Well, have you even had one of those days where the wierdest crap happens and you're just to perplexed to be upset over it?
I spent part of my morning over at the hospital in the ICU ward, checking in on a friend who was hit by a truck last night. Well, actually, he hit the truck while riding his bike. How does that happen, you may ask? It happens because drivers are assholes when it comes to cyclists. My friend is a serious cyclist (racing and such). He follows the rules of the road and rides defensivley. He has to, because people like the woman who decide to make a turn in front of on coming cyclists without giving them enough time to slow down or move could potentially kill people like him. Folks, I know that roads are designed for cars, trucks and the like, but they are also designed for cyclists. They have every right to be on the road. And technically, since those of us in cars could seriously injure someone on a bike, these riders have the right of way, just like pedestrians. So, if you happen to be behind some people on bikes, don't swerve at them, don't blow your horn, and for the love of God, check your rear-view mirror before you turn in front of them...Don't be a jackass. Go around them. Give them some space. Think of it this way, doesn't it piss you off when those semi's cut you off, pull out in front of you, or stop so suddenly you just know your going to be embedded under their bumper? Not much you can do about them, since they are so much bigger and more dangerous than your little car or truck, right? It's the same for cyclists...DON'T BE A BASTARD.
Luckily, my friend will be okay. Nothing was broken, but he's incredibly cut up and bruised. He has some stitches, and his neck is strained. He's do doped up on meds right now, he's barely coherent. His family will be taking care of him for awhile once he's released form the hospital, but I don't expect him to be up and around for at least two weeks if not more. All I can say at this point is, thank God he's alive.
Also...the sheriff paid a visit to my house last night. Yup. A rare treat. I was talking with my mom and she mentioned how one of our neighbor's were robbed a few days ago. Apparently someone stole their American and Mexican flags, some beef from their out door freezer, some beer from a cooler, and....a chicken. Yes, a live chicken. Okay...I started thinking who in the hell would steal a chicken? Or flags? Then my mom mentioned another neighbor who recalled seeing a strange man wandering through our neighborhood. Now, you all must note that I live in the country, about 10 to 15 miles from the city. Our street sits up on a hill, surrounded by apple orchards and a large game refuge. We know everyone on our street, since it's just a big loop connected to a highway that heads out of town. We know the people who walk about in the mornings and evenings. We recongize the cars that drive up and down the street. We see the same faces day in and out. So a stranger would be noticed immediatly.
Anyway, as my mom got to talking, saying how our other neighbor had seen this certain individual on a couple occasions, I remembered an odd incident that happened on Wednesday. My mom and I were taking Hunter to his Tennis lessons around 4pm. When we got to the stop sign, there was a man in a torn up blue t-shirt, white shorts, and a strange "beach comber" type hat. He had a scruffy beard...the kind that looks like he hasn't been able to shave in several weeks. Normally, I would shrug this off, since there's not law about people walking through neighborhoods or down the highway. But what caught my attention was he was circling a white mini-van someone had sat on the corner in hopes to sell. But he kept about three feet between himself and the van, not looking in the windows like he was interested in buying it. When we got to the stop sign, my mom waved him across the street, thinking he wanted to go to the other side. He wouldn't look at us, keeping his head tucked to his chin and shaking it slightly. It bothered me, how he NEVER ONCE made eye contact or attempted to...regardless of what you may think, it is natural for people to make eye contact when communicating. It just happens. Don't believe me, pick up some books on human pysche. He was up to something and us watching him made him uncomfortable.
It was all too creepy for me. And too much of a coincidence as well. Mom said that our other neighbor planned on calling the cops, but I told her I was going to call as well. If more people report this guy, the more likely the cops are going to take notice and patrol the area. There are so many kids in our neighborhood, and people let them run wild. Having some peculiar stranger wandering about makes me incredibly nervous...espeically after a theft in the area (which is extreamly rare for where we live). The sheriff showed up, and we told him about the man, gave him a description, and told him that other people had noticed him as well. They've been patrolling the area since last night, and we have instructions to contact them immediatly if we see this person again, so they can question him.
So, now people are sort of on edge...We've been keeping things locked up tight, though I doubt someone would try to go in our backyard with the big ass dog we have. I don't think he'd hurt anyone, but anytime someone other than us has been in back, we've been there as well. I'm not sure what he'd do if he was alone with someone one he didn't know...*shrug* Dogs are funny that way...
Drama, drama, drama...It's pointless to get all worked up over it. I mean, what's happened has happened, so I guess when major things like this occur, you just gotta shake your head and move on the best you can.
Posted by Zoso at September 10, 2004 11:33 AM