Hobbying safely - not the thread you think

This morning I had an unexpected window of time open up. A quick text to Relax, and I was off to an hour of fun and frolic.

That is, until the distracted other driver T-boned me shortly after I got on my way. I'm fine (although I'll likely be sore tomorrow). My truck is not as happy, and will require considerable work. I texted Relax and let 'em know not to expect me and got a sympathetic reply.

Why's this worth mentioning? Well, if it had happened across town from me and my SO saw an insurance report, then I'd really need a rationale for being over there, wouldn't I? And I realize I have become complacent about thinking through having an explanation for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't cook up good stories on the spot, so having one at the ready will be a good insurance policies.

To fail to plan is to plan to fail, right?

Carry on hobbying. I just have learned so much from this board that I thought this would be worth reminding eccie you good people about.

so what did you tell SO being wrong side of the tracks ?

I wasn't on the wrong side of the track when it happened - thank goodness. Not sure what story I'd have told, but better have one ready at all times in the future!

Excuse depends on your situation. My job can take me anywhere at almost anytime, so I was pretty much covered. But here are some standbys, one very seasonal:

Xmas shopping.
Out of office appointment.
Investment meeting
Meeting with consultant or expert witness.
Signing up new client.
Getting paperwork signed in a new case, deal, settlement, or O&G lease.
Going to check out a new place for lunch.
Going to have lunch with a colleague.

Just a world of excuses.

I am in Ft. Worth area and was seeing somebody in Garland on a Sunday morning. While driving thru the apartment complex, a careless driver came within inches of backing right into me. No idea how I possibly could explain being where I was.

Of those things, in today's world, toll roads track you and explaining why you got a toll on a road that was way off the beaten path could be not fun. Heading to parts of Dallas county requires planning to avoid toll roads for just that reason for me. If I cannot avoid them and have no plausible reason to be there I have to consider other options...not to mention it is so far from where I live/work. I end up having to take a half day off from work to keep things appearing normal just to have an hour of fun...plus the extra hours of driving, etc.

I have the same thought, that is why I only hobby within my area.

TushHog's list is quite valid, but my suggestion is to take it a step further and implement the list ahead of time so it is there "just in case."

Do some cross town expeditions from time to time and leave the evidence where s.o. can see it, like a shopping bag or receipt or even an actual gift?

Also, develop a new friend or two or who lives cross town. Could be a previous work friend or school mate or military bud.

Always best to have an established foundation handy to offset potential suspicions.

...always a good call to coordinate you rendezvous location with a pre-determined alibi. Ya' never know

Jeez. Glad I don't have to deal with any of that shit. Nice being single!

This time of year? Your excuse should be either Christmas shopping or getting a special item off a Facebook group/craigslist. That or tickets to an event.