It was likely around 1965 when I witnessed my first Demolition Derby. I say that because so many things in my childhood I remember happened that year. I was in Tampa at the Florida State Fair with my family, and I also remember my grandparents were there.
I was captivated and entertained. I completely enjoyed watching the race... Excuse me, I really mean, all the car crashes. Old junker cars going in one direction on a track in the shape of a figure eight, is a recipe for lots of wrecks. The demolition derby winner is the last car running that makes it to the end.
Today, I make it a point to travel in a figure eight. For most business and travel around town, I stick to a nearby area that includes all the things I need. This keeps meetings and errands close to home, and reduces my travel time to and fro. Smart huh?!
Working around our home and my office everyday, I pass dozens of times through a narrow alley kitchen. Our kitchen it turns out, is the center of another figure eight. During the day the coast is clear, but on evenings and during the weekends, the congestion in the kitchen gets out of hand. The unwritten family rule is, "two ways at your own risk."
And so it is with figure eights the way I use them, even when they can also resemble a demolition derby. I'm still there, I'm still running. I'm in the race. It makes me the winner no matter how fast or slow my pace.
Remember that while the figure eight is great, a demolition derby is also good fun.
I love the way you tied this post from a childhood memory to something that still works for you today.
ReplyDeleteHave a great evening. Monna