We've had a winter wonderland out here in the rain forest, complete with road closures, over a foot of snow, sheets of ice, and other white-Christmasy weather. There were special all-day news coverage teams, and poor journalism interns standing out in the cold in order to report "live" from somewhere. There were graphics for the "Arctic Blast 2008" and cancellations of nearly every activity in the city. Even the yarn shop had to close and change hours - just days before Christmas.
Needless to say, over the weeks of crazy weather, many local drivers' patience wore thin. Now that we're back to the predictable rain-and-sunbreaks we all love so much, (sarcasm dripping...) area drivers seem more at ease.
Except, that is, for a gentleman who was creeping along the freeway yesterday as I lined up to merge into traffic. Many trucks slowly inched their way along in front and behind him, and those of us coming onto the freeway began the search for friendly faces who would actually allow us into the line. As most drivers do, I concentrated mostly on my own space and opportunity, keeping a side glance on the driver in front and beside me and pacing with the others on the road.
When it came time for my "turn," if you will, I looked out my window to confirm the driver was actually letting me in. He was not. As it turns out, he had sped up to wave furiously at me (and anyone else looking). With both arms (yes, he was determined to make the roads very safe) he admonished clearly that only one car at a time can merge into traffic. Oops. In my attempt to merge, I'd nearly made him later to his destination. It was not my turn.
Evidently, I nearly made a mistake and had tried to merge with the person in front of me (who had not been able to get kindness from the truck in front of us). This, I suppose, is a fair pet peeve. However, given the speed of traffic and importance of the 1-at-a-time rule, I felt like my new friend was overreacting a little. Fortunately, he had kept me from my error, and completed his favor with a hand-gesture lecture. So, I braked slightly and let him continue on, merging in behind him.
This should have been the end, but he didn't feel I was properly educated. From the car in front of me, a furious driver continued to lecture with both hands waving to indicate that only one car at a time can merge into traffic!! "Good grief," I thought. "I didn't even merge in front of him." After what seemed like a long time of a driver waving and yelling into his rear view mirror, I finally flashed him an "OK" sign and he seemed satisfied.
I admit, it wasn't the first sign I thought of flashing, but grace won the day and I smiled with a "please forgive me" attitude while letting him know I'd received the message. He begrudgingly moved forward (both hands on wheel, finally) and cut off a semi coming up on his left as he lurched past the slower traffic. Apparently, having to remind me about my driving inadequacies had forced him to inch along much longer than he'd planned to stay in that lane.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one to do this to him yesterday, or in general. Merging into traffic is not an gift of northwestern drivers. It bugs my husband, too, that folks tend to do this inefficiently - perhaps even unsafely. And in case you're wondering, I'm usually good at sticking to the "one at a time" rule.
This story reminded me something about new years, new opportunities, and new habits. Perhaps you have a pet peeve. It could be other drivers, or that coworker beside you, the in-law or family member you love, the person you married, or the child you're raising who offends you today.
Please, on behalf of me and others who make mistakes once in a while, forgive and move on. It's really not worth a long lecture on the freeway or in the kitchen. It's not helping that resolution to lower your blood pressure or show more kindness. It's not valuable enough to hang onto and pull out in the list of things that prove we don't love you enough. It's simply an annoyance, and here's a little secret: once in a while, you're not perfect, either.
Happy New Year,
MamaToo
1 comment:
So offten we win the battle, but lose the war.
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