EUR (which means “beyond repair” based on economic calculation of the leasing company), I suffered from a whiplash injury and my wife and me spent a lot of time to handle all crash-related issues. Well, and as special bonus guess which car I got from car rental as replacement? RIGHT: An OPEL ASTRA station wagon. And yes, after driving it myself for some days I still hate Opel… ;-)
Nearly a month has been gone since my last posting. Unbelievable. It’s ages measured in internet time, isn’t it? Well, what shall I say. My “parental time” took my full attention. And, to be honest: playing with Nadja is much more fun than blogging here;-)
In the meantime we are back to “business as usual”. Or, better, the “new” business as usual: Nadja is in the Kindergarten. She likes it very much. No crying anymore, she smiles when we arrive. And she smiles, when we come to take her home. A real dream girl, still! Christiane is working for three weeks already (of course “only” part-time), and starting last monday I am back in the office as well. This is our new “daily business”: Nadja in the kindergarten from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nani working 30 hours/week and myself… well. I try to keep it below 50 hours. Hopefully my boss does not read this post *smile*
And, not to forget: Nadjas first birthday. But there will be an extra blogpost. Dated back in time ;-)
Today is Nadjas birthday. Her first birthday. Not really something special for her – she does not realize yet what that means. But we as parents do! Especially for Christiane it was something very special and so she developed an enormous verve and plan for that day. And I could not stop her. Originally I wanted to keep it rather “small and neat” as I was afraid it could be “to much” for Nadja. On the other hand I thought about inviting the whole world to share this special day as well. Or, if the “whole world” is not possible, at least all our family and friends :-)
Finally we had a guest list of around 40 persons. Not as much as it sounds as a big part of it (around 10) were the children of our friends. And the combination of a well prepared cake logistic – Christiane selected the cakes by timing aspects like “can be frozen” or “can be baked two days before” or “quick and easy” – and some “bring your own cake” from friends and family gave us a rather relaxing sunday with much time for Nadja. Another important reason for that are our friends which are most affable and handle such a little chaotic environement easily. In the early evening we were on our own again so we could start the daily evening routine with Nadja, including her sunday bath.
Most important for us: Nadja really enjoyed the day – the attention, the presents, the guests. In the evening she was happy, tired and slept very well.
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