GPS-challenged

I got a GPS for Christmas! Surely I will never get lost again? But, wait! You are talking to a pro.

No, seriously, I love my GPS. We had to make a few adjustments though: why is it annoyed that I am on the Queensway? Why is it urging me to take the off-ramp again and again while running a parallel route? Why does it never ever suggest I use the highway though it is clearly the quickest way home? Why does it tell me I will be there in 6 hours instead of 45 minutes? I checked the clock ad I have the right time. What is it I forgot?? (obviously, to read the User's manual)

You can actually use the GPS to get around on foot and I seemed to have accidentally changed the parameter from driving to walking.... So - no highway for me - ever, ever, ever - and well, I walk very quickly (never a word of praise though).

We used it while going to a friend's place (with the walking setting) and it kept telling us to get off the Queensway. After a while, it started sulking (I called it "my GPS with an attitude") and basically ignored us. We thought it was hilarious and I started making up conversation with it. I am sure it could be a hit at parties.

Another thing is it can't find our address so we can't tell it to "Go Home" (well, we tricked it and we can now but I am talking early days). On an overcast day, it took so long to give me directions that I called home to get directions (no I didn't have a map in the car - I NEED a GPS, ok?).

Another time, I followed a circuitous road home (I was on the walking setting so no highway for me). You don't have to plug it in when it is charged so I didn't. It was a dark night, I was in a place I didn't know) when... the battery stopped dead. I was clearly impressed. I actually, I started laughing and fumbled a bit before plugging it back in (no there was no irate driver behind me. You have to be thankful for lonely deserted roads). I disregarded its instructions and headed for the highway... It kept recalculating and frantically trying to lure me away. I thought I had received a neurotic GPS. Turns out it's only as smart as you are and... it turns out I could be smarter.

What I found interesting was that I discovered I had habits I did not know I had, shortcuts I enjoy, places I avoid. It made me more aware of my likes and dislikes and so I can use it as a tool of self-discovery. I think it is a hidden benefit.