Driving

Anyone who knows me, knows that I get road rage.  It’s not pretty.  I really try to control it, but when I get behind the wheel, I seem to turn into a different person. 

Goofy Motor Mania

But after The Teenager got 2 speeding tickets in 3 weeks, (“But I was only going 20 over, and the cop reduced it down to 10!”), resulting in $270 in fines, plus $40 for a defensive driving course to get some of the points off his record, I realized that I needed to be a better example. 

So yesterday, I decided to try something completely new to me.  Something so wild that I thought I was going crazy.

I drove the speed limit the whole day.  The whole day. 

It was so liberating!  I was relaxed, I didn’t yell at anyone, and when I arrived at work, I wasn’t stressed out!  I couldn’t believe that just by obeying that simple law, I could rid myself of the road rage.  I am truly amazed and humbled.  I am going to try and drive the speed limit from now on. 

Oh, and another thing I discovered?  I thought drivers would be racing around me and getting mad at me.  Nope.  Most people drive the speed limit too!  Who knew?!?!

Thankful #19

I am thankful for our cars.  We have had some pretty crappy cars in the past, and I am thankful that we finally have reliable ones. Our cars get us where we need to go, and quite comfortably, thanks to air conditioning and heating.  I am thankful that I don’t have to depend on an animal to get me around. 

Driving

Okay, so as much as I have whined about having a 16 year old that is driving, can I just how LOVELY it is!

Really!

He needed to go to his work to turn some papers in, so I gave him the keys to car (and nearly had an anxiety attack as I did so!) and let him go. After about 5 minutes, I realized that I didn't have to drive him everywhere. I sat back and relaxed and realized how nice this will be.

If I need a quick thing from the grocery store? I will just send him.

Someone needs to go to scouts? Just give him the keys.

I could really get used to this!

16

Why is 16 such a magical number?  Why can't they spread it out more?  Driving and dating?  Really?
Today The Teenager turned 16.  He has been waiting for this day ever since he understood why girls were cute and cars were cool.  Age 15 was nice for him because he got his learner's permit, but Mom and Dad still had to be in the car.  Well, not as of today.  I took him down to the DLD and he got his license.  He is a good driver, I am not worried about that.  I am worried about those little lapses in judgement that we all have (ahem, driving down Lancer Lane trying to catch air at the intersection of 3200 W.!).  I just hope and pray that Heavenly Father will send many angels to sit by his side and keep him from doing anything too stupid!
But it doesn't stop there!  In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we don't date until we are 16.  And so The Teenager has been anxiously awaiting this day.  And I have been dreading it.  Let's talk about lapses of judgement, well..., let's not.  I don't want to go there!  LOL
Anyway, Happy 16th Birthday to The Teenager.  And by the way, I am so NOT old enough to have a 16 year old!  I swear I am still only 19!