Directions... Do YOU Listen?

I was at Parkwood Hospital's Information desk on the phone to the Parking office. I wanted to buy a month's parking pass and the lady on the other end was giving me directions to their office. It wasn't in the same building. I noticed, and this isn't the first time nor do I think I am alone, that I tuned out after the 3rd "turn here, go there". Couple that with her seeming annoyance with me perhaps because she's had to describe their location one time too many.

Is it that our brain can only handle so much? Why do we tune out? I know when I'm with someone else and we both are listening to the directions being given, we leave, and discover neither of us heard the same thing or anything passed the third "turn here, go there".

So just for today let's tune up our listening skills. Face the person who is speaking and focus on their words. Do you think that would make the difference? I sure hope so.
Pic.. An Italian scene.