March 16th 2011 - I drove on my own to work for the very first time. I was nauseatingly scared that I almost peed in my pants.
I'm born and raised in the Philippines and driving is not really a requirement 'coz we have our jeepneys, buses, cabs, tricycles, etc. Public transportation is convenient and very affordable. So when I moved to the US, I have zero experience when it comes to driving. Believe me, the employees at the DMV gave me this "you're 20 something and you SERIOUSLY don't have a driver's license??" Even my current job assumed that I already have a license - 'coz it's a necessity to have a car here to get to places without waiting for the bus for hours and crossing scary and deadly streets. So my husband got me a car on the 11th of March. It's blue with the Jesus fish at the back. We had a very good deal on the car 'coz my driving instructor is friends with the family that sells the car. I never drove it from the dealership to our house on the first day 'coz I was too scared. I haven't driven nor touched a wheel of a car the time I got my license. I was just taking the bus even with a driver's license. But the Lord has been very good to me and my husband that He gave us a way to get a car. It will also allow me to pick up shifts at my job 'coz most of the work hours start on a very early shift where no buses would run. So this car is indeed a blessing. Now, only if I can only drive it.
So 2 days after we got the car, I drove it with my husband as my passenger. I was so nervous 'coz I'm going to drive on a state road. My car had its first wash (and my first time to experience an automatic wash), had its first gas filling (my first time to pump gas too), and first time to be driven by me. I hit the curb twice with my right back tires 'coz I was still accelerating even if I'm going to park into a restaurant or our complex. Then I also swerved and almost hit another car 'coz I wasn't so comfortable holding the wheel yet. So that's my first day. My second day was driving from the aiport to our house. That experience almost made me throw up in my car. I hate hate hate switching lanes especially at night. My husband works 6 days a week and usually the 9 hour shift, that's why I never really had the chance to drive with him in broad daylight. So I was able to learn how to drive at night and it was really hard 'coz I can hardly see the lines on the road even if I have a 20/20 vision. The lights of the other cars are blinding me all the time - thanks to the fact that I'm a midget.
I just practiced driving with Tim sitting on the passenger seat 'coz I was not yet confident to drive on my own. But today was different. My husband knew that if he didn't push me to do something, I will just wimp out and do nothing. So he told me not to take the bus and drive to my other job. I had to figure the route out the night before so I can take the easiest road without switching lanes. The next morning, I wasn't really feeling well and I really wanted to throw up 'coz I was too nervous! But I had to overcome my fear and learn how to drive. So I drove to work, took it easy and prayed that there are open parking spaces when I get there. I'm thankful that my work schedule wasn't as busy as the rush hour so I didn't really have to fight traffic. What helped a lot is the couch pillow I have on my seat so I can see the road. That made a really big difference! I got to work, parked and went back home in one piece. I just hope that every single day will be as easy breezy as today. I know I certainly need to practice some more so I won't be scared to switch lanes, make turns, and park.
Driving is exciting, but it's totally stressful when you're still new to it. I hope my car will serve its purpose and still run fine 3 years from now.
I'm so thankful for the blessings that I have received and I do hope that I will be a very good driver soon. :)
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