Let me start by relating the results of my informal survey among people I know about how men and women process directions. Men generally orient themselves through the cardinal directions whereas women do so through the left and right framework. Each seems to be equally exasperated and lost when the other uses their own frame of reference. The exception so far is Kat. My excuse for her is that she's an engineer. Besides, as a statistical outlier, I don't have to justify her. =) As for me, I never know the details of where I am going, just like I don't really know exactly where my car is parked, but I have a general idea. It might take me awhile, but I'll get there.
This reminds me of a funny argument my mom and I started with my dad. He thinks it's ridiculous that we give directions relative to buildings/businesses on a certain route.
"What if the McDonald's is gone the next day? How will you be able to find your way?"
"Well, we'll be able to know when it's gone because there are always signs."
"What if there were none?"
"Even if there were none, the surrounding businesses are still there."
"What if they are all gone."
"...ok. That's a little unrealistic. That means we won!"
Yes, yes. One of the few moments in life where the women truly won an argument against the old curmudgeon.
Anyway, all that was to vindicate me. I zoned out on the freeway, so I didn't realize that I passed my exit and exited Carmel Mountain instead of Scripps Poway. Not only did I not know where to exit, I also did not know which way to turn. I picked right, which happened to be right.
As I drove further on, I was actually quite proud of myself for realizing that I was not on the right road. (One problem when recognizing roads based on businesses is when you run into communities like Poway where everything looks like different iterations of the same plan.) I did a u-turn, dialed a SOS to Luis, and went on the way I was going to take anyway before I called him. After many twists and turns, I realized that a lot of cars were turning on Community Road, so I followed them...except I missed the turn and turned on the next road instead. They are parallel, so at any time, I can find a big road that will take me back to Community.
That took me to a quaint old town Midland. Its theme emotes a pioneer town in the desert. And deserted it is, perhaps because it is Monday. It reminds me of Old Town San Diego, but not as many shops.
Back on Community, I followed it and followed it and found Walter Anderson Nursery! I was extremely proud of myself for finding my way. See? Got there eventually.
Oh and one more thing. While I was driving through Midland, NPR announced that today is Sony Walkman's 30th birthday. In recognition of this, a 13 year old gave up his iPod for an original Walkman for a week. He was surprised that cassettes have a second side and that there is no shuffle option. I snickered, then I realized that I am old. =(
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