Practice

Now what do I need to get ready? How can I be well prepared? The ol' Girl Scout in me says READ, STUDY, BUY, ASK, SURF THE WEB...  and most important... PRACTICE (freeway entrances and exits). 

Yes, you heard me. At this point I don't do freeways. A long time ago, when JR and I took road trips, I helped with the driving, but it never included entering, exiting, or changing freeways. My main help to JR (so he could take a break) was in driving for an hour or so on long stretches of highway that required nothing fancy. So for sure, I know I need to get more comfy with the on and off of freeway driving. 

I can do this pretty close to home... especially during the non-touristy time of the year, as long as I stay away from morning and evening rush hour. I could enter right here at Dobson and head east to a variety of exits, all in my home territory. Since I'm very familiar with the Mesa streets, this should be a good way to start, without adding the stress of new and unfamiliar territory. 

Do not shake your head in disbelief! It it true... I've avoided freeway driving for sixty-eight years. But if my intent is to stretch my boundaries, and be free of self-imposed restrictions, I need to become accustomed to learning and doing new things - even if I feel scared! 

So be it! I have identified one of my first goals:

1. PRACTICE FREEWAY DRIVING.