Thursday, January 28

Accidents, Silver Linings and Paint


The phone calls are incoming and outgoing here with a frequency and intensity not seen in many a month, due to the recent accident in which we were involved. I can think of better reasons to be on the phone, but we do what we must, right?

I heard from the insurance adjuster yesterday morning; the original estimate has gone from $1500 to over $2000 - $2,010 to be exact, plus change. How's that for number synchronicity? You may recall that the state trooper who came to the scene said my damage would be less than $1K, and he didn't really want to file a report. I think he needs some lessons in on-site estimating, don't you? The guy appeared to be about 17 years old, so perhaps he just hasn't had enough experience with car wrecks yet.

It has been a long time since I was involved in an accident, and I had forgotten how aggravating all the details and paperwork can be, to say nothing of the pain and soreness and all you have to go through to get repairs to both yourself and your vehicle. All this crap for a really small fender-bender. I can't imagine how horrendous it would be if we'd had a more damaging wreck, and I will be forever grateful that it wasn't.

A silver-lining has been found as well; the rental van has Sirius satellite radio - YAY! I can listen to all the jazz and blues I want - commercial-free - for the next ten days!

***

My kitchen/back door hallway and stairwell has looked like it had a wreck for over a year. I wrote about taking off some of the wallpaper and discovering royal blue enamel underneath, but I can't locate that post. That area should have been cleaned up and re-painted just after the kitchen was done in 2008, but I couldn't bear for the house to be torn up any longer. Mr. kenju hated the way it has looked for a long time and finally we hired someone (a very pleasant and competent someone) to remove the rest of the old wallpaper, sand the walls and repaint. I bought the paint today and as soon as it is finished, I will show you how it turned out.

Originally, I thought we would paint it the same color as the kitchen (the pale green of cucumber flesh). The color should be the same in the hallway and up the stairwell because there is no logical place to stop one color and start another. The painter's friend suggested we may want to use a neutral color in the hall and at first I disagreed with him, but after thinking it over, I see a good reason for having a neutral, off-white color there.

Eventually I want to paint my office (the bonus room). It is at the top of that stairwell, (with no door or separation between them) and if we paint the hall the same color as the kitchen, then the paint I choose for the office has to match or blend with that pale green. I decided that might limit me too much when it comes time to paint the office - so I chose the color Glidden calls "natural wicker". I cannot wait to see it finished and get stuff hung on the walls again (assuming I can find that stuff).

15 comments:

Tardevil said...

So sorry I missed the post saying you had been in an accident! I hope you're both ok! What a pain. I was in one several years ago with someone straight off a Jerry Springer show. It's just a hassle that no one needs to have! Can't wait to see how your re-do turns out! Love that kind of stuff. I'm about to re-do my laundry room. It is major UGGGG right now! Have a good week. Hope we can dodge this snow. They're calling for 6-10 inches here. :(

Gilly said...

Oh! How I hate the upheaval of decorating! Our hall, stairs and landing need doing, but the thought of ladders, paint and A Man all over the place puts us off!

Maybe in the Spring??

Kay Dennison said...

That car stuff always costs more than expected. It's one of those cruel tricks fate plays!

Can't wait to see your redecorating!!!!!

And yeah, blare those blues!!!!

LL Cool Joe said...

I so hate the adverts on radio stations, so commerical free would be great!

Can't wait to see the newly decorated hallway. We have very neutral coloured walls which means we can add the colour and interest with pictures and artwork.

Granny Annie said...

Oh bless your heart. You know that Ron and I "feel you pain" of having to deal with insurance companies.

Cannot wait to see pictures of the remodel.

srp said...

I don't think I have EVER seen an estimate for car repair... or really for anything.... that has ever come in under the original. I know Stephen's room didn't. Glad you are feeling better. Mom and Dad's new van has all the bells and whistles and I love the two classical stations on there. They don't care for jazz but that one station with songs from the 30's and 40's... Mom loves those.

Grannymar said...

I look forward to the finished pictures...... unless you want to do the before and after shots.

Bobkat said...

I am glad that you are okay after your accident. In some ways, the aftermath of dealing with repairs adn insurance is worse than the actually accident.

New paint always freshens up a place :) The neutral colour in the hall seems like a good idea. I'm looking forward to popping by and seeing the finished effect!

Anil P said...

I'm glad it was minor and nothing more than a fender-bender.

The paperwork from what I've heard can be intimidating, usually the case with the law, and the insurance.

I hope all goes smooth.

Star said...

The good thing about paint is that if you don't like it you can paint over it.

Tracie Nall said...

All of the post-accident paperwork is worse than the actual accident. I think it is some type of unspoken accident deterrent program that the insurance companies have going on.

Can't wait to see pics of the new paint.

Ginnie said...

Yes, the paperwork entailed with an accident is endless! So glad that the re-decorating will be a fun diversion.

Olga said...

Good grief, that officer must have never had to have a car repair before.
I'm feeling the need to freshen up our house with some new paint, but I haven't mentioned it to my husband yet. My little projects tend to turn into big ones.

Pat said...

I'm glad there is a small bonus to all that irritating insurance trouble and you have lovely new walls to look forward too.
Deep sigh!

robin andrea said...

My sister was in a car accident nearly four years ago. A crash hard enough to inflate both the driver and passenger airbags. She was the passenger, and the car was hit by an under-insured young man. She is still hassling with the insurance company of the car she was in. I write letters to them regularly in my most stern voice. I found a website: findlaw.com that has a link to a worksheet you can use to determine your losses. I'd send you the link, but I don't have it anymore. Just follow the info on car accidents on the site.

Good luck.