What I Really Meant Was...

On Wednesday and Thursday, I volunteered to teach another AARP Safe Driving Class. There were 24 people [ strangers to each other] sharing and bonding as we passed along tips that had been learned from experience. For example, when backing out of a driveway, along with looking to the left and right for a safe break to join the flow of traffic....be sure to also look BEHIND you. This was my particular learning experience because across the street was a car doing the exact same maneuver, and we both became aware of each other as our cars met in the middle of the road. We had backed into each other...crash! Quite an unexpected yet unpleasant surprise!

There was also some serious discussion about accidents that had happened as a result of backing up without checking for something/someone directly behind the car [a serious blind spot]. Someone shared the tragedy that happened as a result of already having your wheels turned left in preparing for a left turn and was hit into oncoming traffic by the car behind it that didn't stop fast enough. [ Keep your wheels straight until you are actually going to begin moving into the turn].
There is a relative amount of safety in sharing personal experiences with fellow classmates because there is no exchange of names and/or information that lasts beyond the two days. It is also a voluntary conversation which more often leads to laughter. When the laughter subsided, I said to them,
"This is one of the reasons that I volunteer to do this. It is so rewarding to see people laughing together and enjoying themselves."

Another tip that I share from a newspaper article that I read is to have a funny story or joke ready that you can recall in an effort to bring on a smile. It actually helps to counteract the stress you encounter from other drivers and situations. My regular example made people laugh, but I am sure that it will forever be remembered that earlier I had said,

"Okay, we're going to take a ten minute break. Grab your snack, or if you'd like, there are some 'Ritz crappers ' on the back table!!!"

[I obviously meant to say Ritz Crackers!}
I couldn't believe it!! OMG!!

Without missing a beat, a participant added,

"I think I'll pass on them. Thanks anyway!!!"

There was some hearty laughter, at my expense, the loudest of which was mine...I am sure!

After class, a very kind gentleman took out his wallet to get out one of his business cards for me. On the reverse side was the quote:

"A smile is a window on your face that shows your heart's at home."

This quote was submitted in a 'Salada Tea' contest by his wife and it won the Grand Prize!!!

Aboard the QE2 as they left the country, they had won a 17 day trip to Ireland and Scotland and stayed at the very best of hotels with first class accommodations all the way. The return trip was on The Concorde which travels at twice the speed of sound!

Now that was quite a prize!!

Kind of curious, I asked him,

"So, how did you and your wife meet ?"
He immediately waved her over to tell the story:

When she was 10 years old, she went on a bike ride. On her travels on country roads, she happened upon a driveway with 3 kids tending to a horse. She stopped to talk with the 2 girls and the boy, and then continued on her way. Fifteen years later, her friend arranged a blind date to accompany them on a double date. He was the boy in the driveway with the horse!!!

They've been married 47 years and have traveled to 72 countries including Antarctica.

Oh, the people you meet while talking about safe driving!

And, by the way, if you are tense, angry, or annoyed about something...whether it be an aggressive driver or an irritating relative...feel free to think about my 'Ritz Crappers' and it will help to take the edge off a bad situation as well as lower your blood pressure, too!!