- HOME
- This Just In
- Bonus
- sessions
- Blogs
- Events
- social
- Video
Nikki M. Mascali
One of the best things about my recent vacation wasn’t just a full week without work and responsibility. While that was lovely, as was the copious amounts of food and beverage I consumed, one thing I was most appreciative of was the fact that I did not have to drive.
For seven days, my brother drove me around like I was Miss Daisy, and I reveled in it. I fully believe I belong with a chauffer.
It’s not that I’m not a good driver or that I’m afraid of driving. I adore driving around in the Bitch Pod (the nickname of my hatchback). I’m a very good driver, or rather, I’m a very good aggressive driver. I’m impatient behind the wheel. Is it so wrong that I just want to get from Point A to Point B in as timely a fashion as I can?
I absolutely loathe driving on Interstate 81, even before all the construction garbage began. I’ve driven quite a bit of it and think the stretch of the interstate from Hazleton to past Scranton is full of the most ridiculous, incompetent drivers in America.
Let me give you just one example of the thousands I have. Yesterday, I drove to Scranton to do a story, and as I made my way down the on-ramp, a slow-moving jalopy was in front of me. Before I could slide over into the passing lane, said jalopy got into the lane and stayed in front of me all the way to the Moosic exit.
Going about 45 mph.
In the passing lane.
On Interstate 81.
Unacceptable.
What is wrong with people? The passing lane is for just that: Passing. Meaning, you get in the lane to pass slow-moving vehicles and then get back over into the right lane. It’s not there for you to do 45 mph and piss off everyone behind you.
Even if I stay in the passing lane for most of my journey, I’m always aware of people behind me. If they are coming up on me super fast, I am getting out of their way. Just be a courteous driver, friends.
And kindly get the hell out of the way.
P.S. I am accepting applications for chauffer duties. It doesn’t pay, but I’m a very good backseat driver.
< previous | next >
About the Author
Nikki M. Mascali began her career at the Weekender as an intern in 2005 - and holds the honor of being the oldest intern the paper ever had. She received her degree in journalism from Luzerne County Community College in 2007 and joined the Weekender staff full-time in 2006 as staff writer/designer before becoming associate editor in 2010. In March 2011, she was named editor.
Nikki has interviewed everyone from Gene Simmons to Richard Simmons, and her articles have run the gamut from local and national theater to music and in-depth reports on the radio industry and negativity in NEPA.
Nikki enjoys writing, quoting movies, traveling and being a diehard foodie - which is why she pens our weekly food and drink column, "Dish."
Archives
|