Lisa Laird, 687 words
Lisa's Lair
By Lisa Laird
IPS Features
DRIVING LESSONS
Driving automobiles evokes an internal sense of
power and control by licensing us to go places.
And what the privilege represents spills over to so much more than
mechanical mobility. When
comfortably dipped in the driver’s seat, we are each the center of our own
universe and entrap authority as we slam the doors closed.
Nothing like power locks to help seal the deal.
Manual ones suffice, too.
Fastening one’s seat belt is conducive for added
security, as we all must be grounded to embark on hopefully successful journeys.
The adjustment of mirrors allows us the best possible surveillance,
keeping in mind that objects are closer than they appear.
Just like the deadline for your next insurance payment.
Turning the key in the ignition and starting the engine to begin one’s
drive may be compared to twisting a knife in someone else’s back by rumbling
about an imminent expedition. A
blissful hedonistic getaway, no doubt.
I suppose backing out of the driveway to go somewhere,
anywhere, is a heck of a lot easier than backing out of certain obligations.
Optional or mandatory, it makes no difference.
Once accepted, an optional engagement becomes mandatory.
And a mandatory responsibility doesn’t need to ask.
As we roll down our blocks, we cannot wait to arrive at pinpointed
destinations. The time factor is a
touchy one, as being in a perpetual state of rushing is chic. Traffic lights in
the process of turning the color yellow have taken on new meaning over the
years. They visually tell us to
speed up and we are conditioned to do so. Unless
there is a police car lurking around, of course.
We are oblivious to most everything except for the bare essentials
required to avoid accidents. Have
you ever noticed how many songs are deemed to be favorites while listening to
the radio? They all seem to sound better while in transit.
It must be the exhaust fumes.
When breaking at stop signs, we must look around to make
sure the coast is clear before proceeding.
Neglecting to fully stop and/or failing to carefully observe surroundings
could very well cause collisions. Throughout
life, it is essential that we pause and ponder situations prior to leaping into
them. Careful cruising counteracts
careless crashes.
The usage of directionals allows other drivers and
pedestrians to have insight in regard to upcoming probable moves.
However, just as women, drivers are notorious for being fickle.
I guess the same holds true in terms of other behavior.
Even though we may think we know people involved in our lives and predict
their actions and reactions in various scenarios, we cannot.
Often enough, we don’t understand our own.
And it is a fallacy to believe that hindsight is 20/20, perfect vision.
If it were, we wouldn’t make the same mistakes at least twice.
Changing lanes and making turns are symbolic of changing
direction. In many instances, those
nearby are cut off to do so. Relationships
often end when one of the individuals decides to make a major adjustment, change
lanes or turn, which also directly impacts his or her significant other’s
world. Such unexpected, severe
maneuvers result in mild to paramount bruising, or at the very least, trembling
unsettlement.
When finally parked at the intended locations, our
quests have ended. We are
efficiently delivered to fulfill our needs by capturing their sources.
These short-lived journeys are not arranged in size order.
Each travel is a piece of the proverbial road map.
We are able to chart where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’d
like to go next. The immediate goal
may be as inconsequential as setting out to find our favorite potato chips. Or a crucial mission may be realized, such as finally
arriving at that rewarding safe haven, be it a physical place or emotional
state.
No matter where our automobiles are directed to bring
us, starts, stops, slowdowns, changing lanes, and turns are all necessary,
expected, and accepted. And if we
abuse our vehicles as a result of uncaring neglect or deliberate mistreatment,
they will eventually break down.
We’re not impervious either.
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