So I got back from NC late Tuesday night, which meant I missed Kid 2′s Fifth Grade Graduation. Not only that but since she was having a sleepover I would not see her again until Wednesday. So yesterday morning, after talking to our good friend Reece, I called at about 11 a.m to wake her up and tell her it was time to come home. Kid 2 is very social and I knew that if we did not call she would sleep away the day, stay over too long and wear out her welcome, plus I missed her.
She called back, and we agreed to meet at her school since it was quite close. The back story to all of this is that Ilona was terribly grumpy and stressed out because nobody she has shown the book to likes it and she feels that the book is not good at this point and it may not be. My completely reasonable suggestions to fix the books were not met with great success. I am upset and on edge because my Uncle is basically fading and I think not long for this world. We were both not a lot of fun to be around.
So anyway, it is tense in the car, we pick-up the kid, who is alone despite being told to use the buddy system when leaving the house. If you watch the news at all, you will know that very recently a child went missing from a school not far from the one that Kid 2 attends. We hustle her into the car, and while I was making a left and Ilona was berating our youngest for her lapse of judgment, the side of the car seemed to explode.
We must have his something in the road, because the passenger front airbag deployed and Ilona was quite badly bruised and burned by it. I still have no idea what we hit, we were making a left from a dead stop at the intersection, and could not have been going more than five miles. There is virtually no damage to the car except for a small mark on the right front tire. Ilona’s arm though is swollen, and sort of purple looking. I put some A&D burn ointment on it and suggested she take an anti-inflammatory. I know it is still hurting her.
Today, we called our insurance company, and a Honda dealer to see about getting it fixed. Turns out we had to get a rental car as the Honda can not legally be driven as the other airbags, the ones that did not spontaneously com-bust, are now inoperative, and the seat-belts need to be replaced. We got a nice rental car and went to have the Green Hornet checked out and see what the damage was going to be.
The bad news is that the estimate is around three and a half grand and we may not get the car back for well over a week, probably more like a fortnight. Our insurance does not cover the rental car, but since we have no deductible and no prior accidents it balances out. The good news is that nobody was really badly hurt and it looks like our insurance company is going to take care of it. The dealership seems legit and our Collision Estimator, James, seems like a super nice guy.
All and all, if this was the accident that we had to have, it was not a bad one. We have good insurance, and even if they do deny the claim we can pay it. If this had happened to us back in the days when we were first married we would have had the bare minimum needed to legally drive, and three thousand may as well have been three million. So what are you thankful for?
Thank goodness everyone is basically unhurt! That is one of the strangest accidents I have ever heard of… Hope the arm feels better Ilona!
Your books. And that no one is hurt.
That is totally crazy! I am really glad you guys are ok!
I can feel Ilona’s pain about her writing, personally when I write anything I am my own worst critic and when people tell you it needs work it is just crushing. I also hate it when you pour your heart into a manuscript and submit to an editor who tells you “no this has no public health relevance” ugg. My favorite ex-boyfriend would let me whine, feed me strawberry ice cream and kiss me tears.
Anyway today I am grateful for a computer that works, St. Johns Wort ( I am writing my dissertation and it helps keep me sane), the end of the school year (now I can play with my kid in the summer and no homework!), summer days and endless possibilities.
I am grateful for surviving the cull (1st year of grad school) and having some time to escape for a time into good books, so I am especially grateful for the Magic series.
Get daylight spectrum lightbulbs.
I’m reassured that everyone is unhurt, and I hope that Ilona’s arm will be better soon. I hope you’re wrong about you Uncle, too.
I am thankful for quiet minutes in the early morn when I am as good as alone, a good cup of coffee, and your great books. I am also thankful Kid was safe (Naughty, Kid! Think safe!) and that Ilona is okay. I am thinking of you and your uncle, though. Best wishes.
Oh no!
Well, at least no one was badly hurt! Poor Ilona and I hope you’re uncle’s condition improves. 
As for the book (I’m going to assume you’re talking about Kate5? Or is there a new book in the works?) – she hasn’t let us down yet and she’s full of ideas. Although it’s great that Magic Bleeds was so well recieved, I can see how this puts about a million times more pressure on you guys to top it but you guys will do it naturally. 
The thing I’m thankful for? Caffeine, atm, it’s keeping me focused on epic amounts of revision for exams. I shall be thankful when they’re all over but can’t daydream about that yet…:)
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said, if you had to have an accident, it wasn’t a bad one to have – thank goodness you are all ok, if a bit sore.
I am truly sorry about your uncle. The blog you posted a while back about your childhood really stuck with me, and if this is the same uncle that is ill at the moment it must be a very painful time for you.
Hopefully, this is your ’3 things’ out of the way and you are all due for a little good luck now.
i did not say i didn’t like it. :::sniffs::::
:::pours ilona some ginger tea::: yes i know it will do NOT good here but this, some jasmine rice and a serving of kim chee and all will be right with the world. i promise. ::::hugs::: snooookies.
Oh, I am so sorry. I hate weeks like that.
My happiness list (which I use as my litany against the sad list):
- Roof over my family
- Health of my children
- Job that pays the bills
- Car that runs
- Assortment of animals that snuggle, tumble and play, and gladden my heart
If there’s anything your online community can do, please let us know!
About your “weird accident” I know that the cars have minor sensors in the front end/back end and if anything (rock, tree, bug evidently) hits them at the right speed/angle it will cause the air bags to deploy. I have heard stories of people driving on gravel roads, and a rock kicking up and hitting the sweet spot and setting them off for no apparent reason.
Incidentally I hope Ilona feels better soon. Arnica cream/tablets are great for bruses and help them go away faster.
And I am happy for many things, including the ability to soon quit my horrible job and go to a new better one!
UGH! Hugs for the grumpy day, the accident, the kid incident and the book. And much hugs for your Uncle and family, it is so very very difficult to watch a loved one fade. May you and yours find solace in remembering the good times that you had together.
Hang in there! {{{{{hugs}}}}}}
I’m so glad that it wasn’t more serious (the car accident).
as for being grateful – I am grateful for:
People I work with
My sweet BF who has a cold, but reminds me of Curran w/ his long hair
Red Vanilla Tea
Frozen grapes
I’m so sorry to hear about the accident. I hope that Ilona feels better soon. I also know that the book will work out – the first four have been wonderful and the fifth will be no different.
I am really sorry to hear this!
It sucks that there is nothing I can do. I hope Ilona gets better fast and your uncle gets better. I lost my aunt a while ago to cancer but at least it was fast, and we had recently been to Disneyland (so she left us with good memories).
)
I’m glad everything is okay. Of course I love your books.
If this makes you feel better, I’m buying Magic Bleeds for a friend for a birthday present (I know she wants it
I have recently “been there and done that” as far as the car incident goes. It was only my husband in the car, and he wasn’t hurt too bad but the car got totaled. Apparently it doesn’t take much for a car to be totaled in Missouri. At least the money we got for the car paid for a down payment for another car and a down payment for a new air conditioning system. I hope you guys deal with the stress as best as y’all can!
I’m thankful for the health of my grandsons and family. Youngest grandson went through a year of grand mal seizures; and the medication is now keeping them under control.
Feel better, Ilona. You always dislike your own stuff; and I’m sure it’s wonderful.
Saying a prayer, Gordon, for your uncle.
I’m glad everyone is okay and I’m very sorry about your uncle.
Hmmm…I’m thankful for my super supportive mom, the fact that (god willing) my thesis should be finished by August, my dogs who are always overjoyed to see me, my car running with few issues, I’m employed and actually like most of the people I work with, my best friend Heather who never lets me become too locked in my own universe before yanking me out, and the fact I live in NC an hour and half from a beach that is unlikely to see oil or drilling thanks to the BP disaster.
First of all, im sorry about your uncle. Mine is… well like you said fading and what doesnt help is that he has a tone of children who will be tremendously upset… fifteen kids to be exact. Thank god Ilona is alright and no one was hurt badly.
xox nas.
I’m glad no one was hurt badly. We are all thinking of you!
I am thankful for my healthy loving family.
Oh wow, I’m glad no one was seriously hurt — and I hope Ilona feels better soon.
Today, I am thankful for an excellent teammate at work, as well as snuggly dogs and a new episode of BURN NOTICE tonight at home.
I’m glad everyone is okay! Airbag burns are the worst.
I am thankful that you all are ok and in good health. That’s it nothing more to say except the book will be good. Takes time and we can wait if that is what you need.
Sorry to hear about the accident. I hope that Ilona is feeling better soon.
Also, very sorry to hear about your uncle. I know how that feels. My heart goes out to you and your family. I sincerely hope that he gets better and you will have the chance to make many more memories with him.
I am thankful no one was serious injuried and that your insurance will cover it. *hugs* I am sure you guys will be able to work thru the book issues. I am glad you got to see your Uncle. And I am thankful the AC is working in the tents/trailers in Kuwait
.
Glad nobody was too seriously injured and hope Ilona’s arm gets better soon.
Hope your Uncle’s condition improves
What am I thankful for? Right this very minute the fact that I have the whole of next week off I’m too tired to think past the beauty of sleeping in for the next 8 days
Sorry about your uncle, Ilona getting hurt, and your car. I hope things improve for all of you soon.
Think about all the positives going on and not the negatives. Law of Attraction will focus on what you do. Use Silver Sulfadiazine 1% creme for the burn it works really well. I’m grateful that it’s Friday… Take Care….
I’m grateful for a great many things right now. You folks are bumping through one of those rough patches, but it will ease out. It always does. Just hang in there. 1999 was our year of living hell and we use that as a benchmark for all other years. None of them have matched it so far.
My humble writer guess is that the dynamics of Books 1-4 are now so settled or altered that’s what’s making #5 difficult to write. The key source of tension (Kate/Curran dynamic) is sorta settled so the trick is to find the “tension” element from some other party.
As to the book, since you have such an awesome relationship with your editor is it possible to run the draft past her and get her input. She might see that one scene, that one change that will put everything back on track and save you a lot of agony.
Wishing you much less stressful days ahead.
My family and my health, every breath I take…….
What a day, take care.
Very glad no serious injuries, hope Ilona’s arm is doing better.
I am thankful that I have the very best online friends, as well as some really great real life ones. I suffer from CFS, which I’ve had for 10 years, since I was a kid, and leaves me house bound most of the time. Without my online friends, I wouldn’t survive the iscolation, without my real life ones who understand when I can’t join in things with them, and don’t love me less for it, I would hide away even when I am well enough to leave the house.
Jesus H Christ!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n9YslsI4CU
BIG **HUGS**
I am so glad that you guys are all okay! And I am sending good thoughts and vibes that your uncle will get better and Ilona’s bruised arm! I agree with Wedschilde! Tea is very good for the soul
Hope Ilona is feeling better and no one else was hurt. Did they figure out why the air bag deployed? Sounds a little strange to me. May be defect in your honda.. Need to ck it out.
I am thankful for my auto ins, home ins, life ins, health ins. etc. We can’t live without them so no use trying.
I am also thankful that I was financially able to retire when I did. With the stock market going down, the economy going down and everything else going up I was not sure if I could. After working over 44 yrs I was ready. Now I stay busy reading blogs, gardening and trying to get my home as I would like it. The builder painted the entire inside including garage the same color and I don’t like it. Also making 3rd bedroom a computer room and office. So many decisions to make and my mind just can’t seem to settle down enough for me to make decisons on colors, etc. Even the yard needs sand hauled in and spread, so much to do. lol
I’m glad the accident was a minor one! It is so crazy that airbags cost so much to repair! I’m sorry to hear about your Uncle’s health. I will keep Ilona’s healing and your Uncle’s health in my thoughts.
While I am glad that no one else was hurt, I am saddened by Ilona’s injuries. It is easy to say “it could have been worse” but that does not make the aches and pains of the hurt you have less. Take care.
Sorry to hear about your Uncle. Knowing a loved one is dying is always difficult, but perhaps he will improve. Hope Ilona gets to feeling better soon. I don’t know if it would help burn like injuries but Arnica gel (it’s a homeopathic gel but it took a swollen joint of mine that was literally so dark purple almost black and took it to normal in 48 hours by applying the gel once) helps with swelling so you could try that if she is still in a lot of pain. Reinforces my belief that airbags are more harmful than protective. Nobody likes a book written by Ilona and you? Really? Maybe it just needs tiny tweaking, I just can’t imagine that the book is that bad when every book I’ve read by ya’ll is awesome. I’m personally thankful for my husband, kids, family, and my friends who are there to share life’s pain and joys with me.
So sorry that Ilona was injured and glad it wasn’t worse. I hope that Ilona heals quickly, the car is fixed, and that the youngest gets a grip on the fact that you just want her to be responsible. Sorry about your uncle, too. What an exhausting week for you… Hopefully the universe will settle down a bit?
I frequently find myself saying, “thank god I have insurance”. My husband’s most recent medical event came in at just over 30k. I am thankful I have a job (that provides the good insurance) a roof over my head, enough money to buy groceries and family that may drive me crazy most of the time but is there when needed. i am also very thankful for all of you folks who can but a few words together to create tons of fun and a wonderful escape for the rest of us!
I’m so sorry to hear of your troubles with the airbag and Ilona’s in juries. I hope your Uncle has peace. Blessings.
Well Ilona I am sorry to hear about the car accident. Here are a few thoughts to pnoder or look into. You may want to check into. A.) Airbags should not go off unless you are traveling at at least 35 miles per hour. B.) Airbags in the front will usually detonate at the same time. C.) I would ask if the crash sensor in the front that sends the signal for the air bag to deploy was crushed or damaged in any way. Esp. If there is no damage to front end of your car and only a mark on your tire. Not seeing it and hearing I would assume you maybe hit a curb. Which shouldnt have set it off. I would look into if Honda has recalls on your airbag system, especially if you have no damage to the front end of your car sounds like it was a malfunction with the airbag system and Honda should be paying for the repairs at no cost to you and providing you a rental car. Hope you get better in any event! Hugzzzzzzzzzzzz
There are times that I think that automobiles are out to get me. I’m sorry to learn that yours attacked Ilona.
ilona, hope you feel better soon!
it is odd that the airbag even exploded!
I am so sorry, and hope Ilona feels better soon. It is always hard to be physically battered, but in combination with your baby (uh, book) not being appreciated, it is doubly hard. I am also so sorry about your Uncle, and so happy that your daughter was safe.
I hope things improve for both of you, and that you both feel better soon.
P.S. If the book is not properly appreciated, check out Mike and Patricia Briggs’ website. Apparently there are some really good writers selling their books directly, as ebooks, without having to go through editors and publishers. I would buy anything you guys write, and I am not sure what book of yours is not properly appreciated, but I personally loved Alpha Menz, and the Edge – well, I read it probably at least three times through.
Best wishes.
Just to let you know if you are talking about Magic Bleeds.. It’s Freaking awesome as always. I’m never ever dissapointed in Kate and this one just grabbed ahold and didn’t let go.. I was looking for more pages when I got to the last one..
OUCH! I’m catching up and reading the blog posts backwards. First, I’m sorry about the stress–been there, done that. Wait, still there. BAHAHAHAHAHA It’s hard for me to imagine the entire book sucks. I imagine there is just something off, or missing, that will make it flow when you figure out what it is. Most likely this ephinany will come to one of you while doing something lame like cleaning the toilet.
I’m thankful for my kids. While we were gone a 16 year old girl from my boy’s high school was hit by a rock on a church trip to Colorado and killed. Her boyfriend and friends were next to her and not hurt, but she died at the scene. I can’t imagine how her parents must feel.