My apologies for forgetting to post this yesterday. I wanted to do a final lookover and completely zoned out on the actual post. Today I'm going to give a little lesson on Driving Etiquette. Lesson of the Day? Merging.
When merging onto the highway, there are a few things to remember:
1. You are merging INTO traffic. It is NOT their responsibility to speed up or slow down to accommodate you. Yes, there are some of us that are polite enough to move over when possible or attempt to accommodate you but it is not our responsibility. It is a courtesy we do when possible...or when the wind hits us right.
2. On the heels of number one, YOU need to speed up (or slow down) to go with the flow of traffic. That is what the on-ramp is for...getting up to speed. That is what your mirrors are for...to see what's going on around you that you cannot see by just looking. If you see someone speeding up, don't jump in front of them at 35 mph
3. Once you've merged, it is NOT the time to check your Facebook or change your radio station, causing you to slow down as you fiddle. You are on the HIGHWAY....DRIVE!
With those three things in mind, let's give a lesson on what you should be doing to merge. Using the on-ramp, get up to speed while simultaneously looking at the traffic you're going into using your mirrors and traditional looking. (We'll cover bumper to bumper traffic in a minute). Using good judgment, find a gap that would accommodate your car comfortably and pace your speed so as not to cut anyone off but to glide gently into the space that's there. Stay up to speed with the flow of traffic and drive...undistracted.
Now let's take a moment to cover bumper to bumper traffic....In bumper to bumper traffic (aka rush hour), merging is a bit different. While you don't have to get up to speed, you are required to exercise just as much vigilance. Merging into rush hour traffic is much like shuffling a deck of cards: highway driver, merging driver, highway driver, merging driver and so on. Don't be the butthead that tries to push your way in behind another merging driver because you can't wait one car's length. You are not getting anywhere any faster doing it and you're just ticking off the cars around you.
Driving is a lot like sex (particularly rush hour driving and merging). Merging is best completed with ample foreplay (or in the case of driving, paying attention to what's going on) so as not to go in without preparation/lubrication. Honking is much like premature ejaculation: it isn't fun, it doesn't make me go any faster and it's frustrating for both of us. Exercise some manners when you're driving and there might not be so many frustrated people on the road.
Rant over.
The vents and ramblings of a mom of four that loves to state opinions on everything from sports to politics to family. My opinions aren't always popular but they're mine.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Hockey Heaven
I am in hockey heaven right now. I thought I was treating my amazing fiancé to something special for his birthday. He'd never been to a hockey game ON his birthday before and I managed to score tickets (thank you stubhub) at a really reasonable price on the club level. I set them aside a couple of months ago and we looked forward to the game but had no idea how special the night would truly be...
When we got to the Pepsi Center, we handed the attendant our tickets and he said, "Right past those ropes and up the escalator." I should explain that we have a non-floor-ticket policy, in general...too hard to keep track of the game if you're behind an inconsiderate fan unless you're up against the glass. We've always been limited to the third tier because we assumed it was the only option. I say that to say this...we've found our new ticket home. Going beyond the velvet ropes, having no lines for concessions or restrooms, and seeing how polite and helpful everyone is while having the food and drinks actually be cheaper than most things on the upper level means we're in love.
The game was completely different from our seats and we were already in heaven. Avs won in overtime and it was incredible. Then came the best part. We walked down to where they were having an event called "Hockey in Heels" on the ice and....WE WENT OUT ON THE ICE. Not only out on the ice (in my hooker boots, by the way), but in the penalty box, on the bench, center ice....OH.....MY.......GOD. It was incredible.
The hockey hangover I have this morning (due to 3.5 hours of sleep) is so worth it. Only thing that could have made it better was meeting the players. Now to do it at Sports Authority......
When we got to the Pepsi Center, we handed the attendant our tickets and he said, "Right past those ropes and up the escalator." I should explain that we have a non-floor-ticket policy, in general...too hard to keep track of the game if you're behind an inconsiderate fan unless you're up against the glass. We've always been limited to the third tier because we assumed it was the only option. I say that to say this...we've found our new ticket home. Going beyond the velvet ropes, having no lines for concessions or restrooms, and seeing how polite and helpful everyone is while having the food and drinks actually be cheaper than most things on the upper level means we're in love.
The game was completely different from our seats and we were already in heaven. Avs won in overtime and it was incredible. Then came the best part. We walked down to where they were having an event called "Hockey in Heels" on the ice and....WE WENT OUT ON THE ICE. Not only out on the ice (in my hooker boots, by the way), but in the penalty box, on the bench, center ice....OH.....MY.......GOD. It was incredible.
The hockey hangover I have this morning (due to 3.5 hours of sleep) is so worth it. Only thing that could have made it better was meeting the players. Now to do it at Sports Authority......
Monday, March 10, 2014
A Monday Thought :)
Today marks a very exciting day for me in more ways than one. Not only do I start back into the wonderful world of nanny-share but I also get the privilege of taking my fiancé out for a birthday hockey game. I confess, the stress of everyday "grrr" moments has gotten the best of me a few times lately: car troubles, school mumbo jumbo, work, family, and just trying to take care of myself in the midst of a million different things happening. With all of that being said, I feel very blessed to have my little family and to celebrate life in the million and one ways that are ahead of us. We've had our share of ups and downs but our family is strong and the hard stuff brings us closer together. I honestly believe that God has some great things in store for our family and for me personally!
Unique
Let's make this short and sweet for a catch up post from Saturday...Kids are very different. Some are more quiet, some are more loud. Some are big eaters and some are picky. Some are serious and some are funny. If we take a moment to drop the "create a cookie cutter" parenting that is shoved down our throats and truly let them be who they are, we can get a clear picture of their unique personalities. Let them stand out from the crowd!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Fun Friday Post
I'm going to cover a lot of area in this post so bear with me. First of all, let's talk Broncos. Champ Bailey was released this week from the Denver Broncos which I have very mixed feelings about. Yes, he was an incredible player but I think he has reached the point at which it was more beneficial for us to let him go. Sad? Yes. Clearly John Elway can move mountains when given the chance so I'm trusting him on this one....and hopefully on Decker. Decker is a completely different story, though. Admittedly, I'm biased as he is my favorite Bronco (though Welker is running a very close second) but I do think that taking a pay cut/staying at the same pay would be beneficial to both Decker and the Broncos. He'd be on a Superbowl winning team in 2015 so the pay cut really would be a moot matter at that point. Bottom line? It is football season yet?
Now let's cover hockey. My team fell last night to the Avalanche. Am I sad? Yes. Here's the pros: At least we lost in overtime, fought hard, and lost to a truly good team. To the Avs (who I root for when they're NOT playing my team), you win this one. I guess we're even for the season. They truly deserved the win. This year, they truly are the better team, in my opinion.
On to another topic, photography and how much I love it. If there was a job that just allowed me to pack up my kids and travel to different destinations, photographing them, I'd be happy. Editing at home with my crazies where I could still be with them. Getting to be a stay at home mom even though I'd be working....phenomenal. It's a dream that would truly have to be designed by God though. Here are a few pictures from my trip to the zoo yesterday....
Now let's cover hockey. My team fell last night to the Avalanche. Am I sad? Yes. Here's the pros: At least we lost in overtime, fought hard, and lost to a truly good team. To the Avs (who I root for when they're NOT playing my team), you win this one. I guess we're even for the season. They truly deserved the win. This year, they truly are the better team, in my opinion.
On to another topic, photography and how much I love it. If there was a job that just allowed me to pack up my kids and travel to different destinations, photographing them, I'd be happy. Editing at home with my crazies where I could still be with them. Getting to be a stay at home mom even though I'd be working....phenomenal. It's a dream that would truly have to be designed by God though. Here are a few pictures from my trip to the zoo yesterday....
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Lifestyle Changes
I recently decided to work with a friend and make some healthier choices for my life. While I don't believe in diets (I believe in lifestyle changes), I am modifying my habits to be a healthier me. There are a few things that I've looked at and said, "Nah, it won't make a difference" and (much to my disappointment), I realized that I've been costing myself my health by making some of the choices I've made.
1. I stopped drinking soda. That's not to say I won't indulge now and then but I stopped drinking it on a daily basis. Immediately, I noticed the difference. I won't say that I didn't guzzle water constantly to prevent a caffeine withdrawal headache but I was less tired in the afternoon (when I normally drink it), felt less icky, and was able to easily replace the sugars I normally use to balance my glucose level (as a hypoglycemic) with alternatives.
2. I started eating salads for lunch. I try to add a protein source to my salad every day (turkey, chicken, egg, etc) but I've been eating salad for lunch and even throwing in spinach (raw spinach = gag). No, I don't use fat free, low-cal dressing but I've replaced a meal that used to be extremely carb-rich with something less fattening.
3. I started working out again...even if I only get in 20 minutes...that's SOMETHING! I'm not strict on myself for what or when as long as I do it.
4. I take the cat nap if I need it. 10 minutes can make all of the difference.
I look forward to posting more on how the changes have affected the way I feel!
1. I stopped drinking soda. That's not to say I won't indulge now and then but I stopped drinking it on a daily basis. Immediately, I noticed the difference. I won't say that I didn't guzzle water constantly to prevent a caffeine withdrawal headache but I was less tired in the afternoon (when I normally drink it), felt less icky, and was able to easily replace the sugars I normally use to balance my glucose level (as a hypoglycemic) with alternatives.
2. I started eating salads for lunch. I try to add a protein source to my salad every day (turkey, chicken, egg, etc) but I've been eating salad for lunch and even throwing in spinach (raw spinach = gag). No, I don't use fat free, low-cal dressing but I've replaced a meal that used to be extremely carb-rich with something less fattening.
3. I started working out again...even if I only get in 20 minutes...that's SOMETHING! I'm not strict on myself for what or when as long as I do it.
4. I take the cat nap if I need it. 10 minutes can make all of the difference.
I look forward to posting more on how the changes have affected the way I feel!
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