Obstacle Course Driving

Forget the orange cones. Forget the driver's ed car. Forget parking lot challenges. The true obstacle course is on the nearest roadway.

There is a lever on your car, near the steering wheel, that moves up and down. When you move it up, an arrow flashes in your left rear light indicating you want to turn left. When you move it down, an arrow flashes in your right rear light.. You get the idea. Instead of stopping in the middle of the road then signaling your intent, you should use that lever 20 seconds earlier.

On every road (or at least most) there are lines. White or yellow. Dashed or solid. Regardless of their appearance, think of the lines as walls. You must keep your vehicle within the walls. C'mon, if the fastest people in the world can run full speed inside lines less than a foot wide, you can handle your car.

I know there is a speed limit. I know that exceeding that limit by say 20 mph is potentially dangerous. However being 20 mph below that limit can be equally dangerous. Remember to be safe and always drive at about the same speed as everyone else. If all the cars are passing you by, maybe you should pull over and regroup.

Now for all my drivers out there, let's take a moment to bond. At least 78% of women can't drive. At least 87% of people above the age of 60 can't drive. We know its true. I mean they can pass the driving test, but they consistently get too close to the curb. Nearly kill pedestrians on a daily basis. Honk at good drivers. Brake as they approach green lights. And remain happily oblivious. For all of us cognzant of this nightmare, if you are a passenger in such a vehicle, I suggest you buckle up, find your happy place, and pray.

Just take every obstacle course experience as a test of your reflexes and an opportunity to hone your superior skills on the road.

I Wonder As I Wander

I don't believe in true romantic love enough to fight for it.

I don't know how to network.

I don't feel passion.

I don't believe in following my gut.

I don't take chances.

I don't know how to want to be more.

I don't ask for or pray for help.

I drift through life in a dusty haze with no hope of emerging.

Brave New World

This year a black man will lead a country where 50 years he may have been lynched or persecuted for trying to vote.

This year antenna television will cease to exist after decades of entertaining viewers.

This year we are in a lasting recession for the first time in 20 years. For all of those under the age of 45, it will be our first in our lifetime.

And here we enter our brave new world. It is not nearly the censored existence Huxley envisioned, but are entering into a time where many of the things we know to be true will change. We will have to reassess our ideals, alter our lifestyles, and open our minds. Otherwise we will fail to adapt, understand and embrace. We will fall short of new potential and expectations.

I name momentous and highly affecting changes for 2009 but as many can attest so many things will change individually. This will be first full year in the working world, my first year as an attorney. And change is scary and exciting all at once. It's my nature to push back against change, to rebel. But this year I won't. I will accept. I will challenge myself. I will change and let change. I am brave in this new world.

Resolved

Welcome to 2009. As is the tradition, I have made several New Year resolutions. These resolutions vary but I discovered an overarching resolution that sums up all the others: I will have higher expectations of myself.

For those still confused let me make this clear.

That means I will be more proactive in my employment search. August will be here before I know it and unless I want to end up at KFC, I must do better.

That means I will be more responsible with my money. I will remember that we are in a recession and save more. I will set limits for myself and actually keep them.

That means I will have or attempt to have an adult relationship. I will work on communicating instead of overthinking. I will work on sharing instead of internalizing.

Which all means I will focus on my future instead of just the present.

Welcome 2009! We both have a lot to live up to for the next 365 days...