After a delayed flight during a recent business trip, I was not sure I would make a critical meeting on time. I frantically rushed to the shuttle which seemed to leisurely make its way to the rental car lot. Based on the time, it was going to be close at best that I would be punctual to this crucial meeting. The stress level was only amplified by the fact that I had never been to this particular office before, but thank goodness for smartphones with navigation systems.
As I exited the rental car lot, I held the button on the phone triggering the voice activation. I didn’t waste any time listening to her pleasantries and immediately asked for driving directions to the specific address. As I was about to exit the airport, I still needed to be directed as to which way to turn. It was at this moment that directions began verbally coming from the phone along with the visual map. Unfortunately, I was perplexed as to which direction to turn and ultimately turned the wrong way. My sudden confusion was the result of my verbal driving directions being spoken in a completely foreign language.
When I returned home, I asked Jackson if he had changed the settings on my phone. It took about 10 minutes for him to calm himself down from the excitement of daddy being back home before he could actually acknowledge my question. But, even his acknowledgment was subtle. I said; Jackson the lady talking on my phone seems to be speaking a different language when giving me driving directions. He never made direct eye contact, but he smirked then smiled and ran away. My wife and I looked at each other in disbelief. Jackson played a practical joke. What at the moment was a bit frustrating, in actuality was extremely exciting. Jackson formulated and executed a practical joke. Who knew….my boy is a comedian.
Husband, father, coffee connoisseur and lover of all things hockey. At 51 I sometimes wonder have I done enough. I have been married to my best friend for 30 years. She knows all my faults and loves me anyway, As a father of “almost always” perfect boys, I am always surprised at what life has to offer. It is messy, scary, thrilling, and always fun.
Leave a Reply