Mark this day ladies and gentlemen because today, August 15, 2008 I am in control of the car. I cannot explain how I managed to overcome my traumatic experiences about driving (and parking!) but after 10 hours of practicing, I realized 2 things. One is I already know how to drive, I never really forgot how to drive a stick shift even though the last time I was behind the wheel was 3 years ago and number two I don’t have to feel pressured to go very fast, I just have to take it slow, those jeepneys and taxis can honk their freakin’ horns for all I care.

Tomorrow, I resolve to drive the car - on my own - without an instructor. I can do this.

I will do this.

I have to. I have to learn. After all I’ve had over 40 hours practice! Wehehehe ^^

Thank the LORD for youtube! I can get to watch PR Phils! Yeah! Hehe, oooh & by the way, I’m rooting for Lord Maturan, Cebuano & a friend. He actually made my gown. Weee..!

I cannot embed the video because of some reason or the other BUT if you like, you can visit this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJADQH9tMWo

My Bet aside from Lord?

Veejay Floresca, Aries Lagat & Winnie Chua’s work are also good. They have beautifully done and innovative creations - so far. I just don’t like Aries’ personality because he’s really annoying and super taray. Maybe its just a front? He said it himself, he’s an artista-wannabe. Hmmm… I also enjoy Eli’s comments. He’s so honest I love it.

Mara’s getting a lot of snide remarks because of her poncho disaster in the first episode, but I think she’s really talented and a bit different. I really liked her creation in the second challenge.

Maybe I should look out for her too.

Anyway, go go go team Lord!

P.S. My driving lessons will start in 1 hour…..wish me luck. watch out - pedestrians. ahaha ^_^

When I was in my 5th year in college, the year was 2005; my dad bought a second car. It was not specifically for me but I was the only one besides him in the household who can drive so I was given the permission to use it. So use it - I did.

The very first parking attempt to our super small and uphill garage, I crashed the car, badly I must say that we needed to have it repaired.

On the first week of using the car, I managed to - of all places in the basement parking - park in  a low clearance space and scratched dented the roof.

I have also backed into a car that was parked. It was actually a super small scratch to an already old car. The scratch was barely visible, I would have ran away but my friends were all there with me and because I have a good heart (and because the guard saw what happened) we waited for the owner to arrive. After some talking, pleading, and a heated argument with my dad & the owner’s of the car, let’s just say that set me back about Php2,000.

Then at one point, Josh and I - got robbed (knife pointing at me in broad daylight) while getting off the car in a squatters area because it overheated (not really my fault but still….) I lost my phone and jewelry. So after that I stopped driving. What’s the point? I can always get a cab. It has been 3 years since I last driven a car, and up until J decided to work abroad, did not think I’ll drive again.

They say driving is like biking, its a skill once you’ve learned it you cannot unlearn it anymore. But did I really learn how to drive? Sure I know the basics of driving a stick gear but parking is part of driving AND that my friends, is something I really have difficulty in. Sure, our car has a comprehensive auto insurance but that’s not enough, right? I’ve even asked for quotes and latest insurance rates to make sure that I have the complete information that I need. I want to make sure that IF anything goes wrong, God forbid, I am covered.

I have a son now and I can’t afford to have an accident whatsoever. Aside from that J would not be here, meaning I cannot always rely on him. I have to do it myself this time around. But in the world where gas prices are rising faster than our salaries, I can’t help but whine, “do I have to really drive?”