The Pink Muse: Autos

I am not the type who easily looks at the bright side when I'm unhappy or things don't go as planned. It has to be a conscious effort for me to let go of the little "nuisances" that bother me and move on to be happy for the rest of the day. Last Wednesday, I was really down and upset about a heated 'confrontation' between us and a neighbor who has always been forgetting to move their vehicles so I can get out of my garage. I was very upset because when I rang the their doorbell, the owner shouted to her driver "Oh, igalaw mo yung kotse, hindi kasi marunong magdrive." (move the car, she doesn't know how to drive). It was very upsetting since I felt embarrassed since I'm a new driver and hearing that made me feel like I'm a nobody. My mom told me that eventually the lady who said that apologized and gave advice on how to move my car in such a way that I can get out even when there are vehicles parked in front.

I couldn't concentrate in my work very well and I was easily getting restless. Aside from this I was having my period cramps, and I got really tired from work. I barely have lunch breaks during the week (don't ask, I prefer it that way haha), and I felt really grumpy.

I was looking through my old phone photos and saw this picture I took one traffic Thursday morning on my way to work. The mother and her child looked very happy while opening and eating the packs of crackers probably given by the motorists earlier.

The little girl was dancing around while her mother opened the pack of crackers for her. For me it was a heartwarming sight because it reminded me that people can smile and learn to be happy whatever state they are in. I took a picture to remind myself that there are people who may seem to have less than I have but they can learn to be happy.

It was as if God was telling me to stop worrying, complaining and being upset about the little things because He has given me so much. He has given me a home to live in, a family to go home to, a wonderful job, dependable friends, good health, but most of all, Himself.

He reminded me that the greatest gift I have is the life He gave up for my redemption and the redeemed life I now live because of Him. That I may not always have what I want but I have enough to say that I am content in Him. That things may not always go my way but I am living a life that is resilient above every trial because He is with me. And that is a blessing beyond comparison.

I am not perfect and I wish I stopped complaining or being upset every now and then but I vow to focus on the things I have rather than those I don't have. If every person did this, then there would be less miserable people in this world. It's something we always hear but let's remind ourselves that our lives are borrowed and every day is a blessing :)

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The obligatory car selfie

When I was younger, I thought to myself that I will never be interested in cars. I always say to myself, "Cars are for boys, and makeup, clothes and other pretty things are for girls." When I studied in Manila, and realized the perils of commuting such as snatchers (my cellphone was snatched in along Taft), pollution (I have asthma triggered with cold virus, smoke, dust and other environmental irritants), and overall general exhaustion of the whole ordeal, I decided to buy myself a car. I didn't care what it was, as long as I had a car where at least I felt safe and comfortable from the hazards (and hassles) of public transportation. I am not saying that having a car is hassle and danger free. Nobody is completely free from all the possible dangers of going outside of our comfortable homes, what I'm trying to say is that having a car least minimizes the discomfort, at least for me. Aside from that, I basically spent most of my childhood commuting since my family doesn't own a car. So I thought to myself, if I will buy something worthwhile and will make our lives easier, let it be a car. By God's grace, I was able to find a perfect unit that is on automatic transmission, a mortgage I can live by, and a size that will allow my family to fit in comfortably. What a blessing! I really thank God.

Anyway, the story doesn't end there. With a newly purchased car comes a new and heavy responsibility. Here are the 5 things I learned as a new driver:

1. Always have presence of mind.

If you have any baggage, literally any type of baggage--may it be physical, socioemotional, mental--let go of it first--and then drive. Thinking too much about something else, or being preoccupied with other things is highly dangerous and even fatal while driving. Just thinking of a different topic can distract you with all the things you have to consider while driving. Yes, divided attention takes time to learn but as a new driver, I learned to silence my head and just concentrate on driving.

2. Strike a balance between aggressiveness and giving way

Too much aggressiveness on the road can cause accidents. Being too cool and confident imposes risks as you might get head to head (or, shall I say bumper to bumper) with those kaskaseros or ansty drivers out there. For those types you have to give way, but for some instances you have to assert yourself not for the sake of just wanting to, but because you don't want to be a pushover on the road.

3. Practice in this sequence: Linear driving, turns, reverses, maneuvers and parking

I highly recommend this sequence because I had an accident when I tried learning about maneuvers first. I accidentally stepped on the gas instead of the break and ruined my bumper before, all because I had to consider so many things and I wasn't able to practice much on the easier ones first. Take note that I only recommend, it is not necessary. I realized that I had to do it in this sequence to have avoided prior accidents.

4. Look at all the mirrors for your next decision

For all the close calls that I had such as bumping onto another car, accidentally bumping onto a pedestrian, it was because I wasn't looking at the mirrors that I have to look at. I learned that before making any decisions, one must learn the skill of looking at the necessary mirrors needed to move the car on where it's supposed to be.

5. Driving is a huge responsibility

Driving is not only a responsibility to yourself, but a responsibility to your passengers, loved ones, and also the people on the road. If you love the people you're with or with yourself, learn to drive safely. It may be hard at first, easy when you get better and fun when you think you're the best, but it's not fun anymore if someone gets harmed. The least you want to be is a reckless driver.

6. Pray to God before your trips

May it be a trip to the nearby grocery or an uphill 7-hour drive to Baguio, always pray for safety. I believe in a God that grants prayers and protection, and I do believe that He grants our desires that are in accordance to His will. It never hurts to ask for safety, and I always remember God's promise in Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

To all the new (and old) drivers, be safe and have fun driving! Don't forget to share this article to someone you know who is a new driver. :) If you want to know more about tips and tricks on how to drive as a pro, I recommend this book:

Professional Driving Techniques: The Essential Guide to Operating a Motor Vehicle with Confidence and Skill
The essential guide to operating a motor vehicle with confidence and skill. This book walks you step by step through the intricacies of the Driving System the Driver, the Vehicle and the Driving Environment.

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