I need some coffee.

[yuuago]

When I woke up this morning the sky was an ashy greyish-yellow-green. We were somewhat troubled about this, as it looked a bit like storm clouds, but not like the usual storm clouds. It looked like smoke, I said. Later we found out that it is smoke. There are forest fires in British Columbia, and it is been blown over toward us.

I guess this is another thing that I'll have to get used to again. I forgot all about the yearly fires and smoke. Blech. Oh, well -- I can live with it. Still, it's unnerving to know that there are fires burning so close -- but at least it isn't as bad as it was several years back, when the fires were quite close. There is only one road leading out of town, and it was burning to the south - where the roadway goes. I remember at the time I was terrified that the road would be cut off due to the fire -- if that happened, and it got even closer, where could we go? Then again, the situation probably wasn't as dire as my younger self feared.

Lately things have been far too frustrating. I feel absolutely brain-dead. I think it might be due to a lack of intellectual stimulation. But I can't do anything here - I always feel as if someone is looking over my shoulder. It's frustrating. Hopefully when I get my driver's license this will be partially reduced. I'll be able to, at the very least, go down to the library or the coffee shop whenever I have the time and the inclination. Though the town library isn't very good as far as content goes, the building is very nice and new and has plenty of comfy chairs and sunny windows.

I am currently learning to drive - slowly. When I first started trying to do it about five years ago, it went very badly, but now it's going fine. Still, mum says I seem very nervous when I'm driving. Of course I'm nervous - I'm at the wheel of a huge-ass death machine that I don't know how to control properly. If I wasn't nervous about that, I'd be crazy. Not to mention that I can't trust other drivers not to hit me (Fort McMurray drivers are... bad). Though I guess I agree with her that I should try to ease up as far as a death-grip on the wheel goes.

I will have some time to myself tomorrow, so hopefully I will be able to get some letter-writing done. Ffff I am so sucky at getting this done, sorry y'all.

Comments

[mossnotfungus.livejournal.com]

I can understand the anxiety about the forest fires. We get yearly fires down here as well. Hopefully the firefighters will have it controlled soon so you guys won't have to worry.

Good luck with your driving practice! It'll get much better the more you do it!

[yuuago]

I just find it kind of weird that I'm so unnerved by it, still щ(◉Д◉щ) I mean it happens every year - I should be used to it.

Ahh thanks -- so far I'm improving every day, which is good, but I sill get worried I'll hit someone else's car or something orz

[yuuago]

I AM A MESS

well maybe not so bad but

JUST BREATHE gonna' be okayyyy (I hope)

[kainoliero.livejournal.com]

I never had any trouble learning to drive, or driving. That part was always smooth and fine and full of sparklies and butterflies, but parking was and still is where I die every time. I just can't trust myself there.

Or it could be just trauma from that time I parked my employer's car worth something like 5000€. -.-

[yuuago]

PARKING. That's the worst. Well, one of the worst. I can't do it straight.

... and snap, yeah, that would be traumatising. I do not envy you on that one. o3o

[zero-rechter.livejournal.com]

Lack of intellectual stimulation, old fears, learning to drive?

Smells like summer. Don't worry, fall is coming soon.

[yuuago]

So it's just a summer slump, you say? WELL. That's good.

... And yet, I don't think autumn coming would bring any change, except that presumably I'll have a job by then. o3oa Hmmmmm.

[cher-arlequin.livejournal.com]

Good luck with the driving thing! I keep meaning to get my permit but I'm terrified of driving.

[yuuago]

Ty, my dear o7
Actually it isn't all that bad as I'm making it out to be, but ehhh.

Part of the thing is that I don't actually want to learn to drive - it's scary and anyway, I prefer public transport. However, in this city, driving is a must because the transit is neither fast nor reliable, so. I'm kind of stuck. ._.

[amarie-val.livejournal.com]

Driving scares the shit out of me. That's why I couldn't bring myself to call my instructor for a few weeks now. But it gave me only that that now I'll be double nervous to sit behind the wheel because I'm afraid I don't remember anything, sobb

I hope everything goes better for you ;o; And the fire will soon be stopped.

/kisses your dead brain

[yuuago]

akdjfd WELL I hope when you get back to that you will remember everything. o3o I'm sure most of it is like... subconscious stuff.

/brain is kissed
/wat

[scrii.livejournal.com]

ack, fires. there's definitely paranoia about those things here... but at least it'd be cooling down up there in a couple weeks, right? nevertheless stay safe, hopefully nothing happens that the fire dept can't handle.

good luck with driving too!! my first attempt was absolutely shocking and involved crashing into a tree h-haha - i can't steer to save my life and i haven't tried again in nearly two years so i understand the nerves. i'm sure your confidence (and the more-difficult trust in other drivers) will improve, slow and steady wins the race! and then you can celebrate having headspace again yayy \o/

[yuuago]

YES, hopefully. Fortunately it has been somewhat damp lately, which is helping keep the local fires under control.

Crashed into a... okayy yeah, I am not that bad (yet). So I guess I'll be fine. xD
Mmm, but maybe you should try again, when you have time? It's One Of Those Things most people should know... I think. Even though I wish I didn't have to know it. ._.

As soon as I get my license I'm gonna' drive my ass downtown and treat myself some sushi for lunch, yeahhhhh.

[scrii.livejournal.com]

ah, that's good then!

ahaha ikr good job, self. but yeah i don't think you could be as bad as i am.. and i will try again one day, i just don't have anyone to take me! considering we have to get 120 hours to just get to the second stage -of four- towards a full license i want to start (again) as soon as i can haha

sushi is the best way to celebrate

[fabledquill.livejournal.com]

Good luck driving! I gotta learn, one of these days..... durr

[katfur.livejournal.com]

The smoke had mostly been in Central Alberta here, but today even Lethbridge is sort of hazy and strange. I played soccer at lunch hour, and could taste the smoke in my throat afterwards.

[sunset-rays.livejournal.com]

Oh no, that smoke sounds scary and dangerous. I hope they get the fires under control soon. ;A;

Good luck with driving! You'll be fine! Deathgrip, ehhhhh, I can relate to that....ORZ

[queenofmarigold.livejournal.com]

I never got my license until this past November, and it's still not the "full" one yet. I didn't even get into a driver's ed class the first time I attempted a beginner's at almost 17 in the summer of 2002. I then went away to university for about 5 years, and didn't re-write until April of last year. I then went with Young Drivers, and passed my road test, as I said, in November. NS has the graduated license crap, so for almost another year, I'm not allowed to get any tickets or drive between 12 am and 6 am as I'm restricted. If I get the ticket, my 2 year period gets reset.

I'm far more comfortable driving now that I was before, and I think a lot of it also has to do with the fact that I now have my own car. I also ended up being thrown into driving rather quickly after I got my license. I started a job in Dartmouth, and for the first few weeks, I had to commute 45 minutes to and from Dartmouth on the highway before I got an apartment. Now I'm actually driving in the city, and the city drivers are horrible! There's also been a ton of road construction here this summer too.

You'll be fine. A lot of it also depends on who you drive with too. I always did worse with my mom as she was so panicky about me driving. Try driving with someone who makes you feel relaxed and won't cause you to freak out.