For example, let's say you're driving up first avenue and you spot a car that you're playing tag with. You pass him, he passes you. He's doing everything he can to get ahead: changing lanes, speeding, cutting people off. And yet you, by staying in the same lane, keep catching up and even passing him from time to time. But then he gets out of your sight, because he got a big opportunity to make some traction in the right lane. So you follow him, but you cut back over just in time not to have to stop for the dump truck up ahead. You feel good, you feel smart, but then he's outpaced you once again. Eventually he pulls off to the side of the road. His journey has ended. You feel a bit stupid for trying to chase someone who was only going a few blocks, but at the same time you're relishing in your accomplishment as you sail past him, thinking to yourself, "Ha, sucker," only to be forced to slam on your breaks as you almost rear-end the car in front of you.
This may sound like a metaphor, and it is. But it also really happened. So what did I learn? Sure, you have to pay attention to everyone else while you're driving, but if you focus too much on what the other drivers are doing, you'll get in an accident. And you can't do anything if your head is shoved up somebody else's tailpipe.
I also learned that you get better stories when you take the subway. And better candy, too.
This may sound like a metaphor, and it is. But it also really happened. So what did I learn? Sure, you have to pay attention to everyone else while you're driving, but if you focus too much on what the other drivers are doing, you'll get in an accident. And you can't do anything if your head is shoved up somebody else's tailpipe.
I also learned that you get better stories when you take the subway. And better candy, too.
