On the other hand, your natural intelligence and active mind led you astray. You were trying to make use of what might have seemed (especially if the driving was dull at that point) a ‘dead spot’ in the day to accomplish some other little task and not let the time go to waste. It’s like trying to carry that one more small item up the stairs to avoid having to make the trip again or trying to fit one more errand in before you have to get to the office or arrive at the movies. Busy, active people are like that; it’s natural and not problematic except for the fact that technology now allows us to take on these ‘little tasks’ at a time when, in the past, that would not have been possible.

The result is – at least it seems to me – that we don’t really get to enjoy the concentration of our thoughts on the matter at hand. We are either thinking about what we DID or what we are GOING TO DO and as a result, the present gets short shrift. And while that can lead to a decrease in our enjoyment of the film or the luncheon, when this type of behavior is extended to things like driving or even walking down the street (how many people have you seen wander into the street without looking and nearly be hit by a car?), the results can be far more catastrophic.

It takes actual will power to overcome the seeming demand of today’s culture that NOT ONE SECOND be allowed to pass without some sort of activity filling it. People walk around with phones in their ears everywhere you go. Children have ‘schedules’ which are often every bit as busy as those of businessmen. Food is gulped down and even ‘entertainment’ is enjoyed with an eye on the clock for the next activity in the never ending schedule. There is little or no silence. Stores have soundtracks that run from acid rock to golden oldies and everyplace in between. It’s sad, really.

I’m glad you are taking the time to enjoy yourself in Richmond (I only spent one day and two nights there). I’m even more glad that you have lived to tell us about it! 😀

V.

I know, I know. It was dumb. I acknolwedge that.

All I could do was to try ot handle it the right way, and I think that I managed to do just that.

Ah, well. Live and learn.

Eric

Have to agree with some of Valerie’s points too while also admitting to being guilty of too much “multitasking” when I drive. (Actually cops are probably among the worst offenders when we’re working. Radios, cell phones, computers, lights, sirens etc. etc.) Also true that it makes little difference if your on a hands-free phone or not. The distraction of the conversation is what causes the problem.

Anyway, glad to hear everyone emerged unscathed and you added another site to the “visited” column on the list of obscure CW Cavalry sites!

Please folks, be like the Buddhists whose philosophy is simple: do what you’re doing when you’re doing it and not six other things at the same time. Drive when you drive, make phone calls when you make phone calls. Mixing the two can be hazardous to both your wallet and your health. I’m glad in your case, it was only the former and not the latter.

V.