To Straddle or Not to Straddle

Driving down the road, we watched a truck weave across two lanes. Before we decided whether the driver planned to keep swerving or stick to one lane, he turned off at an exit. We usually create hazardous situations for ourselves and others by shifting between the good and the bad. Imagine the gangster who buys groceries and toys for neighbors while also engaging in illicit activities. Questionable behavior undermines our best intentions and sabotages our overall objectives. Listen to this:

                                         https://youtu.be/-gNgmBBSudA

Consider the facts, including the “help,” and the financial donation. The video demonstrates how we’re masters at straddling lanes, doing whatever serves our needs. Think about how you straddle different identities. Which one best reflects you? Would other people agree?       

A Glorious View

We’re poised to witness a phenomenal cosmic event soon, and it’s astonishing how scientists predicted this eclipse decades ago. I saw a tape from the 1960s featuring a newscaster telling viewers to look forward to the next eclipse in 2017. Back then, it must have seemed like forever. Fast forward decades later, and we’re waiting to see it again. While we go about our business down here, there’s a lot up there to consider. For instance, watch this:      

                                         https://youtu.be/1Eh5BpSnBBw

While people advise us not to sweat the small stuff, only you can decide what’s a small or significant part of the big picture. What’s making you anxious? Are you putting it in the right perspective?

Stranger Things

Keep your eyes open, and you’ll spot the strangest sights alongside the road. It’s not unusual to see people pausing to change a tire, closing the gas tank door, fastening the trunk, or switching drivers, but I saw a more unusual scene. I spotted a guy standing beside his car applying deodorant. Granted, maybe he forgot to do it that morning, or maybe he felt he needed a second application, but admit it, it’s not your everyday scene. See if these scenes look familiar: 

                                         https://youtu.be/QREokgDQ5g4

Be ready for anything because anything could be right down the road. As soon as we think we’ve seen everything, something new pops up. What things have you seen that make you reevaluate your strongest opinions?      

Designated Survivor?

I dislike flies, especially when they’re inside our house. Few things are more annoying than chasing those little critters while they zip from one room to another. They gravitate to the windows trying to find a way out, but that only makes them easier to swat. I expect to find them flying around the kitchen searching for crumbs, but once they migrate to bedrooms I declare war. 

This week a fly had the guts to visit the bedroom and then sat on the bathroom sink alongside the soap. I lump soap and food together as the most unsettling places a fly can land. You never know what type of disgusting germs a fly will bring from its last adventure. In short, the fly that entered our house is…gone. It should have stayed with its buddies, like this explorer.

                                         https://youtu.be/iSnotDc9JIw

Did you feel like a wandering fly, heading toward the light, yet unsure if you’ll reach safety? Drifting off the main trail quickly causes disorientation and trouble, but our adventurous natures usually win out and we wander away anyhow. What kind of groups or people will prevent you from wandering into messy situations?                 

No Promises?

If someone makes you a promise, you expect them to keep it—that’s the hallmark of a promise. It’s your guarantee that a specific event will or won’t occur. Promise fulfillment depends on surrounding issues and the abilities of the person who makes the promise. Despite our best intentions, uncontrollable situations often prevent us from keeping them. Watch how this ends:

                                     https://youtu.be/YTfhaCOgzVQ

Smart girl. She knew her limitations. Most promises involve a high degree of serious intensity. We usually make them at important events like in front of before wedding officials or judges at swearing-in ceremonies. Unfortunately, based on the success rate of marriages and the current political news, some of those promises are difficult to keep. Whose promises do you trust?