Being Lost Isn’t Always Bad

Once someone knows of my wonderful ability to get lost it can become a defining characteristic.

During my college years I was a bridesmaid in a wedding held in a city slightly South East of Columbus.  It was a 30 mile drive and I attempted to go by myself to the rehearsal.  After all, I had made it to the bridal shower without help from anyone.  (But I could be mistaken – it’s entirely possible the bride picked me up to make sure I’d be there!)  In high school and college I didn’t own a car.  I only drove the family station wagon in the city.  On this particular trip the freeway signs confused me.  Lost and anxious, I pulled over and used a pay phone to tell them I was late.  (This was before cell phones were everywhere and the best quality movie format you could find was a laser disc.)  The pay phone was located 55 miles North West of the rehearsal.  I had gone 23 miles in the opposite direction of where I needed to be!  In my absence I was nicknamed “Miss Plain City 1992” because that was where I called from. 

I write “lost” too.  It’s difficult for me to use outlines or have a real sense of structure when I tackle a short story.  When lost while driving I get anxious.  I worry about how late I’ll be, how long it will take me to get righted, and how much fun I may be missing.  When writing while lost it is an entirely different experience.  My words meander across the pages.  I’m confident I’ll get to where I need to go.  There is no time limit on when I have to get there.  It’s so much easier to enjoy the ride.