I drove my mom and dad to Home Depot today to get this airconditioner seal. For somebody who's relatively new on the road, it is no easy feat. I've driven the Ford Focus and the Honda Element the past few times. This time, I had to drive my dad's Jeep. I'm SO petite (not a midget =) ) that I have a hard time reaching for the pedals even if the seat's been thrust forward all the way. I also need to have a cushion to sit on to see clearly. Do I smell a Mini soon??? The Jeep reacts waaay faster than the rest of the cars so I had to adjust to that too. It's quite nerve-wracking. The last thing I need is for somebody to lecture me on EVERY mistake I make. I understand that driving is no joke and those lectures are not only for my own safety but for mankind's also. But then, sometimes I end up making MORE mistakes because somebody's in my face. I did a pretty good job with my driving instructor if I may say so myself. I wonder why the hell am I on pins and needles now. Ha! Maybe because of that nifty brake pedal that my instructor had on the passenger's seat. In a way, you know that somebody would be in control in case you lose it. One more thing is he never once made me tense.
Speaking of my driving instructor, let me share that he's a retired police officer. Besides doing all his police business then, he also taught police officers how to drive and ride motorcycles the 'policeman way'. He's been retired for 10+ years and now just passes the time teaching others to drive. He would tell me about his good old days in the police force, his views on what constitutes a bad driver, his family (he just had a new grand daughter when I finished the course), the new baby carriage he had to order, his children, his wife, his favorite food, his love of cruising around on his motorcycle like a youngster (his words! hehe!) etc... etc.. and his previous problem with obesity. He told me that he had to resort to gastric bypass surgery. I read about it, see it on tv but never actually knew anybody who had it. He says that it saved his life. He even showed me his old picture and badge. Man, I didn't see him at all. It was like a different person. He says that it's funny how your life literally gets turned upside down when something this major happens. Kudos to him for turning his life around.
Now you see why I wasn't the least bit nervous with him? He'd tell me all these stories probably just to calm me down. Because he's a seasoned teacher, he's seen it all and knows that the best way to teach is not to preach. Here's another thought, maybe my dad's even more nervous than I am that's why he's so quick with the lectures. If only he had his own brake pedal. HAHA! =)
