Road Trip!

So, today was the day I really became a driver.

The morning started off with a trip to the bank to set up an account specifically for my car stuff, so I can easily track it. Then I dropped by the school so I could get a copy of the parking lot scheme so that if I'm filling in for someone with a parking spot, I'll have a place to park.

Following this, I headed into the insurance broker and received my first auto insurance card with my name on it. Shortly thereafter, Hubby and I went to change the car registration. I now have a car -- in my own name.

That was when it hit me. When Hubby dropped me off home, I went inside in a bit of a fog. But this wouldn't last. I had big plans for the rest of the day, you see.

In a town about an hour away is a 79-year-old lady who means the world to me. I usually refer to her as my godmother, but, in fact, we met when she was my babysitter when I was only a year old. She and her husband were a stabilizing force and source of unconditional love as I was growing up, and their home in Welsford was where some of the happiest times of my childhood were spent. Since they moved to Oromocto in 1991, and Joe (my godfather) passed away in 1993, my godmother has been waiting for me to get my driver's licence so that I can come see her more often. She was the very first person I called on Saturday when I got my driver's licence, and when she asked when I was going to come see her, I immediately told her, "Monday, as soon as I get my insurance."

So, after Hubby dropped me off and I came inside, I was all a-quiver. I had a plan of things I was going to do, but it had finally sunk in that I was now legal to drive without a co-pilot, and I needed a minute to digest that. I went out to Betsy (my car), tossed my jacket in the back seat, and put the keys in the ignition. And sat there. For a long minute. Finally, I turned the key, put it in DRIVE, and, for the very first time, drove down the driveway and out onto the street, all alone.

By the time I got to the end of my street, the jitters were gone. A trip across the Reversing Falls Bridge, through Simms Corner, and a pit stop at Canadian Tire to pick up a car emergency kit (booster cables, etc.), and I was on my way!

I know the road to Welsford as well as I know my own face, so I wasn't surprised it went quickly. When I hit Welsford, just for fun, I went up the main road to see how much things had changed. I went as far as the old school, just past Joe and Vernice's old house, then turned around again. I had the cruise control on the whole way through the Geary woods, and that made life much easier. Since it was pretty much lunchtime when I was nearing Oromocto, I decided to continue on to Fredericton. Destination (of course): Chapters.

I called Vernice to let her know I'd be there before long, had a quick salad in the food court, then checked out Chapters. It's a crime we don't have one here. Sometimes I don't even need to buy something. Sometimes just being in a bookstore that large, being surrounded by all of those words, is enough for me.

Leaving Chapters, I thought I'd figured out the easiest way to head back to Oromocto, and it turns out I had -- except I missed the turn-off. Next thing I know, I'm headed for the other side of the river! As much as I love the Princess Margaret Bridge (my grandfather actually designed it), I looked for an escape, and managed, with very little difficulty, to get myself turned around and headed back the way I'd come. No panic -- nothing. (Buffing nails on shirt.)

I had a great visit with my godmother, and, aside from being stuck behind a slow-moving army convoy for far too long, the trip home was very enjoyable. I got back to the city at 4:30 pm and decided to head up to the hospital to visit a friend for a little while. Eventually, I wandered home.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was my first real day as a member of the motoring public. :) I realized that, now that the fear of not knowing what I'm doing is gone, I actually LOVE to drive.

Zoom-zoom. :)