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Thank you all + life news
10 years ago
General
I mainly just wanted to thank you all for your words of encouragement on the last journal, I really appreciate it. It did take some of the edge off my worry. ;__; So thank you for taking your time.
The news is sorta related to my last journal as well. I've been attending a program to get me set up for my GED, and after only a week they told me I'm already well prepared to take it, so that's something. They also introduced me to a career center nearby, so today my dad and I went there and registered. I signed a lot of papers and things, felt really uncomfortable and overwhelmed, but I'm now on a better path to finding a job, so that's a huge step for me. If I pass my GED, finally become employed, the last thing I'll have to overcome is getting my license and a car. The car is not a problem though, it's the driving. I have a horrible irrational fear of being at the wheel, and constantly have nightmares about horrible freak accidents on the road. Even when I was little and wasn't even thinking about driving yet, I would have nightmares about it. So, any driving tips?? Not practical advice, but psychological. Better ways to view it, ways to calm yourself down, etc. How did you get over being afraid of driving, if you had a fear of it? It's not that I've never driven before, either. I have. And I'm a good driver, it just scares the heck out of me.
Look at that big paragraph, whew. That was supposed to be short. Thank you again, all who read this. ;;
But for getting out. If you get your GED you can also sign up for college. (Right now, I'm working on my doctorate so I've been living off my college loans and grant money.) Once I finish college has a placement program for jobs. So, I should be able to handle it. (But that's one way of getting out of the house.) Although, driving is a problem. I know I shouldn't be afraid of it, and I'm not afraid of my own driving, but I keep freaking out. (People here drive like they're insane. >.< Or drunk.)
And haha, I know that feeling :/ I'm afraid of my own driving some, but there are also lots of people here who drive drunk, or crazy, because this area is filled with idiots.
LOL! Sounds like you live here. There's an accident everyday around here, and it worries me to drive. (Especially, since I'm learning to drive from my room mate and using his car. >.< )
And yeah, the place I know about actually offers job placement. Thing is, it's kind of a small place, so if I wanted to learn more in-depth trades, I would probably be going somewhere else. Dunno.
Yeah, that was the problem for me too. The colleges and universities the area where I lived didn't offer the kinds of programs I needed. So, that's why I'm living with friends at the moment until the lot of us are out of college. Helps with the bills when they are split 4 ways. XD
I got interested in psychology for the same reason I'm pretty sure. Studying it probably is one of the best ways to figure yourself out!
And oh boy, yeah, that's one of the reasons I don't really want to move off my parents' property. Splitting taxes, water, electricity, and such :V
Splitting the bills is a lot better than paying all of them by myself, though. Because paying them by myself I would have to make a couple thousand every month just to pay them. >.<
Thanks for the luck. (I'll need it.) But here's to you and your health as well *raises my soda in toast*.
Mainly just be defensive and take your time. If people get mad at you, then let them be. You drive at your own pace and what you feel is comfortable. The first time behind the wheel is a bit scary, but you after a while it is not that bad. Also, I am happy for you and taking the next steps. I hope the best for you and hopefully one day you will get to met this StL Wolf. That would be a great day ^^
And definitely! I'm hoping to do more traveling when I can drive on my own, but right now, everywhere I want to go, either my mom or dad comes with :b
Never be afraid to get on the road, despite how much of a double negative that sounds. Sometimes, you are not the idiot driving. It's other people. My accident was caused 100% by one of these idiots who was not paying attention.
You will get used to it VERY quick when you start driving on your own. When you're driving with someone teaching you, or a parent to supervise, it gets nerve-wracking because they're constantly reminding you what to do.
Just be casual about checking your mirrors. I used to think it was super important to check every 10 seconds like they told me to in the DMV lessons, but it's not really that important unless you are making a lane change or you're driving moderately fast, like the freeway/highway. Just think video game rules when checking: know your surroundings. Eventually, you'll just check the necessary mirrors depending on what lane you're in, etc. It gets easy.
Always, always, ALWAYS, check over your shoulder before changing lanes. This is super important, and was the ONLY thing I missed on my test. If I had checked my shoulders every time I changed lanes, I would have gotten a perfect score. This is also key for avoiding the most common accident: fender benders. And it is also important for checking for cyclists and pedestrians.
Relax. Seriously. Take a deep breath. Turn on the AC. I don't care if it uses just a bit more gas, but you need to keep your cool. Roll down the windows some if you need fresh air. Music is also super helpful with driving too. Keeps your mind in a good place. Always try to rest back in your seat. (Shoulders resting back against it at least.) You can lean forward to make turns and checking lanes and such, but it's safest and the best for you if you don't slouch constantly when you drive. So relax, and kick back in your seat.
DO NOT DRIVE WHEN EMOTIONAL. This includes: Very very sad, very very angry, or very very depressed. (Suicidal.) Even I've had thoughts of just flooring it through traffic when I was driving in my hard times. I still shudder at how those thoughts came to me, but it was literally a hair away from me actually doing the things I pictured. It goes the same for being mad, like ramming the car in front of you for cutting you off. Speed demons will constantly annoy you. (Examples for me would be people behind you that drive around you, and get in front of you when you're both going to end up making a left turn.) Just laugh at these idiots instead. It will keep you from road rage.
Take breaks periodically after an hour or two of driving if you take long trips. Trust me, it SERIOUSLY helps. You will begin to cramp. It wasn't a joke in the lessons. o__o;
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That's all I can think of that I find to be the most important. If you have any other questions, I'd love to answer them. :D
Thank you so much for all the tips and advice ahhh ;__;
You're one of the cooler artists in FA anyways.
More than happy to be a friend.