"DAYS LONG GONE"

I remember the summers of my childhood. Many years, the last two weeks in August, we'd head off to New Hampshire and my Uncle's cabin. It's funny how those car rides have stayed with me. I remember learning how to play 20 questions. My Dad singing. Also we kids had our "99 bottles of beer on the wall, Old McDonald, I've been working on the railroad, etc..." With 4 kids there were lots of arguments to go around. Of course, we certainly asked the age old question, "Are we there yet?" Dozens of times. These days when you pass a family vehicle on the road, more than likely, the kids eyes are glued to a DVD screen. I understand the concept. Put on a movie, keep them quiet (hopefully) and out of your hair. IMO it's a sad substitute. Aren't kids bombarded enough with technology in their daily lives? I had some great conversations with my Dad during those car trips. Whether he was telling me jokes, trivia, or singing, I had his complete attention during those trips. Looking back, those moments mean even more to me since my Dad passed away 14 years ago. Those car trips were bonding moments and now are great memories. So I guess my whole point in getting sappy is, what will your kids look back on some day? Do you make time in your busy, daily world to simply have fun with your children? Are there no distractions? No interruptions? My Dad worked hard taking care of us. He usually came home very tired. Looking back, vacation time was so special because it really was a relaxing time to hang out with my Dad and just be. I wouldn't trade my priceless memories for any movie on DVD.

"DRIVING ETIQUETTE PART2"

1) MOVING ROADBLOCKS: Is it too much to ask, if you're driving slower than other drivers, that you stay to the right? I mean what the hell? Do you get a charge on pissing people off? Are you clueless? Do you not notice other drivers having to change lanes in order to go around you? Don't you get that this creates a hazard to all? I suggest if you honestly don't notice this, Maybe you should be restricted to bicycles and public transportation. It's a simple concept, if you're driving slower than the flow of traffic, STAY TO THE RIGHT!! Better still, try city streets. 2) TAILGATERS: On the other hand, if I'm keeping up with the majority of traffic and you decide to come speeding up and ride my ass, expect the same courtesy returned to you. No, I won't get out of your way. You may go around. I don't excuse or condone A$$hole behavior. So as a warning to all the tailgaters out there, I will not be intimidated into going faster. Chances are, I'm driving above the speed limit as it is. I'm glad to move over for the occasional courteous fellow driver. However, come flying up behind me and ride my ass, I may break for you! 3) BASS FOOLS: You know who you are. Your car resembles a concert hall. The bass from your system can be felt for blocks. Many times the noise coming from the stereo is full of obscenities, derogatory statements about women, doing crime, etc... I have news for you, we don't all appreciate your choice of music! The bass hurts my freaking head so much, I'd rather have a Migraine! And that rap crap is nothing but obnoxious noise to me. This is America and you're entitled to like/listen to any noise you like. However, you aren't entitled to force it on the people around you. How'd you like to be forced to listen to Opera or Classical against your will? You're not alone on this planet. A little courtesy goes a long way! If each one of us had just a little bit more respect, life could be that much sweeter. 4) SCREW UPS: We all screw up. Miss our turn, get in the wrong lane, etc... However, not all of us are so self centered that our screw up becomes everyone else's problem! If you make an occasional mistake, please, by all means take whatever corrective steps needed in order to put yourself back on course. Please do it in a way that doesn't cause problems for others! We've all seen this. The driver who holds up the flow of traffic because they're in the wrong lane. Or, the driver that blocks traffic in order to u turn... Basically, don't be a pain in the ass to society and it will be a nicer society for all! Have a Great Day! Be Safe!