h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've been knocked over 3 times (so far!!)

First time as a 12 yr old kid, running away (literally) from a childrens home, classy though, chose a white Jaguar, which booted me over the bonnet & i then slid under a coach. What saved me was my school satchel, which got totally demolished, whereas my thigh only got partially demolished. Still have large lump but defied predictions & was walking shortly after.

Second time, on my bike. Rainy night in Birmingham. Got to a junction with a main road, nice old lady stops & waves me to cross; so i do. Unfortunately nice old lady failed to see car approaching from other direction. Bike wrecked, me shocked & briused but unhurt, everybody concerned about nice old lady who may be going to have heart attack, car that hit meanwhile miles away.

Third time: on foot, en route to a job interview, temporary roadworks mean no zebra crossing & no temporary one either, take your chances. I did. I was wrong. Splat.Driver most apologetic; me in state of, dunno, that sort of "am i watching a film about me?" state, i just said "i am going for a job, please get me there" So he did. I got the job, got home. Went to bed. Woke up & didn't leave the house for the next 3 years.

I'm still pretty paranoid of cars even now, 20 years on from the last accident.Crossing roads is something i avoid like the plague.

Cars hurt when they bump into you. Physically AND mentally.

How are you now? Able to bike again or not?

Terri

I do use the new bike but not as much as I used to. I've become a bit of a recluse. I rarely leave the house. I only really go out when it's an absolute must.

Hi there, long time, no see!

I know that feeling; i am pretty much like that myself, but in my case at the moment it's mainly 'cos i have managed to b**ger my knee up totally & am scared stiff of falling over when i go out (i live in an old town in France, the pavements are treacherous for able bodied people, let alone someone with a smashed up leg!)

I have to go into hospital next week for them to operate, hopefully this will improve things.

Watch it though, it's all too easy to slide into a sort of semi agoraphobia, which is pretty depressing.

Any news on the job front yet?

zdt

a possiblity of something this coming wednesday but i'm not going to cross my fingers or pin my hopes on it.
i think if i don't get it i am going to sign on and see if i can go on disability because of my eyes.

That might be a good idea; mention the depression/agoraphobia too. In my opinion it's not milking the system; right now work stuff is very difficult & the "powers that be" need to know this.



zdt