All the corners were cut to make a quick morning departure – showered the night before, clothes laid out and all travel necessities, including electronic power cords for computer, cell phone, Blackberry and global positioning system, were packed. I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going, but I had the address. MapQuest identified a 11?2 hour drive. To arrive at my destination by 7 a.m., I’d have to leave by 5:30. In my quest to enter the electronic age, I left the MapQuest directions on the kitchen table.

I hopped in the cold car (with gas prices as they are, the days of warming up the car are gone) and settled in for my trip. Reaching into my bag of tricks, I pulled my GPS power cord and windshield suction cup from the tangled mess. But the windshield was too cold for the suction to get a grip. I cranked the defroster on high. I didn’t have time to wait. First things first: coffee. I decided to tackle the suction-cup challenge when I arrived at Tim Hortons.

Exiting the drive-through window, I pulled over and succeeded mouting the suction cup on the windshield. Starting out, I knew where I was going – the GPS was just an assurance that we’re in agreement. And I needed that assurance as I warmed up to this new navigational method.

Entering the Haigis Parkway toward the Maine Turnpike, the battle of conflict began. A work colleague swears by these navigational devises, but also warned that they talk constantly when you don’t go the way they want. It is for this reason that he has named his device “Bitching Betty.” The name has stuck with me, too.

As I set out for New Hampshire, Betty wasn’t happy with the road I was on. “Too bad, Betty. We’re going this way,” I said. Through the toll booth, Betty demanded that I “recalculate route.” “What on earth is your problem?” I asked. “It’s the highway. Everyone knows that this highway leads to New Hampshire. Besides, the MapQuest directions identified this as being the fastest route. At 5:45 a.m., I have no time to waste, doing battle with you.”

Betty conceded as I merged onto the highway at exit 42. She instructed me to drive 5.2 miles. And sure enough, as I approached the next exit, she wanted off, and I didn’t obey. The battle continued. I was swearing at one of these devices that everyone swears by. Exit after exit, Betty spoke: “Recalculate route.”

I finally exited at Wells. On the back roads, Betty was happy. Traveling south through the Berwicks, I was encouraged by the sign for Somersworth, N.H. We were on the right track. I came upon a big intersection, and all felt right. My instinct told me I was close, and should turn onto this main road. But Betty had other plans. I obeyed. A rural country road led me to a housing development. This can’t be right, I thought. And I was correct. Rounding the cul-de-sac of Adam’s Circle, Betty said I’d arrived at my destination. It was 6:55 a.m. – and if this were so, I’d be thrilled. But this large colonial was a far cry from the Demoulas Market Basket supermarket that I was supposed to be at.

By now, I had already noticed that Betty had some problems. I observed them close to my home, on very familiar territory. Living down at Higgins Beach, I learned that Betty always wanted me to come home via Piper Road, rather than Ocean Avenue (since that is the street I live on, this doesn’t make sense). Though Piper Road may well be the fastest way home, the road is blocked by a gate, which Betty can’t see. So, knowing Betty’s hangups, I backtracked and went with my instincts – the main drag. Chances seemed good that Adam’s Circle backed up to the grocery store on the main drag.

No chance. No sign of a grocery store. So, I embraced the old, familiar way. I stopped at the gas station for directions and discovered that I’m way off. I finally arrived at the grocery store, frustrated and annoyed that Betty led me wrong. As I tapped through the GPS menu, I tried to figure out why. I concluded that a plaza address rather than a street address may have been the problem. From now on, I’ll call ahead and get the actual street address. Arriving home, annoyed, I told my husband Betty’ was fired.

My husband knows how to push Betty’s buttons. Betty was programmed to avoid the highways – opting for the longest way possible. So, until I learn Betty’s magic touch, I’m done battling Betty. MapQuest works for me.