I just get an email from someone who mentioned being picky. Why is it that it is always a wrong or bad thing to be picky? Why is there always such guilt attached to it? 

Dictionary says:

Picky; Fastidious.

Fastidious; Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

I was shopping at my favorite little jewelry store in my hometown a bunch of years ago. A sales lady open the glass case at my request and got a bracelet out for me. I tried it on, pointed to another saying, “Nope, can I please see that one instead?” Oh wait, how about that one?” Ooh, I like that one too!” She gladly showed me several until I said apologetically; “Oh my god, I am so sorry! I am being so picky!” 

She then looked at me very seriously, abruptly shut the case, leaned into me and said something I have never forgotten; “Honey, listen to me and listen to me clearly. You are not picky, you just know what you want.”

That sales lady with the dark hair and glasses has no idea how much I have thought about that encounter over the years and how many times I have passed that story on. What she said was so true. Next time you catch yourself apologizing or feeling guilty that you are “too picky”- just stop yourself. You’re not picky- you just know what you want. That’s something  you should never apologize for.

If being picky means you’re a pain in the ass, I’m proud to be a huge one. 

God I love summertime.

I’m sure they can be helpful if you get that stressed about the possibility of not finding an exit for your Taco Bell 4th meal, Dairy Queen Blizzard or Waffle House covered, smothered, diced-whatever craving. Really though? Come on. Isn’t it so much better to just roll with the road? Forget a computer telling you where to go. Besides, tell me you don’t find a little thrill in those slightly sketchy truck stops we all end up stopping at. The ones that have signs that are 7,452 feet tall that you can get gas, buy corona towels, wind chimes and a Snickers or even nosh away on a huge meal of “home cookin” all under one enormous roof.

You know you love that stuff.

Next time you hit the road, unplug your system and reach for a map. A real paper one that folds into the accordion thing. Not your Google Maps print out. A real map. 

If you are driving somewhere “just to get there”, fine. That’s Ok. But without your GPS you might actually be so in tune paying attention to your surroundings you’ll see something you’ve never noticed before. That’s the reward of the road and where so many good stories come from. Try it. I promise you’ll like it.

On second thought…

Dear Garmin and whatever other GPS brands are out there,

I know I just totally bagged on you, but if you’d like me to be your representative and sponsor me for a Blue Lollipop Road trip at any point- call me. I suppose I could shelf my opinions for a month or two for the sake of creating some quality entertainment and big time exposure for you. Someone just has to follow me with a video camera. Talk about some good advertising! Let me know when you’re ready to go.  I’ve got the snacks ready and my bags were packed yesterday.

You think I am kidding?