Traffic Calming Devices Ahead

In suburbia, specifically Mill Creek, WA, those words on a sign are a short version of "Watch out for the massive speed bumps ahead, otherwise your car is toast!"

So, I have a new car now. Two buyers were competing for my 7 year old Ford Escort and I finally had to let her go. Which means I had a bit of cash to put down on a super cool Scion TC. I love my zippy new car! Although, we are slowly getting used to each other. I've had a few bumps during this first week.

I made my first passengers (three guys) scream while parallel parking. To be fair, I suppose it was justified, although I only slightly tapped the car in front of me while pulling in. And, after driving a manaul for seven years, how was I to know that gently tapping on the gas would cause the car to shoot backward? Then, last weekend a guy in a Honda hit me while trying to merge into traffic from a stop. Didn't even bother to look. Granted, he didn't hit me hard, but I was steamed as I pulled over to check out the potential damage. As I was getting out of the car, I noticed that he had his right blinker on to turn down a side street and disappear, and that is exactly what he did. Hmmph. Luckily, no damage to my car. And, finally, I nearly killed my friend Crystal and me (on her birthday no less!) by starting to switch lanes when I didn't see the car next to us in my blind spot. Again, quite fortunately she screamed "Car!" and I swerved and we lived to see another day. Two sets of screaming passengers in one week is not a great track record so far

Anyhoo, the car really is cool and modern, and I get to motor around with more authority than an Escort could ever wish for. Let's just hope our adjustment phase is about over.

In other news, my darling younger sister is pregnant! This is still a shock to the big sister's system (isn't the oldest supposed to procreate first?), but our family is very excited at the prospect of a baby. I can't believe that by September I will be an aunt. I will, however, be an extremely cool aunt and probably will end up finally having to tell the kid about the birds and the bees when he/she is 18 or so, because my sister just isn't up for these kinds of conversations. The thought of our littlest sister (who's 20) having any sort of sexual encounter causes her to huddle in a corner with her hands over her ears. Of course, at the rate that society is going, the kid will probably be able to tell me a thing or two by the time she is 8 and wearing thong underwear. Side note: I'm convinced right now that the baby will be a girl.

My wonderful friend, Elizabeth, is expecting her baby any day now, and I can't wait to meet the little man. The due date was Tuesday, and she's ready to go. We also work together, and she had her last day in the office a week ago, Now, people I hardly even know at work come charging at me purposefully to demand "Any news yet? Any news yet?" No pretense of "Hey Megan... how are ya?" Just, "Any news yet?" When I leave my office, I end up darting furtively through the hallways, jump into empty elevators only (elevators mean extended "Any news yet?" conversations), and play deaf when people are shouting the question at me from the third floor balcony. I'm ready for the baby to come so I actually have some news! :)

I have been a horrible blogger over the past few months, but I am going to try to be better at it. It's so fun to write, and I'm just being lame. So, more to come soon...