Call me crazy but …
I haven’t chosen my word for 2014 yet.
Am I the only one?
It sure seems so. My inbox is flooded with emails from folks informing me of their word or their resolution for the year.
Good for them. We’re already one week in and I’m sensing the first stirrings of panic. I don’t like it; that feeling when everything is out of control, my heart is racing and options seem both endless and nonexistent. So don’t panic Kelly.
Hmmmm. Could don’t panic be my 2014 resolution?
Slow down Kelly, take deep breaths, think of a situation in which you managed to handle things when in fact you shouldn’t have.
Ok – I’ve got a situation in mind. That time last year when the plane landed in the middle of a snowstorm and I had to find my way to the b and b in the rental car …
It was early February. A favourite uncle had passed away just days before Christmas but the funeral was delayed for a few weeks to enable proper travel arrangements for friends and family.
It was an uneventful flight. Until just prior to landing.
A soothing voice floated into my earbuds. The pilot’s. “Folks they’ve got a bit of a snowstorm on the ground tonight. Please ensure that your seats are in the upright position and your tray tables are locked. As an added precaution we’re asking you to buckle up and remain seated until we’re rollin’ on the tarmac.”
Normally this wouldn’t worry me. My mistake was to look out the window. It was peculiar. There were no lights. None. No happy reassuring lights of the city, or the airport or the runway. Nothing. Just a thick ebony blanket of darkness. My popping ears were the only confirmation that we were in fact descending.
Call me crazy but I like to be able to see something out the window as we approach an airport.
My palms began to weep; my brain shifted to singular focus mode. Completely dismissing the pilot’s reassuring voice as “pilot speak” I couldn’t help but focus on that locked cockpit door. A clear picture arose. I knew the truth behind that door.
I stole a glance at the seated flight attendants. Their calm demeanour didn’t fool me. We were attempting a blind landing in the middle of a snowstorm. The dead silence of the cabin confirmed my fellow passengers were thinking the same thing. A sudden shuddering BUMP shook the aircraft. What was that? Had we landed? Had we hit another plane? What?
“Sorry about that rough landing folks. This snow storm has made the visibility a bit tricky. However, we’re blessed. I suspect we’re the last plane to land at this airport tonight.” I offered up a vehement silent thanks.
The car rental agency was open but vacant. The lone agent slumped behind the desk looked up in shock as I entered.
“So you’re driving?”
Of course we’re driving. Had she forgotten where she worked?
With papers signed and key in hand my 17-year-old son and I skipped to the underground parking lot. We’d survived.
Call me crazy.
The fact that we’d landed safely completely obliterated the concept that I’d be driving in that blinding snowstorm. In a car that was rented. One I’d never driven before.
The one thing in our favour was that I knew the city. I’d driven its streets the previous summer. After a quick car orientation we slowly edged out of the parking lot and inched onto the airport road that led to the city.
To say that it was a daunting task is woefully inadequate. Perhaps this visual will help.
Yes damaged cars littered the roadway and snowbanks. Nevermind that I could count on one hand the amount of times I’ve driven in a snowstorm; our part of Canada sees snow maybe twice a year if we’re lucky. Just typikel.
Our conversation was severely limited. “Turn left, turn right, stay the course for a mile.” My hands grew numb as they gripped the wheel; my right foot became stiff as it gently hovered over the gas pedal. We inched and threaded our way past the casualties. Time stood still.
The saving grace? Neither my son nor I panicked. Had one of us cracked an inch, squeaked a doubt, squawked a question or even shared a concern we’d be done. Somehow we innately knew this. We just got down to the task at hand. It was a godsend. With all street signs obliterated we were driving blind.
The drive to the b and b should have taken 20 minutes. We did it in an hour and a half thanks to a midroute revelation that we could consult his phone’s GPS.
The b and b front desk gal was impressed with our efforts.
“The amount of snow that has fallen in such a short amount of time is a new record. It broke one that stood for a hundred years.”
Ok so in this instance I was fine. I didn’t panic. However that was thanks to my son. Had he not been there or had he panicked I would never have popped into the car rental agency, let alone turned the key.
Should “don’t panic” be my 2014 resolution? No idea. But I on this issue I refuse to panic. I’m determined to do more research. Stand by for more posts.
Enough about me and my 2014 word or resolution. I’m curious about you. Are you like me or have you thoughtfully chosen a 2014 word or resolution? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
29 Responses
Laughing, not at you, but along side you as I know your pain. I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life and recently went through somewhat of the same ordeal. What should have been a 45 min. drive home turned into an hour and 45 min. I knew I was in trouble when my husband text me saying he could not go over 45 miles per hour. He is a much better driver than I. Also laughing because I am one that chose a word. Just so you know, my is freedom. 🙂
Well done you. Freedom is a splendid one. I tip my hat to you for driving in those conditions all the time. Man alive – I’ll never forget it!
Wow, that must have been a scary ride ! Glad that you both kept your cool and arrived safely !
Thanks Jane. It was a ride to remember. However I felt very courageous when we were warming our toes by the fire at the b and b.
Everytime I come up with a word someone else tells me theirs. And I immediately think that theirs is better, way better, and I WANT IT. I want to snatch their cherished word and make it mine. I think I’ve finally come up with one that will stick but I’m not ready to share it…because then you’ll want to share yours and, well, you know…
Hahaha! Ok so I’ll just have to wait and see what your word is. Perhaps I’ll come up with the same one all on my own?
Don’t panic fits. So does no-worry, I’ve-got-this one. Or why-yes-I-can (or did)–that one is inspired by your last post and your contest which I might have won had I not been on the road.
Me? (Gee how I love your writing, I feel like we’re writing letters back and forth!) On the Eve I do answer a few questions. No resolutions though.
This year I’m keeping a list of my laugh attacks (times when I laugh like the dickens). So it makes sense that my word is smile. PS This is a long comment; you might charge me blog rent or silently think my word ought to be brevity.
You made me chuckle yet again Susan. Thank you. I’m loving the list of laugh attacks. What a splendid idea. So your word is smile? Ooohhhhh I do like that one. I could work with it. No worries on me charging you blog rent. Your visits give me wings. Truly.
Didn’t pick a word, and I’m not inclined to do it either 🙂
Ohhh – very interesting. Thanks Kathy. I feel less alone in the word department!
You are one fearless girl! Undaunted, she traverses through a record breaking blizzard with nary a thought of panic or concern! Way to go, Kelly!
I have not picked a word but a few years ago, before I knew this “word thing” was a thing, my mantra was “no laziness”. It worked pretty well for a while, then I got lazy… 😉
Hahahaha – no laziness – I do like that. I am collecting quite a list now. No laziness is a fine mantra. I don’t think of you as getting lazy – just busy. Didn’t you mention something about a wine cellar?
Oh, my GOSH!! I feel like I was sitting on the edge of my seat stressed out with that story! WHEW!! I have been in similar situations and it is SO stressful!!
I like “don’t panic” as your word/phrase!! It works. 😀
Last year I had my word from the get go, but this year…I haven’t made up my mind yet. I’m going to think about it now!!
I’m still on the fence in the resolution/word department too. It’ll be fun to see what you come up with. Will pinterest be involved? Hope so!
You are officially unsinkable! I’m very impressed. I think that trip would have broken me. There would have been tears. I know it.
I don’t do words or resolutions. I do like this time of year, though. It feels like a clean slate, ya know? A fresh start.
Clean slate is exactly how I view this time of year too. Whip down that tree and vacuum the hell out of everything.
Love the videos/images you included in your post. The one with the car standing up on it’s end is amazing! Don’t panic or calm or peaceful all sound like great fits for you. My word for the year is love. I really want to focus on bring more love into my world, not that I’m lacking…just an emphasis on loving myself and really owning that space…loving those around me and showing it…and bringing more of what I love into my life – an ongoing project. I can’t wait to hear where you land 🙂
Love the love word Michele. Sounds like the perfect fit for you and your new start in your new place. I’m still on the fence. Will be working on a word or a resolution for a bit yet I suspect.
My palms were sweating just reading this post! Thank God y’all were okay. That must have been so scary! I don’t really have a word for 2014 yet…maybe balance?-Ashley
Oooohhhh I’m liking balance Ashley! I’m still undecided. Will be working on a word for a bit I suspect.
LOL maybe your word SHOULD be something about not panicking! I get the same way sometimes – getting too excited about too many things I want to do with too little time. Funny thing is, that most of it won’t matter in a couple months or this time next year. It’s something I have to remind myself when I get times of stress is to ask myself “Will this matter next month? week? year?” If not, I try to take a deep breath and move along. Your word will come when it’s ready and maybe you don’t even need a word this year, maybe you should just live.
I really like your question “will this matter next month?” Brilliant in fact. Thanks Tiffany.
I’ve driven in sandstorms, but never a snow storm. And, not looking to have that experience. As for my word? It found me. Just popped into my head – Health. I was hoping for something more exotic, but, actually, “health” is turning out to be pretty interesting.
Whoa – I’ve never driven in a sandstorm Linda. That must have been quite something. Health is a great word. I am hearing some wonderful words on these comments. Getting some great ideas.
I have never chosen a word before and like you I feel everyone has one. As with courage last year i do tend to subconsciously grab a word and use it to guide me. Is that the same thing??
It is the same thing in my books Karen. I am wondering if chosen subconsciously if it tends to have a longer, stronger impact. Interesting.
Great story and I know it was all too true. Uncle B would have said “Slap up.” So I’m wondering how “relax” would feel as a possible word? Your photos and videos are quite fun – thanks for the full on reading/visializing experience. Feeling “rejuvenated”… W 😉
Glad you are feeling “rejuvenated.” It’s a great word for you. Relax might work – however I’m a leaning a weensy bit towards “organise” now. Stand by. I might feel another post coming …