As you already know, I’ve transplanted from the city with its public transportation and no car to the middle of suburbia with its endless malls and no car. In fact, I reside across the street from a major mall. But like most of these developments, the mall covers literally acres. I can’t, say, walk from here to the cinema, or Target, or any of other stores and restaurants. I need a car. Did I mention I sold my last car in 1996 and haven’t driven in 20 years?
I learned to drive at age 26. Prior to that time, my poor vision and lazy eye stopped short of the legal requirements. Then with a good eye doctor who gradually changed my prescription glasses over time, my vision improved to 20/40. Overjoyed, I took a driving course and got my license. But that happiness bubble burst when I started sharing the road with all the other guy. Let’s face it, city driving can be harrowing. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a bad driver. But city driving required such defensive maneuvering that I developed anxiety. By this I mean I was anxious – not panic stricken). So I stopped driving. Then I became engaged and a bought car in anticipation of living in a new house in the burbs. When things went south, I took the car back to the city where I drove it seldom. Why did I need it? Public transportation and taxis took me anywhere I needed to go. I sold the car (but kept the license).
Flash forward to now with friends driving me around. They haven’t seemed to mind but we all know I could benefit from more freedom to get myself around – like across the street to the mall. So where does the anxiety enter? Over the years, I’ve had two types of anxiety dreams: the first has me forgetting to attend classes until finals; the other has me driving, sometimes well, sometimes badly. I’d awake glad I didn’t even own a car. Everybody with whom I talked have reassured me that suburban driving is much easier and less stressful, especially if I venture out between 10AM and 4PM. I could refresh my skills by driving around parking lots and going short distances. My confidence would grow; the anxiety would lessen, and everything would work out. And with eye surgeries, my vision has improved even more. I want to believe them.
The allure of freedom bested anxiety today. My friend (who is knowledgeable about car buying and leasing) and I went to a car dealership, asked questions and started crunching numbers. (I drove a little but my friend took it out on the major road). After extensive back and forth, I got the best deal for my financial situation. The salesman expects me back tomorrow to finalize the deal. I feel anxious and little fearful. But buying a car will force me to deal with the anxiety issue and get out on my own. As with other things that have happened to me over the past six months, a strange feeling of karma came into play during the talks, as if a way had been cleared for me to have this car. Even my friend remarked on the strange unexpected turn of things in my favor. I’m not the mystical sort, but even it gave me pause.
Wish me luck.
wow, buying a car is a big step even for people who drive regularly — I’m impressed! Way to go!!!!
Will it have a name?
Good luck with the car! That’s great! I look forward to hearing more about it. I wonder how your Greek chorus would be as drivers–or backseat drivers?
I didn’t learn to drive until I was in my late 30s. I had always sworn I never would but I reached a point where it was becoming more and more frustrating that I couldn’t just go where I wanted and do what I wanted without complicated plans. Before I ever thought about learning to drive I used to have terrible anxiety dreams about driving but since learning I haven’t had a single one. Driving and owning a car has changed my life in so many ways and has far exceeded my expectations…I actually love driving.
I wish you lots of luck with your car xx
Good luck!! I have a licence but never really used it due to living in cities with good public transport… Have you thought about taking a few driving lessons to give you a bit more security? xx
YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀
Driving is one of my favorite and meditative activities in the world!! Although, to be honest, you wouldn’t want to be on the road with me – as I drive with the surety and aggression of a NYC cab driver (sorry, I learned to drive in Boston – land of the aptly named driving “Massholes”). But I agree, the car does = freedom. Great news!! I can only hope you have a purchased an AWD vehicle? The weather in Chicago was rather a huge pain last week!! Sorry I have been so lame with comments, but I am really HAPPY to see you are posting regularly. Keep it up, sister! Yahooo!!
Luck, Judi. You’ll do fine.
Wow! You go gurl!
So are you buying or leasing? What brand? How big? Color? Does it sync with your cell phone? You left the most important details out! 😉
Good luck! 🙂 I agree wholeheartedly, btw – city driving can be a nightmare. Driving in the suburbs or anywhere else not in a city is much better, and if it’s between 10am and 4pm, few people on the road which makes it easier as well. I didn’t start learning to drive until my 20s, but I’m glad I did, because it gives me a freedom I wouldn’t otherwise have had. If I need to drive somewhere to get shopping, I don’t have to rely on three different buses to get to somewhere near where I want to go. If there’s an emergency and I need to take one of the furbabies to the vet, I can just jump in the car and go straight away, without having to wait for a taxi or a bus. Plus I quite like driving as well. 🙂
Congrats on the big move. I think you’ll enjoy suburban driving after a while, and I know you’ll love the independence it gives you to have your own wheels.