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BEGINNINGS PENNY PATTER by: Bettie Witherspoon |
| March 9, 2007 | Wait Not Want Not |
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I was almost disappointed. I had not been to the DMV, excuse me, Motor Vehicle Commission, since the nineties. In my memory bank, filed under “Steer Clear of”, were a) long waiting lines to transact business, b) then being told to take a seat, and c) hanging around another long time to have one’s number called to make the dreaded payment. Sometimes the ordeal was even worse, with over burdened clerks running a little short in the temper department.
Hence, upon learning that I could no longer avoid the trip and all its possible ramifications, I began to prepare myself. I put together a little bag, with a crocheting project, some required reading, some not-required reading of the escape variety, a little snack, a bottle of water. The night before I remembered something I had read, and I undertook an experiment. I began to envision a agreeable visit, with little or no wait, and pleasant clerks. |
It worked. Now there is someone who meets you at the door, asks the nature of your need, gives you a card. She very courteously told me to fill it out, then go to line 5, an express line. I quickly did this and went to the designated line. Only one person was in front of me, and that individual was handled with kindness and dispatch. My turn, already! My mission was handled politely and quickly. I was then asked for a certain amount of money. “What,” I said, “I can pay you now! I don’t have to go sit and wait to be called so I can pay?” “That’s right!”, she replied, then zipped through the process and away I went.
I still haven’t done the reading nor have I taken hook to yarn. I thought about writing a commending letter to the Governor, but decided I would relate my experience to my dear readers instead. Maybe someone will send this to him.
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Since envisioning worked so well for me, I decided to help others try this technique. I asked some dear ones, on the subject of Road Rage, “If caught in traffic, particularly if you are running late for work or an appointment, and you get stuck in a long line of traffic, what can you do to keep yourself calm?”
The Super Dooper Team responded, “Take it easy , listen to jazz music go with the flow."
Mrs. Brenda Werner, Supervisor of School Age Programs, said, “I sing and recite scripture verses to keep me from being anxious."
Miss Janice (Smilies) suggested 1) Pray or talk to GOD to help you get through the waiting period patiently; 2) Take a deep breath; think about something that hap- |
pened to you that made you feel happy; 3) Sing songs or play music to take your mind off the situation, and to calm yourself.
Miss Olga (Smilies) 1) Try to be polite and talk with the person in the passenger seat if you are driving with someone; I personally have Christian music that I can turn on; 3) If there are two lines, I open my window and smile to the other drivers.
Miss Deysi (Smilies) 1) Be patient and listen to music while you are waiting; 2) Yield and do not hit the horn; 3) I am not impatient. I try to drive very calmly, and … I do not do to others what I do not like others to do to me.
What ideas do you have? I hope that these suggestions will be put to good use and could save harm /hurt. |
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Miss Lucy (Director) gives us a reality check, “While I would like to say that I would be calm, listen to music, I can understand that some might become upset as time went by and start to worry about:
The doctor's appointment one might miss because of getting to the office late; although the likelihood is that one would have to wait about an hour before being seen, or
running out of gas while waiting, possibly making the motorist behind one angry, or
running out of gas and not being able to afford to fill the tank until the next paycheck, or
my boss not believing one was late be- |
cause of traffic, firing one, causing one to lose house, spouse, and children, or
worrying that the traffic backup is because there is a police check point up ahead, and one’s vehicle hasn't been inspected for over two-years, and the inspection sticker one has managed to color code to match the year will be discovered.
Of course, there are always bodily functions that demand attention. It all 'Depends.'
These real possibilities expel all hope I have of eradicating road rage forever through pre-visioning. (sigh) Obviously, our Miss Lucy finds humor the best stress releaser of all. |
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Better Beginnings is conducting an alumni search with a $500 reward. To be eligible for a drawing, alumni must be 18 years of age or more, and submit registration form by March 10. The drawing will be at the Mayors’ Shining Star Charity Ball on March 24. Alumni need not be present to |
win. See more at www.princetonol.com/groups/bbcdc. Forms are at Slow Down Café, Johnnie’s Deli, Mannino's and other sites around the towns. Postal or email date no later than March 10. |
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Congratulations to this year’s Shining Stars!
The Shining Star Award is given to distinguished individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a high degree of commitment to the welfare of others, have had an impact on the community and lives of others, and otherwise demonstrated that service to the community can make a difference. The Mayors of East Windsor and Hightstown will be presenting these much-deserved awards on Saturday, March 24th at the |
East Windsor Holiday Inn.
The reception begins at 5:30 PM followed by the awards’ dinner.
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Some wonderful auction items are available including Waterford Crystal, Panasonic CD Stereo System, TiVo, Coach Bag, Professionally Framed Lithograph by Debra Tivens, Broadway Tickets (Jersey Boys), Fronza Cuff Bracelet w/black Stingray Leather, Autographed 8 X 10 Picture of |
American Journalist, Charles Gibson from ABC World News, Signed Nets Pennant by Mikki Moore, Cuisinart, Wedding Dresses by Mon Cheri Bridals, Florida Summer Home vacation (1 week).
Envision that! |
Comments, Ideas, Suggestions?
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Bettie Witherspoon is a former executive director of Better Beginnings, which has provided affordable child care to the East Windsor/Hightstown area since 1967. |
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