Do You Road Trip?

Posted by Arwen Mosher in Family on Tuesday, October 05, 2010

A while ago, we had a podcast chat about traveling with young children, and I mentioned that we’d yet to take a long road trip with our kids. When traveling more than half-a-day’s drive away, we always fly.

That’s about to change. On Thursday, we’re loading the car and driving to stay with Blaise’s godparents in Virginia, a ten-hour drive from here.

I’m excited for our vacation. I’m happy about all... READ MORE 

Casual Fridays - Killer Commute?

Posted by Lisa Hendey in Just me on Friday, September 24, 2010

After having the last two years “off”, I’m back to playing school bus driver with my teenage son Adam, who’s about to turn 16.  For the past two years, Eric drove to school in the morning but now that he’s off to school, I find myself commuting again.  The difference now is that Adam is behind the wheel, learning to drive, and I’m the stressed out “supervisor” in the passenger seat.  I noticed last week that while Adam’s doing a great job, our morning commute is starting to take a toll on my attitude.  Rather than heading off to work refreshed and ready, I’m often grumpy, frazzled and short-tempered.  It’s not good for either of us, and a bad way to start a productive day.  Something needs to change, so on this week’s installment of our “Casual Fridays” series, I’m looking for your input.  How do you use your morning commute?  Do you sing, pray, chat, or just enjoy a bit of peace and quiet?  Are you talking on the phone, texting (danger!), planning your day mentally, or yelling at the guy in the car in front of you?  Are your morning and evening commutes peaceful, or pathetic?  Tell me about it - and while you’re at it give me your suggestions for how Adam and I can get our day off to a healthier start.

Pulling Over

Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, September 15, 2010

A funeral procession passed my car today and without even thinking, I pulled over to the side of the road. Several other cars, I quickly noticed, were doing the same. Even though we were on a busy road and just in front of a busy intersection, traffic got itself to the side and waited until the entire motorcade had passed.

This is something I have done my entire life—whenever a funeral procession... READ MORE 

New Driver on the Road

Posted by Lisa Hendey in Family on Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Yesterday, as I was busy flying (back) to Philadelphia for this week’s Catholic Marketing Network and Catholic Writers Conferences, a milestone was occurring at my home.  Greg and Adam braved the DMV and Adam passed his driver’s permit test, so he is now ready to hit the road.  In California, teens can obtain their permits at age 15 and a half, but Adam’s a bit on the old side and will turn sixteen... READ MORE 

True Confessions: Distracted Driving

Posted by Lisa Hendey in Just me on Saturday, June 19, 2010

This week’s latest Pew study on Adults and Distracted Driving has me contemplating how many times I place my own life and the lives of my loved ones at risk when I drive in a distracted fashion.

The study reported that a shocking 47% of adult drivers admit to either sending or reading a text message while driving.  Compared to the 34% of teens (16-17 year olds) who ‘fess up about this “no no”, we’re... READ MORE 

Shock Wave

Posted by Rebecca Teti in Just me on Thursday, April 29, 2010

Something nearly caused me to faint yesterday.

A courtesy wave.

A driver in the lane next to me needed to get over. Traffic was at a standstill and no one would let her in.

I did. She waved a simple thanks.

No big deal, except that in this burg no one ever does that anymore.

I’m a kind driver and yield easily to folks in need.

I didn’t use to think much of it, but lately I’ve become increasingly... READ MORE 

Angels in Disguise

Posted by Robyn Lee in Just me on Thursday, December 10, 2009

Yesterday there was a ton of snow on the ground, and I had quite the time getting into the office. It reminded me of another scary car trip when I was driving on the highway in a torrential downpour.

I had my wipers on mega speed, and I still couldn’t see through the sheets of water. The mega speed wipers must have been the reason that my wiper blade launched off the hinges and continued to screeeeeeeeeeech... READ MORE 

Don't Text and Drive

Posted by Danielle Bean in Family on Wednesday, September 02, 2009

I was interested to read about Utah getting tough with texting drivers in a recent NY Times article.

While some states only have a fine for causing a deadly or injurious accident by texting at the wheel, in Utah texting drivers can face up to 15 years in prison.

While I am a fan of modern means of communication in general, as a mom of teens, the very idea of texting while driving really frightens... READ MORE 

I'm Pro-life!

Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, February 04, 2009

I have a confession to make—I don’t have a pro-life bumper sticker on my car. In my defense, however, I don’t have any bumper stickers on my car.

When I drove our older Suburban, I felt a bit more free to stick things on the back windshield. At one point, I had several stickers lined up, including one saying “Catholic and Proud of It!”—to which my sister-in-law mentioned that driving an extra-large... READ MORE 

Chauffeur Laid Off

Posted by Lisa Hendey in Family on Monday, June 30, 2008

I was recently laid off from a job I’ve held since September, 1991 when my employer announced that he was no longer in need of my services. The position in question – chauffeur for my eldest son, Eric.

I can’t complain that my lay off came as a surprise, but I’m still feeling the pain associated with giving up a role that has been integral to my identity for over sixteen years. Eric, you see,... READ MORE 

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