#142

There are so many things we take for granted in our lives. Our loved ones, our health, indoor plumbing, electricity. You know, all the big things in life. But how often are you thankful for the little things? Like power steering?!

Think I sound like a raving lunatic? Try driving a car without power steering. That will change your views, I promise.

Today, I have such a deep respect for power steering. Because it really is something I have always taken for granted. And today, I got to experience driving without it. Let me just say, my arms got a nice work out!

Following the gentle curve of the road wasn't a problem. 90 degree turns from one road to the next were hard, but not impossible. Parking? Yeah, it was a pain in the butt! I felt like I needed a couple extra hands to get the steering wheel to turn as far as I needed it to turn. And the bad thing about parking, is you have to eventually get out of the parking spot, which is just as hard!

Add to that my brain's inability to switch from a manual to an automatic transmittion, and it was a fun drive! Only once did I stomp on the break, thinking it was the clutch. I discovered I need to keep my left foot as far away from the pedals as possible, and both hands on the wheel (which is a necessity in this car!), and I am able to drive an automatic with ease.

All of this talk led J and I to a discussion we have had many times before. Which is better: manual or automatic? He goes for the 'manly' manual, of course. And I have always thought I prefered automatics- so much easier and carefree! But now? I almost feel like an automatic transmittion leaves me less in control, which I do not like! What am I going to do with myself?

Amazing friends, that is another thing we too often take for granted. This evening, we had a great evening with the J family. Oh man am I going to miss them all. K has helped me with so much the last couple years, and is my amazing Godmother. Really. Her husband is great, and her daughters are beautiful girls that love my girls. Leaving this family is too hard...