27 November 2012

A November's Resolution

First off, let me apologize for taking such a long hiatus from the blog world! It turns out that being a mommy and trying to keep up with the things you love like friends, family and crafting, tend to take up all of your time. (In addition to cleaning, cooking and general homemaker duties.) We now have a full-time walker on our hands, which oddly enough leaves me more time to myself. Miss Camdin is able to get around on her own, drag all of her toys out, and chase the puppies in circles...and I'm loving every minute of it.

Now, let's get on to my resolution. I know it's not January, but who says a resolution needs to start at the beginning of the year? From now on, I vow to never text again while I'm operating a moving vehicle. This means if you text me while I'm driving, you may not get a response for 5, 10, 25 or even 45 minutes. I admit, I've occasionally responded with a short text every now an then, but it ends here.

Why am I writing about this you ask? Because now that I'm a mother, responsibility has a whole new meaning when I'm looking after my baby. This afternoon on my drive home from running errands, an older style Lexus pulled out in front of me, going miserably slow. I couldn't even see a head peeking over the headrest, and I assumed, as many of you would, that I was now following an elderly driver. I followed this car for a mile as it drifted here and there, sometimes jerked, and continued to move at 30 mph in a 40 mph zone. As I enter the left turn lane and drive passed the Lexus, I make sure to glance over and see who I was following. A teenager. A new driver. Texting. UGH!!

I don't know why this particular incident made my blood boil. I've see it countless times before. Maybe because she sort of resembled me as a 16 year old. Maybe because Camdin was singing in the backseat, and she was catching my attention to her sweetness. There was a strange connection between the old me and the new me.

The message that I want to get out to the new generation of drivers, is that you only live once. That's right. YOLO. This is a phrase that teens especially have fallen in love with and used as an excuse or reason for crazy clothes, and crazy behavior.  Unfortunately, when you're texting while driving, it's not exactly a heart pumping activity, but it can get you killed.

When I was 16, I couldn't WAIT to get my license and drive on my own. DRIVE on my own. I was so excited to get behind the wheel, roll my windows down, turn the music up of MY choice (but not too loud, of course), and just drive. I feel like the new generation of drivers is completely missing out on this privilege.

To you, I say, when you get in the car, put your phone in your pocket, in the backseat, or even in the glove compartment. Then there's also the novel idea of turning it off. GASP! You are a new driver. I know texting is second nature to you, but multitasking while driving is not. Why? Because driving in itself IS multitasking. You should be paying attention to other cars around you, watching traffic signals, and keeping your eyes on the road. You are not the only car on the road! You've heard it before, but no text is more important than your life. Besides the fact that in many states now, it's ILLEGAL. If you want to hang out again the friend that you're so diligently texting, then put your phone down and drive to their house. Your best years in life are yet to come. Anyone older than you can vouch for this. Don't miss out on college, a meaningful relationship, or children because you were dumb and texted while driving when you were young. If you have respect for yourself, then turn your phone off. It'll even save you precious battery power! Use your time in the car to think, sing at the top of your lungs, or just be alone. I know that being a teenager can be overwhelming at times. This is your chance to just be you, and still feel like an adult, because you're driving on your own! Just don't take for granted this new privilege you've been given. They call it a privilege for a reason.

OK. Rant, complete. Almost.

And to you seasoned drivers who I see texting and swerving- grow up.

I feel like getting that off my chest will help me sleep a little better tonight. I'll try and do my best to continue this blogging trend and update you on all of the changes that have got on in our lives over the past 9 months.

If any of you out there feel the same or have a similar story, I'd love to hear about it. Now go DRIVE safe.