Once upon a time, I was a little chickadee of sixteen. My parents drove home one weekend with a brand new car. I assumed said car was for ME!
It was not.
BUT. They said I could drive it.
When (or if) I learned how to drive it.
See, it was a manual. A STICK SHIFT. A need-to-know-what-a-clutch-is car.
Well, shit.
After a few long months of figuring out that clutch business, finding the sweet spot, grinding a few gears, I finally could navigate that little teal ball of baby car love without stalling it at every stop sign and on every hill.
I drove that little spitfire for seven lovely years. I drove that little baby car until it got smashed up one rainy morning in my second year of teaching. It had just been paid off a few months before, and gifted to me officially from my wonderful parents. I was enjoying my happy little car and my lack of car payment.
Le sigh.
So. Every human should know how to use a stick shift. Just in case someday your parents drive home with a new car and say you can have it WHEN you learn how to drive it.
Loves to you, dear friends, and dear, departed car. How I loved thee.
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| Oh yeah, in 2007-2008, I went through this "let's have dark hair" stage. |
What a wonderful way to get you to learn how to drive stick! I love love love this idea!
ReplyDeleteI learned how to drive stick in my ex boyfriend's car, he was very patient & I learned pretty quickly. It's such an important skill to know!
PS I totally forgot how much I LOVE your new header!!!!!!!!!
I have been taught to drive one a couple times but it never "stuck". (STICK?? STUCK??? YUK YUK YUK)
ReplyDeleteBut, I agree. I should know how to drive one. We've had one on vacation a few times and my hubby is always stuck driving!
It's so true! You gotta have those skills. My dad did something similar with me. There was a car I really wanted, but he said it was manual and I'd have to learn if I wanted to drive. I did, and I love knowing how!
ReplyDeleteAre all cars in the US automatic then?
ReplyDeleteHere in the UK it's the norm to have a manual car, so yes, I sympathise with grinding gears and not stalling it! Still trying to master that before I take my driving test!
I know how to drive a stick but rarely get a chance to practice, I'm afraid I'd be no good. ;)
ReplyDeleteI still need to learn how to drive stick.. as my mom says, "Real women drive stick." Hahaha. Yes mom.
ReplyDeleteI love knowing how to drive stick! (and to be honest, I kinda secretly revel in the fact that I can drive stick and neither Scott nor my sisters can't). I had to learn the same way...I decided to buy a Jeep Wrangler when I was 18, and it was SO much cheaper to buy a manual so my dad convinced me to go for it and he taught me how to drive it.
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't admit this, but I have absolutely no idea how to drive a stick shift, and I'm terrified at the thought of learning. I totally should though.
ReplyDeleteAnd um...I don't know how to parallel park either. Haha!
I can barely drive at all (yes, not even automatic) so I admire your skillz ;)
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling my husband would agree with you! He has always owned a manual vehicle, and I can't drive stick. He tried teaching me once, but for some reason thought I was going to run into a light pole in a church parking lot -- somehow he didn't understand that moving both of my feet didn't impair my ability to steer.... :)
ReplyDeleteI know how to drive stick, and have actually managed it several times, but I definately need to practice!
ReplyDelete