Have you Driven 90 MPH?

I was asked this question recently by a friend. "Yes, I said I actually have but it wasn't because I wanted to but I didn't realize I was going that fast". Sometimes I have been told I often have a lead foot, but in all honesty when you have learned to drive in one of the most traffic busy cities you have to go with the flow for sometimes the wrong reasons.

I learned to drive in a rather large 1964 Cadillac. I was one of the oldest driver's in my driver's education class at school. My parents would not allow me to get my license until I was 18 and could pay for my own insurance and buy my own car. Learning responsibility? Yes, it was a hard pill to swallow but looking back I probably wasn't ready to hit the LA roads at 16. Many of my friends did and they are still around to tell about it. I am thankful that I learned on the mean streets of California. I have to say I had a few fender benders in my time; 2 my fault, 1 I wasn't even in the car at the time and one hit by flying debris. I consider myself pretty fortunate since my commute was for a long time 80 miles round trip per day. I got myself into some pretty terrifying predicaments and some Indy style driving helped probably save my life a few times. I witnessed several life changing/driving style changing accidents too. Having said that I look to my now place of residence and state in which I live and shake my head in disbelief, again!

1964 Cadillac

 Our 1984 Corvette and Hadleigh helping wash. 2012

It has been a difficult couple weeks in our community. In the course of a couple weeks we had two young men die way to young due to car accidents.  I am sure as a parent these parents grapple with many things they wished they may have done differently.  Kids think they are indestructible, many push the envelope of life and end up with an empty piece of blood-stained folded paper. Hopefully, whatever the scenario was in these two incidents it will open the eyes of other children, parents and open up a dialog to change MO laws and also the way we drive as individuals.

Back in my horse and buggy days you were required to take driver's education in schools.  Yes, so having read this post I was one of the seniors in the car full of young teenage drivers. It was a part of the school programs at the time and a help to parents who didn't or couldn't or wouldn't teach their kids to drive. My dad took me briefly to quiet industrial areas and taught me but the majority was done by the instructor. Also many driving schools were dotted in my State so there was no option uncovered except maybe those who just didn't want to learn to drive, of which I knew a few. Still shake my head at that also.

A few days after the incidents I was talking to people from several groups and most came back with the same response. Why do they not make it a requirement to go through driver's education for people especially kids to get licensed? A day later an article suddenly appeared in our local paper (Sedalia Democrat) http://bit.ly/1QqvVjR

One of the consistent comments I have heard why parents don't have them take the course is: cost. In our school district it is $180.00. I understand the cost could be a hardship for some people due to economic reasons but my philosophy and I find I have not been alone is "IT IS WORTH IT" If it gives a little extra tools, practice and hours behind the wheel why not? Do without so that it gives you and your child a little extra knowledge of that crazy road out their.Putting an inexperienced person behind the wheel of a vehicle is a major milestone of sorts.

  Both of my kids took the course. I remember asking them having took a similar course if they thought it was worth it and both said yes. I almost think they should go a step further and require all drivers, yes all drivers to take a refresher course. We all tend to forget, the rules of the road and we should welcome it.

You never know when you get in a vehicle these days especially with texting, cellphones etc. what situation you might be faced with. Keep your hands on the wheel, and stay safe. Your life and those around you might depend on it. 

Broken Hearts-Repairing, Renewing, Rejoicing

At this time of year, for many reasons, the heart portrays a significance in many things. Valentine's Day is celebrated and hated by many people. For those who have love in their life it can truly be a wonderful thing. For those who reflect back on a lost love or a broken relationship it can be like sandpaper.

 At our Lent Service this week,  our pastor talked about broken hearts restored. He told of a personal story about as a young student in the seminary and newly married, he gave his wife a heart necklace. It was not the most expensive, but it showed how much he cared and signified their love. As children were born and the years went on that heart was used as a teething object, pulled out of shape by tiny hands but in her eyes it continues to be a treasured piece of her heart over the years. He also spoke about how God wants us broken so that he can repair and renew us.

Hearts are a precious organ and need constant care and nurturing. Since February is Women's Heart Health Month we often get bombarded with everything heart related. Sometimes it is a wake-up call to get things checked out. Women usually have a disadvantage in detection because, frankly doctor's usually do not take it as seriously.  Gotta love that female intuition though!

As teenagers our hearts are really put to the test. Every young person has at least one story, well more than one sometimes, about how a person broke their heart in some way or another. Believe me you will live through it although at the time you think you will never trust or love again. It is all part of growing up. The right one is out their for everyone at some point in life.

I actually received my gift a little earlier than usual. With my hubby being out on the road most Valentine's Day cupid visits through other means. I remember mentioning last year that usually he sends flowers and then unless I take a picture he never gets to enjoy them with me.  This rose came last weekend through the mail via ihatestevesinger.com. The story behind the 24kt. rose is pretty funny.

Love is about, laughter, crying, snuggles, and many, many things. Broken hearts can last a minute or a lifetime. You are the keeper of your heart along with many other special people in your life.

Etiquette-Do We or Don't We?

Etiquette-Definition a code of behavior that delineates (borders or boundaries) expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms with a society, social class or group. My first thought is what a definition!

As I often comment, all it takes is a conversation or comment and that is how a post begins. At a recent dinner meeting, meals were being served at our table and someone realized they had started eating before everyone else was served. When she commented on how sorry she was for going ahead and eating many of us just had a chuckle with it all.  "What is the etiquette about eating before others are served"? she stated.  This wasn't our first rodeo as they say and we gave her a pass to go ahead. Our group is pretty casual and friendly even though we are professional business women. Checking on-line at one source The Kitchn.com, provide two great suggestions. One, its a judgement call. Check around the table the (one) person still waiting to get her food tells everyone else to go ahead and eat. Another rule, six or fewer at the table should wait until everyone is served. At our next gathering we will try and remember this tip.

I also checked out Ehow.com for some basic etiquette on lapel pin and name tag etiquette which also was brought up. Generally, lapel pins are worn on the left next to your heart. Usually it is often left as a symbolic gesture to the wearer and is not considered a faux pas if worn on the right.  A name tag should be worn on the right side of the chest as it helps with name/face recognition.  My suggestion don't wear too much on your shirt, jacket or tie because then you will be recognized as the human advertisement!

I am not sure how it is in the figure skating world now but usually rink etiquette was in my mind, if they were going faster than you, they got to do whatever they wanted. Truly, at a freestyle session the coach and/or student who had their lesson and music playing had the right-of-way. My mom would often get mad at me because she said I spent more time leaning against the railing then I did skating at times. All bets were usually off at a public skating session. People skated this way and that and you usually hoped that you made it through a session without getting knocked down or skated over. Skating guards were usually the etiquette watchers then.

Back when true social etiquette was an indicator of  wealth and refinement, no move was made without precision, grace and thoughts of others around you.  Today, most people throw caution to the wind and hope that no own is judged in this overly judgemental world in which we live.

Emily Post Institute has a great website and also a Emily's Etiquette Daily on Facebook that has some interesting tips about handling those tough situations we find ourselves faced with.  

When you find yourself on "thin ice" do what comes natural, bend your knees and let whatever happens happen it usually does anyway. To the ladies that were at the dinner table, we always usually have fun at our meetings and throw caution to the wind.