I grew up in Illinois, and Brent and I lived in Kansas for many years. The Midwest is set up like a grid–plus it’s flat–which makes it pretty easy to get around. I have lived out West as well, where all the streets are numbered. Again, it’s hard to get lost or disoriented there. It’s not so simple getting around in New England. I love living here, and I’d much rather be here than anywhere else. However, I did have to get used to the many winding and one-way roads, and the streets with three or four different names. When we first moved to Maine I actually got lost while I was out running. I had to stop a fellow runner and ask her for directions so I could find my way back home. She was very understanding and helpful. It would have been nice to have a GPS then.

When Brent surprised me one day with a GPS (pink–my favorite color), I was ecstatic. I love my GPS. It’s so nice to be able to enter in an address or a “point of interest” and be directed exactly where to go. I do yell at her (it’s a British woman’s voice) on occasion because she doesn’t anticipate heavy traffic, accidents, or businesses that have closed down. Plus she’s bossy. Overall though she’s very helpful, and I’ve never gotten lost or disoriented…at least not for long. I’ve heard her say “re-calculating” more than I care to admit after I neglected to follow her exact directions.

Yes, my GPS is very useful; however I’m afraid I’ve been handicapped by it. How will I learn to navigate properly and get to know the area if I’m completely dependent on it? I do like having the ETA for my destination right down to the minute, which is often why I turn it on. I suppose I should turn off the GPS once in a while, pay attention to my surroundings, and just drive.