Tow Yard Art

I love taking pictures of everyday things I see while I'm training in the field and trying to make them look more like art.  Here are my latest efforts from a couple of days outside....

99 In The Shade

Auto insurance is a crazy business, so you have to find ways to have fun, even at a salvage yard in the middle of summer.

At least someone is working hard while I'm taking pictures...

 

 

Double letters let you know you're in the "Back Forty"

Cool accessories are how we vehicle owners roll here in Cali!

And who says china marker isn't fun?

Life Lessons From A Salvage Yard

Lesson One: Necessity is the Mother of Invention
No air cleaner hose? No problem! Cut the bottom out of a sour cream container, and you can MacGyver your car into running like new!



Lesson Two: Avoid Sticky Situations
A soda can exploded inside this vehicle when it rolled over, and the straw stuck to the window! Messy, but great for a laugh.



Lesson Three: Things Aren't Always What They Seem
I initially thought these were bullet holes, but they didn't go all the way through the panel and out the other side. Turns out, this is what the Fire Department does to a vehicle to stabilize it before they pull it back over an embankment. Stick a fork in this one!



Lesson Four: Be Prepared!
You never know who you'll meet when you're traveling the highways and byways of life. So have chewing gum, deodorant, music, and antacid at the ready....



....and by all means, don't forget your spare toothbrush!



Lesson Five: Don't Drink and Drive!
No further explanation required.





Be safe out there everyone!

Let's Go Racing!

Twice a year we have a big meeting with our entire training group. In addition to planning for the upcoming months and discussing what’s going on in our business, we always have some kind of group outing. In the corporate world, this is referred to as a “Team-Building Activity.” In other jobs, I’ve suffered through these things, albeit with a degree of “put on a smile and act like you’re having fun because our bosses want us to like each other.” I am blessed to work with a bunch of really amazing people, so we actually look forward to these kind of events.

After a long day of meetings, our final activity was breaking into groups for the evenings festivities. We found out we were headed to F1 Race Factory to run go-karts, and that there would also be a team competition activity. After being divided into 4 person teams, our task was to create a name and logo for our race team. We quickly decided on the “Flo-Riders” in honor of Progressive’s current advertising icon.

First, we had to check in and sign a waiver so we could race. Then we were directed to our very own party room, complete with food, beverages, pool tables, foosball, and racing themed décor.



After a bite to eat, everyone who planned to race went to a driver’s meeting so we could learn the rules for operating on the track. Once we knew the rules, we were able to race any time we wanted because we had our own group track for an entire hour.





Winners for each heat were determined by lap times, so we were really racing against the clock and not each other. Winners for each heat were determined by lap times, so we were really racing against the clock and not each other.



Although a few of my buddies didn’t think that way and bumped me trying to pass my car. But based on the race rules, bumping another car gets you red flagged and pulled over, so I felt a little vindicated. Of course, I was also one of the slowest cars in all of my races, so the track marshals always had the “Turtle Flag” waving in my direction. Seems my strategy of taking the turns really tight meant I had to slow down more and I couldn’t seem to get back in the gas fast enough.



I need some driving lessons before I’m ready for NASCAR, but at least I look the part.



After we raced, we moved to another section of the complex and found out what our team competition would be. We were going to do pit stops like a real pit crew! Jack her up and change the tires as fast as possible, but no gas because we were inside.



The Flo-Riders came up with a solid strategy, executed it flawlessly (ok, almost flawlessly) and went home with First Place trophies! Flo would be so proud!






With the racing complete and prizes awarded, the only thing left was a group shot for the memory books.



Thanks to all my Progressive buddies for a great time! Now back to the meetings…

I Hope I Never Get Rear-Ended....

This inspection made me think about my car. And not in a good way.

Granted, this car is much nicer than mine. But seeing it made me realize just how much repair is involved when you get rear-ended with the convertible hard top IN the trunk at impact. Ouch!





This one ended up being a total loss, in large part due to the $16,000 price tag on the top assembly. Probably a good thing...with that many moving parts, I don't know where you even start to repair it. It took the shop a whole day just to figure out how to get it open that far.

Message to anyone riding my bumper - back off!

Body Shop Humor

I don't think there are many more difficult businesses to run than a body shop. Demanding customers, picky insurance companies, parts vendors galore...it all can get a little much. So maintaining a sense of humor is critical to daily survival.



This vehicle is a total loss that the insurance company is taking too long to pick up. So the shop posed it outside for everyone driving by to see. Wonder how long it will be before word gets back to the owner!

Helpful hint to all the insurance people out there...be kind to your local body shop, or incur the wrath!

Signs of Fall

I woke up this morning and felt a change in the air. Since I fell asleep with the windows open last night, the house was freezing this morning. When I headed out for my morning coffee run around 7 am, the thermostat on my car confirmed the change in the CA climate....a crisp 55 degrees, while feels like winter after the 80's we've had the past two weeks. But I must confess, I'm tired of the heat and ready for fall. Plus I got to try out the seat warmers in my car for the first time! How did I live without them?

After I got back from Starbucks, the house was still a little too chilly to walk around barefoot, which is what I usually do. Out came one of my favorite friend gifts - hand knit socks from Michelle! As Tanya would say, I think there's a business in there somewhere...I love these, and the color is soooo me.

The new plates for my car also arrived this week, so after my coffee and breakfast sandwich had a chance to settle, I figured it was a good time to put them on. I just love the very official looking wrapping the State of CA sends them in.

Out with the old....especially the nasty window sticker you have to keep on the car when you have a temporary registration.

And in with the new!!!

And since this wouldn't be my blog without a mention of hockey, the Kings season opener is today is San Jose, and the first home game is also against San Jose tomorrow.

That explains the chill....it's hockey weather!

This Defies Explanation

Early 2000-something model Saturn. Decent condition....but it is a plastic car.

Apparently there is something special about this vehicle I'm missing. Because the owner feels it necessary to protect the car with....you guessed it, The Club!

Someone help me here....