Positive! Mental! Attitude! (Give Thanks).

[npixelz]

I'm thankful to live in a country that is accepting and has programs in place to help people like me

[Lemon Cheesecake]

I'm thankful that I have water on tap and can have as much as I want. i was watching a show where in some countries getting water was a whole day ordeal and it wans't even all that clean!

[npixelz]

I'm thankful to live in an era where so much has been accepted, so much has been created, and so much has been tried

[murmurlade]

I'm thankful to have parents that dote on me and think about my well being. Even if they are... A bit on the problematic side.

[Lemon Cheesecake]

do you mean overbearing helecopter parents ~? < who wouldn't want to dote over you mur!?!?!>

I'm thankful that the morning started off like it was going to be overwhelming at work but ended up just looking worse then it actually was and I was able to get off on time!

[npixelz]

I'm thankful for music.

so I say thank you for the music, for giving into me

[murmurlade]

Lemon Cheesecake
They're always just in the midst of divorce and they like to drag the kids to pick sides, lol. It escalates really badly sometimes, and my mom ran away once for a couple months. ALSO I know I'd wanna dote on YOU!! TT

That being said, I'm grateful that my family is still in one piece and that my parents (still) love each other!

[Lemon Cheesecake]

In some of the Eastern cultures marriages were more arranged then the freedom of choice us Western cultures have and the couples have to learn to love each other or to just endure ... I'm glad to hear your parents love each other because that is probably what keeps them willing to work things out.
Disagreeing on how to raise kids, being business partner's as well as the other pressures of life can be so difficult to deal with and I don't know how women's rights are in your country but sometimes it can be hard being a woman and feeling like you don't have much say in what goes on around you. Very overwhelming and frustrating.

That said...they did something right having a great kid like you, mur!

[Uchuuko]

I have anxiety about driving. I am currently 21 years old. I have driven before, but I still get nervous and I wouldn't say that I've ever driven very far.

When it comes to driving, I am afraid of vomiting in the car (I may even feel nauseated from being so nervous), getting into an accident and being at fault (that my mom's car would be damaged doesn't help), or doing something wrong and getting in trouble because of it (I have definitely made mistakes though). I don't have a car of my own; I just use my mom's van.

I wish I had a smaller car to use, however. I really want to get my driver's license before I go back to school near the end of August, but I'm afraid that it still might not happen because of my fear. This is sad because I have a younger brother, and it seems he will have a higher chance of getting his license before I do (and if he goes ahead to do so, he still technically got his before mine (he'll be turning 18 in August), as he will have his at a younger age compared to me). But at least I am making an effort, taking baby steps. I drove yesterday and the day before, but I decided to take a break today.

[galled]

That said...they did something right having a great kid like you, mur!

What Lemon said!!!! +1000

[Lemon Cheesecake]

Uchuuko I was so nervous as well! can you take any lessons? I paid to take a lesson and it helped.

[+] SPOILER

But I know what you mean about being worried to damage someone else's car! However, if you play it safe...make sure you aren't driving too close so that you have time to break and you use your signals so that the person behind you knows ahead what moves you will be making, that should help. There are so many distracted drivers you do need to be aware of your surroundings, and sadly you can't do anything about those people who aren't driving defensively or the old people who are confused. But sometimes you can move over and let them pass!

The other big thing is not to depend on your mirrors...actually turn your head and body to look to the sides.There is a blind spot that you need to always double check.

There are things you can do to prep for the test...See if any of your friends can show you the route the driving testers take so you can practice driving a long them. Ask your friends what they got marked off of so that you can be aware of it. Always come to a complete stop, don't do a "2 second" stop.

Once you get your license then you can start a driving history....whether you actually drive very much or not. The longer you have your license with no accidents the cheaper your car insurance will be.

Save up your money for a small used car or lease one if you don't want to drive your families vehicle.

My advice: Do get your license before your year is up on your learning permit, so that you don't have to pay again to retake the written exam...but if you do, that's ok. Don't feel pressured to get your license before your brother, in the scheme of things thats not a big deal. Carry a zip lock bag with you just in case if you are feeling that nervous... practice driving in a big empty parking lot (like a church on week days or a business that is closed in the evening)... you can practice parking, backing up, making turns and getting comfortable with your vehicle without worrying about hitting someone and if you think you might not have enough room you can get out of your vehicle and look.

You can do it!!! I'm proud of you for trying!

[npixelz]

What Lemon and galled said! +3000!

I love you 3000

You can do it, Uchuuko!

[murmurlade]

Lemon Cheesecake You perfectly summarized some of my mom's feelings, Lem! And yes, their kids all turned out surprisingly well I'm the least capable of the lot, hehe.

galled I'M BLUSHING YOU GUYS, STOP....

Uchuuko How do driving lessons work where you are? Out of curiosity.... lessons are apparently OPTIONAL?
Over here it's compulsory to attend 10 hours of theoretical training and 10~20 hours of practical training (both on the road and in a specialized course) before we can attempt our driving license.
Also, no worries about driving tbh. You really do need to relax to avoid making careless mistakes-- but also focus! Good luck!!

[Uchuuko]

Uchuuko I was so nervous as well! can you take any lessons? I paid to take a lesson and it helped.

[+] SPOILER

But I know what you mean about being worried to damage someone else's car! However, if you play it safe...make sure you aren't driving too close so that you have time to break and you use your signals so that the person behind you knows ahead what moves you will be making, that should help. There are so many distracted drivers you do need to be aware of your surroundings, and sadly you can't do anything about those people who aren't driving defensively or the old people who are confused. But sometimes you can move over and let them pass!

The other big thing is not to depend on your mirrors...actually turn your head and body to look to the sides.There is a blind spot that you need to always double check.

There are things you can do to prep for the test...See if any of your friends can show you the route the driving testers take so you can practice driving a long them. Ask your friends what they got marked off of so that you can be aware of it. Always come to a complete stop, don't do a "2 second" stop.

Once you get your license then you can start a driving history....whether you actually drive very much or not. The longer you have your license with no accidents the cheaper your car insurance will be.

Save up your money for a small used car or lease one if you don't want to drive your families vehicle.

My advice: Do get your license before your year is up on your learning permit, so that you don't have to pay again to retake the written exam...but if you do, that's ok. Don't feel pressured to get your license before your brother, in the scheme of things thats not a big deal. Carry a zip lock bag with you just in case if you are feeling that nervous... practice driving in a big empty parking lot (like a church on week days or a business that is closed in the evening)... you can practice parking, backing up, making turns and getting comfortable with your vehicle without worrying about hitting someone and if you think you might not have enough room you can get out of your vehicle and look.

You can do it!!! I'm proud of you for trying!

Thank you. My paying for lessons is possible, but I cannot afford them right now. I have no friends in my area, but I will see if any details on the driver's exam in my area are posted online.

[Uchuuko]

Uchuuko How do driving lessons work where you are? Out of curiosity.... lessons are apparently OPTIONAL?
Over here it's compulsory to attend 10 hours of theoretical training and 10~20 hours of practical training (both on the road and in a specialized course) before we can attempt our driving license.
Also, no worries about driving tbh. You really do need to relax to avoid making careless mistakes-- but also focus! Good luck!!

I was taught enough information in a high school class to get my learner's license, but over the road training is entirely optional. However, when one goes to take the driver's exam, they have to sign an affidavit claiming that they have practiced driving for a certain amount of time. I hope I will continue to be less nervous as I gain more experience. I have driven a few more times since I posted, and I don't feel as nervous as I used to.