Well this was a few months ago, it's a anecdote about GPS devices and maybe social anxiety.
I was in the east bay which is part of the bay area, including San Francisco etc. I was out on the east bay picking up a car fender. I'm in a suburban neighborhood looking for the street to turn off and I think I've missed it. I saw the block before and after it on my mapquest printed page. I drive to a guy parked in his garage loading up his SUV. I ask him for directions to the street. "Do you know where said street is?" "I think it's pretty close" He has no clue, he gestures "I know" "I'll get my GPS device" Guy brings it out and starts futzing with it, types in adress and is waiitng for the GPS to find said street. Nothing, after a few more failed attempts , I motion I'm going. "I'll find it" I say as I pull out of his garage way. Half a block from his house I find the street. There arent any other streets between him and the next street. I could not believe it.Now it just occured to me while writing this that maybe he wasnt from around there. But since then I've about about our relationship with technology. I tell this story about GPS devices anytime anyone brings them up.
I now think that a test should be given to those that want a GPS device. They must know the 4 blocks that surround them. Maybe double that. This would help people looking for directions in the neighborhood and might encourage people to explore their neighborhood.
The pessimistic reality though they would just check their other GPS device or google maps for the street names. Now I'm not damning these devices, if you get lost often, they are a beneficial tool. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the neighbor, just a little bit. I know us SA types it always isnt possible.
Now for the Martha Stewart tip of the day. I've realized the huge benefits of a relatively simple task. Dog walking. I only do it once or twice a week at most. And it's only been within a recent 2 years or so that I've done it with any regularity. I've realized its not only a good way to learn your neighborhood but see the faces of your neighborhood. Walking your dog provides a reason for you standing in front of your neighbors garage while your dog does their duty. Just be sure to clean up.
Conversations will eventually be initiated. Embrace it. The conversation will revolve around your dog! Its a easy conversations starter. No dog? Walk the kids! Walk with you friends!
The 10 commandments included the commandment "Love Thy Neighbor" well I'm no where near that level yet but something that could work just as well would be "Walk thy neighborhood"
Do thy walk tomorrow. Thy will be tid bit more happy than before thy walk.
Thy FreakCitySF
