>Wow…
How can I write this without feeling like the biggest loser that every existed!? Not that I am because I totally rock, but every now and then it is good to feel human >:)
Hmmm….
Well…
Here it goes:
My name is QueenFrigid and I am learning how to drive…
…at almost 3-1 years old…for the first time!
Okay, not for the first time. I took three classes about four years ago. I am sure I remember something. I don’t count my dad teaching me for five minutes because I almost got us into an accident. Everyone in the household likes to forget about that incident.
If my previous six hours of driving experience are not enough to ease your mind, please rest assured that I got my learner’s permit (after failing the test once!) so I sort of know the rules of the road.
For example, take a look at the picture to your left. I would never leave my door opened like this lady. NEVER! What was she thinking? See, you are safe with me on the road! Please do not get me started on her choice of shoes!
Perhaps I should have warned you to sit down before giving you these news. Then again, I am known for being very blunt at times.
In case you fainted, what you read is true!
How many people do you know that at my age don’t know how to drive? If you have met someone like me, send me their information because I would love to get together and swap stories.
I am sure you might be wondering why it took me so long to get behind the wheel.
I wish I had a great story to tell. You know, the kind of story that is full of the awesomeness that it is I. Sadly, no story exists.
To be quite honest, I never had the need to drive. I got driven to my high school. When I went to college (and failed for the first two years due to laziness), I took the bus or walked. The campus was so close to my home that I never thought about taking a car. See, even then I was thinking about going green and saving the planet.
A few years later, I got married and my husband drove me to work. We both worked (and still do) for my family business. There was no need to buy a second car. We spent all of our time together. Why bother with the expense.
After my divorce, my parents drove me to work and home. I still lived at home and worked for them, so there was no need for me to drive.
When I moved to Chicago, the public transportation system was so good and reliable (even in the suburbs) that driving was not necessary. I moved back to California only to find myself remarried, super happy, and pregnant. Because of my pregnancy, I couldn’t really learn how to drive. My priorities changed and I could not stay up past 6:00 p.m. How could I have penciled in time to drive with that crazy sleeping schedule?
Finally, when I really wanted to get behind the wheel, my panic attacks became a major issue. Driving was not at the top of the list of things I really wanted or could do. My anxiety is still here, but I have to learn to deal with my fears. I have to conquer them one by one.
You know what the sad thing about this story is? (Hey, what kind of writer would I be if I didn’t teach you guys lesson?), all this time, my parents had a car for me! It has been sitting in their driveway for years gathering dust. It is in great condition. I only need to pain it and install a new stereo and it is good to go. With only 45,000 miles, how could it be wrong? I am impressed that they haven’t sold the car. They have had so many offers on it too.
FullEclipse, finally had enough of my fears. He kind of forced me to take the first step.
I thank him for pushing me to drive though I will never admit it to him!
I have to tell you, not being able to drive at this age is more than crippling. I always depend upon my parents and other people to take me where I need to go. Thankfully, I am a bit of a recluse at times so it is not a big issue at times. But…it still gets to me. I try to pass it off as if it were nothing.
Well…my time is up. It is time for me to finally go through that right of passage.
Today was my first lesson and it all went well! No children were harmed. No dogs got ran over. No old ladies flipped me off for being too slow.
I think I will be fine. I don’t feel anxious at all!
Just be very careful tomorrow. You never know if I will be behind you!
