Dear R.V. Shrink:
My husband likes to be in charge of navigation. He controls the GPS, reads the maps, plots our course, and likes to drive the Blue Highways of North America. The problem I have is his disorganization. He never remembers to set everything up and have all his route information figured out before we shove off. We get a few miles up the road when he starts asking me for directions. He forgets to set up the GPS, loses his map and takes it all out on me. I know he is just frustrated so I tell him to find a wide spot, pull over and get his head straight. Do you have any suggestions for a disorganized husband and RV pilot?
--Lost in Lone Pine
Dear Lost:
I do not know your age, but in the sixties we were told not to trust anyone over thirty. There was a reason for that. Studies show that after 30 a neurological condition develops called CRS (Can't Remember Stuff). It's like a computer virus that starts erasing the memory in your hard drive. Your husband may have a problem keeping his hard drive straight.
Let him be the Captain and the Navigator if you have no desire to take either position. It sounds like his only problem is preparation.
Many people develop a checklist that includes important reminders like putting the antenna down, taking things off the counters, and making sure the jacks are up. You can add to this list things like setting up the GPS, placing maps strategically, studying the days route, and figuring fuel stops. It is easy to forget some of these things when you are busy making sure the hatches are all secure before take off. Even if you think you know where you're going, it is a good idea to double check before pulling out. With bigger rigs it is sometimes hard to find a place to turn around. A mistake can also cost you a few bucks if you have to go several miles out of your way because of bad planning, a confused GPS dialog, or maps you can’t put your hands on. Like the Boy Scouts always say, "Be Prepared.”
Keep Smilin’, R.V. Shrink
##RVT835;##RVT916
3 comments:
I am the co-pilot in charge of navigation. It definitely helps to get everything set up before the trip starts for the day. Where are we going, how are we getting there, and when do we stop for fuel, sight seeing, lunch and for the day have to be determined, especially if the pilot is a control freak. The worst problem we have is when I take over the wheel, the pilot takes a nap and I have no navigator, so I'd better be familiar with the route.
Either Pilot OR Navigator, NOT BOTH! The only time the Pilot & the Navigator is the same person should be if solo traveling. For us, one of the jobs of the navigator is to look farther down the road to see where we may need to pull off in case of an emergency or urgent stop. Also both should have looked over the route and be familiar enough to know when a tricky part or when an overnight stop is coming up.
I agree, there was a typo....DH should be the Pilot OR the Navigator, but not both, if he's having problems with one.
It also make sense from a SAFETY stand point, as he won't be trying to read a map, or fiddle with a GPS when his attention should be on the road.
Make the suggestion that it's a safety issue, so as not to belittle him. Also, if you, as the wife, tell him that it will give YOU something to do, he may feel better about it.
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