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| Example of a good distraction (Photo By P. Lynne Designs) copyright 2018 |
The first one happened in 2015. A person was on their way to the last day of their event. The road was clear, and she had all the typical distractions in her way: Why was her hotel bill $356 (not an exact number but close)? Why didn’t she get up in time for the buffet? I wonder if Joann’s was going to have a good sale today? So, she hopped in her Honda Accord, she cutely (rather her sister cutely) named Jessica, after piling all her things in the trunk. No time to eat but will stop to get a donut. Went to the nearby, but realized it was too far out of the way, Tim Horton’s to grab a donut and ate it along the way. Made it to the exit and turned off the freeway. Got to the street, Dave Longaberger Way, and proceeded to go across, when bam, hit by a truck going in the opposite direction. The person survived, but the car was totaled, the engine, which could not take another impact force trauma from the year before, imploded, the fire did not reach the cabin of the car, and the car looked like someone gutted the hood area, while still looked normal from the back.
For those who have been reading my blog for a while know that this was my accident from 2015. The Lord spared my life and for that, I am truly grateful. It was amazing how fast I got a new car (new to me-used). Since I loved my Honda so much, I hated my Dodge Caliber for a few months after the accident. First of all, things, I NEVER get black cars. When I think of a black car, I instantly think, funeral car. I am driving a funeral car. You might as well change my name from Patricia to Morticia, LOL. Second, when I first started driving this car, I had to research it (after all, it’s my job), and it has no value. They stopped making them in 2013, and I have a 2008 car. So, screw the notion of me getting a 2018 because there are none and the car that replaced the Caliber, The Vie? Vision? Something like that had just retired itself. In 2016!!! I did not like the way the new car replacement looked.
Third, I hate the fact that I had the accident in the first place. Even though I had one little abrasion that did not completely heal until my follow-up mammogram (the doctor wanted to make sure it was not a mass), I was forever scared of making a left turn. I would freeze up. I still do, especially when there is a person behind me who is in a hurry. Not sure if that feeling would ever go away.
Next Scenario….
A young woman traveling on Rt. 270 hits a semi. The report does not say but to say that she was instantly killed. Her father is the local sports director/anchor for 10TV. What this message of distracted driving brings that since his daughter’s death, it has prompted Dom Tiberi to create Maria’s Message, where he speaks about distracted driving, which it does kill a driver. Millions of kids and young adults have taken the pledge. Not only do you have to be aware of your surroundings as a driver, but also as a pedestrian as well. He mentions things such as not using your cell phone, do not text while driving and other things that keep a person safe and well.
This was in 2013, and my accident, caused by me being distracted by trying to eat a donut in 2015 are not good distractions, but they teach some valuable lessons on how not to be distracted.
What are some of the Distractions:
First, a distraction is anything that takes your hands from the 10 and 2 positions of the steering wheel. Most of us (including yours truly) love driving with one hand. I am not sure what your reason is, but mine is simply because it feels comfortable, but if there is ever an accident, the police can blame you for not having both hands on the wheel.
Next, do you ride someone else in your car? Children who constantly scream at each other and at you, a carpooler who will not shut up, a nervous pet on their way to the vet, or a spouse telling you about their day. Yep, these are distractions too.
Finally, we all like a little music to pass the time away. A favorite song starts playing, and you start singing. You get a call in the middle of the song, and you must take it. They now have cars that allow you to text while drive by allowing the driver to speak into the speaker of the vehicle. Cool huh? Maybe. In a nearby town not far from my home, you are not allowed to touch your phone while in their city limits. Your hands are at 10 and 2, and you are not holding your phone, so you are good right? Maybe, it depends on what city, state, and country you are in.
Some of you are probably wondering if no one or nothing should be in the car with you at all times. no other persons (including children), radio, pets, nada should be in the car? Yes and no. You have to learn how to ignore them. For instance, when a child starts yelling at you, or threaten to toss their two-year-old sister out the window, nicely tell them to stop and if they don’t, you will pull over and make them walk home. My mom actually did that to my sister. Seriously! They were on the freeway near home, and my sister threw one of her 10-year-old tantrums. Mom told my sister to stop, nicely, and she did not. So, mom announced that she was pulling over. She talked to my sister again, who was not hearing it, then asked my sister to get out of the car. Once my sister was out, mom drove off, but she went to the nearest ramp, turned around and picked up my sister, who was stunned that mom would pull something like that. Did it cure my sister? Nope, not for a while, but all mom had to do was mention the words, “I am pulling to the side of the road”, then she would be quiet, and not say a word. This is why my sister’s children are so good in my car, today. I told them that story to them, and now I have good little riders. I know, bad Auntie.
I am still working on my Radio skills to not sing along. I am not perfect.
So, what is the lesson from parts one and two:
· Distractions good, bad, or indifferent and they are there rather you like it or not.
· Learn to work around your plans.
· If life happens (and it will), do not get mad because you did not get any sales from your Etsy shop, you cannot start on a project, or if you have to delay a massive clean-up job on your website or come home early from your trip because of an unexpected loss.
· ONE ANSWER: BUY AN ISLAND. LIVE ON IT AND HAVE ONLY YOU ON THAT ISLAND. The only problem is you will miss civilization. You cannot hide from life. You must go with the flow, deal with the distractions, smile and say thank you Lord when you get through it. There is another distraction coming
ARE YOU READY!!!!
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