Rites of Passage

by Paul on Nov.25, 2009, under General

york district

A manic week this week, so things have been a bit erratic around here. Monday’s post got shunted because I normally write these when I am on my lunch break, but about two hours before lunch I got asked to take my first driving lesson, as Ellen couldn’t make it. And so with no mental preparation I took my first driving lesson in 13 years, when my parents bought me ten lessons for my 17th birthday.

I was a little bit rusty, and couldn’t really remember where everything was or how to work it, but I got the hang of it again pretty quickly, doing left and right turns, junctions and even second gear, all on my first attempt. I only stalled twice as well, so all things considered I was pretty chuffed.

It was all a million miles away from my last lesson, when I nearly turned myself and my utterly incompetent driving instructor into a giant moving fireball. Coming up to a junction I slowed, only to be told I could make it, so I gunned it and went from second to third gear, only to miss and stick it in fifth. Due the steep hill we were on it caught, and suddenly we were hurtling at 70mph towards a stream of slow moving traffic.

My instructor’s response to this was to scream loudly at me, like Steve Martin in Planes Trains and Automobiles, so perhaps you will understand why it’s taken me thirteen years to get back into a car. But I digress.

I decided to make up for this with a double post yesterday, although the more observant of you will have noticed that only one surfaced. Cross Blogination was written yesterday (hopefully it will surface tonight) but rather than having a nice night in last night, I spent the evening at York District Hospital, as my daughter hobbled around and me and her Mum sat waiting.

Anyway, everything is all right, there’s nothing wrong with Rosie, but it got me thinking that surely the hospital visit is a rite of passage for any parent. Chances are that we will all end up there with our children for something or another, and I couldn’t help but feel thankful that we have been so lucky with her.

She is two and half now, and there’s been (touch wood) nothing major so far, while we have seen other parents go through nightmares. I know for any readers across the pond that today is Thanksgiving, so while I utterly abhor the way you celebrate the genocide of your indigenous peoples with mashed potatoes with little marshmallows in, I can join in today in at least giving thanks.

5 Comments for this entry

last year's girl
November 25th, 2009 on 6:59 pm
It’s tomorrow. I know this because, if you work for an American company, Black Friday is still a THING and in some cases means a 7:30am start…

So glad Rosie is ok! x
Kerri
November 26th, 2009 on 3:30 am
genocide and little marshmallows taste wonderfully together. Being thankful for your writing and this bit of community. Can’t believe Rosie is so old already!!! Congrats on the first visit to the hospital. Always bring a book.
Paul
November 26th, 2009 on 7:58 am
Lis – Ah well, never mind. I’m sure America wont launch an offensive against me because of my factual blip. At least I hope not.

Kerri – Cheers, and to be honest marshmallows taste good with anything.
Jennie
November 26th, 2009 on 9:24 am
Really glad Rosie’s not ill – she clearly felt she wasn’t getting quite enough attention.

I hated learning to drive, it’s frustrating and difficult but then one day it clicked and I could actually do it. That was one lesson before my test luckily. You’ll be fine, just don’t kill anyone please.
Paul
November 26th, 2009 on 10:08 am
I’ll try not to, at least not in a car, I’m sure I can think of something more inventive than that.