I just got my new copy of my employer's Group Life / Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy. It's pretty dry reading, and more than a little morbid -- much like a desiccated body, forgotten in some arid tomb. I just have one thing to say: the words "Accelerated Death" should never be coupled with the word "Benefit."

But you never know what's going to happen. Take last Saturday, for instance. My tire picked up a nail, and before I realized it, I had a flat. This kept me from visiting my friends in Athens, whom I had been looking forward to visiting. Moreover, there were no tire stores open Saturday after five, nor on Sunday, so I had to wait until this afternoon before I could go get it a new tire. My dad helped me out, so that kept it from being worse, but it still wasn't pleasant.

On the bright side, I got two new tires for $100, and that's the first money I've put into my car (apart from oil changes) since I moved up here last year. That's pretty good for an 11-year-old car.