What a Two Weeks it has Been

Cleo in the Driveway

The process that began two weeks ago on a rain drenched highway in Northern Pennsylvania is complete.

From the roadside where our Lexus was loaded onto a tow truck and taken away, now we know that we will never see it again, through the continuation of our trip for Mom's birthday and back to Maryland where the rest of the story has played out.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained during the accident and the major loss was only property. Unfortunately, our property.

But through it all, the twists and turns and delays of the insurance companies and through the adjusting process--Chris and I have persevered. I was pleased that the other company called me this past mid-week to accept liability for the accident on behalf of their client. And then they promptly reminded me that he does not carry enough insurance to cover our losses.

My insurance company--though not a smooth process by any means, has performed well. I give them a solid C plus. I was a little miffed that it took eleven days for them to render a decision to call my vehicle a total loss and then told me I had seven days left on my rental car to replace my vehicle. There is something wrong there.

But at the end of it and through the incredibly hard work and research that Chris put into replacing our vehicle--we have a new vehicle in the stable. Joining Kitty, and Cat, and "the truck" is Cleo. I don't know why we name our vehicles, but then I don't know why the Navy names it ships and submarines either.

Cleo is a Toyota Highlander--which has many similarities to our now totaled Lexus. It drives similarly, but did not have the "luxury" vehicle price tag. Cleo is also postured better for our current lifestyle in terms of people hauling and versatility.

I was especially impressed by the people at Koon's Annapolis Toyota. They worked hard to make the sale and we enjoyed working with each of them. So thanks to you guys for the great work. I have to admit, when we pulled onto the lot for the first time and the vehicle was sitting in front of the show room ready to be equipped with tags and full of gas--I was impressed. JD gave us a superior overview of the vehicle and its features--trust me, even though I have driven a lot of different vehicles, I like getting a personal tour AND he helped Chris get her phone integrated into the car. All BEFORE we did the obligatory paperwork.

The two week foray into accidents and vehicle replacements is over. I can relax on a floatie in the pool and listen to the Orioles game. They lost, again.

But wow, from the accident scene through the insurance companies and finally to the replacement vehicle purchase--we have met a lot of really great people. That is one of the blessings that has grown out of this experience.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Vehicle Shopping -- Choices, Choices, and then Options

Vehicle shopping is a lot like watching a stream tumble over rocks on its long journey to the sea. There are twists, turns, and options at every point along the way.

Think about the complexity of it all. From a standing start, with no intention of purchasing a vehicle to being in crisis mode and needing to purchase a replacement vehicle.

The first option is, what kind of vehicle? Auto (mini, compact, mid-size, standard, luxury) or SUV (cross over, small, large, luxury, AWD, 2WD, 4WD)

OK, so we focused in pretty quickly on replacing our SUV with an SUV and probably not the luxury version. Although, there is the desire to get a slightly bigger vehicle.

Next is manufacturer. Domestic (Chrysler, Ford, GM, Tesla), foreign (Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar) , or mix (Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Acura)

That one is still in the air but it seems to be centering in on Toyota or Honda, but Jeep still has a dog in the mix.

Then it comes down to models. Ugh!! There are so many, Grand Cherokee, Highlander, Pathfinder, Pilot, MDX.

Currently the focus is in the Highlander with the Pilot close behind.

Once this is decided, then it is down to trim and options. There are about ten separate trim options (counting the 2WD vs AWD differences) for the Highlander. And that doesn't include Hybrid options which adds two more.

Once the trim option is decided, color (exterior and interior) and other lesser options are decided. One of the biggest discussions we had was over the need for an entertainment system with DVD/Blueray capability. We decided no, we hardly used the one in our previous vehicle.

Once all of these choices and options are narrowed down, then you would think that the hardest part of the decision process had been completed. But, no. The hard part is just beginning.

The grand daddy of all of the choices--which some people start with, but in reality is the culmination of all of the other decisions: New or Used (OK, call it pre-owned, ugh!)?

That is an incredibly interesting decision. One with which we continue to wrestle.

The really hard part of this entire process is that usually, we spend months shopping, looking and deciding. Now, however, it seems like we need to get a vehicle much sooner. I feel this puts us at a distinct disadvantage and has caused us to change some important plans.

But the decision tree will be completed and another vehicle will soon be stabled in my driveway. Although I am told that I may have to make room in my garage for it. That should be interesting.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Decisions--Make Them Without Panic

One of the most important traits of effective leaders is the ability to make decisions. Good leaders are inherently effective decision makers and risk takers.

Some people hate making decisions, and so they often make decisions by not making them or said another way, they are default decision makers.

One of the keys to making decisions is to realize that the decision maker rarely has perfect knowledge and therefore must make assumptions to fill in the unknowns. A good decision is one made based upon the best information available at the time. Late information is of no use in making a timely decision. Fretting over making a bad decision is not useful--usually, making a decision is the most important part of the process. Being decisive includes the ability to anticipate the probability of future events and incorporate potential outcomes into the decision making process.

Hindsight may provide the opportunity to second-guess, but hindsight has the advantage that making decisions in realtime does not have: historical knowledge. In my experience, perfect knowledge is too late in the decision making process to be useful.

Decision making is, therefore, an art. It is the art of understanding when enough information exists, allowing for timeliness requirement,s to ensure the decision is effective. For instance, making a decision to buy flood insurance after the storm has arrived and the flood waters are rising is probably not going to have the desired outcome. The decision needed to be made earlier based upon the elevation of the property, the proximity of water, and the probability of flooding based upon the 100 year flood plain.

Decision making improves with practice. The more decisions that are made, the more effective decision maker a person becomes.

Some people make many important decisions per day. Others make few decisions per week. The big decision makers have a methodology to make decisions and realize that almost any decision can be second guessed later--but at the time the decision was made, only certain facts were known.

I am currently working through opportunities related to my recent auto accident. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured and so the primary decision involves how to replace the vehicle which was declared a total loss. This decision involves whether to just replace the vehicle with a used vehicle within the value of the loss, buy a nicer used vehicle for some additional money, or to take the opportunity to purchase a new vehicle. The final decision will be a combination of fiscal resources and opportunities!

The key though, it not to panic. Take a deep breath and enjoy the decision making ride.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Using the Flea Market Rule to Replace a Vehicle

I thought it was time to follow up on the continuing saga of how the traffic accident and recent developments.

Although it has taken eleven days for the insurance adjusters to decide that my vehicle is a "total loss." I was also informed yesterday that they will only continue to pay for my rental vehicle for another seven days. That nearly put me off the deep end. I am expected to find and purchase a replacement vehicle, from a standing start, in seven days or less.

Thanks so much. It is like I always know what is out there and an ready to walk into a dealer and buy a vehicle--without thinking. Thank you for your consideration. I guess it takes time to find the right vehicle--even more so when the purchase was unplanned.

And the victims continue to be victimized.

I am going to have to take time off from work to get this done. It is not easy and we have some specific requirements for the replacement vehicle. We have also canceled our weekend plans to attend our High School Reunion--for which we have already purchased (at no small expense) tickets, in order to locate and purchase a vehicle.

I continue to be insulted by the incredibly low valuation placed upon my vehicle. When it is all said and done, I will likely spend many extra thousands replacing my vehicle with a different one. I have been out car shopping two nights in a row.

We just missed the vehicle of Chris's dreams last evening. It was sad, we saw it driving off for servicing just as we pulled onto the lot. We had known it was there from the internet and the salesman confirmed that it had just been sold! Chris was crushed--but I reminded her that the Flea Market rule applies!

What it the Flea Market Rule?

The Flea Market Rule was developed during a time in our lives when Chris and I used to frequent a lot of flea markets. Upon arriving at the market, we would walk around the market first to see what was available. Often we were tempted to make a purchase at one of the first tables--but we knew that prices or selection might be better somewhere else in the market. We forced ourselves not to buy and to complete the tour of the entire market before making a purchase. The rule is: If it is meant for us to have it, it will be there when we get back.

That rule works in so many places in our lives.

We do not need to make a snap purchase decision without surveying the landscape or the availability, first. Although it did hurt last evening to the the vehicle of Chris' dreams driving off the lot as we were arriving.

There are others out there, this was was not meant to be ours!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Man of Steel - Review

Superman is back! The imagination and excitement that accompanies the fictitious super hero is palpable. Why? Because Superman is probably the first and purest super hero on the stage which has now become crowded with heroes.

The tale of the first and perhaps best super hero is epic. Man of Steel is a reboot for the Superman enterprise and it accomplishes the task with flair and director Zach Snyder has taken the timeless story and provided some new twists for those of us who grew up as Superman junkies. Working with a cast including Russell Crowe (Jor-El), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent) and Laurence Fishburne (Perry White) in key supporting roles certainly helped the endeavor along, but the task of bringing Superman to life once again on the screen ultimately fell to Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Kal-El a/k/a Superman) and Amy Adams (Lois Lane).  

The movie possesses the classic Superman storyline. Kypton, the home planet of Superman's race is dying and in an effort to preserve the species, Jor-El sends his baby son off to Earth before Krypton implodes. But there is drama to this story as the spaceship containing the baby Kal-El barely escapes the attempt of General Zod (Michael Shannon) to stop its flight.  The youthful Clark Kent is shown in flash backs while the main story continues. It is the classic Superman story except it does highlight the conflict that wages within Clark about wanting to use his powers for good versus his father's fear that he must remain unknown to the human race for very practical reasons. One area where this reboot differs significantly from my remembrance of the story is in the death of Jonathan Kent which is an out growth of the fear of discovery.

I will admit, the movie has the obligatory fight scenes, which in my mind continue for a bit too long as they do in many movies. The plot is complex, yet direct and provides a solid basis for the movie which is much more than--look up in the sky . . .

I liked the movie. It was complex and the story was compelling. The acting was solid--no oscar worthy performances, but strong performances nonetheless.

RECOMMENDATION: If you saw Avengers and any of the Iron Man or Batman movies, see this movie. Although rated PG-13 (primarily for violence) it is suitable for for the more mature pre-teen crowd. I gave the movie a solid 8 out of 10.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - June 17, 2013

1. I saw a number of meaningful quotes related to Father's Day during church yesterday. They helped to remind me of the importance of both being a father and a son. The most meaningful thought of the day was:
 The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

– Theodore Hesburgh

2. Hiking a trail in the forest on Saturday reminded me of being a kid when the forest was my playground.

3. Baseball season is nearing the half-way point. The O's have played 70 of the 162 scheduled games.

4. Summer vacation has arrived for the schools--I am just a little bit envious.

5. The release of the summer blockbuster movies is underway--I saw Man of Steel yesterday as part of my Father's Day present. It is a great reboot.

6. I am amazed how slowly insurance companies act when they are wasting my time and money, but how quickly things begin to move when it is their nickel.

7. The pool saw a workout this weekend. After adding some heat, it was a great place to enjoy on the almost hot weekend afternoons.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hiking Along the Patapsco

Patapsco State Park

An idyllic day requires unique activity. Yesterday, we did just that. Hiking along the Patapsco River with two of the grandsons, Jax and Ethan, enjoying the low humidity and a bit too mild temperatures.

It is, after all, mid-June and I would expect temperatures in the high 80's and struggling to reach 80.

We hiked one of the trails to a waterfall, and amazingly kept the boys dry. We forded various creeks along the way almost without incident.

The scenery was peaceful and the exercise tired the boys. And the grandparents, too.

It was, something different on a placid enjoyable Saturday afternoon.

There was fun on the trails and rocks to throw into pools of water, without, of course, hitting each other.

After the hike, it was off to the pool for a well deserved afternoon swim and relaxing evening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Changing it Up

Looking Towards the Statehouse in Annapolis

Sometimes life needs a change up. I find that on occassion  I need to do something different that either pushes me out of my comfort zone or deeper into it.

Last evening, it was deeper into my comfort zone. We headed off to Annapolis to enjoy the evening, the water, and the ambiance of that great city.  While it is not a beach where I can put my toes in the sand, Chris and I along with  a few of our friends found a table on the water to watch the comings and goings. It made for an enjoyable exclamation mark on the ending of the work week.

The evening was glorious, cool--but not cold, with low and pleasant humidity. I was comfortable in my Friday attire--an aloha shirt.

It seemed that everyone like us who had been held hostage to the storms of the week decided to come out to experience life on or near the water. It is evenings like last evening that sometimes cause me to think a bit too seriously about getting a boat--but in reality, I do not have time for a boat. I enjoy boats vicariously through the lives of others.

Last evening, I was deriving enjoyment and moments of pleasure from the sights, the sounds, and the activity in the harbor.

The sky was blue with puffy clouds. The storms were gone and the world was bathed in warm sunshine.

It was, for a few hours, an enjoyable respite from the week behind and a launching pad into the weekend ahead.

Yes, I usually enjoy sitting on my back deck--but sometimes I just need to change it up.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Other Driver Drove Away

I have been reflecting upon the accident which occurred one week ago today.

Frustration at the slowness and the prospect of spending potentially thousands to replace my vehicle.

I am still hung up on being the victim and the responsible party seemingly gets off. The other driver doesn't have enough insurance to cover my vehicle, clearly was at fault, and still is shirking their responsibility for the accident.

I am glad that no one was seriously injured, but I hate car shopping. And spending the money.

There are a lot of cars out there--but I am stile mired in the thought, why does it have to be my car that took the brunt of the accident?

But it did.

Sometimes life doesn't seem fair. But then, life isn't fair. Life just is. We add the value to life and try to discern fairness--but in truth, there is little fairness.

That is why the other driver drove away in a seemingly unharmed vehicle and mine is still being assessed for damages.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Funny Headlines--Can Bear's Really do That?

While at my parents over the weekend going through old photos and newspaper clippings, I ran across a headline which had no relationship to the reason the paper was retained--but it was funny.

How can something like having a bear drop out of the sky onto a car happen?

The photo on the page below the headline is actually of my Dad and his brothers who had gathered for a reunion after 50 years, but upon inspecting the paper--the headline stole the show.

The bear fell from a tree over a road onto a convertible.

What a rotten day for the driver--and the bear as well for that matter.

It was a good day for my Dad and his brothers though.  They had a great reunion.

I've noticed other funny headlines in papers--although I have been so desensitized to them that I frequently do more than note their passing.

This one, though, was special and made me launch and read the article.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD