As I’ve stated before, I am technologically compromised. Though, I’ve decided it’s becoming a burden; especially this texting business and my kids. It really does streamline communication, easing the ‘unknown’ about a child’s whereabouts.
During the last few hockey seasons, I have traveled quite a bit and quite the distance. Normally, I rely on MapQuest for all of my directional needs. And, contrary to what my daughter thinks, I have always found my way and gotten her to the rink ON TIME. Yes, I have neglected my share of Rules of the Road. But, who hasn’t? Besides, “it’s not a road trip unless Mr. Thomas breaks the law.”*
Anyway, when driving at night, the need to constantly turn on and off the over head light to read the directions can be … . “Obnoxious and embarrassing” are two ‘nice’ words my daughter chose to describe the experience a few weeks back when we took a teammate to the game.
So, this past weekend, I borrowed a GPS. Don’t worry, I still had a printed copy of MapQuest directions – just in case. I must say, this GPS thing was really nice. I guess I never entertained the idea of this navigational tool, thinking that GPS was an app for the phone I did NOT own. I truly plead ignorance here. Furthermore, every time directions came up in a conversation, “the GPS app on my phone never fails,” was all I ever heard. Little did I know, few use it because of the ‘data’ issue.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.
GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use trilateration to calculate the user’s exact location. The receiver can determine the user’s position and display it on the unit’s electronic map.
http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/
Slowly, but surely, I’m learning. Don’t worry. I am NOT ‘growing as a person’, too. Fuck that shit. I just want to get from point A to point B without being an utter embarrassment to my daughter. Even with all this technology at my fingertips, I still feel I am often on a …
But, that’s a completely different post I’m certain few would navigate. There isn’t a GPS available to ‘recalculate’ that detour.
Happy and safe travels!
*direct quote from a seasoned passenger
