On the receiving end of road rage

Hello! It has been a while.

I recently when back to re-reading posts that I wrote years ago on another personal blog. I wrote about concerts. I wrote daily, similar to what I used to do here. I loved the level of detail that I had in each post.

I'd love to return and do the same thing here. It was inspiring. It was nice to read what I had written. I realized that I was a decent writer then.

This post is about a road rage incident that happened to me last Thursday.

I have so much to say about a company that I didn't expect to write about. If I could give this business zero stars on any business review platform, I would. The only positive aspect of my experience was talking to Eugene when I reported a disturbing road rage issue. Highlight Motor Group needs to highlight his excellent listening, reporting, and investigative skills. Otherwise, I have a tainted, disturbing impression of this company.

On Thursday, after work, I left work to head to Mississauga. I decided to take highway 401. Normally, I do the 407 heading there and backroad it home. Part of me regrets doing my norm.

I was in the express lanes. Avenue Road has construction and is down to two lanes. I needed to stay in the express lanes. I signalled, found a reasonable space to merge into the right lane.

The truck behind me took offence to my move and leaned on the horn for maybe five seconds. I waved to him, thanking him for letting me in. Another car did the same move as I did and was now between me and the truck.

What I didn't expect was this truck moving into the left lane. It ran parallel to my car. The guy in the passenger seat lowered his window and threw an object at my car door. The object looked like a full can of soda, but it was shorter height-wise and wider in the middle.

A friend recently told me that I'm an extremely calm person in crazy situations. I was definitely shocked when I heard the thud. My first thought was wow. My second thought was to document the situation. I'm a writer. I tell stories. This one is mine to own.

Road rage is real. It was my first time experiencing it at this escalated, physical level.

The two men in the truck are obviously not gifted intellectually. Do you think that you can throw a tantrum because you have no grace letting someone into a lane and get away with it? You're on the 401 at rush hour. You can't flee and not have me take photos of your truck, your freight number, and licence plate.

I took three photos. I called the toll-free number, and got the compliance and safety department. I talked to Eugene, who was a good listener and was understanding.

I took this photo seconds after the trailer in the left lane threw an object at my car

Trailer details

Third photo capturing licence plate details and more

He asked me what colour the truck was. At first, he thought it was a trailer and the truck may be leased to another company. That's when I said that it was indeed a truck and I could send him photos.

He wanted to give me his cell phone number. I said that I was driving. It would be best that he take my cell phone number and text me. This company has call display. He sent me a text. I sent him my photos. He confirmed that the truck was theirs.

He said that he would have the folks dispatched to get the scoop on what had happened. I appreciated it.

I let him know how I felt. Both men needed anger management help. No one is safe being on the same road with these men who are jerks. Why launch an object at a vehicle because you're immature, you don't know how to handle your emotions, and you can't be courteous on a highway? You are unprofessional and are unfit to drive on any road.

These men picked the wrong person to target their road rage. I am not afraid to report you. If I really wanted to seek legal counsel, I could. It's illegal to throw objects on any 400-series highway and cause mischief.

You targeted me. You didn't feel the same rage with the person behind me who made the same move. Why? Do you want me to pull the female, Asian card out? I could. You've proven to be dense with your stunt that it wouldn't surprise me that you're also biased and full of hate.

You both were cowards. You realized that you couldn't pull ahead quickly in time for me to get your truck information. You moved in front of the trailer in front of me after this detailed hit you. Too late.

You should have thought about the consequences of your actions. You're dealing with me. You tried to cause harm to me and my vehicle. You're in for an unpleasant ride.

Today, I followed up with Eugene. He let me know that the driver had a meeting and "we will come to a solution on how to best resolve the situation."

Texting with Eugene from the company's compliance and safety department

As long as this company doesn't sweep this incident under any rug. I'll be pleased. I truly want them to get help with their anger or get training on how to be respectful drivers. Their actions were unwarranted and need corrective action.

I read this company's reviews on Google. You get a mix of employees who give high praise. Reviews with five stars automatically get a response of thanks from the owner. It seems wrong to review your own employer. If you have a rating that isn't five stars, the owner doesn't acknowledge it.

One word: suspect.

There was one review in which a driver had both feet up on the dashboard, on an interstate, driving. There were photos. The owner never acknowledged the need to talk to this driver about how unsafe it was to drive this way.

I'd stay away from doing any business with this company. It's in your best interest to stay alive. If I spot any vehicle from Highlight Motor Company, I'm steering clear from it.

Chat with friends and revelations

It's raining right now. It's nearly 2 am.

Yesterday, I had a great time hanging out with a few friends in the afternoon. We chatted, and sipped on teas and shakes. The laughter and conversation were much needed.

For the first time in a while, I could talk about my nearly eight-year relationship with my ex with others. 

I made a few statements that I hadn't said out loud until now:

• I hate the ex's guts
• We work at the same company and have never seen each other since the breakup
• It has been three years and I'm happy not being in a relationship

Hate is a strong word. It's fitting for how I feel.

The ex hurt me, which caused sadness and anxiety for months until I was okay. He came back to ask for sex, but without the relationship. It made me angry. He wanted a free hooker to put out. It wasn't my style.

I also said to do you to my friends. That's exactly what I have been doing. I am doing what feels best to me. I am okay being on my own. Sure, I miss companionship and cuddling, but I'm not ready to be in a relationship again. 

It's all okay.

Company-wide laptop issue

I'm glad that I took Monday off. My company had a worldwide laptop issue. It makes you wonder what the IT department loads that causes every single laptop to flicker and die.

I got my first work broadcast text. I don't have my cell phone number listed publicly in our company directory, but it is there for emergencies. It worked.

I did boot up my laptop tonight and it works fine. It's just in time for my returning to work later on today.

A twist with spreadsheet hell

On a good note, I managed to create my documents based on two ugly spreadsheets. I was supposed to get an updated set of spreadsheets.

There's a twist in the plot. The woman who created these spreadsheets has left the company. She didn't bother giving me new ones before she left. How considerate.

Then again, since she did such a poor job with them, I can imagine why she walked away from her job. She probably didn't enjoy doing this work.

Two people are taking over her job for the time being, so it'll be interesting working with them.

Saturday outing with a friend

On Saturday, I met up with a good friend for ice cream, a stroll along the main street in a small town, and a late lunch. It was a great day!

I normally come to this town for ice cream. It was nice spending several hours here with great company. 

We ate indoors. It was a great call. Moments later, a thunderstorm rolled into the area. Rain was coming down sideways. Wow!

Thoughts being an interviewee

At work, I conduct a number of interviews. I tend to make interviews a conversation rather than an interrogation. I want the interviewee to be comfortable, which allows that person to open up. I then get as much information out of the candidate to determine whether that person is a good fit.

It has been ages since I went for an interview. It's strange to be the interviewee.

For a while, ever since this job opportunity was plopped into my inbox, I have been mixed about the position. I like the idea of being in a new work environment, being closer to home, and having the challenge of learning a new field. However, after being interviewed by four different people on Monday, I still don't feel that it's my dream job.

The person who could potentially be my manager reminded me of my current manager. Both have been in the industry for nearly two decades. Both don't have a good command of the English language. Both aren't good at listening.

I respectfully butted heads with this person. I saw the passion that came out of me. I didn't back down. If they didn't like that about me, so be it. I'm actually pleased that I took a stand.

This person basically said that this position would be a drastic change for me. He felt that I was doing more of a management role than a writing role. He went on to say that at my workplace, there are tons of writers. You lose one and you're fine. At this company, it's smaller. You lose a person and you feel the impact.

I completely disagreed with him. I have lost a writer a year on my team for at least the past four years. Thanks goes to my micromanaging manager. My team loses a writer. I feel the pain of picking up the slack and doing the job of two people. It is my current situation.

He completely dismissed the fact that I am in the trenches, writing daily, doing the grunt work. I hammered that point. He didn't get it. He's stubborn, just like my manager.

Is it worth taking a pay cut to be at a different company with a manager exhibiting similar personality traits and deficiencies? I think not.

I did feel good coming out of the interview. I got along with the woman with whom I had my phone interview. It was good getting back into the interview scene again.

As much as it would be nice to escape my current job for another one, this open job opportunity doesn't feel right to me.

New laptops and preparation differences

Every employee at work is getting a new laptop to replace his current one. The last time I got a new laptop was a good five years ago.

I dropped my laptop a few years back at home on hardwood. One of the corners of the screen pops out now and again. I am so ready for a new laptop!

My guy has never got a new laptop since our past company was acquired by our current one. He has been concerned about being passed over. I have sent him whatever e-mails come my way to him on replacement laptops.

I finally got my confirmation e-mail to indicate that my new laptop is being prepared. I asked my guy if he got his. He did.

For months now, we have received instructions to move our files to cloud storage, which is supposedly to make the transition from one laptop to another as smooth as possible. Naturally, I am in good shape. With my guy, the reason why he hasn't picked up his new laptop is because he is finally getting around to moving his massive number of files to the cloud.

I have a feeling that I will get my new laptop before he does. He's so predictable, as am I. He does everything late. I am the planner who is prepared. We wouldn't have things any other way.

Having a quick treehouse moment and retracting a hard cock

The other day, my guy and I were horny. We had just finished eating lunch.

As we were walking out the door, my guy came up close to me and groped my left buttock. Yep, that did it for me.

He asked if we could have some quality time in the backseat of my car. We were at a plaza. I said that we should move somewhere remote. He couldn't wait. I had a feeling that it wasn't the best place. I was parked fairly close to the restaurant's entrance.

Anyway, we headed to the treehouse. He pleasured me once both my shorts and panties were pulled down. Moments later, I came. It was great and I was immediately lethargic.

I then played with my guy's crotch. Hard cock? Check.

He took his erect member out of my jeans and briefs. I was jerking him off.

My weird inclination came true. Out of nowhere, a woman decided to park next to my car. We put his penis away. She got out of her car and walked over to the restaurant.

"Why did she have to park next to us? It's 16:00 and there are only three cars in front of the restaurant!" my guy said in a borderline outraged voice.
"See, I told you that we should have moved somewhere else," I replied.
"I should have listened to you. I just wanted you so much," he said sweetly.
"I know. I can play with you elsewhere," I noted.
"That would be great," he replied, smiling.

It's never a dull moment in our lives.

Movie night full of cuddles

Whenever my guy travels, he watches a ton of in-flight movies. A while back, he told me that he had watched Creed. He thought that it was okay. I asked why. He couldn't explain it until I asked whether it moved him. It didn't.

I am doing a staycation in the same city in which both my guy and I are employed. It's a nice suite with a kitchen. It's cozy.

My guy and I spent part of our evening cuddling and watching what was on TV. We decided on a movie. It was Rocky Balboa.

"Did you like the movie?" my guy asked me after it was over.
"I did. It had a nice, emotional build as the movie progressed. How about you?" I asked him.
"I liked it, too. Having you watch a movie with me always makes it better," he said, being his sweet self.

I have missed watching movies with him, cuddling, eating popcorn, and just being together.

Fraudulent credit card charges

I was working from home on Wednesday. I received an e-mail from the credit card company that issued my corporate credit card. It has an early credit fraud department. Just having that alone impressed me.

I continued reading the e-mail. There were four transactions that occurred rapidly on my card. The credit card company indicated that they were suspicious.

After analyzing them, these transactions were not made my me. In the e-mail, there was a button to click if at least one of these transactions were fraudulent. I did just that, which automatically froze my credit card from any new transactions.

The first three transactions were peanuts. They were flagged as being transactions done in Virginia, in different towns. The first one was just under $1. It made me believe that it was a test to see if my credit card was valid. The next charge was under $8, followed by one registering $13.

The last charge was the largest. It was for over $2,100. I didn't recognize the location.

I gave my credit card company a call. It's US-based. When the automated voice asked to confirm my identity, I pressed the 1 button on my phone. The call disconnected. I did this a couple of times more. The same thing happened.

Instead, I called the number on the back of my credit card, which automatically forwarded me to the early fraud department. I do like this credit card company. All four transactions were immediately declined. I had a helpful woman tell me what steps were going to happen.

It turns out that the over $2,100 transaction was for liquor in Vietnam. First, that's a ton of liquor! Second, if I wanted a booze fix, I would got to the local LCBO store and get me a bottle of whatever I wanted. The woman on the other end laughed.

Anyway, my corporate card has been closed. A new one is coming to me. More importantly, I am not liable for any of these fraudulent charges.

Peace of mind is wonderful.