Ever had one of those days where you just can’t seem to cope in public?

I’m not talking about agoraphobia or anxiety disorder, just those days when you can’t seem to do anything right in the public realm.

The day didn’t start abnormal, in fact it started just peachy. I rented a car today because I had to drive to Galloway for an interview, and I handled myself quite well at the Enterprise office, despite the time of 7:30 a.m.

Things started falling apart during a 10:30 meeting. This is where my chi was unbalanced, and I will leave it at that.

I took my rental car out to lunch to a local Mexican joint called Chido Burrito. I am still not familiar with the roads here (in fact, I’m still not familiar with the roads in Cedar Falls, Iowa), so when I came up to my turn, instead of pulling directly into the turning lane, I slowed the car down, peering for a street sign.

Meanwhile, the car behind veered into the turning lane at a high speed (dangerous speed?). The vehicle was still well behind me, and I clearly had the right of way to the turning lane. Seeing that this was indeed my street I turned on the blinker and drifted into the turning lane (which had yet to become an actual lane, but was a wedge of pavement).

Anyway, the car behind me careened into the lane, honking at me to get out of the way. I pulled back into my original lane, missing my turn.

Now, granted, this is a fairly uncharted area in driver’s education on right of way. It could be argued that we both had the right of way, though it is my belief I would win in a court of law.

However, if I wasn’t driving like such a wussie this never would have been an issue in the first place.

Needless to say, I was embarrassed.

It wouldn’t be long before I was again a red-faced ninny. At Chido Burrito I reached the entrance at the same time as another man. Being an Iowan, I held the door open for him. He was with another guy, and didn’t notice me holding the door.

Then he saw me, was surprised, and said, “Thank you.” It was at this point I realized that I was holding the door for two guys, who would in turn be ahead of me in line. So instead of letting them in, I walked in front of them, negating the initial act of chivalry.

It was clearly a dick move on my part.

In hindsight, these are two pretty miniscule incidents, and not worth getting bent out of shape. I’m just not used to feeling uncool or awkward.

I did my interview later in the day. The ARC of Atlantic County, which serves the mentally disabled, built a new house and four ladies with special needs moved in. This were grown ladies, 3 of the 4 were well in their 30s, who had never lived on their own. They were being taught to buy groceries, cook simple meals and wash dishes, among other tasks we consider menial.

They never had to be concerned with being cool in their whole lives. One of the lady’s personal goals was to be able to write a letter.

I was able to drive home without having to invoke the insurance agreement on the rental car, and I was able to write this blog.

One rough day, that can quickly turn for the better.

P.S. I cleaned up the Motorhead blog, cutting out most of the rambling, inconsequential sentences, and turned it in for the Press’ consideration. They didn’t print it, but they are going to let me write concert reviews from now on. I will get free tickets to the concert of my choice, plus paid $50. Hard work, persistence, and knowing to strike when the iron is hot. Making it look easy.