June 3
We refueled today just barely two weeks after we did. Almost twice as fast if I didn't use the car for practice on the parking lot. This made me think twice and hesitate on going to that parking lot to burn fuel and money just to practice. Save for the exact turning of the steering wheels, I can possibly practice better on the real road. So I didn't really head out just to practice.
June 7
I drove to the children's library this afternoon. My game plan now is to get my practice on the road while going to
work.
June 16
*Alone from other apt. to nearby and back to our own apartment around later afternoon. Visibility is still okay as it is summer and the sun sets late.
June 24
From Hyunchungsa to Home
That's the farthest I've driven so far, still with my husband though. I've done going to the library a couple of times now but I have to take the bridge with a traffic light and avoiding the one joining the traffic after the bridge because it is still hard for me to do so.
I was able to drive alone around the apartment to the nearest mart last week for the first time after my SIL insisted that I should practice driving more. It was so exhilarating to get into the parking lot and park all by myself. At first, I resorted to parking on the SA parking slot. It's nearest and wider than the usual. The second time, I've gathered enough guts to park in the regular ones since there was enough space between an SUV and a small car. It was a bit tricky getting out and being able to figure out if there another car just about to pass. I've been to the mart alone and that was was my feat last week.
I've also driven twice from the other apt. to ours late night after husband drank some alcohol. I pretty much think he can still drive but it was a chance for me to drive after dark. It was a little different indeed.
The latest one was last night and it was slightly raining and is waaay different. Night time and raining. Double jeopardy. Driving on a rainy day is not a walk in the park. The risks are higher coz side mirrors are obstructed, there will be the windshield wiper running and the windows may be fogged up thus lesser or zero visibility from the back mirror. Not to mention that the sounds from outside can be more muted. Training, familiarity and experience are needed to safely function with obstructed sensory.
My drive to the Hyonchungsa today was a bit better with almost sunny skies. It was a totally new route that I've wanted to explore since it is almost near my Sunday work location. I think I can try to persuade hubs to let me drive to work this weekend. We managed to get an insurance extension for me starting today for cheap. I just hope that it doesn't only insure my fingers. My husband is not that keen on reading the fine line in documents sometimes.
Oh well, it's time to place goal posts for the next month. I'll try to work hard and get as much of driving hours behind me this year before we get snowed. I might as well keep a record of km I've driven from now on. Lets see how much I can accrue this year. I need to be able to get myself familiar with the different regular routes for me with my husband beside before I can drive by myself.
Sigh! Sounds like a tall order but that is the distant goal.
~~~
So for my goals this coming months in terms of driving:
(shadow driving)
1. Drive alone to library.
2. Drive from city hall area to Dong il.
~~~~
June 29
Drive alone to the library, check.
Although I still have to get back home safely later. I'm tempted to try driving to Dong il to try to scout my route.
2 PM. Just got back! Safe and sound! It took me roughly 15 minutes both ways, including the time-consuming parking. I need to time my parking skills next time. At least I can check on the dashboard from what time I pull in the parking area until I turn off the ignition.
Too bad I didn't try my extended route. Give it a few more days. I'm just not feeling very up to it today since I was a bit hungry and sleepy so I didn't want to push it. There was nobody to complain beside me and push me to speed up. It was cool, not having the extra pressure, aside from the other cars around me. I was able to practice checking around me, the mirrors, and even didn't miss cancelling the turn signals. I just had to go at my own pace.
7:54
I made it to Dong Il safely. I almost had a problem parking at the near the recycling area but Someone sent a guardian angel who helped me fit into the tight spot. A couple saw me when I was getting in and overshot a bit. When I was starting to shoot for a slot, the guy came over and guided me in the slot.
I ended up parking very close to the driver's side but it was no biggie coz I can easily slide over to the passenger seat and get out. So there, I managed to get from point B to C and even dropped by at the the spacious parking lot of Mc Donalds for a burger and a bathroom stopover.
Heading back home was pretty cool with clear night and not-so-busy roads, even though I fervently prayed for that before heading out of the parking lot. One more route tried out today. Hurray!
No comments:
Post a Comment