Scientists have engineered the ideal driving companion. She is your GPS, the consummate copilot without attitude. She holds lessons for all of us.
She doesn’t give snippy commands and lacks harpy voice inflection that suggests disapproval. She is an Eckert Tolle disciple, living “The Power of Now,” enjoying the ride without reflecting back on time-consuming detours and unproductive dead ends.
Recent technological upgrades have eliminated her annoying habit of announcing “recalculating” when turns are missed. Now, her velvety voice maintains its pleasant tone, making internal route adjustments without pointing out driver error.
It helps to have good car-ma when the pilot takes a wrong turn or passes the coveted parking spot. Remember the benefits of that non-judgmental velvety voice when navigating love and relationships.
Julie and Jennie
Funny, I always thought that GPS chick was kind of a bitch. If you like, you can change her voice to that of a British male (as I have). He is sexy and kind and wears an ascot. Also, he says “roundabout” instead of “rotary” and “motorway” instead of “highway” and that makes me smile.
This is kind of Andy Rooneyish, but I still like a paper map the best. I have a bunch in my glove box. I have fond memories of my father teaching me how to read a map (a critical skill back in the day, like typing)….important for a woman who might be alone and such. I still like seeing the “big picture” and you can also see if there is something interesting to stop and visit on the way (depending on the trip).
I do however, use the “map app” on my iPhone quite a bit. It is very easy, you put in your starting address and ending address and you can see the road the whole way. My location along the way is seen as a blue pushpin. You can easily tell when your pushpin veers from the yellow line of your roadmap! I wish I had one for my life!
If your boat GPS malfunctions a few miles off shore, there are no road side gas stations to steer you in the right direction. I’m guilty of relying on technology as well as being directionally impaired on land and sea. Good I married a man who is adept in celestial navigation. Kudos to Judith Hirsch for keeping those basic skill sets honed! Julie
It is nice that the GPS lady does not give you attitude when not complying to her voice commands. However the first thing I noticed was that the driver in your post picture was not paying attention to what was in front of him and he was definitely not focused on the GPS! He may be headed for a fire hydrant instead. I guess the lesson is that we should pay attention to our significant other or the road depending on what is safer for both.