Motoring Through Life

True Confession: Alternating between applying a final coat of mascara and sipping coffee as I dashed to work, it suddenly occurred to me that I was exceeding the speed limit. (Note to self: If I get out the door a little sooner I can relax as I head off to where I'm going.) I am typically a really careful driver but on this day I was just cramming too much in and confess to not being as wise as I should have. Oooh, I'd better slow down I thought, recalling that the police sometimes set traps in this area to issue citations.

In this same little neighborhood is a sign that says, "It's our town, please slow down." This is intended to remind motorists that the people living in this quiet residential area want to protect what's important to them (children, animals, property) from irresponsible drivers.

In life we rush and hurry. We try to pack as much in as possible and blast off to the next thing. If we'd consider some of the rules of the road, perhaps they'd help us to arrive at our intended destinations in a more timely and productive manner.

1. Stay in your own lane. If we mind our own business and not try to "help" others take care of theirs, we're less likely to have collisions.
2. Watch the road: Don't let your latte, radio buttons or cell phone distract you. When we remain focused on the job at hand and intent upon accomplishing a specific purpose we'll finish well and without undesired dents and damage.
3. Don't exceed the posted speed limit. When we make realistic plans and do our best to honor them, less rushing is required. This results in a less stressful trip through our day.
4. Be courteous to fellow drivers. Just as there are days when we are in high speed mode, others find themselves stressed and pressured sometimes too. When they whiz by, bumping and knocking us off balance, grace and kindness are always the best responses. (Avoid honking or hand gestures!)
5. When you're headed in the wrong direction, find a place to make a U turn or find an alternate route to get back on track. Everyone makes mistakes, but if we keep moving forward instead of correcting and re-directing, we'll never get where we'd really like to be.
6. Merge carefully into traffic. As we arrive at work, school or come home to be with the family, things are already in motion. It helps to look around and join people in progress rather than expecting them to align with the pace or mood we come in with. (Unless their realignment is a necessary improvement and you facilitate this by bringing the mood UP.)

There are many others, but these a few good road rules to use on your journey. As you go through your busy days this week, pay extra attention to the traffic signs (life principles) put in place to keep you safe and help get you where you're going without running out of gas. As you do your part, you ensure that others arrive in good shape as well.

Can you think of other driving tips that could be applied to daily living? Share your brilliant insights below!
Diane Markins

Is Realtiy TV Entertainment Or Even Real?

Are They Performers Or Are We Voyers?

Reality TV. Seems like an oxymoron to me. Have you ever watched any of these programs? I've seen little bits of a few—enough to know that they're not my cup of entertainment tea. I like real life stories and I like TV; but most of these dumb shows under the umbrella of "reality" are far from real.

I watched a few episodes of the first season of Survivor because it was new and intriguing. There was a challenge to overcome, relationship conflicts to resolve, something of value on the line and all being done by everyday folks. Um, does this sound familiar? Is there a single show out there that doesn't follow this pattern? America's Next Top Model, Project Runway, American Idol, The Bachelor...just to name a few that are promoted constantly...don't they all fit this formula? Different people, settings, challenges and prizes, but who wants to watch the same theme again and again?

Even the shows that are "personality driven" like Keeping Up With The Kardashians or Gene Simmons Family Jewels are about as far from reality as Peter Pan ever traveled. These people's lives are likely not the same as mine and yours, but could they possibly be as bizarre as they're depicted in prime time? And the dialog...certainly that's spontaneous and natural, not scripted. Right! I've caught snippets of both and feel like a Peeping Tom, watching the cattiness of sisters on one, the outrageousness of a post-prime rock star on the other. At least there is humor and some self-deprecation on the Simmons show. They laugh at themselves, which is the only redeeming quality I've found.

There is so much junk on television for consumers to lap up like buckets of beer. If any beer will do, or for that matter any beverage at all, this is fine. But for those who have only a small fragment of their day to spend enjoying a bit of down-time in front of the box, discernment is crucial.

I'm a sucker for a fast cop show, strong medical drama or good comedy. What makes it entertaining to me is a well-written script performed by talented artists. The reality programs are more like a freak show or a car wreck; you might want to take a quick peek, but feel better when you look away.

I always get comments from those wonderful high-minded people who condemn the evils of wasting even a minute on TV, but since about 99% of American households have televisions I guess more than a few of you are familiar with some current programming choices. I'd like to know honestly if you spend any of you viewing minutes on these types of shows and why or why not. Obviously millions are watching, so fess up!
Diane Markins