Stress. It can really shut me down. Over the years, I've discovered that the best strategy to conquer this feeling is to talk. That, together with the thought of "What's the worst that can happen?" has helped me get perspective on many overwhelming situations--one being when I went to take the road test for my driver's license.

In this episode, Judy and I discuss "Learning to Drive". We talk about responsibly using the family car after getting your driver's license and memories of finally getting to drive my FIRST car. We get into strategies we've tried to get out of a ticket--both successful and unsuccessful. Finally, we share a couple of extra stories about car problems that we had in our younger days. 

Have you ever noticed that anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone driving faster than you is a maniac? --George Carlin

I think the only time we are accurately SELF-conscious when we are driving...is when we are just learning!

In today's episode, I talk with Sandy about "Learning to Drive". She tells me about how glass packs were used to make a car sound "cool". She remembers the trouble she got into the first (and last) time she was allowed to use the family car. We also talk about how her boyfriend--future husband--foolishly introduced her to the skill of driving.

Did you pass your driving test on the first try? According to the Division of Vehicle Safety Administration in 2018/2019, there is only a 45.8% pass rate for those taking the test the first time.

The two most common reasons for failure are cutting the corner when making a right-hand turn and "failure to control the vehicle"--whatever that means?!

Today, I talk with Michelle about "Learning to Drive". She recounts her parents' response to her first accident and we talk about you her dad was (and continues to be) confused when she cries. But we really get into our opinions on the unique opportunity for the development of appreciation when your first car is a "beater".

According to Google, a 2020 study found that most people learn to drive when they are 17 or 18--it's really an important step in "growing up". However, 18% of people wait until later in life (in their 30s and 40s) to learn to drive.

This week, the Sidetracked Sisters are exploring "Learning to Drive". Judy and I talk about how driver's education has changed over the years and about how our view of independence has also changed as the number of cars that a family owns has increased. Then we look back at our experiences with driving cars with a manual transmission.

"We dream of having a clean house, but who dreams of actually doing the cleaning? --Marcus Buckingham

Well, I think my mom, Sandy, may actually dream of cleaning!!! All is well with the world if her house is picked up and CLEAN...and her "bookwork" is done! (But the whole bookworm thing is another story.)

We are talking about "Cleaning Mishaps". In today's episode, Sandy and I talk about her obsession with finding--and collecting--the best cleaning products and tools. We also reminisce about her strategy to get her children to get weekly housekeeping responsibilities accomplished.

One of the cleaning products she LOVES is called Protec. 

Her favorite vacuum cleaner is a Shark.

"Housework can't kill you, but why take the chance?" -Phyllis Diller (comedian)

I think Judy would totally agree! she picks up, organizes, and straightens things, but cleaning, well...

In today's episode, we are talking about cleaning Mishaps. Judy recalls how her sister was a good cleaner who didn't want or need Judy's help. We discuss having help cleaning our houses and our need for a cleaning coach perhaps--is that even a thing?!?

Near the end, Judy says that the BEST window cleaner is made following this recipe:

1/2 bucket of warm water

1 1/2 cups ammonia

1 splash of rubbing alcohol

1 drop of blue Dawn dishwashing liquid (added last)

Use with a nylon scrubby.

I love consistency! Although I can be spontaneous, I prefer to live with predictable procedures, patterns, and expectations. As you will see today, when I fall short in one of my routines, I almost experienced a catastrophic consequence.

In this episode, Judy and I talk about the events of the early morning when I left the kitchen without taking care of the dinner mess and went to bed instead--thinking that I would take care of it in the morning. We remember Percy, the cat who is the antagonist in my story. Then we wrap up with some thoughts about when you might want to add a conversation (dialog) to your legacy writing.

"It is amazing how quickly kids learn to drive a car yet are unable to understand the lawnmower, snow blower or vacuum cleaner. -Ben Bergor

In this episode, Michelle and I talk about "Cleaning Mishaps". We reminisce about our childhood cleaning responsibilities and how we have tried as adults to stay on top of housekeeping obligations using the "Fly Lady" system. Unfortunately, whether or not this program is successful is up for debate. then, on what seems like a random not, but is not, we relate a perennial problem that she suffers from that involves her Christmas tree.

Did you know that the average American moves 11 times in a lifetime?

Mom is NEVER going to EVER get close to this number.

My mom, at the age of 77, has only lived in 4 places and she feels a deep connection to each and every place.

Today, Sandy and I are talking about "Places I've Lived". We discuss the new house she and dad moved into when I was just a baby and the move to where she lives now. We chat about changes she's made to the home--including the AMAZING attic playroom she created for her grandkids!

I always knew that when I started having kids I would want to be close to family. We began looking at houses in my hometown while we were actively doing infertility work. The search quickly led us to our dream house--unfortunately, it wasn't ain a dream location. But the house..was wonderful!

In this episode, we are talking about "Places I've Lived".

We discuss memories about a majestic downtown home, aspects of the house that I loved, and the PERFECT advice Judy gave me about relationships.