Lost on a Familiar Path

Okay, I admit it: I am directionally challenged. Some people (like my husband) seem to instinctively have a sense of north, south, east, west. Not me. And when road-construction projects change the scenery drastically from week to week, I have to rely upon what few wits I have in order to stay on course.

So, here's the story: For about the last six weeks, I have been driving nearly 70 miles north to my teaching position. Because in Michigan, there are four seasons (almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction), and we're in the Road Construction season, I've been dealing with nearly daily changes to the road. Some days, it's two-lane; some, one-lane. Sometimes we detour left; sometimes right. At any rate, I was not expecting what had been a right-lane exit to suddenly become a left-lane exit. For the last six weeks, those of us heading straight north (and taking no exits) have been directed to stay in the left two lanes, whereas those needing to go east or west have been directed to stay in the two right lanes. So--there I am, heading north. The road divides in a place where it had not divided before, and without a second thought, I go left. And then more left. Next thing I know, I'm heading West on the other highway. (I knew because the compass on the car rearview mirror told me so, not because I "sensed" it.)

Getting on an interstate highway is easy. Getting off is not. I panicked a bit. I found an exit and began to wander somewhat aimlessly, hoping to find a sign that directed me back to the right road. Finally, I gave up, parked, and phoned my sleeping husband. He got on the internet in an effort to help me, but the best help was that he directed me over the phone in the proper way to use the GPS he had installed in the car about a year ago. (For me, it was just another hunk of plastic and metal on the dashboard.)

I got going east, but missed my exit to get back on the north-bound highway because the sun was directly in my eyes, and I couldn't see to read the signs. Additionally, a huge truck in front of me was blocking everything that wasn't bathed in glare, so I was driving blind. But then I got turned back properly again and even managed to arrive to class on time. However, it affected the rest of my day. I felt discombobulated. I even had trouble explaining the difference to my students between ITS and IT'S. And for me, that's really messed up.

Then I got home yesterday (no trouble returning home) and couldn't access my computer. It sat there as lifeless as road kill. Turns out the surge supressor had died. I guess it had a heart attack. One surge too many? So my always-useful husband put on a different surge protector, and voila! here I am.

I'm going to leave extra early tomorrow for class, just in case. And maybe it wouldn't hurt to get a few more instructions on using the GSP, either. I think it's too late for me to develop a sense of direction. Onward--on the right road, I hope. Dr. S.