Why a GPS is a necessary evil

Dear Future GPS,

Lately, I've had this idea in my head that I can find my way around without any help from the wonderful technological advances of today.  

Let me elaborate.  About a week ago, I was driving down to Pittsburgh to go to work.  My mother mentioned something about traffic and detours, thus advising me to take the Turnpike.  

But did I listen to her?  No.  Instead, I continued on 79 with the invincible belief that no detour would get in my way.  

Once again, I was wrong.      Rolling pavement and stoplights led me, lost out of my mind, to some back alley in Oakland.  

I was terrified.  The stress began to rise and I started to panic.  I felt like a farm cat lost in the streets of New York.  

As I continued to drive, I FINALLY found a gas station.  But by then, I could not hold myself together.  

I walked in balling my eyes out, mainly because I was so frustrated and infuriated with myself.  

Thankfully though, a very nice truck driver calmed me down, gave me simple directions, and offered his name and number in case I got lost again.  Talk about a saint.  

I gratefully hugged and thanked this kind man and continued on my way.  

After a weekend of work, I ventured home the same way I had come.  

Surely the detour wouldn't be on the way back home, too.  Wrong.  So, so wrong.  In fact, the detour led me

to some back street in Mount Washington.  I took a deep breath and told myself "I can do this."  I rolled down my window and hollered out at a valet boy.  

After explaining my situation, he sent me back on my way.  Although, he probably just felt sorry for me.  

Anyway, through two horrible experiences, I have come to a very simple conclusion about driving.  And no, it's not that women are bad drivers.  

I should never arrogantly guess my way around, because detours can and will lead one astray.  I probably should have listened to my mother's advice, as well.  

However, most importantly, a GPS would have been an enormous help.  Not all detect detours, but at least it would have re-routed me in the right direction.

Needless to say, my Magellan is in the mail.  

See you in a few days,

Nicole Crevar.