Reattached

Quick summary of my recent car-related adventures:

My black Jetta was rear ended by a pickup truck while my sister and I were on are way to "free week" at Chicago's Museum Campus. The day was ruined, we spent an hour on the police station, and went back home with our heads hung low.

The car went to Cars Collision in South Holland - big mistake. But more on that later. Original estimate for repairs was one week, then two...ended up being a month. While my car was being fixed, the insurance company (the other guy's, not mine) provided me with a rental car. I was given a 2004 Chevy Cavalier. On my way home for lunch on July 3 (way back when I still worked in South Holland), I was rear ended by a Thornton police car in South Holland. What a joy: more forms to fill out, and as it turns out, more insurance claims to deal with.

Now that I've got my car back I've had nothing but problems with the bumper (see original photos here). The left side of the bumper shell popped off its mountings about a week after getting the car back in early August. Went back to the body shop and they told me this could never happen on its own. They pointed to a "scuff mark" (which I maintain was just dirt) and said someone hit me again. I forked over $55 and they reattached the bumper shell with a new bracket. Three days later it popped off again. This time they blamed it on a faulty part or some other excuse. Anything but admitting that there might be something seriously wrong.

You may have noticed the pictures that have been running throughout this post and now is where I describe them. I had the bumper reattached for the second time today - this time free of charge since it was attributed to the aforementioned faulty part. The first photo is what it looks like now (click to enlarge). The second photo is a shot of where the bumper shell meets the edge of the wheel well on the left side - the side that I haven't had problems with. Notice how the lip of the bumper shell overlaps the piece underneath it. Compare this to the photo of the other side - the problem side. Note the gap between the lip and the wheel well. Fit and finish, anyone? Could this be what is causing the bracket to fail each time? Just picture 75-mph air rushing through the gap between the wheel well and the bumper shell. It's no wonder a small plastic bracket can't seem to hold on.

The test now: seeing if the bracket fails again. If it does, it's the third time. This should be a clear indicator that something is wrong with the underlying structures and has nothing to do with a faulty clip. Cars Collision, claiming that they only do quality work, seems to have a problem with admitting any wrong doing or a shoddy repair job. So, a second opinion will be necessary. All this because I was rear ended. Where's the justice in that?

And now, back to my rental car accident. Now I've learned that Enterprise (where I rented the car) has filed a claim with my insurance to get the money to repair the damage. My insurance. Now shouldn't they be dealing with the Village of Thornton, the entity that is actually responsible for the damage? How could the delay paying up? It's their fault - they hit me. Many I've talked to say this is because I didn't take the extra insurance that's offered with the rental. Well, I'm sure that for 30 days of renting a car the insurance premium for the rental would've totaled more than my $250 deductible so it could be worse. I just don't think I should have to pay anyway. How will this play out? Read about it here....

Fifteen Days

No, it's not some the name of the latest cliched apocalyptic thriller chronicling the last days of the world as we know it. It's the length of time since my last post and it's downright pathetic.

To my credit, not much has changed since my last post. My car is still not completely fixed (bumper still hanging on for dear life) so if all goes well I'll be stopping by the body shop tomorrow morning and have it reattached for the second time. Here's hoping it doesn't fall of again; if it does, my dad may go ballistic. He still owns the car (wink, wink). But before I can go to the body shop I must get an oil change. I can't recall the last time the oil was changed...the sticker indicating the suggested date/mileage of the next oil change fell off the windshield long ago. Probably not a good thing, and now I've convinced myself that their are odd smells emanating from my engine compartment. Probably my imagination but it's enough to motivate me to actually get it changed tomorrow. Have a few coupons so I'm going to stop by a few places and attempt to determine which one "looks" the best. Normally I'd be going to my regular mechanic, Gus, but his service station is still a pile of rubble after it was knocked down a few months ago. Supposedly there will be a new Citgo (with a car wash!!!) there shortly but they haven't started building yet. Winter, anyone? This is Chicago, after all.

Currently making plans for my little vacation to lovely Albuquerque, NM. I'll be visiting my good friend Antonio as he celebrates the completion of his new house. Cliff will also be there so I'm anticipating a rowdy good time. Perhaps we can relive a bit of the past and share some experiences that will join the plethora that already exist. It seems at times that Cliff and I could carry on an entire conversation merely reminiscing about all those times Tono made us laugh. No offense, Tono. You know we love you. Really. Which reminds me, I think it's time to pick up some new tobacco. Don't want to show up at some high altitude without some food for my pipe. And maybe they sell some decent beer in Albuquerque...but how would I get it home? That's something to consider....

If I remember I'll post tomorrow concerning the results of my car-related adventures. Those that are planned don't even take into account the fact that my windshield wipers still aren't fully functional. Damn Volkswagen, if it weren't so fun to drive I'd be selling the thing. Sometimes you have to compromise.

Pella: Viewed to be the Best

That's the tagline for Pella Corporation, maker of fine windows and doors. It could also be the motto for Pella, IA, where Pella Corp. is located. You may have surmised already that I am in Pella right now.

Yes, I'm spending my Labor Day weekend (which is extended, off today and tomorrow) in idyllic Pella. It really is the embodiment of the perfect community: a country setting, a strong tradition, a vibrant economy, a quaint downtown, and a direct link (via state highway 163) to the thriving metropolis of Des Moines.

Sure, you have to drive 15 miles to visit the closest Wal-mart Supercenter (only a regular-sized Wal-mart in Pella) and more than 40 miles to the closest Target, Lowe's, etc. But who cares? Most of what you need can be found right here in Pella without the need to visit those so-called "big box" retailers.

Many of you who know me well are probably scoffing at what I'm writing - is this the same guy who thought Chicago, a big, dirty city, was the best place in the world? I'm still the same guy - I love the city - but I have also grown to appreciate the niceties of a slower-paced life in rural Iowa. After all, there are more rural places.

Pella is distinct among the towns in Marion and surrounding counties. It is almost as if it is held to a higher standard. Houses are more expensive here, taxes are a little higher, and the jobs pay just a little more. For those who commute here to work at Pella Corp. or other large employers, this is good news for them. And let me tell you: visit www.pella.com and you'll see how much they are hiring over at Pella Corp. Who says the economy is still in trouble? Marion County is definitely not hurting.

Tonight I am going camping with my parents and their dog. That should be amusing as most who know me know that I have a very strong fear of insects of any type. I'll have to make a report as to how that goes.

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. Seems like August disappeared before I realized it. Hopefully September will be more productive.