This morning in the north
Feb. 15th, 2009 04:59 pmI went to test-drive a car. I got into the car. I adjusted seat, mirror. I pressed the pedals. I located the ignition.
And I couldn't remember how to start. I had a complete mental block. It is so long since I have driven regularly that I couldn't remember how to do it. I couldn't even remember which way round the pedals were - I've always thought the ABC mnemonic stupid in a culture that reads from left to right, and so it proved when in addition to not being able to remember what order one did key, pedals in (not helped by the fact that I have always driven rubbish cars that need help starting) I could not start the car because I didn't know where the clutch and accelerator were. Fortunately once I did remember how to start it (that is, my father had told me) physical memory took over and I could still drive pretty confidently and the saleswoman presumably relaxed. But it was very odd, sitting there and just not knowing what to do next. It is 6 years since I drove regularly, and I think 3 1/2 since I drove at all. The physical stuff hadn't gone at all - I didn't think twice about holding it on the clutch on a hill with something behind me - I just couldn't turn a key.
Bridesmaids dresses have been achieved. It took forever, but we managed it in the end. I think everyone is happy.
And I couldn't remember how to start. I had a complete mental block. It is so long since I have driven regularly that I couldn't remember how to do it. I couldn't even remember which way round the pedals were - I've always thought the ABC mnemonic stupid in a culture that reads from left to right, and so it proved when in addition to not being able to remember what order one did key, pedals in (not helped by the fact that I have always driven rubbish cars that need help starting) I could not start the car because I didn't know where the clutch and accelerator were. Fortunately once I did remember how to start it (that is, my father had told me) physical memory took over and I could still drive pretty confidently and the saleswoman presumably relaxed. But it was very odd, sitting there and just not knowing what to do next. It is 6 years since I drove regularly, and I think 3 1/2 since I drove at all. The physical stuff hadn't gone at all - I didn't think twice about holding it on the clutch on a hill with something behind me - I just couldn't turn a key.
Bridesmaids dresses have been achieved. It took forever, but we managed it in the end. I think everyone is happy.