Summer. It happens for roughly half a year, much less however if you live somewhere like here in England, and as the days become longer and the nights become shorter (Seems to remind me of some 'emo' lyrics I once used to probably blare out of my teenage room as I applied yet another layer of eye-liner) I finally get the sense that holidays, bikini's and BBQ's are mere moments away. But how will I get to all these places? For I, a twenty-three year old career women, has still never even sat behind a wheel of a car let alone driven one!
Yes as hard as it is to imagine I have still not even applied for my provisional licence yet let alone sat my theory test. I know, I know - I need to get onto it, but in all fairness I have had other things more important to take up my time over the past few years like failing relationships, finding a secure job and managing to keep a roof over my head and all between juggling a life of friends, partying and college education. And so now is the time. I have finally decided that whilst my finances at the moment wont quite stretch to a car I should at least get myself onto the road. And by that I don't mean just go and lye down on the rough tarmac of the lane I live. No, I am going to get my bike licence!
Ever since I was seventeen I have wanted to learn to drive and pass my test. I knew from an early age I wanted my first car to be a cute little red Nissan Micra, four doors and a cute little dashboard, complete with an array of ornaments and toys. It just seems appropriate. People have asked me why that car, and not something different and my answer is always simple - Whenever I draw a car that is the car I draw, it is usually red and always has four doors, for the principle that three doors is just inconvenient not only for the driver but also for passengers as well. Ahh, and the name would be something like 'Poppy' or 'Rosie' - because you need to name your car!? Who doesn't?!
The unfortunate thing is that 'Poppy' or 'Rosie' will never make it to existence (at least not for the near future anyway) as whilst my job pays well, it doesn't pay well enough to run a one-bedroom flat and a car. If I was living with someone else such as a friend or a partner whom was contributing then sure I might be able to afford it but I wouldn't be able to trust that other person and their financial input. I did it before and look where that got me - A whole heap of heartache that's what! Besides, if and when that person does eventually move out (or leave) then that leaves me in yet another sticky situ that I don't fancy finding myself in again. I mean I could always go back to my second job for a while, but the thing is, on-top of my £700.00 a month in household running costs including my rent at £400.00, I would have to be working at the call centre permanently in order to afford to run my little 'Poppy' or 'Rosie'. So in effect I would be working constantly and have a car, but couldn't go anywhere as I would be working all the hours god, or any other religious figure would give me.
In a way it is frustrating that I would be able to save up the money to pay for driving lessons, buy a provisional, pass my test, purchase and insure a car - just not able to run it on a weekly basis. So if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In turn, if my job cannot pay well enough for me to run a car then maybe something smaller and less costly would still tick my boxes without making me live in one. Which is why I have come to the conclusion of learning how to ride a motorbike. It will be cheaper, more cost effective and essentially only lasts two-years at the end of which I have the choice to learn to drive properly or to default for another couple o' years. Its the push I think I need. I have recently in the past couple of years purchased bicycles and had rode them to and from town, now I think upgrading slightly to a motor vehicle with a licence plate rather than a basket on the front will make me more road savvy, attentive and cautious. I think that when I do come to finally sit my driving test I will be both knowledgeable about the roads as well as forgiving to other road users, including motorcyclists.
I plan to start saving soon and will start working at the call centre for a few weeks in order to fund it. Hopefully in the space of six-weeks or so I will be on the road, albeit with my 'L' plates still in tact but nevertheless free from the painful waiting at train platforms and bus stops. Ever the "Bus Wanker" ... I think not!
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
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