I regret not writing sooner, but life itself has left me blindsided. Since a research drive I took in November with cameras pointed at me and a overseas Dr. along for the ride, nothing happened AT ALL with training until today. Why? Where do a begin. Basically, it started out with the training vehicle being wrecked in November. Shut up, it wasn't me! lol Anyways, after that in Dec my training instructor, Jennifer, had to have knee surgery that kept her from road training, because she must be able to use emergency break and not under the influence of drugs. Then it was Christmas! Exactly on Jan 1st I began having a sinus problem. It developed in Jan into a full blown infection and two bouts of pink eye in a row! This set me back from doing anything because I couldn't wear my contacts to drive with, while having and getting over pink eye. Late Jan. came and job troubles add to the health issues. About a week after my sinus infection and pink eye was gone in early Feb. I noticed I had a pain deep in my abdomen. I did some WebMD research and went to the Urologist who confirmed I had a inguinal hernia that would need surgery. In 2 weeks time I focused on getting a plan for surgery together back in my hometown and have spent the last 3 weeks in recovery. What a year it's been gang! Though it all God has showed his love and brought my church family here, my church family back home, and my own family closer together through several very scary, unexpected, and tragic situations.
The photo above was made possible by PBS and Viewers Like YOU. Thank you. Well... not exactly. Really we had a very interesting prank gift time this Christmas, between me, my cousins and their spouses. This was our first year trying this and it certainly was a overwhelming hit! Some bright cousin'n'law got the idea that someone else should know that I'm driving and that I happen to be legally blind. Hence: the above sign was born. It's actually a functional item in more ways then one. It is a huge magnet! So for those of you who needed helping getting those nails out of your lawn, I'm your man. Aside from warning the public imminent danger (me), Jennifer was so elated over the sign that several people at the driving research clinic have asked for it and a eBay war may ensue. (not that I'd sell this one)..it's priceless. :)
I was excited to get to drive the interstate on the way home for surgery. I drove 3 hours solid and did pretty well. The only major challenge was when about twenty 18-wheelers boxed me in on this ramp. That was touch and go, but I just had to stay extremely alert. All went well. I learned at home I need more help backing out of driveways straight and to be sure and not over-steer when doing so.
Today Jennifer and I did more research with another Dr from overseas. She was kind, and enjoyed getting to see my neighborhood up close and personal. I drove a place we don't often practice but it has lots of little unexpected test within, including this huge construction detour right by my apartments. I did well except one place I failed to change lans quick enough. There was a lane change that had to be made on the left and then almost an immediate one to the right was also needed to get where we needed to go. I did not make it quick enough and was actually forced to stop between two lanes. But this would not happen if I knew where I was going. Following others directions on the spur of the moment can lead to this sort of thing. All in all I think it was not my best drive, but certainly not the worst. It was a cloudy day which is great my vision while driving!
It seems the two offices helping me to drive are in a battle due to the economy and personality conflicts, which has hampered regularly scheduled training. When Jennifer today she basically told me she did not want to take anyone driving with the old car, and would rather wait till she got the new one. (This new car idea they have been throwing around for 6 months.) Because the other office I work with put a deadline of August 30th on my training, I was not happy at all with this statement of hers, that will further delay my training unnecessarily. So I plan to do what I can to get the ball rolling somehow, new training car, or no new training car. I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully it won't be such a long hiatus next time between postings.
One shameless plug: Check out DRIVERS EDGE at www.driversedge.org
They found the email I sent on Sept 22, 2010, in their Spam on 01/12/11 and wrote me! I begged them to come back and they just posted the 2011 schedule showing a visit here! Drivers Edge makes rare driving conditions like hydroplaning, unexpected obstacles, and other very dangerous driving scenarios very very real. Definitely check out the video on their website. You drive and they show you how to react in the worst case scenario! Talk about taking the classroom to the pavement. These guys are awesome! I just missed their visit last year but I don't plan to miss it this year!
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