Nothing like a little internal conflict to turn a smile down awhile (Yes, this was a pitiful attempt to flip the "turn a frown upside down" phrase).
You know that scene in the beginning of Office Space when the main character is stuck in traffic? He switches to the lane that is moving faster, only to have it slow to a near stop while the lane he just left begins to pick up the pace....I always think of that when I am in a traffic situation, because it seems to be such a truism. In some ways, it has encouraged me to just stick it out in the lane that is moving slowly, knowing that, ultimately, the speed of the lanes are about equal.
Sometimes, staying in the same lane proves to be advantageous. Other times, though, you get closer and find that yours was the lane with the accident in it, that was blocked, or where the spilled contents of some truck or car has fallen. In which case, you think to yourself, why didn't I just get over? The problem is, you rarely know if you are in an advantageous lane or the worst lane until you get right up on the problem. (Except, the occasional case when you see a sign that says "lane closed ahead')
Life works that way sometimes, too. Right now, I am in the thick of it. Only I can't quite make out the sign. Does it warn that the lane is closed or is it telling me that traffic is a little congested and when I can expect to reach my destination? I keep getting that itch to move over, but I am cautious of being caught in the aforementioned conundrum. However, with every passing moment my anxiety grows. What if I make the wrong choice and waste an irretrievable amount of precious time?
Where is that mellifluous voice of reason when I need it?
