Well, I have recently learned to drive stick. I went to see my sister a few weeks ago and Tim wanted me to take the Fit because it gets better gas mileage. I had taken the Fit out a couple of times this year in the MCC parking lot. When I first drove home I was freaking out because all of the sudden there were other cars around me.. aaand there were hills. So, I took a break for a couple of months, and then quickly needed to learn for my Allison visit.
I was doing ok the first couple of days driving to work and having Tim coach me through everything. However, on my third day, my boss needed me to drive both of us to a meeting about 15 minutes from the office. What a disaster. I was pressing the clutch and letting off the gas pretty much the whole time. It was horribly embarrassing as we bumped down the road and stalled about 20 times, no joke. We did make it there and back, but she has since to suggest I drive anywhere. We were laughing, which helped, but boy, what a failure. I did not drive the next day, I refused.
Well, needless to say, I did get the hang of it by that Friday, drove all the way to Philly by myself, and the only time I stalled was in bumper to bumper traffic, which was no biggie. I am now an accomplished stick driver, only stalling when I have a brain fart and forget to turn the car off before letting off the clutch. Do I enjoy driving stick? Heck no. I don't want to have to think so much when I drive. Currently, I am trying to learn how to not use the clutch while coasting to a stop. Good luck to me.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Meant to be a rock star
I have found a new calling in life. Thanks to a going away party for one of my coworkers, I have discovered Rock Band, and more importantly, I have discovered a passion for drumming. It's only a matter of time before I get my own set.. OK, not really, but I do think this game is awesome.
I have always been avert to having a lifestyle centered around video games (now that I have a house anyway), but I have come to justify this one game. It's not your typical multi-player game where everyone is sucked into mindlessly shooting their way through various levels, but it is centered around people's desires to rock like the musicians they've come to love, play in awesome bands, and with their friends nonetheless. I may be trying to over justify this video game.. but I think it gives people a confidence (though it may be unfounded..) they might not have outside their home, and it doesn't require the dedication to really learn how to read music and play an instrument. OK, so maybe I've revealed a character flaw in my lack of patience and steadfastness, but you can't just pick up instruments and play with your everyday friends - but with Rock Band, you can. It is a chance to channel your inner rock star and allow all those shower singing and air guitar moments to come to life where you can really shine! Well, maybe not in real life, but according to the Rock Band rating system, you're a Top Performer! Hey, and that may be all you need.. it works for me.
All joking aside, it is a great group activity that allows people to open up quickly because it's not just a video game, it truly is an experience you can say you've shared. We've had a great time cutting up with friends and pretending like we're rock stars. I'd say it was at their houses, but no, we are now proud Rock Band owners :)
I have always been avert to having a lifestyle centered around video games (now that I have a house anyway), but I have come to justify this one game. It's not your typical multi-player game where everyone is sucked into mindlessly shooting their way through various levels, but it is centered around people's desires to rock like the musicians they've come to love, play in awesome bands, and with their friends nonetheless. I may be trying to over justify this video game.. but I think it gives people a confidence (though it may be unfounded..) they might not have outside their home, and it doesn't require the dedication to really learn how to read music and play an instrument. OK, so maybe I've revealed a character flaw in my lack of patience and steadfastness, but you can't just pick up instruments and play with your everyday friends - but with Rock Band, you can. It is a chance to channel your inner rock star and allow all those shower singing and air guitar moments to come to life where you can really shine! Well, maybe not in real life, but according to the Rock Band rating system, you're a Top Performer! Hey, and that may be all you need.. it works for me.
All joking aside, it is a great group activity that allows people to open up quickly because it's not just a video game, it truly is an experience you can say you've shared. We've had a great time cutting up with friends and pretending like we're rock stars. I'd say it was at their houses, but no, we are now proud Rock Band owners :)