On Monday, my sister and I decided to go to the DMV to get the car I've inherited from my father registered in my name. We learned that my mom legally inherited it and she needed to fill out some paperwork, there for proclaiming she was the owner and I had to fill out paperwork register it. After a 2 hour ride to see mom, take her out, and a 2 hour ride back, it was done. The car was in my name.
Tuesday, I called the local Pep Boys (where I used to work) to make an appointment, on Wednesday, for the car to be inspected. It would be the first time it's been inspected in three years. I managed to get it there and prepared for the worst. From everyone's horror stories and bets on it being expensive to get roadworthy again, I thought I'd have to out this on one of my credit cards. The night before I had to take it in, I even had various family members and friends of the family call with tips and concerns. The final call broke my patience as I was told -- after a long while in planning, that I should go see "someone's buddy" who's a mechanic because I was going to get "screwed" *, at the place I used to work at. In a classic snippy fit, I said "thanks so much for waiting till the last damned minute to spring all of this on me, I'm not changing my plans!" Happily, everyone was wrong. All that was needed was a replacement brake light. Since I was getting off so cheaply, since I was also wisely advised, I got the oil changed and a new air filter put in.
Since then, I've driven here and there and I just wish the random people behind me would be a little more patient. I'm either near or a wee bit over the limit or I'm obeying flashing lights on "school signs" that specify a low speed limit and regardless of the horns -- I really don't feel like appeasing 'em. It is summer, but school could be in session. Aside from that speculation, the school grounds are always used by kids to play soccer, use the swings and jungle gym. So, too bad.
I just can't wait until I have some more experience. I can't wait until I'm familiar with the city and longer drives. I don't think I'll ever relax completely, I like being as attentive as possible, but I could do without some of the tension that comes with being a new-ish driver.
* The other reason to take the car to someone's 'buddy' is to get it passed without too much of a fuss. Now, since certain problems with cars can lead to dire consequences if not taken care of, I'd rather have it fail and get it fixed than deal with what could happen if it's not. While I used to work at Pep, I only really know a few people and most of them did not worked that day. The one that did work, didn't work on my car or know I was coming in that day. Wish I still had that discount *pout*