Hit and Run

Seriously…what a fucked up night.

note: I’m ok!! :) And this is a long post.

It happened Friday night/Saturday AM. David and I met my best friend and her guy at this cool local bar she found online that was in between our two locations. We get there about 11:30pm, the parking lot is full, as well as the grassy area next to the place, but there was one spot available on the street behind a silver mustang. We checked for tow away signs, no parking signs, painted curb, etc. You know, all the things that point to “do not park here.” Plus the mustang was parked there too—so I parked. There was tons of space for those parked in the parking lot to back out. They had the parking lot, then another strip as wide as the street, then the street. Perfect spot.

We went inside, found our friends, sat down, and ordered drinks. The bartender laughed at me when I asked for an apple martini. He said they didn’t have any martini glasses but he knew how to make them. My turn to laugh. I then told him that I’m not that fancy, I’ll take it in any cup if he’s willing to make it. The bartender found something vaguely resembling a martini glass without the stem. Much gratitude, Sir!

Honestly I would have taken it in a plastic cup, haha.

We couldn’t have been there more than 20-30 minutes when a group of people came inside asking for the owner of the silver scion (me). I acknowledged that it was my car and then they dropped the news on me. Driver of a truck hit my car while backing out, got out of the car and looked at the damage, then drove off. As they were just walking out they were only able to get a brief description of the vehicle and the first three numbers of the license plate. We thanked them and got the description from them. Immediately I asked David to call the police while I called in a claim to my insurance company—this car that I’ve only had for TWO weeks that isn’t even mine yet. I mean it is, but its not paid off so technically the dealer still owns it. They told us it was a ford dual cab truck, either 250 or 350. A blue-green color and that the first three numbers of the plate was Q37. We thanked the people who managed to catch the driver fleeing and they were on their way. I never thought to ask them to stay or get their names or contact info.

David and I both give the information that we have to the insurance company and police. We took a few photos of the damage and decided it would be a while before the police got here—so we went back inside to finish our drinks. We hadn’t even gotten halfway through them! 20 minutes later a Seminole County Sheriff’s Deputy calls David’s cell and asks us to come outside. First she tells me since my vehicle was struck in the street (or is in the street) it is not her jurisdiction and she would have to call FHP (Florida Highway Patrol) out. She asks me to tell her what I know anyway. She was really nice and sympathetic. The first thing she said to me was that she was sorry this happened to me, seriously a nice person. I was really pleased especially since my last encounter with the authorities. She told me that it might be a good thing that FHP has to handle it because she would just write up a report and then I would be “on my own” whereas the state trooper may be able to “look into it.” That confused me but whatever, I was just happy that we were getting this handled so quickly. Oddly enough I stayed calm so far. The deputy told us we might as well go back inside and have a drink while she waits for FHP.

The bartender gives me my next drink on the house (it was a noticeably smaller glass) and we wait. We tried to ask him if he knew the driver based on the description and who had just left. He told us a lot of people just cashed out and while he may know the regulars he doesn’t know what they drive. My bestie’s bf thought that the bartender was being a little shady.

Finally the state trooper gets there. The deputy who responded initially came inside to let us know. Apparently another sheriff’s car came to join the party. I pull my insurance card and drivers license out and notice the three officers talking. So I walk over to the car and get my registration out also, as the deputy told me I would need it. I then walk over to them and wait. When the trooper decides he finally wants to acknowledge me he asks me what happened. I tell him. The next thing he says to me was “Well why is it in the street?” I figure he means why it is not parked straight (the vehicle that backed into mine pushed my car back about 3 feet and diagonal to the curb). I tell him that well it was right behind the mustang but when the guy hit it my vehicle was moved. He said, “Well it’s in the street, still.”

Confused I ask if I wasn’t supposed to park there. That wasn’t it. He proceeded to lecture me with this fucking infuriating smirk that I should have known better to park my vehicle in the street. Especially at a bar he said. He motioned to the empty spaces in the lot and the grassy area as better options to park. I stared back at him in disbelief. He looked amused. I, however, was not fucking amused. The attitude came out, “Are you saying that this is my fault?” I can’t fully remember exactly what he said, but I was not very nice, nor was I rude. Just a very angry tone. (It’s only exact words if in quotations, if I’m not sure I just write it as story)

No he said, I didn’t say it’s your fault, but you shouldn’t have parked there. It’s so easy for someone to just back up and hit your car. He then gets mad at me because of the tone of my voice and I assume the nasty glare I had on my face. He starts to give attitude back by saying I shouldn’t have parked there, I don’t have any information to give him—I interrupted him and said I have partial plate number and description of the vehicle—he picked back up with “That’s not good enough.” He continues on, staring right back at me as nasty as he could. I wasn’t backing down. I called him out. I was the victim, or rather my car. I didn’t get pulled over, he was supposed to be helping me, not berating me. He continues but I interrupt him again not wanting to listen to his bullshit, not deserving to be lectured for something bad happening to me, and honestly not wanting the next thing he said to be the thing that really set me off, “Do you need my information or not”, as I hold my hand out (it had all my papers). He did need it, but he decided to say not yet and get a few more words in. I didn’t listen, just glared right back and said, “gotcha” to affirm I understood whatever I didn’t pay attention to.

He asked for my papers, said he would write up the report then go inside and talk to the employees. We asked if he would be able to get a list of the people who opened tabs and closed them out at about the time my car was hit. He replied that he would speak to them inside. At one point someone behind me, I’m not sure who (not David, I asked him), during the Lindsay vs. Trooper evil stare down grabbed my shoulder tightly. I assume for moral support or to say please don’t attack. I think I broke eye contact first and looked over to the deputy for help.  She was the initial responding officer so I felt like she was “my” officer. I was pissed so I said to her I don’t appreciate his amused smile and I am not happy with this current situation at all. The trooper had already walked off to his vehicle. I began to storm off over to the steps but she told me I couldn’t really leave right now. I told her I just wanted to sit down over there. She obviously felt the tension and I may have snapped at her. She asked why I was now giving her attitude (as if she understood why I was pissed at him), I told her I don’t mean to but I’m really freaking out now and I need to sit down.

FHP was in his vehicle, the deputy left, and we sat down on the curb waiting. Within a few minutes another trooper arrives. What the hell do they need two people here for??

As we waited we talked about how the only way to work with cops is to be polite to them even if you don’t want to. I said normally I would agree but this situation is fucked up and also I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m the victim and was not expecting to be treated this way. You don’t get respect from me unless you give it. That’s how it works. Different story if I’m getting pulled over for something I’ve actually done. We joked around while we waited, making fun of the trooper and discussing how we thought things should have gone. The trooper took his time and I could hear him talking shit about me to the other trooper but I didn’t care. Finally he was finished and called me over. He was respectful this time. He joked a little bit, and I in turn was nice to him. We made sure the car was drivable and the officers went inside to talk to the bartender and staff.

I don’t know if he thought he was being nice or helpful or what. Maybe he thought I was younger and wanted to “parent” me. I don’t know but it really took a calm, controlled situation into a terribly awkward and uncomfortable situation. In the end everything was ok, I didn’t go to jail for assaulting an officer, the guy changed his attitude and in turn so did I. However I really don’t think he will be looking into it whether it’s a can’t or won’t. I read online in a post someone wrote that the police weren’t able (or wouldn’t) to find the driver with partial plate and description but their insurance company was. So I am certainly hopeful on that. Also my mom will be asking any officers she knows if they can help us. I think I should also contact my lawyer. My dad says I should contact FHP and report a complaint against the trooper since he was such a douche during a time where he should have been supportive and helpful.

All I know is if we catch this guy I am so pressing charges. I’m a sad panda. I wasn’t able to open my car door but my dad came over and made sure we wouldn’t break it when we gently forced it open. Yay, we can open the door again and the damage looks exactly the same (aka not worse). He told me I needed to write everything down ASAP once I wasn’t spitting mad and before I forget it all. So this is that.

 

Pretty new car! And then Pretty new car with ouchie :(

 

And I know it could have been so much worse. I’m just hoping we can bring some justice to this situation.

Citations, Kittens, and Blogs…

Weird combo, huh? Well that has been my week so far! Getting hassled by the man was probably the worst point of my week despite a few sad times at work. I got out of work super late one night and instead of going all the way back home to wait for like 20 minutes and then leave again for David, I just hung out around downtown, or attempted to. I pulled up to a stop sign, stopped briefly, looked for any other cars/pedestrians, actually saw one crossing where I was going and paused, then made a left into a traffic circle or rotary (or we call them round thingies) where a police vehicle was with its lights on. Across the street another police vehicle had its lights on. I make my circle around and the officer walks over and shines his flashlight at me. I figured he was going to tell me they were looking for someone or something but he demanded my ID. I was rather taken aback and definitely gave him a little attitude. I had a headlight out and he stated I ran the stop sign. 

"No sir, I did not." And I handed him my ID and registration.

I mean seriously, I saw two police vehicles on either side of the street would I really run a stop sign? He proceeded to ask me repeatedly (like 3-4 times) if my license would check out ok, if I had any drugs or weapons, and oh yeah is my license ok? Fucking moron. Literally, he asked me three fucking times. Just run my fucking ID jackass. Ugh. Then he began questioning me as to where I was going, where that location was (honestly if he works downtown he should know where the oldest members club is), and why I was in my current location if I was going there. Seriously??? So I was beginning to feel harassing, badgered, whatever. On top of all that bullshit he kept asking me how you stop at a stop sign. WTF.

"You stop at the stop sign, sir, I not sure what you are asking me. You stop, look, and go."

Apparently that wasn't the correct answer, he kept pestering on how to stop. I kept trying to answer him but he rejected what I said. I knew what he wanted to hear but there is no law stating how long I have to stop or where exactly I have to stop as long as its before the stop sign. I told him what he wanted to hear and then he asked me why I was being "snooty."

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

I explained to him that I felt like he was talking down to me and I was beginning to feel harassed. Of course he didn't like that answer, he didn't like any of my answers and continued to be disrespectful throughout our entire encounter. Oddly enough with another officer sitting in his vehicle. He started off with an attitude so what does he expect? You only get respect when you give it, I don't give a flying fuck who you are. So he proceeded to write me two tickets, one for running a stop sign and the second for my headlight. He told me I could take them to court but I won't win. Ha! I have a lawyer you bastard. I spoke to him right after the encounter and we are going to try. I already have him working on something else so he's gonna just charge me a tiny bit more to represent me for this. I told him I'd pay him any amount to keep my money out of the court. I hate cops on a power trip. You are just regular citizens also, no need to treat the rest of us like crap. The officer who was the passenger had my cop write his name on my citation also so they will both get to show up for court. How nice, paying two of them to come to court and lie. Awesome. Thankfully I had a better experience last night with a nice officer so at least I know they aren't all bad. Karma will get those who can't play nice with others. 

Ok, better things....Kittens!!!

Ohhh so cute, these little guys are two of seven that were dumped at my clinic (again...). We have found homes for two (not pictured), the tabby pictured has been adopted by one of our technicians, we have two at Petco as featured adoptables with the help of Faith Hope and Love Rescue, and two are still at our clinic. So a very successful weekend! We only have to find homes for 4 little babies still and hopefully the 2 at Petco will find awesome homes in the next few days. Not sure if I mentioned but we still had a few kittens left a few weeks ago and all five have been adopted. 3 into separate homes and the two that were litter mates were adopted together, we will see them Saturday!

About blogs! It's not that big of a deal but I offered to help the rescue create a webpage using a blog platform because right now all they have is the one you can get with petfinder....it sucks. (http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL785.html) Really bad. I'm hoping with my decent amount of experience I will be able to put something simple but highly usable and functional. I will definitely keep you all posted!

Here’s what I’ve been working on (sneak peak for MY readers!)

Thank you Twitter: My latest from TNTML

This is my latest post for Talk Nerdy to Me Lover, I know I've only been sharing posts from there lately but now that we have our internet and wifi back (well almost on the wifi, that story will be for another day) it will be much easier to format my blog posts. I was just copy-pasting into blogger app and then tweaking the text from either the website or my email to @jenfriel so that I could share something with you all at least once a week. Anyway, here goes:

Thank you Twitter!

So most of you probably know from my last few posts that we have been without cable/internet due to financial reasons. Anyway we finally got back on track and called last night to pay and have the service reconnected. The first guy David talks to I can tell immediately that the dude had no idea what he was talking about. (The company had recently sent us a letter asking for the equipment back but David called to tell them we were planning to reconnect so the rep advised us to keep our cable box/modem-router.)

First the guy kept asking what address we were inquiring about for service, our old address still has an account but its 'closed' so apparently it confuses people--I don’t understand why he couldn’t just assume we were calling about the address we have equipment at...whatever. Then once we finally get the rep to understand what address we were at he tells us since the letter for equipment return was sent out we were required to bring it back to a local office and then schedule a new installation. I can see David getting irritated so I told him to either hang up or ask for a manager. He hung up.

I called back. (Another problem is you can get stuck in the automated system, I just keep hitting 0 until it transfers me to a human being.) I tell the woman our situation: we want to pay off our balance and have service restored. She reviewed the account, "No problem!" I told her what the other rep said and asked that they be informed of the actual protocol--she tried to look him up via the call trail but since he was a 3rd party rep all she could acquire was an ID number. No worries, I said. Turned to David, no wonder he gave us the wrong info. David thinks he always gets this kind of employee on the phone.

Our new rep processes our payment and tells me service will be back tomorrow since they just have to turn the outside box on. I hang up, very satisfied. Apparently this morning David called to ask what time we should expect service and he is told we were misinformed about today and we are scheduled in 6 days--still only the outside box needs to be turned on but due to the holiday they are super busy apparently. David calls again and is able to get it moved up one day. I tried live chat online but the rep, while very nice and informative, he couldn’t help me. 

So I turned to twitter and sent a tweet to @brighthousecare.

The rep Nick was very understanding to our dilemma (I'm going back to school now for veterinary technician online) as he too is an online student. After reviewing our account Nick immediately called the dispatch manager and was able to move it up to Monday--only two days away. Yes! Just in time for David's (and mine!) fantasy football draft. Satisfied, I retire my attitude for another time.

David texts me shortly after because a Brighthouse service agent came to try to pick up the equipment (he couldn’t turn our service on though)...what the hell guys?? Check your records!!!

As many times as we called we couldn’t get anyone to budge, but good ol' twitter came through. Or at least Nick, the customer service rep with a heart, went the extra mile and made a few calls for us.

#stillacustomerfornow

<3 Lindsay

#nerdsunite

Vet Tech Face Palm

This happened to me a few weeks ago at work and I didn't want to share it immediately because I wasn't really sure if it was "post-worthy"-- well now I think it is!!

A client came in to purchase heartworm prevention for her dog but I informed her that the heartworm test was past due and we really needed to do it ASAP. I discussed the prices and several different prevention options with her as she just wanted to get the medication. I assume most pet owners know what heartworms are but if you don't: heartworm larva are transmitted to our pets (not us!) by infected mosquitoes (so even an "inside only" dog can get them because I've been bitten inside my home by one before) and when the larva gets into the bloodstream it travels through the vessels to the heart where it lives and grows into an adult heartworm. These worms can wreak havoc on our poor pets heart and lungs--they can even die from this nasty parasite. Symptoms include: coughing, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, heart disease and even bacterial infections from the adult heartworms. The saving grace with this awful bug is that with an inexpensive once a month medication you can prevent this horrible disease. The medication is used to kill off baby heartworms that mosquitoes inject into our pets--this way they never grow up into adult heartworms and cause all the above problems. Starting prevention at a young age of 8 weeks is the best way to ensure your pet never has to deal with this disease. We recommend using a monthly preventative because 1. there is no cure treatment for cats, you just have to wait for the adult worms to die off and hope the heart (in cats they affect the lungs more) can handle the stress  and 2. the treatment for dogs its extremely expensive and you have to be very careful as it can be harmful if not administered properly and without the proper precautions.

If you've ever been to a vet (a good vet) they should be asking you if your pets are on heartworm and flea medications. If the pets aren't they should be trying to get you to put them on it. Heartworm disease can be fatal and it is just so heartbreaking to lose a pet to this disease since it can so easily be prevented.

That being said, after I discussed all the options and prices with the client, she stopped to think for a moment and then these words came out of her mouth: "Is heartworms really a serious thing or is that something you guys just exaggerate?"

For a second I just looked back at her completely confused and thought, did she really just ask me that? What the hell???

Quickly I collected myself and replied back very politely, "It absolutely is a serious thing! It can also be fatal and that is why we make such a big deal about it." I explained to her we would never exaggerate something just to get her to purchase medication. We pride ourselves on being a very progressive small animal clinic, there are some vaccines we don't recommend depending on the pet/owner lifestyle and risk status...why would we recommend medication that is unnecessary? I discussed the disease with her and gave her a few handouts to read over. I'm pretty sure she still doesn't believe me but she purchased the heartworm and flea combo chewable tablet (trifexis). After she left I looked just like the polar bear in the photo.

Now don't get me wrong, if you don't know about heartworms that's ok. I'm not ragging on her for not knowing that much about them but for thinking we would ever try to get her to do something unnecessary. But the thing that got me was I'm trying to help you protect your pet and you are asking me if I'm exaggerating. I take my job very seriously, especially stuff like this. I hope I wasn't being a jerk, I never said anything negatively to her, just educated her on the information.

However I don't think she believed me either way.

PLEASE!!! Keep your pets on heartworm prevention!!

www.americanheartwormsociety.com

Jury Duty—My experience

*Disclaimer--I have finished serving jury duty and have been discharged by the judge. I am now legally allowed to share information regarding the case if I desire.*

Last week I had to go for a jury summons. You know-- that civic duty anyone registered to vote is required to perform. Many of you probably have never even received a jury summons. Lucky bastards. I have received FOUR jury summons. Thankfully I never actually had to go until this last one. The first two were while I was in school and I was excused (both Orange County, FL). The third I think I was eligible to be excused but I must have procrastinated and/or forgotten about it until right before and I had to call to see if I was called. To get excused or have your jury duty postponed you MUST submit your form at least 10 days before the day you are required to come for selection. They may or may not excuse you. There is a list of mandatory and optional reasons that would enable you to not have to serve but you can also try to be excused if you are facing hardship. So on the third jury summons I had to call the night before and see if my number was called, it was not! Woo, score three for Orange County. 

Well now I'm living in Seminole County, FL and at the end of February I received my fourth summons. Dammit! I informed my job and sent in my form to be excused stating that taking time off work would put a financial hardship on me and the $15 per day compensation would not be sufficient to cover bills. (Yeeeah so in FL they pay you $15 per day for the first 3 days and then $30 per day for each thereafter...lame!) I also stated that my job would be short handed if I wasn't there. The clerks office called my job to speak with me and told me they were not able to excuse me for my listed reasons but when I came in for selection I could try to discuss it with the judge and see if she excuses me. Not a good sign I thought. Apparently seminole county isn't as laid back as orange. 

We were required to report to the Seminole County courthouse at 8am on Monday. After some instructions by the clerk the judge came out to hear who needed to be excused and why. I figured out veerrrry quickly that my reasons were not going to fly with this judge. As other people who seemed to have much more legitimate reasons than I were denied to leave, I realized that there was a really good chance I would be selected based on the age demographic in the room: AKA not that many under 35 people. I'm 26 soon to be 27 but I know some 30somethings that I wouldn't have guessed there were over 30. 

Being trapped in a room with other people who dislike being there just as much as you really helps to build camaraderie. A small group of us quickly formed as we were the goofy, cynical, and oddly enough the only ones with electronic devices other than cell phones. (Nerds always unite!) We had a good time joking around for about 3 hours. Unfortunately the clerks were actually kind of rude to us. I accidentally left my phone in my car and we weren't allowed to leave the room at one point. Finally I got so annoyed that I just told them I was going to get my phone from my car--and I went. It wasn't until after lunch that I was called for selection. It was around 1:30pm. Thankfully when you call the number that night you are supposed to report for the summons the message tells you to prepare to be there all day and bring books, games, laptops, etc. I brought the second book of the Hunger Games series, Catching Fire and my laptop. 

When we went upstairs we had to sit inside a courtroom with the judge, lawyers, and defendant. The whole thing made me nervous for some reason, but the judge and lawyers were SOOO nice and SO much nicer than the courthouse staff we were with downstairs. (Oh the deputies were very nice as well) The three of them thanked us for coming in and told us how much they appreciated our time. The judge told us the case was a criminal charge of battery and we were asked if we knew any parties involved. The judge read off a list of people including a few police officers. We were asked to say our name, occupation, marital status, if we had children, if we had ever served as a juror before, if we had any court experience, and if we knew anyone who was a victim or charged with battery or had any experience with the charge of battery. They asked us if any of that experience would alter our ability to have an unbiased opinion on the case. We were not given any other details except that it was a criminal charge of battery, the name of the defendant, and the witnesses involved.

Then the state attorney and the defense attorney asked us questions about when it is and is not appropriate to hit someone; what our feelings were regarding seeing someone in the police car and if that would make us assume immediately that they were guilty. They asked us if we were peaceful or more likely to react if someone got in our face. They also asked us on a scale of one to ten, how much each of us wanted to be there. After they finished with their questions we were asked to sit outside the courtroom while the attorneys decided which jurors they wanted. I had this feeling from the very beginning that I was going to get picked. And I was. The judge informed us that we were under court order not to discuss the case or trial with anyone and not to research it. I knew I would honor this no problem. 

The trial was Friday. We had to go to the courthouse at 9am. I was late...of course. And of course they were waiting for me!! (omg! so embarassing!) We were given some instructions and then we were led into the courtroom. We had to leave our belongings (even my phone, booo!) in the jury room which was locked while we weren't in there. We listened to all the testimony and the lawyers questioning. 

Basically the story was: A group of parents and kids were waiting on the sidewalk at a school bus stop. The defendant was driving along the road at what appeared to be too fast for one parent who stepped out partially into the road to wave and shout "slow down." The driver gave the parent the finger. Allegedly the driver fake swerved at the parent and the parent slapped or possibly punched the car trunk or hood. The driver stopped almost immediately, checked his car (which was a rental), and confronted the parent. Both exchanged heated words. Allegedly the driver swung at the parent. The driver decided to go back to his car. He handed his passenger his phone because he saw another parent come up and was supposedly unsure what would happen next. (Both parents were fathers as was the driver) At that point they exchanged more curses and insults. Allegedly the driver then pushed the parent but in court and on his written testimony he stated he never touched him and left after they exchanged more words. The witnesses written testimonies except for the man who was supposedly pushed all differed from their responses in court). After deliberating (when we did this the deputy took our phones!! AHH!) which took about 30 minutes we decided on not guilty due to reasonable doubt. You are not allowed to find a verdict of guilty if there is reasonable doubt. We were there from 9am to 4:15pm. We each will earn $30, which will come by mail...at some point.

So, once it was all over, I appreciated the experience. It was interesting to see how our court system works from the inside, by actually being a part of it. I still don't ever WANT to do it again, but if I HAVE to I won't be as pissed off =^.^=

It wasn't so bad I guess, other than being stuck and "wasting" two days. If you get summoned make sure to bring stuff to do!!! If you go to trial you will be busy most of the time listening to testimonies, but bring snacks if you are allowed.

Talk about mood swings…

 

GIVEAWAY HERE!!! ENDS TOMORROW AT 8PM EASTERN TIME!!!

So here I was all fine and satisfied with today. BF comes home and tells me 1. our AC isn’t blowing very cold (OH FUCK!) and 2. his paycheck didn’t come today (my words: because as usual his boss is to busy with everything else besides paying his hard working employees) so the check will come monday if we are lucky and at that point his next check is “due” thursday. WTF.

So I went from “ok” with today to pissed off and then depressed. WTH.

So now I’m writing this out because I’m irritated with the way I feel and reacted. My BF is worried because I started crying a little. I’m stressed about everything (when I have time to realize that is) and of course its my day off so I can sit here and think about stuff. We’ve had an awful two weeks at work, we must have lost 6-8 patients already. I’m bummed about my body, I’m working on it. Exercising and eating better.

I think just everything gets to me. UGH. Now I have to go to walmart (I HATE walmart) to get my secret santa gift for work and then shower since I exercised, ate lunch, then BF came home from work for a break and I got into a tizzy.

meh…