I swung through Columbia today with two tasks on my mind: “stealing” a blazer from my Dad for Tuesday’s interviews, and taking my car for my bi-annual VEIP. The blazer came with some work: my folks are away on vacation, and three large (and heavy) furniture boxes were on their porch, as well as a UPS for my sister. Once I’d moved those inside, I certainly felt like I’d earned the blazer (and, yes, I asked my Dad for permission).
VEIP was great. It’s right down the road from my parents’, and over another road, and down another, then a left and a right. It was totally empty. There were two open lanes, I was in and out in under ten minutes. The guy running the test didn’t even ask me to get out of my car and we talked about his buddy who went head-first in a Celica into a Mustang, and his car (a Honda), and gas mileage, and then I was done and gone: I don’t think I’ve ever been through VEIP that fast. So, if you’re in need of a VEIP and are in the Columbia area, hit ‘em up around noon on a Thursday, and you’ll be out right-quickly (they’re off Owen Brown Road somewheres).
I came back from West Virginia yesterday afternoon. The vacation was relaxing — I read, I grilled, I drank, I watched Ken Burns’ “The War” at night. Once again, the trip home (it’s not even a two-hour drive) reinforced just how absolutely horrible other drivers are: I nearly got killed by some bimbo who decided that checking her mirrors, using her turn signal, or god forbid actually turning her worthless neck to visually check the lane she wanted to mer — er, swerve — into was clear. Thankfully, I pay attention and I’m sharp on the brake. Her car, a big old white Mercury, clearly served as a testament to her driving skills: there wasn’t a non-dented, non-smashed surface anywhere. Clearly, it has saved her life many times. Should you see this vehicle on this state’s magnificent roadways, give her a wide berth: she doesn’t know where you are in relation to her, she doesn’t care, and I can’t imagine she’s got very good insurance (if at all).
hope you had a great time and good luck on the interview
Comment by michelle — October 4, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
I always notice that previously-wrecked cars always pull out in front of you with the fender that they have already wrecked–like you see somebody pulling out of a strip mall, and you are coming up on them and their driver’s side front fender is bashed, and you honk just quick enough so they don’t pull in front of you, and expose the very part of their car that they should have learned their lesson from the first time.
I guess I would have to say that there are a lot of “serial wreckers” out there.
I wonder if it ever comes to a point where they just take their license away, or absolutely nobody wants to give them insurance anymore.
Comment by zen wizard — October 4, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
Vacation sounds wonderful, if not the return trip.
Comment by Kristin — October 4, 2007 @ 9:02 pm
What is a VEIP??
Comment by tim — October 4, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
Tim,
VEIP = Vehicle Emission Inspection Program. To make sure you’re not putting too much pollution into the atmosphere.
Comment by MalSnay — October 4, 2007 @ 11:41 pm
Wait, you’re how old and don’t own a suit?
Comment by Emptyman — October 5, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Hola!
I stopped having to go to our VEIP equivalent recently. I guess CO has monitoring stations around the city now that does the reading for you.
Comment by slave to the dogs — October 5, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
I always go to the Columbia VEIP early on Saturday mornings. I just sit in the waiting area and read the paper. I’m usually in and out in fifteen minutes.
Comment by yellojkt — October 5, 2007 @ 8:01 pm
Ditto Emptyman. Grow up and buy your own damn blazer, you cheap bastard. And be sure to visit The Mighty Blog!!!
Comment by Mighty Dyckerson — October 6, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
That woman’s second cousin was driving out here in Oregon yesterday and nearly killed me and my offspring. I called the cops, but who knows if that made any difference. So, he is what? A bim buh?
Comment by cindra — October 7, 2007 @ 1:02 am
There’s a VEIP site just off of Caton Avenue (“Baltimore City West”, according to their website)that’s usually pretty quiet, too. In & Out in a matter of minutes.
cindra: the male equivalent would be a “himbo”, methinks.
Comment by Claude — October 7, 2007 @ 11:34 am
I think drivers are getting worse as time goes on. Nobody uses turn signals, it doesn’t seem like anybody keeps track of others on the road. Just plain crazy.
Comment by losrulz — October 7, 2007 @ 5:32 pm