Got my Christmas Gift this morning on the drive in. Missed, by a hair, hitting a raccoon. Don't usually have to worry about critters at this time of year, but the warm weather has them still out and about. This one was meandering off the edge and decided to cross in front of me at the last minute. Woke me up for sure, but there was no thump. I don't need another thing for Christmas at all. I'm all set now. May you all have a blessed and Merry Christmas, and safe travels over the holidays.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Shaping Water
Listening to NPR this morning on my way in, and Garrison Keillor comes on with 'The Writer's Almanac' and I'm casually listening to it. More paying attention to the sides of the road as they roll by so I'll, hopefully, miss any critters that are thinking about committing suicide. The poem for today was about looking at a lizard by an author who titled their book "Shaping Water." It wasn't the poem that got me thinking - it was the title of the book.
When you think about it, the only way to shape water is to alter its environment, or to indirectly affect it. You can freeze it and shape it; you can heat it and create steam, then direct the steam into different shapes; you can change geography and redirect it into streams, falls, ponds and lakes. But try to take it in your hands and physically change its shape and it will slip through your fingers. It is an entity unto itself and will not be shaped by your hand. You can force it to go where you want. You can turn it into a pond, a stream or waterfall. You can make it flow fast or barely trickle. But no matter what you do, you can only change the shape of the geography or container - you cannot change the shape of the water itself. Try to hold it in your hand at any time and it will still slip through.
A bit like life, no?
When you think about it, the only way to shape water is to alter its environment, or to indirectly affect it. You can freeze it and shape it; you can heat it and create steam, then direct the steam into different shapes; you can change geography and redirect it into streams, falls, ponds and lakes. But try to take it in your hands and physically change its shape and it will slip through your fingers. It is an entity unto itself and will not be shaped by your hand. You can force it to go where you want. You can turn it into a pond, a stream or waterfall. You can make it flow fast or barely trickle. But no matter what you do, you can only change the shape of the geography or container - you cannot change the shape of the water itself. Try to hold it in your hand at any time and it will still slip through.
A bit like life, no?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
That's What Happens When...
Serendipity, poetic justice, whatever you choose to call it is okay with me. Not long after I wrote my previous post on Thursday about getting my snow legs, I headed home on my commute. It had been snowing on and off all day in Gaylord, and when I left at 4:30 it was snowing again. I did something I rarely do, I took the downtown on ramp instead of going to the south end of town, because it's easier to make a right at the main turn than a left. This put me on I-75 a few miles north of my usual spot, but that wasn't a problem. It was snowy and traffic was light, and the road didn't look all that bad. I was making good time up until the point where I hit the black ice south of my regular on ramp at #279.
Man oh man, it was *that* quick and I slid from the right lane across to the other side and slammed into the guardrail. Hit both the rear and head lights of the truck and bounced back across the lanes to slam into the right guardrail, and slid along it for a ways before coming to a stop. It's amazing how time seems to slow down when these things happen. You hear about it, but unless you yourself have experienced it, you can't really understand. The time lag between what is happening and how you react is massive, even when it's only a half-second. So much can happen in that half second.
I slid and hit the rail before even registering that the truck was out of control. Then comes what you hope is logical thought. Apply the brake? Let out the clutch? Turn the steering wheel? Which way? Crap, I could die right now. All that and more go through your mind in just that half second. That's a lot of thought happening in a very short amount of time. At first I was thinking "Okay, you know what to do..." then SLAM into the rail and all that 'thinking' was replaced by panic. When the truck finally came to a stop I barely realized that I had done all the right things and was now stationary and out of the line of traffic. More importantly, no one else was involved - there were no other cars anywhere within sight when this happened.
I was still in a bad spot but was out of the traffic lane. It actually took about 5 seconds before I was able to think. During those few moments, I was dazed, felt air rushing through the window and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Then I realized the sliding window behind my head flew open from the impact. I look at my side mirror on the drivers door and noticed the gas tank cover also had flown open, but the mirror was intact - both were in fact. I needed to check to see if my tires were still okay, but there was traffic now and all I could do was sit there for a bit. That's probably a good thing because it gave me much needed time to collect myself and breathe. I realized that my phone was under my feet, and that there was loose stuff thrown about in the cab.
First things first, I couldn't stay in the spot I was in - if someone else hit me there, we would both be in a world of hurt. After checking the tires, I pulled forward about 30 feet and got a bit more off to the side. That's the right thing to do, but in this case I was on a slight incline and anyone with a stick-shift knows that's a hard place to be. No choice though so I set the brake. Thankfully it still worked. Made my calls and waited for a coworker to check out the damage to make sure I could get on with the commute. I was shaking so bad, I couldn't speak very well. But that eventually passed and the truck was drivable, so I headed home.
Now, I was supposed to go in to work the next day but we had to take the truck to a collision shop first and then I would head on from there. No problem, I'm fine now, right? Yeah, right. Going through the damage to the truck and hearing the words 'totaled' and 'very lucky to be alive' were enough to bring the panic back. Didn't make it in Friday, but I will be damned if I'm going to let it keep affecting me this way. The truck may be totaled, but I AM NOT. I'll be back out there Monday morning - probably a bit earlier and a lot slower, but I will be out there.
So, when you're out there driving and you're 'stuck' behind someone who's not going fast enough for you, remember please that they have a very good reason for it. Have some patience and please for everyone's sake, be kind behind the wheel.
Man oh man, it was *that* quick and I slid from the right lane across to the other side and slammed into the guardrail. Hit both the rear and head lights of the truck and bounced back across the lanes to slam into the right guardrail, and slid along it for a ways before coming to a stop. It's amazing how time seems to slow down when these things happen. You hear about it, but unless you yourself have experienced it, you can't really understand. The time lag between what is happening and how you react is massive, even when it's only a half-second. So much can happen in that half second.
I slid and hit the rail before even registering that the truck was out of control. Then comes what you hope is logical thought. Apply the brake? Let out the clutch? Turn the steering wheel? Which way? Crap, I could die right now. All that and more go through your mind in just that half second. That's a lot of thought happening in a very short amount of time. At first I was thinking "Okay, you know what to do..." then SLAM into the rail and all that 'thinking' was replaced by panic. When the truck finally came to a stop I barely realized that I had done all the right things and was now stationary and out of the line of traffic. More importantly, no one else was involved - there were no other cars anywhere within sight when this happened.
I was still in a bad spot but was out of the traffic lane. It actually took about 5 seconds before I was able to think. During those few moments, I was dazed, felt air rushing through the window and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Then I realized the sliding window behind my head flew open from the impact. I look at my side mirror on the drivers door and noticed the gas tank cover also had flown open, but the mirror was intact - both were in fact. I needed to check to see if my tires were still okay, but there was traffic now and all I could do was sit there for a bit. That's probably a good thing because it gave me much needed time to collect myself and breathe. I realized that my phone was under my feet, and that there was loose stuff thrown about in the cab.
First things first, I couldn't stay in the spot I was in - if someone else hit me there, we would both be in a world of hurt. After checking the tires, I pulled forward about 30 feet and got a bit more off to the side. That's the right thing to do, but in this case I was on a slight incline and anyone with a stick-shift knows that's a hard place to be. No choice though so I set the brake. Thankfully it still worked. Made my calls and waited for a coworker to check out the damage to make sure I could get on with the commute. I was shaking so bad, I couldn't speak very well. But that eventually passed and the truck was drivable, so I headed home.
Now, I was supposed to go in to work the next day but we had to take the truck to a collision shop first and then I would head on from there. No problem, I'm fine now, right? Yeah, right. Going through the damage to the truck and hearing the words 'totaled' and 'very lucky to be alive' were enough to bring the panic back. Didn't make it in Friday, but I will be damned if I'm going to let it keep affecting me this way. The truck may be totaled, but I AM NOT. I'll be back out there Monday morning - probably a bit earlier and a lot slower, but I will be out there.
So, when you're out there driving and you're 'stuck' behind someone who's not going fast enough for you, remember please that they have a very good reason for it. Have some patience and please for everyone's sake, be kind behind the wheel.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Gettin' My Snow Legs
Getting ready to head home in a bit - 60 wonderful miles of snow covered road in mid November. Nobody has their snow legs yet, although almost everyone thinks they do. Half the ride in this morning was clear, and within 5 miles of the snow hitting the road, there were folks off in the weeds.
Take a lesson from Mother Nature here - just chill. Whatever you're heading to can wait the extra 5, 10 or 15 minutes it will take you. Sending yourself or someone else off the road just so you can make it in time for the first few minutes of your program is not safe, smart or worth it.
It probably won't kill you to take your time, but it might kill me if you rush it. So please, slow down and pay attention to the road. You're not out there alone and we want to make sure you make it home or wherever you're going. Good Luck!
Take a lesson from Mother Nature here - just chill. Whatever you're heading to can wait the extra 5, 10 or 15 minutes it will take you. Sending yourself or someone else off the road just so you can make it in time for the first few minutes of your program is not safe, smart or worth it.
It probably won't kill you to take your time, but it might kill me if you rush it. So please, slow down and pay attention to the road. You're not out there alone and we want to make sure you make it home or wherever you're going. Good Luck!
Friday, September 30, 2011
2011 Color Tour on I-75
Well, my Dad says you have to take the side roads to see the sights. Taking the freeway is just getting there without enjoying the trip.
I agree, to a point. For those of us who travel this stretch every day however, there's plenty to see. The Fall colors along I-75 in Northern Michigan have been beautiful this year. There has been mighty impressive sky too, challenging you to pay attention to the road. The yellows seem brighter, the reds more fiery, and through it all the evergreens are a constant backdrop for the fall fashion show of color.
Those side roads will always beckon, but when you're simply looking to get on home, you tend to take the quickest way. Nothing says it can't be beautiful though, you simply have to look. Beauty is where you find it.
I agree, to a point. For those of us who travel this stretch every day however, there's plenty to see. The Fall colors along I-75 in Northern Michigan have been beautiful this year. There has been mighty impressive sky too, challenging you to pay attention to the road. The yellows seem brighter, the reds more fiery, and through it all the evergreens are a constant backdrop for the fall fashion show of color.
Those side roads will always beckon, but when you're simply looking to get on home, you tend to take the quickest way. Nothing says it can't be beautiful though, you simply have to look. Beauty is where you find it.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Blue Monday
Yes, it's February and my world is white. Why do I feel blue today? The weekend was very busy but a lot of fun. Work today is going well - no deadlines looming and the workload is not overwhelming for a change. No real reason to be blue, but here it is, a blue Monday.
Sometimes you need a kick in the pants to get out of a funk, and sometimes you have to be the kicker. Makes it tough when you have to be the one kicking your own butt. Today I definitely need the kick, and since it's against my nature to confide in anyone when the blues hit, I better loosen up the leg and get started.
What I need is a deadline or some goal today to ward off the blues.
Sometimes you need a kick in the pants to get out of a funk, and sometimes you have to be the kicker. Makes it tough when you have to be the one kicking your own butt. Today I definitely need the kick, and since it's against my nature to confide in anyone when the blues hit, I better loosen up the leg and get started.
What I need is a deadline or some goal today to ward off the blues.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
White Knuckles and Wall Huggers
Contemplating the drive home for the holidays and somehow now my daily drive doesn't seem so bad. Usually I have company going downstate, but I probably won't this time. A family emergency has made it so that my house partner will be heading down tonight or tomorrow morning, and I won't follow until sometime on Friday. No help for it - I can't get out of work due to commitments at the office, and he must get down there as soon as he can. All I can do is try to make it as stress-free for him as possible. Kind of hard to do that when I'll be dreading the drive down myself.
Since my move Up North, I've become a lousy driver in busy traffic. I'm one of those 'white knucklers' that you pass and laugh at, like the person on the outside ring of the skating rink, hugging the wall and afraid to get into the mainstream. I know that by the end of the weekend I'll be back to my lane changing, swearing, charging downstate driver self, but am secure in the knowledge that it won't take too long to revert back to my Up North casual commuter stance.
Until that time, if you happen to look over and see someone who seems to be having a rough time of it, give them a break and back off, keep your brights down, and for Pete's sake, be a polite driver out there.
Since my move Up North, I've become a lousy driver in busy traffic. I'm one of those 'white knucklers' that you pass and laugh at, like the person on the outside ring of the skating rink, hugging the wall and afraid to get into the mainstream. I know that by the end of the weekend I'll be back to my lane changing, swearing, charging downstate driver self, but am secure in the knowledge that it won't take too long to revert back to my Up North casual commuter stance.
Until that time, if you happen to look over and see someone who seems to be having a rough time of it, give them a break and back off, keep your brights down, and for Pete's sake, be a polite driver out there.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Does the Title Drive the Thought or the Other Way Around?
Do you find yourself struggling with putting a tag on your thoughts, trying to compartmentalize everything instead of simply letting it flow? I know I do. Writing this blog is teaching me that sometimes you need to just let things come as they will, and worry about what to call them later.
Trying to come up with a catchy title and then make the words fit just doesn't work. Start writing. Let the words come and you'll find your thoughts running over each other racing to get out. If you must, wait until you're finished and then let the title come.
It's much easier to look at something that's done and then decide what to call it. Like trying to stick a label on a person and then expect them to conform to that label. Let people be who they are - then decide where they fit in your world. Such infinite possibilities.
Writing is full of such possibilities, waiting for you to unlock them with your talent and energy. It's up to you to take that energy and drive your talent. Don't waste it. Write. Paint. Whittle. Doesn't matter - just drive!
Trying to come up with a catchy title and then make the words fit just doesn't work. Start writing. Let the words come and you'll find your thoughts running over each other racing to get out. If you must, wait until you're finished and then let the title come.
It's much easier to look at something that's done and then decide what to call it. Like trying to stick a label on a person and then expect them to conform to that label. Let people be who they are - then decide where they fit in your world. Such infinite possibilities.
Writing is full of such possibilities, waiting for you to unlock them with your talent and energy. It's up to you to take that energy and drive your talent. Don't waste it. Write. Paint. Whittle. Doesn't matter - just drive!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Setting Moon, Rising Sun
Beautiful ride in this morning. Crisp air, a fluff of snow and a gorgeous full moon. My companion for a few miles until the clouds started coming in. It was wonderful to still be able to see the moon peeking through as I rolled on - my speed combining with the clouds movement made for a beautiful moondance across the sky.
The moon slipped quickly toward the western horizon, dipping in and out of the clouds and changing color from a brilliant white to a soft pink, then orange. Striking beauty, made all the more powerful by reason of the brevity of its existence - I felt privileged to be a witness to its passage.
As the glow from the moon began to fade it was replaced by a lightening of the sky as the sun began to rise. Many mornings are filled with spectacular sunrises, forcing you to catch your breath and commanding your attention. This wasn't one of those mornings, but rather a soft, slow lightening, calmly and without drama coming forward, gradually replacing the inky blackness of the starry night with the soft glow of dawn.
It's tempting to mourn the loss of a spectacular night sky when faced with a sedate sunrise, but I would much rather look forward to seeing what the new day will bring than to sulk because the night is done. It's important to remember the night's beauty while appreciating the promise of a new day, and being grateful that the new day is here.
The moon slipped quickly toward the western horizon, dipping in and out of the clouds and changing color from a brilliant white to a soft pink, then orange. Striking beauty, made all the more powerful by reason of the brevity of its existence - I felt privileged to be a witness to its passage.
As the glow from the moon began to fade it was replaced by a lightening of the sky as the sun began to rise. Many mornings are filled with spectacular sunrises, forcing you to catch your breath and commanding your attention. This wasn't one of those mornings, but rather a soft, slow lightening, calmly and without drama coming forward, gradually replacing the inky blackness of the starry night with the soft glow of dawn.
It's tempting to mourn the loss of a spectacular night sky when faced with a sedate sunrise, but I would much rather look forward to seeing what the new day will bring than to sulk because the night is done. It's important to remember the night's beauty while appreciating the promise of a new day, and being grateful that the new day is here.
Friday, December 17, 2010
How Can They Call This a Tax Cut?
Cruising along, listening to the radio when NPR starts talking about the new tax cuts passing through the House and Senate. Doesn't sound too bad - a little more cash in the pocket is always nice. What I am interested in though is why this "cut" is made to Social Security Tax and not our Withholding.
If the tax cut was made through the withholding, then I would be more comfortable about it, but the fact is, social security is my retirement account. My contributions to social security are an investment in my future, and a guaranteed way for my employer to be mandated by law to contribute. Now I'm cutting back my investment, and my employer is being relieved of adding to it. How many folks out there are relying on social security as their only means to save for retirement? Only the ones who will really need it, and they're the ones who are getting screwed here.
I can see that this is a safe way for the government to say they're giving us a tax cut, but they're really not. All they're doing is stopping us from investing in a future payback they would have to make. The social security taxes are, in reality, a loan from us to the government that they will have to pay back. Our withholding taxes on the other hand are simply us giving them money to use however they decide to. They don't have to pay that back to us, and believe me, they don't want to.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but does this seem right to you? Calling it a tax cut when it's really something else just seems unethical. What do you think?
If the tax cut was made through the withholding, then I would be more comfortable about it, but the fact is, social security is my retirement account. My contributions to social security are an investment in my future, and a guaranteed way for my employer to be mandated by law to contribute. Now I'm cutting back my investment, and my employer is being relieved of adding to it. How many folks out there are relying on social security as their only means to save for retirement? Only the ones who will really need it, and they're the ones who are getting screwed here.
I can see that this is a safe way for the government to say they're giving us a tax cut, but they're really not. All they're doing is stopping us from investing in a future payback they would have to make. The social security taxes are, in reality, a loan from us to the government that they will have to pay back. Our withholding taxes on the other hand are simply us giving them money to use however they decide to. They don't have to pay that back to us, and believe me, they don't want to.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but does this seem right to you? Calling it a tax cut when it's really something else just seems unethical. What do you think?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
An Uneventful Drive is NOT a Boring Drive
Wow, there I was on the road again at 6:40 a.m., driving into work during my 60 mile commute, and... nothing.
The roads were clear (thanks guys!) and the snow was gently falling, not creating any hazards. The other drivers on the road, when there were any, were for the most part courteous. Only a few kept their brights on too long. I didn't pass any accidents and there were no animals leaping in front of my wheels in an attempt to commit suicide. A rather tame ride in today for which I am very grateful.
The only danger I faced this morning was of falling asleep at the wheel. When those tail lights ahead of you start to dance around you know you're in trouble. Switch the radio stations or turn it off for a few minutes - sometimes your thoughts can entertain you better than the radio anyway. The problem there is that your inner eye can play tricks on you - you can be thinking of something else and not even see the road in front of you.
It's important to stay focused and be present. Drive the car - don't simply ride along.
The roads were clear (thanks guys!) and the snow was gently falling, not creating any hazards. The other drivers on the road, when there were any, were for the most part courteous. Only a few kept their brights on too long. I didn't pass any accidents and there were no animals leaping in front of my wheels in an attempt to commit suicide. A rather tame ride in today for which I am very grateful.
The only danger I faced this morning was of falling asleep at the wheel. When those tail lights ahead of you start to dance around you know you're in trouble. Switch the radio stations or turn it off for a few minutes - sometimes your thoughts can entertain you better than the radio anyway. The problem there is that your inner eye can play tricks on you - you can be thinking of something else and not even see the road in front of you.
It's important to stay focused and be present. Drive the car - don't simply ride along.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cruise Control is NOT Auto Pilot
It's not too difficult to fall into the cruise control trap. Get yourself comfortable, move along at a pace that seems right, and set the control. Voila! Doesn't take too much effort from there on, just keep your nose pointed in the right direction and go along for the ride.
Seems easy enough, until you hit an icy patch, run into a bit of traffic, or find a deer standing in your headlights. Then watch out - you had better be on the ball or you're toast. Fine, set your cruise - but you better stay focused and remember that you're doing the driving and not simply being the passenger.
While this definitely applies to driving, it also applies to your life. If life is a trip you have to be the driver. If you're simply a passive passenger you might as well be a piece of luggage - you are giving up your right to have a say in where you're going, how you're going to get there or whether or not you want to make any side trips.
Have you set your life on cruise control or are you still enjoying setting your own pace? It's fine to find yourself in a comfort zone and be content to ride along as long as you stay in control of your own destiny. How fast you go, where you turn, who you invite along for the ride - these are all important but remember - the only guarantee when you finally reach your destination is that you will be there. Make sure the you that's there is someone you want to hang out with.
Seems easy enough, until you hit an icy patch, run into a bit of traffic, or find a deer standing in your headlights. Then watch out - you had better be on the ball or you're toast. Fine, set your cruise - but you better stay focused and remember that you're doing the driving and not simply being the passenger.
While this definitely applies to driving, it also applies to your life. If life is a trip you have to be the driver. If you're simply a passive passenger you might as well be a piece of luggage - you are giving up your right to have a say in where you're going, how you're going to get there or whether or not you want to make any side trips.
Have you set your life on cruise control or are you still enjoying setting your own pace? It's fine to find yourself in a comfort zone and be content to ride along as long as you stay in control of your own destiny. How fast you go, where you turn, who you invite along for the ride - these are all important but remember - the only guarantee when you finally reach your destination is that you will be there. Make sure the you that's there is someone you want to hang out with.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wish I May, Wish I Might...
Last night we had our office Christmas dinner in Gaylord. I had mixed feelings about going, only due to the fact it's a long ride home and I wasn't looking forward to a late night ride home without a cell phone. As I pulled into the restaurant parking lot I was on a proverbial fence, afraid I wouldn't be able to enjoy the evening because I would be worrying about the ride home. Much to my surprise and delight, who should pull in behind me but my house partner! He drove all the way up from St. Helen to be there.
With a huge sense of relief, I was able to really enjoy the dinner. We had a great time at The Bearded Dogg Restaurant in Gaylord, which opened just for our little group. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was quite good. After dinner, we played a board game I had never heard of before - "Apples to Apples" - which was very entertaining.
The ride home was made so much better knowing that I had back-up driving behind me and I was able to concentrate on the road without the constant worry that I would be stranded out there. Being 9:00 pm it was pretty late (well for Up North) and I-75 was pretty much deserted. But oh, what a beautiful night! About three quarters of the way home I was startled by a shooting star that crossed overhead. Other than thinking briefly about winning the lottery, I wasn't able to come up with a wish. I have a great job with good people, and I have a beautiful home with someone who cares enough to show up unexpectedly simply to give me support.
Oh, but Santa, if you're listening...
With a huge sense of relief, I was able to really enjoy the dinner. We had a great time at The Bearded Dogg Restaurant in Gaylord, which opened just for our little group. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was quite good. After dinner, we played a board game I had never heard of before - "Apples to Apples" - which was very entertaining.
The ride home was made so much better knowing that I had back-up driving behind me and I was able to concentrate on the road without the constant worry that I would be stranded out there. Being 9:00 pm it was pretty late (well for Up North) and I-75 was pretty much deserted. But oh, what a beautiful night! About three quarters of the way home I was startled by a shooting star that crossed overhead. Other than thinking briefly about winning the lottery, I wasn't able to come up with a wish. I have a great job with good people, and I have a beautiful home with someone who cares enough to show up unexpectedly simply to give me support.
Oh, but Santa, if you're listening...
Monday, December 13, 2010
Communication Breakdown
We had a bit of a snowstorm over the weekend. Michigan didn't get hit as bad as some of the other states, but it was big enough to cause problems on the roadways. Even with the road crews working overtime and giving up their weekends, it was still a mess.
Poor road conditions can make a commute a nightmare. Although I-75 was fairly clear this morning, it still had patches that make your heart do funny things when you hit them. I've gotten pretty good at navigating these spots, and feel fairly confident out there.
However, this morning I was about 15-20 minutes out from home and realized that I had left my cell phone sitting on the counter at the house. My heart sank and I felt nauseous. Now, I've gone thousands of miles in the past without a cell phone, and never had I felt like this. The inability to make a phone call if I ran off the road or had engine trouble was a bit overwhelming. I was surprised at the intensity of my dismay, and then felt foolish over being afraid. When did I become so attached to this little piece of technology? I cannot say but I can tell you one thing - I'll remember the phone tomorrow!
Poor road conditions can make a commute a nightmare. Although I-75 was fairly clear this morning, it still had patches that make your heart do funny things when you hit them. I've gotten pretty good at navigating these spots, and feel fairly confident out there.
However, this morning I was about 15-20 minutes out from home and realized that I had left my cell phone sitting on the counter at the house. My heart sank and I felt nauseous. Now, I've gone thousands of miles in the past without a cell phone, and never had I felt like this. The inability to make a phone call if I ran off the road or had engine trouble was a bit overwhelming. I was surprised at the intensity of my dismay, and then felt foolish over being afraid. When did I become so attached to this little piece of technology? I cannot say but I can tell you one thing - I'll remember the phone tomorrow!
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Long and Short of It
I have a job. Yay!
I have a home. Yay!
My commute is 60 miles, each way. Umm, yay?
In a way, I guess you could say Yay! There are times when it seems to be a bit much, but like anything else you have to consider your alternatives.
I might not be working. In today's economy that's a very real possibility, especially here in Northern Michigan where not working seems to be not far from the thoughts of an awful lot of us. Since my odds of hitting the lottery are about as likely as getting hit by lightning, I think that having a job is something not to be taken for granted.
I might not have a home. Again, here in Michigan that's something that we know a bit about, and in fact, earlier this year that was a distinct possibility for me. I am exceedingly grateful to have a home and, bonus, a job at the same time.
So, what's a 60 mile commute, twice a day? Bring it on!
I have a home. Yay!
My commute is 60 miles, each way. Umm, yay?
In a way, I guess you could say Yay! There are times when it seems to be a bit much, but like anything else you have to consider your alternatives.
I might not be working. In today's economy that's a very real possibility, especially here in Northern Michigan where not working seems to be not far from the thoughts of an awful lot of us. Since my odds of hitting the lottery are about as likely as getting hit by lightning, I think that having a job is something not to be taken for granted.
I might not have a home. Again, here in Michigan that's something that we know a bit about, and in fact, earlier this year that was a distinct possibility for me. I am exceedingly grateful to have a home and, bonus, a job at the same time.
So, what's a 60 mile commute, twice a day? Bring it on!
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