If I Understood Dark Energy, I Wouldn't Get Lost in Sarasota

I get lost all of the time. True, as a newcomer to Sarasota, it’s somewhat acceptable. But I’m talking about getting so lost that sometimes, when I’m just going around the corner to pick up some milk at the nearest Publix, I wind up on I-75 heading towards Tampa.

We’re all wired differently.  There are people who are scared of things like maps and programming their television routers.  And there are others who use the sun as a compass and understand exactly what it is that engineers do for a living.

I’d like to be part of this last group. They can easily grasp a subject like “dark energy”, which, according to Wikipedia, “ is a hypothetical form of energy that permeates all of space and tends to increase the rate of expansion of the universe”.

These admirable people actually find it easy to imagine the concept of a growing universe.  They know what to do with these theories and brilliantly interweave them into their understanding of life in the big picture.

Personally, I’m alternately stunned and tickled by the idea of abstract and mysterious forces at work; I just don’t seem able to appreciate them in a mature manner.

After the initial awed response that knowledge of such huge cosmic influences inspires in me, I must sheepishly admit that my first thoughts about these hidden powers that surround us, are entirely pedestrian and self serving: Dark Energy! Maybe there are secret magic forces in the world after all!  What I wouldn’t do for an invisibility cloak!

I also feel chagrined.  If there are people who can easily accommodate an intellectual map of an entire, expanding universe in their personal worldview, why am I incapable of finding Lakewood Ranch without having to befriend strangers at a gas station? 

In these moments, even GPS is not my friend. It lies and takes me to roads that no longer exist or never did.  A sense of deep panic rises within me when I am lost.  Circling around streets I should already know, I begin to accept that I will never reach my destination.

It’s not easy being directionally challenged. And forget about understanding dark energy or even basic electricity for that matter. Where was I during high school Science?  I have the poor grades to show that I actually took these classes, but can’t seem to remember anything from them except the fervent wish that the teacher never look in my direction.

Since maps are out, I’ve been rethinking the GPS approach. Recently I drove with a friend whose GPS speaks in Spanish. It seemed to give a lot more detail than mine and I like accented Sarasota destinations: San Ahrmond Searcle.  I think I’ll get one of those.  If nothing else, when I get lost next time, maybe I can alleviate the stress by brushing up on my Spanish skills.

Please read by other blog: http://whatdogsreallythink.blogspot.com/