The trip.

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We started out slowly and things did not improve. The Map Quest map was inaccurate or at least ambiguous enough that we became temporarily lost. After stopping at a gas station, where the worker tried to help but could not, we headed back and then placed a call to the doctor’s office. The assistant gave us directions, but from the direction opposite our approach. After a little driving investigation in which we realized the flaw and another call, we arrived at the office just in time for the visit. When finished, we had to scoot back most of the distance toward home to try and stop at an office by 13:00. I got so low on fuel on the way, I was worried about running out of gas. I pulled into a gas station just in time. I had noted I was low on gas at the first station, but I thought I could make it easily on what I had and we were under time pressures then as well. On the way back, as we neared the office, I suggested she call the office and ask if they could wait just a wee bit. Surely enough, they complied. We ended up being five minutes late, so we did not keep them too long. The woman at the office has a habit of disappearing at 13:00 on the spot, so the call saved the day. Finally, we are home. In spite of the difficulties, all matters were attended. I hate to say it, but a little bit of doubt, some obstacles, and needing help really make life a little spicier. It was more of a success for the problems than simply having done the tasks without difficulty.

What is more interesting, or interesting at all I should say, is that while driving and speaking with my passenger, I tried to apply some of what I saw on the show and heard on the radio. And, it helped a great deal. The first thing I noticed is that when I stopped waiting for a punch line, and just picked up bits while she talked, I was less frustrated with “our” conversation. And yes, she made a point about every 3 to 5 minutes, but never a final point. She did not tie it all together, ever. Ah, I am getting this. Then, when she paused, I might ask for detail, clarification, or such, then let her chase the next set of rabbits to ground. I was far less confused and baffled after that than I ever have been before. It was amazing! Women can make sense, sort of, in their way. And, I can understand it, mostly, in my way. Wow...

About half way through, I explained what I had seen and heard, and what I was doing. I spoke, roughly, about what I perceived from the program. I think that threw her a bit. I cannot be sure if being practice material was all that fun of an idea to her, but I think the results spoke for themselves and she became comfortable with the notion. When we arrived home, she pondered out loud if she was indeed an hysterical woman. I suggested that she clearly was not. How her mind worked was perfectly natural and feminine. That she had a good mind. I only suggested that this behavior can complicate business operations if not pared and focused, business being mainly male oriented. And, I told her I thought she could do that. Well, I say it as I see it. I offered bits of advice throughout the day when asked and sometimes when not asked (like calling the last office we needed to visit, as she was becoming very nervous about the time). I picked and chose what to suggest, if anything, and when to offer it. I hope I did well. Two of my suggestions worked in flight, the other three can only be verified in time.

I am very tired. I may need a nap. I want to get to work but I am just too sleepy. Driving can do that, so can “talking”. :P Yep, I am a typical male. A sleepy one, so get off my porch! (for now) Ha.

Good day.