My Husband and Mrs. Quidd
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We have a new friend in the family. With her charming British accent, helpful demeanor, and knack for perfect timing, Mrs. Quidd, as we fondly call her, has changed the way we do things around here. No, we haven't hired a housekeeper. My husband purchased a portable GPS (global positioning system). And the ramifications are staggering.
On its first day out of the box, my husband and I headed out the front door for our usual stroll around the block. The GPS came with us.
"You're bringing that with you?" I eyed the apparatus suspiciously. After all, we'd walked around the block umpteen times without ever getting lost.
"Absolutely." Keith fidgeted with our new friend. "I want to see where we are."
"Ummm. We're right here, in front of the house."
Keith's chest puffed out a bit. "Yes, but now I can see exactly where we are, and exactly how far we've walked." He glanced down and began pressing buttons.
"It's 2.4 miles around the entire block," I assured him. "I measured the distance with our car when we first moved into the neighborhood."
Undeterred by this information, Keith continued to consult with his new toy. And I tried hard not to roll my eyes.
When we returned home, Mrs. Quidd assured us that it was indeed 2.4 miles around the block. And I realized that Mrs. Quidd was here to stay and was going to continue to give us directions everywhere we went.
Following Her Every Command
What truly amazes me is that my husband, who isn't particularly fond of receiving advice of any type while driving, actually paid for this innovative gadget that virtually never stops offering definitive suggestions in our car. In a woman's voice.
A typical car journey involving the two of us showcases a peace-keeping endeavor of epic proportions. Before Mrs. Quidd, we routinely debated which route provided the most efficient means of getting to our destination; our conversations grew as hot as a faulty radiator.
Take a typical trip across town to our friend's house. It starts out peacefully enough. But with the unexpected flick of a turn signal, I glance around, attempting to grasp my husband's Modus Operandi. "Why are you turning here?" I wonder aloud, and our showdown begins.
"This way is faster," Keith assures me.
Our car commences maneuvers behind the local hospital, and we begin dodging enormous trash dumpsters and parked ambulances in my husband's quest for a better way to get there.
Queasiness gripps my stomach as our vehicle twists and turns erratically.
"Couldn't we just go straight down to the end of the road and then turn right?" I moan.
"I want to go this way. Do you mind?" Keith says.
He pretends not to huff and I pretend not to roll my eyes.
But things have changed. Now Mrs. Quidd calls the shots in our automobile. And I, for one, am relieved.
"In point three miles, turn right," she coos, in her proper English voice, sounding like one of Agent 007's beautiful women. Moments later she "helpfully" reminds us when the "point three miles" is up. "Turn right," she insists.
Related Topics:
Conflict, Patience, Traveling
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Mary(Registered User)
Our GPS is called GyPSy. The first fight we had in our now 20+ year marriage was over a driving issue, so I learned long before Gypsy came along to let Bob do the driving when he's in that seat. He always gets us there (That's my mantra, when I need one!), even when he (occasionally) misses an exit. In fact, that usually happens because we're having a great conversation and aren't paying enough attention to the road. I totally agree that how we treat each other is much more important than taking issue with our spouse's particular driving preferences. Making a big deal about a missed exit doesn't help get us to our destination, and the rest of the drive is a lot more fun with someone to talk to.
BOb Allan
Mmm,sounds like some unresolved control issues. And how many hundred dollars was spent on this electronic marriage counselor? My wife and I have a system: she navigates and I turn the steering wheel.
Komla
Amazing thoughts. I loved it. We just tend to stretch issues unnecessarily sometimes. I don't have those Mrs. Quidd devices on my side of the globe.. and Helen fills in quite well... except that she points to the left with her right hand and says "we'll be turning right"... can you imagine the cracking humor in that...! Ha! A great lesson here for us... it's about us... not where we're going or which way gets there. Keep it up and God bless you richly.
George Fanning
I really liked the article and obviously I have driven with my wife and had a Garmin in the car ( Mrs G ) and I get irritated by her ( it) anyway to use a Neil Diamond line " except for the names and a few other changes my story is the same one "( I am I said ...) I laughed because I am sure I have been in your car while traveling in mine if you know what I mean - great story and very helpful - Keith I admire your determination ! I hate those machines or should I say its a love-hate relationship !
Lee
Our "Mrs. Quidd" has only created conflict in our car. Instead of turning where the road sign clearly indicates the turn, my husband waits for the lady to speak because she is now in control. We whiz by and miss our turn while I do a slow burn! Not impressed with GPS!
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