Living Outside The Lines: “Go & Hide Your Crazy”

Waiting is not an activity I do well, ever. I am constantly going and doing, a habit my husband lovingly refers to as “piddling”.

by, Becky J Miller

Sometimes life and art collide, and when they do, at least in Miller World, it is nothing short of hilarious. Miranda Lambert’s, “Mama’s Broken Heart” is a curious tale of how one Southern woman’s response to heartbreak differs from what her mama’s more gentile up bringing dictates it should. The song’s verse, “run and hide your crazy” has become my husband’s way of subtly communicating his desire that I “chill.”

The first time it happened we were in Africa. Anyone traveling abroad, particularly to third world countries, learns quickly that while Americans pay close attention to the clock, other cultures, not so much. In the United States time dictates our every moment; when to rise, when to eat, when to exercise, when to watch television, you get the idea. In many other countries, time is more of a loose guideline. This disparity can be a great source of frustration, and producer of much idle time.

Waiting is not an activity I do well, ever. I am constantly going and doing, a habit my husband lovingly refers to as “piddling”. I prefer to think of my constant flitting as, “being productive” and getting the most out of every second. If I’m ready to walk out the door and he’s not, I’ll busy myself putting away the dishes, opening the mail, or doing whatever other task I can.

Understanding the cultural differences in approaches to time, we know to plan for arrival and departure times 30 – 45 minutes later than directed by our in country host. Even taking this difference into consideration, we often find ourselves waiting somewhat impatiently. What’s a girl to do? Well, entertain herself; of course. And here’s where life with Becky results in a “go hide your crazy” comment.

A former gymnast, any curb can quickly become a balance beam in which to practice my mad skills. Never mind that the entire hotel staff is watching the crazy white woman walking round and round the hotel driveway, balancing on the curb. I manage to escape into my own world, contently playing a make believe gymnastics game.

Growing weary of the show my husband blurts out, “Go hide your crazy.” Translation, “everyone is watching you, Crazy Woman.” Undeterred, I erupt into a fit of giggles and continue on. What do I care? It’s unlikely I’ll ever see them again.

Sometimes my crazy isn’t a physical action, but some hair-brained scheme I am certain will produce good results. Much like Miranda, I was probably raised better, but ya know it ain’t my mama’s or anyone else’s life to live, it’s mine and I choose to put my crazy on public display. Fortunately, most of the time, that crazy is nothing short of entertaining.

So, tune in next time, you won’t want to miss the show!!!

Until Next Time,

Becky ~ “Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.