Monday, June 08, 2015

Drive Time

So, I drove a car a few weeks ago. I know for most this feat is no big whoop. But I haven't owned a car in many years and haven't been behind the wheel in at least three.

My daughter considered taking a Saturday shift at a location with sketchy public transportation. She asked if I would pick her up if she reserved a Zip.

The idea made me nervous. But I said, "sure" with much more confidence than I felt. She booked the gig and reserved the car. I had a week to think about it, tried not to dwell, tried not to be filled with dread.

The day, the hour arrived. I accessed the vehicle, churned the engine, and navigated by way to the venue.

All-in-all, not a horrible experience but I'm good letting others do the driving, for the most part.

#MicroblogMondays

21 comments:

  1. I find it hard to drive if it's just been a week or two without getting behind the wheel, so I would find 3 years really nerve-wracking. Good for you for doing it!

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    1. I have to admit, when it started raining I tensed up some.

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  2. It's good to get back up on the horse once in awhile, if only to get over the fear before it becomes solidly entrenched. Personally I don't mind driving but prefer to walk or bike wherever I can. People are in too much of a hurry out there.

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    1. Not owning a car was a conscious choice. The idea had been to use traditional rental or share service like Zip from time to time. But, daughter had a car and she loved driving. One year bled into two and . . then, well . . here we are. Like you, I prefer to walk or ride my bike. Unfortunately work is too far for either or I'd do one or the other even more.

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  3. I am not sure why my posts do not post.... they seem to drift off into the ether...

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  4. I ride the bus or my bike more often than I drive and moving between the three modes of transport sometimes leaves me double and triple checking all sorts of things. Like seat belts, hand brakes, mirrors, books to read...

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    1. My bike gear is nothing like my bus gear. But, I imagine were I to drive more frequently my driving gear would resemble the bus gear. ;-)

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  5. Oh, my. That would fill me with anxiety. I went for a year without driving (living in Japan) and reentry was smooth -- after I got over being anxious.

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    1. Oh believe you me, I was filled.

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  6. Like Lori, I went for a year without driving after living in Asia, but after a few bunny-hops for the first few metres or so, I was fine. I think a three year break would be scary - especially if you're not driving in the first place. So well done!

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    1. Thank you. I did get nervious when it started raining and going over the bridges.

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  7. I live in a city with poor public transportation. My drive to work alone every day is over a half hour. But, I listen to my music or a book on tape. You must save a fortune on gas!

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    1. Well, the gas was actually the least of it when I owned a car. But yes, I'm pleased to free up the budget space for the essentials.

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  8. My mantra when I'm driving on some of NYC's extensively sketchy roads, with potholes and lane reducing concrete barriers is, "Ain't no thing. " it works even at night in the rain ... so far. Use it in good health!

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    1. hehehe.. I will take that under advisement.

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  11. Well done you! I've actually gone without driving several times in my life, mostly because big city = public transport = life slightly less stressful and much less expensive and it is brave getting back behind the wheel.

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  12. Cheryl6:51 AM

    I wish I could go without driving! My commute is about an hour and 15 minutes on a good day! So jealous!

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  13. :) Glad you got over the hump.

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