Welcome to the Jungle

"One Rainy Wish"

Make no mistake, I absolutely adore the rain! It's so soothing and refreshing. On a rainy day, I could cozy up on my couch with a book or a DVD, or just simply kick back and close my eyes, listen to the crescendo, as the raindrops sing on the roof!! However, today is not one of those days.

Started out o.k., but as usual, bad weather turns Memphis roadways into a big Demolition Derby. I saw one really ugly-looking wreck on Third St. on the way up, the car's 'nose' was nearly all gone, police, wreckers'n all on the scene. It appeared that they had been cleaning up for a good while. I mosy on up the road a bit, traffic about average for a rainy Monday. The other drivers either going so slow that they were going to cause a wreck, or driving like they had a deathwish. Redlights, especially irritate me as everyone watches the side of the traffic signal for that hint of 'orange' to let you know that it is about to change, everyone revving their engine and waiting for the green 'as if their entire life depended on this one NASCAR race'. I just wish people would take their phones out of their ear, stop rubbernecking and putting on make-up as they break the speed of light towards their destinations, and just chill...

"Lady please! Hands on the wheel and phone out of the ear!!"

So I get to work, settle in at my desk and then my phone rings about 5 minutes after my arrival. I hesitate nervously, as I always do when the phone rings, hoping it isn't a big problem. "...hhello??" I question. The voice on the other end of the line is Mr. J. "Hey. Can you come let me in the house? I took the dog out and I had everything except for my keys, and locked myself out. I almost started to kick the door in. I tried you on your cell phone a couple of times." he bellows, sounding frustrated. I reply "Oh no!! I'm sorry, cell phone was in my purse and I didn't hear it. Of course i'll be there just as soon as humanly possible!! Don't kick the door in, hang tight i'm on my way!" I plead. "Ok" he says. So I hang up the phone, quickly tell my team lead that I have to rush right back to the house (approximately a 30 minute drive, i'm sure there's worse) to let in Mr. J... "Ok" he says giggling "Be careful!". So I run into the telephone booth and magically flip on my Wonder Woman suit, and go flying home in the rain to rescue him. When I get there he is standing in the carport looking glad that I made it in such a timely manner. Oddly enough, the traffic was quite clear and I didn't get behind not 1 tractor or 'wide load'. I just kept telling God 'Please, no red lights, remember this is for Mr. J not me!' :) hehe how I have to bargain. Help him get into the house, he retrieves his keys, exchange a quick hug and kiss and we're off again to our opposite destinations.

This time, as I navigate back up Third St., the wreckage is still being cleaned up but they're nearly finished as even I rubberneck briefly myself, examining once again the hideous damage done to the nose of that car ('Glad it isn't me' I think). Don't feel as frantic on the way back, but the rain is still going strong... I turn up the radio and make my way back into the labrynth of a garage that I park in, and then settle back into my little nest, preparing to make my dent in the week. Ahhh I love rainy days, and Memphis makes them so entertaining... our lovely visitors, C.O.G.I.C. are here as well, which always doubles up the traffic and the fun! It's destined to be a notable week. Pardon me while I go for that 'hair of the dog' I was talking about earlier... maybe you should do the same! Happy Monday Y'all!!! -Aunt Jackie

[And Memphis Drivers, I beg you... please keep your eyes on the road give the fellow driver a "little respect", and... well just TRY, that's all i'm asking!!!]