I get in the strangest ruts. I drive a Mazda Protege (and I LOVE it; I would happily recommend a Mazda to anyone), and although I only just started driving it I am already completely used to the manual transmission, four-door-but-still-sleek build, and decent turn radius. So when I took the train down to Oregon this past weekend (long story; I didn't end up driving, but Amtrak was a great alternative), I found myself in the position of driving something else.
My aunt very generously lent me her Mercedes for Saturday evening, and I was completely at sea. Automatic transmission, an older and wider car, and -- weirdest of all -- a diesel engine. If you've never driven a diesel before, especially an older one, it's a weird sensation. To paraphrase Jeremy Clarkson, it's nothing, nothing, nothing…ALL THE POWER AT ONCE. It's a fascinating experience!
Now, while it was fun to try something new as always, this experience made me realize another equally important reason to mix it up:
You don't always know what kind of situation you will find yourself in, and mixing it up ensures you will be as prepared as possible when something unexpected occurs.
What if you need to suddenly be the designated driver in a friend's car? What if your car breaks down in a strange city and you need to rent an unfamiliar make or model? What if you need to borrow a friend's truck to move a large piece of furniture? There are so many crazy things that can come up in your life! Mixing it up means that not only are you used to new situations, but you just might have the right skills to handle them with aplomb. So today, mix it up and try driving a different vehicle -- maybe your partner's or friend's -- and add to your repertoire of useful skills!
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