Monday!

STARMOON44 · April 2018

TrixieJess said:

STARMOON44 said:

TrixieJess said:

STARMOON44 said:

TrixieJess said:

redwoodoriginal said:

@short+sassy ouch. Those extra expenses that just pop up are the worst. ESP when they’re bc insurance can be so so shitty.

@MissKittyDanger so I actually did most of the grocery shopping with N while I was on leave and now we either split it and one of us goes w N on our day off or we go as a family on the weekend. If he was sleeping (or awake as a newbie) in the seat, I’d put the seat in the stroller and use a basket for putting groceries in or in the basket under the stroller. If he was awake I’d put him in our carrier (baby bjorn) and go around the store w him facing out (once he was big enough to forward face) so he’d be looking around and seeing things and push a cart. Nowadays, he’s 7mo and I plop him in the cart seat and he loves grocery shopping bc it’s a new and exciting place with lots of people to stare at. It’s not that hard, but at times it felt incredibly overwhelming. But once I got out and just did it, I’d be like “phew!” Not so bad!! A few times I’d nurse him in the car before heading home or before going in, if it was close to feeding time, or id always take an extra bottle in his diaper bag just in case. You’ll figure it out.

And seriously- get that drivers license! And get comfortable driving NOW. the sooner the better.

This all depends on how urban of an area you live in. FI nor I have licenses and we don't need them. Everything is within walking distance or a quick bus ride. We can get out of town on trains or planes.

If you live in a more rural or suburban area then yeah, a car is a must, but urban, not so much.

I’m team drivers license all the way. Even in NYC, you never go anywhere you need a car? Ever? It’s such a fundamental life skill. To me it’s like swimming. Even if you aren’t going to do it every day or even often, it’s valuable to know how.

More and more people in my age group and younger are opting to not drive. I'd say 3/5 people I know don't drive.

How old are you? I have a couple friends who can’t drive and it’s been a real problem when those rare occasions come up!

I'm 40 and my friends all range from 25-40. We live in an area that has an integrated transit system and Uber and taxis are readily available.

ETA: it takes 2-5 years to be a licensed driver once you turn 16 and a couple of hundred dollars. Most people who I know who have gotten their license haven't started until their twenties because you can't drive on highways by yourself until you are over 19 anyway.

Wow!

TrixieJess · April 2018

STARMOON44 said:

TrixieJess said:

STARMOON44 said:

TrixieJess said:

STARMOON44 said:

TrixieJess said:

redwoodoriginal said:

@short+sassy ouch. Those extra expenses that just pop up are the worst. ESP when they’re bc insurance can be so so shitty.

@MissKittyDanger so I actually did most of the grocery shopping with N while I was on leave and now we either split it and one of us goes w N on our day off or we go as a family on the weekend. If he was sleeping (or awake as a newbie) in the seat, I’d put the seat in the stroller and use a basket for putting groceries in or in the basket under the stroller. If he was awake I’d put him in our carrier (baby bjorn) and go around the store w him facing out (once he was big enough to forward face) so he’d be looking around and seeing things and push a cart. Nowadays, he’s 7mo and I plop him in the cart seat and he loves grocery shopping bc it’s a new and exciting place with lots of people to stare at. It’s not that hard, but at times it felt incredibly overwhelming. But once I got out and just did it, I’d be like “phew!” Not so bad!! A few times I’d nurse him in the car before heading home or before going in, if it was close to feeding time, or id always take an extra bottle in his diaper bag just in case. You’ll figure it out.

And seriously- get that drivers license! And get comfortable driving NOW. the sooner the better.

This all depends on how urban of an area you live in. FI nor I have licenses and we don't need them. Everything is within walking distance or a quick bus ride. We can get out of town on trains or planes.

If you live in a more rural or suburban area then yeah, a car is a must, but urban, not so much.

I’m team drivers license all the way. Even in NYC, you never go anywhere you need a car? Ever? It’s such a fundamental life skill. To me it’s like swimming. Even if you aren’t going to do it every day or even often, it’s valuable to know how.

More and more people in my age group and younger are opting to not drive. I'd say 3/5 people I know don't drive.

How old are you? I have a couple friends who can’t drive and it’s been a real problem when those rare occasions come up!

I'm 40 and my friends all range from 25-40. We live in an area that has an integrated transit system and Uber and taxis are readily available.

ETA: it takes 2-5 years to be a licensed driver once you turn 16 and a couple of hundred dollars. Most people who I know who have gotten their license haven't started until their twenties because you can't drive on highways by yourself until you are over 19 anyway.

Wow!

We have a graduated licensing system and they have added to it over the years so you cannot have x amount of people in the car if you are under 19, you cannot have a specific blood alcohol under 25, and you can only drive on specific highways (basically back roads) until you're 19. You also cannot get the first part of your license until you've had your beginners for at least a year.

short+sassy · April 2018

@TrixieJess, I'm guestimating. The last time I had to pay for an ambulance ride was almost 15 years ago. Had insurance, but ambulance/ER visits went to the deductible first. The initial bill for the ambulance was $1200. But the company made some kind of "deal" with me that if I paid the bill, in full, they'd knock it down to $700*. I'm assuming, nowadays, an ambulance ride is $1500ish.

Or, as I like to call it, "a really expensive cab ride". Definitely not knocking EMTs. I'm sure they sometimes save people's lives in those precious minutes to get to a hospital. But in this particular case, they aren't doing anything except giving my H a ride to the hospital. If I'd happen to have been home when it happened, I would have driven him.

At the ER, they'll give me him a major pain killer. A (probably) orthopedist will visit him 2-3x for 5-10 minutes each time. One of those visits will include a local, fast acting anesthesia and the orthopedist will pop his arm back into place. Price tag for all of that extensive care//s? About $1K-$2K.

*That is one quirky piece of the medical industry in the U.S. Because, to an extent, hospitals/ambulances have to treat people. Whether they can expect to get paid or not. They do get stuck with a lot of medical bills that never get paid. So when they have a "live" one, ie someone willing to pay them to not have their credit ruined. They will wheel and deal the bill. Like a used car salesman down to his last dollar.

I'm already honing my charm, sob story, and negotiating skills. But it's still going to be a big chunk of change.

@kvruns, thanks for the info on max. deductible totals. It's just still frustrating. I have my chronic condition that sets me back about $3500/year. Now this with my H. But still. Neither one of us is meeting our individual ded. or the family one.

MissKittyDanger · April 2018

@TrixieJess Isn't the highway thing a timing deal? Like under 19 can drive on highways until like 8pm or whatever?

TrixieJess · April 2018

MissKittyDanger said:

@TrixieJess Isn't the highway thing a timing deal? Like under 19 can drive on highways until like 8pm or whatever?

I can't remember, all I know is that it's 400 series highways because that's all that's around us and kids I know had to practise for their G2 on the back numbered highways.

TrixieJess · April 2018

short+sassy said:

@TrixieJess, I'm guestimating. The last time I had to pay for an ambulance ride was almost 15 years ago. Had insurance, but ambulance/ER visits went to the deductible first. The initial bill for the ambulance was $1200. But the company made some kind of "deal" with me that if I paid the bill, in full, they'd knock it down to $700*. I'm assuming, nowadays, an ambulance ride is $1500ish.
Or, as I like to call it, "a really expensive cab ride". Definitely not knocking EMTs. I'm sure they sometimes save people's lives in those precious minutes to get to a hospital. But in this particular case, they aren't doing anything except giving my H a ride to the hospital. If I'd happen to have been home when it happened, I would have driven him.
At the ER, they'll give me him a major pain killer. A (probably) orthopedist will visit him 2-3x for 5-10 minutes each time. One of those visits will include a local, fast acting anesthesia and the orthopedist will pop his arm back into place. Price tag for all of that extensive care//s? About $1K-$2K.
*That is one quirky piece of the medical industry in the U.S. Because, to an extent, hospitals/ambulances have to treat people. Whether they can expect to get paid or not. They do get stuck with a lot of medical bills that never get paid. So when they have a "live" one, ie someone willing to pay them to not have their credit ruined. They will wheel and deal the bill. Like a used car salesman down to his last dollar.
I'm already honing my charm, sob story, and negotiating skills. But it's still going to be a big chunk of change.
@kvruns, thanks for the info on max. deductible totals. It's just still frustrating. I have my chronic condition that sets me back about $3500/year. Now this with my H. But still. Neither one of us is meeting our individual ded. or the family one.

That's appalling.

I was listening to one of my coworkers talk about another coworker's child who had to be hospitalised over the weekend and my first thought was, "I hope they can find parking", not, I hope they come out of this without debt. Lordy, healthcare priorities are slightly backwards.

MissKittyDanger · April 2018

In my defense, I legit never had a desire to get my license.
My mum doesn't drive {nor should she - she has a depth perception issue} and my dad lost his license before I turned 16
None of my friends got their licenses until they were closer to their early 20s and a good majority of them only just started.

I have been writing out goals for the next 1-2 yrs, and doing drivers ed is on my list. I need to be more comfortable in the car. I don't practice in the winter {yet} because I am nervous as is on good roads. M does want me to drive in a parking lot during crap weather so then I can get a feel of how to handle the car 'losing control' feels like. That won't be until next winter though, I need more practice lol {apparently I'm a good driver, just super nervous}

As @TrixieJess mentioned, we have a graduated licensing in Canada. I currently have my G1 {which means I can practice with a full G driver}

Next is G2 - and even though I clear the age limits, it does mean there is a zero tolerance {which I personally have as well, but legal wise}

Last is full G - there is a small tolerance level, but I disregard that - as I mentioned I have a zero tolerance level for drinking and driving. Legally speaking, it's 0.08 mg of alcohol.

From the day you get your G1, you have 5yrs to do everything. I have until October of 2020 to get everything done. Which if you plan it well, you can book your G test after you pass your G2 test {I believe there has to be a certain time frame}

cupcait927 · April 2018

TrixieJess said:

short+sassy said:

@TrixieJess, I'm guestimating. The last time I had to pay for an ambulance ride was almost 15 years ago. Had insurance, but ambulance/ER visits went to the deductible first. The initial bill for the ambulance was $1200. But the company made some kind of "deal" with me that if I paid the bill, in full, they'd knock it down to $700*. I'm assuming, nowadays, an ambulance ride is $1500ish.
Or, as I like to call it, "a really expensive cab ride". Definitely not knocking EMTs. I'm sure they sometimes save people's lives in those precious minutes to get to a hospital. But in this particular case, they aren't doing anything except giving my H a ride to the hospital. If I'd happen to have been home when it happened, I would have driven him.
At the ER, they'll give me him a major pain killer. A (probably) orthopedist will visit him 2-3x for 5-10 minutes each time. One of those visits will include a local, fast acting anesthesia and the orthopedist will pop his arm back into place. Price tag for all of that extensive care//s? About $1K-$2K.
*That is one quirky piece of the medical industry in the U.S. Because, to an extent, hospitals/ambulances have to treat people. Whether they can expect to get paid or not. They do get stuck with a lot of medical bills that never get paid. So when they have a "live" one, ie someone willing to pay them to not have their credit ruined. They will wheel and deal the bill. Like a used car salesman down to his last dollar.
I'm already honing my charm, sob story, and negotiating skills. But it's still going to be a big chunk of change.
@kvruns, thanks for the info on max. deductible totals. It's just still frustrating. I have my chronic condition that sets me back about $3500/year. Now this with my H. But still. Neither one of us is meeting our individual ded. or the family one.

That's appalling.

I was listening to one of my coworkers talk about another coworker's child who had to be hospitalised over the weekend and my first thought was, "I hope they can find parking", not, I hope they come out of this without debt. Lordy, healthcare priorities are slightly backwards.

H was hospitalized last year for some very serious mental health issues. We were given a bill of $4500 for a 4 1/2 day stay (and this was after we'd already incurred $2k in bills for the year for the same issues). I'm thankful to this day that we had the funds to be able to seek that level of care. Many people in the US don't. It's awful.

short+sassy · April 2018

Just got the first call from H since the incident. He's fixed back up and waiting to be discharged. A different friend is giving him a ride home. Here is a piece of the conversation:

Me: "How are you doing?"

Him: "I'm high!"

Me: "That's good (haha). Are you in any pain?"

Him: "Nope, once they put my arm back in place, I'm fine."

MissKittyDanger · April 2018

@short+sassy That's insane about the hospital costs!
Hahaha .... your H though :')

TrixieJess · April 2018

short+sassy said:

Just got the first call from H since the incident. He's fixed back up and waiting to be discharged. A different friend is giving him a ride home. Here is a piece of the conversation:
Me: "How are you doing?"
Him: "I'm high!"
Me: "That's good (haha). Are you in any pain?"
Him: "Nope, once they put my arm back in place, I'm fine."

I have been your H.

OliveOilsMom · April 2018

S+S - Sorry to hear about your H. Thankfully he will be ok, but those bills! Tell H the next time it happens, to call an uber! I've heard more and more people are calling uber's to take them to hospitals to avoid ambulance charges.

Leviosa - Good news on the clinical site taking you! Fingers crossed it all works out!

STARMOON44 · April 2018

MissKittyDanger said:

In my defense, I legit never had a desire to get my license.
My mum doesn't drive {nor should she - she has a depth perception issue} and my dad lost his license before I turned 16
None of my friends got their licenses until they were closer to their early 20s and a good majority of them only just started.

I have been writing out goals for the next 1-2 yrs, and doing drivers ed is on my list. I need to be more comfortable in the car. I don't practice in the winter {yet} because I am nervous as is on good roads. M does want me to drive in a parking lot during crap weather so then I can get a feel of how to handle the car 'losing control' feels like. That won't be until next winter though, I need more practice lol {apparently I'm a good driver, just super nervous}

As @TrixieJess mentioned, we have a graduated licensing in Canada. I currently have my G1 {which means I can practice with a full G driver}

Next is G2 - and even though I clear the age limits, it does mean there is a zero tolerance {which I personally have as well, but legal wise}

Last is full G - there is a small tolerance level, but I disregard that - as I mentioned I have a zero tolerance level for drinking and driving. Legally speaking, it's 0.08 mg of alcohol.

From the day you get your G1, you have 5yrs to do everything. I have until October of 2020 to get everything done. Which if you plan it well, you can book your G test after you pass your G2 test {I believe there has to be a certain time frame}

I get all of this, but also your average 17 year old can figure it out just fine. The only way to get comfortable is to just start doing it. You could be doing all the driving now with your husband in the car and really getting used to it before baby comes and there’s another barrier! I was so nervous and am so grateful my parents were like too bad so sad it’s no negotiable like it or not you’re learning. You can do this!!!! You’ve totally got it!!!

short+sassy · April 2018

@TrixieJess and @MissKittyDanger, it has been really interesting to read about the requirements for getting a driver's license in Canada! It's a lot tougher than in the U.S.

It varies by state, but I think they are all in the same ballpark. This might be dated info but, when I was a teenager in CA, you had to be 15 1/2 to get a learner's permit. With that permit, you could drive with a licensed driver 18 or over in the car. At 16 or 17, you could get a provisional driver's license that automatically turned into a full license at 18. The only thing "provisional" meant was the ease with which the state could take it away, if you messed up. For example, one of my HS friends had a DUI at 16. Automatic loss of his license until he was 18.

You could drive on highways, even with a learner's permit. Once you had a provisional driver's license, you could drive by yourself. You could drive with a bunch of people in the car. No different than anybody else with a full license.

The majority of people got their license in high school. It was super odd to meet anyone over 18 who didn't have one. But some of that was probably the area I was in. So. CA is very populated, but also really spread out. Public transportation is almost non-existent, outside of the really big cities (LA and San Diego). You need a car to do almost anything. Most people don't even live within walking distance of a grocery store.

MissKittyDanger · April 2018

STARMOON44 said:

MissKittyDanger said:

In my defense, I legit never had a desire to get my license.
My mum doesn't drive {nor should she - she has a depth perception issue} and my dad lost his license before I turned 16
None of my friends got their licenses until they were closer to their early 20s and a good majority of them only just started.

I have been writing out goals for the next 1-2 yrs, and doing drivers ed is on my list. I need to be more comfortable in the car. I don't practice in the winter {yet} because I am nervous as is on good roads. M does want me to drive in a parking lot during crap weather so then I can get a feel of how to handle the car 'losing control' feels like. That won't be until next winter though, I need more practice lol {apparently I'm a good driver, just super nervous}

As @TrixieJess mentioned, we have a graduated licensing in Canada. I currently have my G1 {which means I can practice with a full G driver}

Next is G2 - and even though I clear the age limits, it does mean there is a zero tolerance {which I personally have as well, but legal wise}

Last is full G - there is a small tolerance level, but I disregard that - as I mentioned I have a zero tolerance level for drinking and driving. Legally speaking, it's 0.08 mg of alcohol.

From the day you get your G1, you have 5yrs to do everything. I have until October of 2020 to get everything done. Which if you plan it well, you can book your G test after you pass your G2 test {I believe there has to be a certain time frame}

I get all of this, but also your average 17 year old can figure it out just fine. The only way to get comfortable is to just start doing it. You could be doing all the driving now with your husband in the car and really getting used to it before baby comes and there’s another barrier! I was so nervous and am so grateful my parents were like too bad so sad it’s no negotiable like it or not you’re learning. You can do this!!!! You’ve totally got it!!!

I had no one to drive with at 16 even if I wanted to get my license, again I had zero desire to so that was a huge part of it.

I use to drive more before we moved because I knew the back roads better than where we live now. I can legally drive on normal roads, but back roads are just easier until I can gain the confidence of driving.

Lol tbh the main reason I got my license was knowing the 5 yr limit would somewhat motivate me to actually do it.

MissKittyDanger · April 2018

@short+sassy I use to work for a driving school {yes, ironic} and there were a lot of 15 yr olds who didn't have G1 that would take the classes close to when they were 16 .... then at 16 they would get their G1 and start the in-car lessons.

redwoodoriginal · April 2018

Yeah I’m with @STARMOON44 on getting your license regardless of where you live.

TrixieJess · April 2018

MissKittyDanger said:

STARMOON44 said:

MissKittyDanger said:

In my defense, I legit never had a desire to get my license.
My mum doesn't drive {nor should she - she has a depth perception issue} and my dad lost his license before I turned 16
None of my friends got their licenses until they were closer to their early 20s and a good majority of them only just started.

I have been writing out goals for the next 1-2 yrs, and doing drivers ed is on my list. I need to be more comfortable in the car. I don't practice in the winter {yet} because I am nervous as is on good roads. M does want me to drive in a parking lot during crap weather so then I can get a feel of how to handle the car 'losing control' feels like. That won't be until next winter though, I need more practice lol {apparently I'm a good driver, just super nervous}

As @TrixieJess mentioned, we have a graduated licensing in Canada. I currently have my G1 {which means I can practice with a full G driver}

Next is G2 - and even though I clear the age limits, it does mean there is a zero tolerance {which I personally have as well, but legal wise}

Last is full G - there is a small tolerance level, but I disregard that - as I mentioned I have a zero tolerance level for drinking and driving. Legally speaking, it's 0.08 mg of alcohol.

From the day you get your G1, you have 5yrs to do everything. I have until October of 2020 to get everything done. Which if you plan it well, you can book your G test after you pass your G2 test {I believe there has to be a certain time frame}

I get all of this, but also your average 17 year old can figure it out just fine. The only way to get comfortable is to just start doing it. You could be doing all the driving now with your husband in the car and really getting used to it before baby comes and there’s another barrier! I was so nervous and am so grateful my parents were like too bad so sad it’s no negotiable like it or not you’re learning. You can do this!!!! You’ve totally got it!!!

I had no one to drive with at 16 even if I wanted to get my license, again I had zero desire to so that was a huge part of it.

I use to drive more before we moved because I knew the back roads better than where we live now. I can legally drive on normal roads, but back roads are just easier until I can gain the confidence of driving.

Lol tbh the main reason I got my license was knowing the 5 yr limit would somewhat motivate me to actually do it.

Most 16 and 17 year olds don’t drive in Ontario unless they live in the country. It’s expensive. I think it’s close to $100 for the G1 and you have to pay for each test, plus drivers ed which is $300-500. Insurance is also crazy high for drivers under 25. Most parents don’t put out for the expense nowadays.

banana468 · April 2018

MissKittyDanger said:

STARMOON44 said:

MissKittyDanger said:

In my defense, I legit never had a desire to get my license.
My mum doesn't drive {nor should she - she has a depth perception issue} and my dad lost his license before I turned 16
None of my friends got their licenses until they were closer to their early 20s and a good majority of them only just started.

I have been writing out goals for the next 1-2 yrs, and doing drivers ed is on my list. I need to be more comfortable in the car. I don't practice in the winter {yet} because I am nervous as is on good roads. M does want me to drive in a parking lot during crap weather so then I can get a feel of how to handle the car 'losing control' feels like. That won't be until next winter though, I need more practice lol {apparently I'm a good driver, just super nervous}

As @TrixieJess mentioned, we have a graduated licensing in Canada. I currently have my G1 {which means I can practice with a full G driver}

Next is G2 - and even though I clear the age limits, it does mean there is a zero tolerance {which I personally have as well, but legal wise}

Last is full G - there is a small tolerance level, but I disregard that - as I mentioned I have a zero tolerance level for drinking and driving. Legally speaking, it's 0.08 mg of alcohol.

From the day you get your G1, you have 5yrs to do everything. I have until October of 2020 to get everything done. Which if you plan it well, you can book your G test after you pass your G2 test {I believe there has to be a certain time frame}

I get all of this, but also your average 17 year old can figure it out just fine. The only way to get comfortable is to just start doing it. You could be doing all the driving now with your husband in the car and really getting used to it before baby comes and there’s another barrier! I was so nervous and am so grateful my parents were like too bad so sad it’s no negotiable like it or not you’re learning. You can do this!!!! You’ve totally got it!!!

I had no one to drive with at 16 even if I wanted to get my license, again I had zero desire to so that was a huge part of it.

I use to drive more before we moved because I knew the back roads better than where we live now. I can legally drive on normal roads, but back roads are just easier until I can gain the confidence of driving.

Lol tbh the main reason I got my license was knowing the 5 yr limit would somewhat motivate me to actually do it.

I really recommend you getting your license. What are your plans for when M is not home and you need to get the baby to the doctor?? Do you have other options other than waiting for him?

I'll echo others that you should take over and drive anytime you can if you don't have your license yet. This is one of those things that you need to learn by doing.

STARMOON44 · April 2018

MissKittyDanger said:

STARMOON44 said:

MissKittyDanger said:

In my defense, I legit never had a desire to get my license.
My mum doesn't drive {nor should she - she has a depth perception issue} and my dad lost his license before I turned 16
None of my friends got their licenses until they were closer to their early 20s and a good majority of them only just started.

I have been writing out goals for the next 1-2 yrs, and doing drivers ed is on my list. I need to be more comfortable in the car. I don't practice in the winter {yet} because I am nervous as is on good roads. M does want me to drive in a parking lot during crap weather so then I can get a feel of how to handle the car 'losing control' feels like. That won't be until next winter though, I need more practice lol {apparently I'm a good driver, just super nervous}

As @TrixieJess mentioned, we have a graduated licensing in Canada. I currently have my G1 {which means I can practice with a full G driver}

Next is G2 - and even though I clear the age limits, it does mean there is a zero tolerance {which I personally have as well, but legal wise}

Last is full G - there is a small tolerance level, but I disregard that - as I mentioned I have a zero tolerance level for drinking and driving. Legally speaking, it's 0.08 mg of alcohol.

From the day you get your G1, you have 5yrs to do everything. I have until October of 2020 to get everything done. Which if you plan it well, you can book your G test after you pass your G2 test {I believe there has to be a certain time frame}

I get all of this, but also your average 17 year old can figure it out just fine. The only way to get comfortable is to just start doing it. You could be doing all the driving now with your husband in the car and really getting used to it before baby comes and there’s another barrier! I was so nervous and am so grateful my parents were like too bad so sad it’s no negotiable like it or not you’re learning. You can do this!!!! You’ve totally got it!!!

I had no one to drive with at 16 even if I wanted to get my license, again I had zero desire to so that was a huge part of it.

I use to drive more before we moved because I knew the back roads better than where we live now. I can legally drive on normal roads, but back roads are just easier until I can gain the confidence of driving.

Lol tbh the main reason I got my license was knowing the 5 yr limit would somewhat motivate me to actually do it.

Oh I completely get why you didn’t before, just wanted to give a vote of confidence that you can do it now!

short+sassy · April 2018

TrixieJess said:

Most 16 and 17 year olds don’t drive in Ontario unless they live in the country. It’s expensive. I think it’s close to $100 for the G1 and you have to pay for each test, plus drivers ed which is $300-500. Insurance is also crazy high for drivers under 25. Most parents don’t put out for the expense nowadays.

That's the same in our two countries, lol.

I don't know if this is still true, but I think all the major rental car companies require drivers to be 25 or over.

Apparently 25 is the magical benchmark age for driving, statistics-wise.

redwoodoriginal · April 2018

TK ate the rest of my post- wtf?!

I think its it’s important to have a license wherever you live. Even in an urban place. My sister lived in nyc and never got a license and now is in SF and still doesn’t and is realizing more and more how important having a license would be for random things. I live in a city and still find driving to the store way easier than walking or taking the bus. And with a kid the shit you carry increases a ton!

Point is, having a kid will increase your need for driving. Drs appts? Visiting people so you’re not stuck at home inside all day? Emergencies? Sure you can Uber, but that’s another layer of stress with having to install a car seat each time.

kimmiinthemitten · April 2018

@MissKittyDanger and @TrixieJess not driving seems crazy to me, but I live in the Motor City where our public transit was intentionally created to be shit so it wouldn't piss off the UAW. I've owned a car since I was 16.

@charlotte989875 It's often times called being a dry drunk. My brother is like that too. It's sad but at the same time, you're in the right for not tolerating the behavior, even though the cancer murkies it a bit. If you ever want to chat or vent, I'm here. I'm sorry you're going through all of this.

@mrsconn23 I can't see the cake

. But that tattoo outline is awesome!!

@short+sassy sorry about the Hubs and the money! That sucks on both ends.

ILoveBeachMusic · April 2018

short+sassy said:

TrixieJess said:

Most 16 and 17 year olds don’t drive in Ontario unless they live in the country. It’s expensive. I think it’s close to $100 for the G1 and you have to pay for each test, plus drivers ed which is $300-500. Insurance is also crazy high for drivers under 25. Most parents don’t put out for the expense nowadays.

That's the same in our two countries, lol.
I don't know if this is still true, but I think all the major rental car companies require drivers to be 25 or over.
Apparently 25 is the magical benchmark age for driving, statistics-wise.

They don't require them to be 25 but they charge them more! DS2 had to rent a car to drive from the airport to the town where DS1 was married (one hour drive late at night) and was pissed he had to pay so much more because he was 23 1/2. He has never had a moving violation/accident or anything!

kimmiinthemitten · April 2018

Has anyone seen the video where the wedding guests sing the first dance song after the DJ's equipment broke?

Finally, a wedding video that I truly enjoy!

TrixieJess · April 2018

redwoodoriginal said:

TK ate the rest of my post- wtf?!

I think its it’s important to have a license wherever you live. Even in an urban place. My sister lived in nyc and never got a license and now is in SF and still doesn’t and is realizing more and more how important having a license would be for random things. I live in a city and still find driving to the store way easier than walking or taking the bus. And with a kid the shit you carry increases a ton!

Point is, having a kid will increase your need for driving. Drs appts? Visiting people so you’re not stuck at home inside all day? Emergencies? Sure you can Uber, but that’s another layer of stress with having to install a car seat each time.

I take my kid to doctor’s appointments all the time, without a car. It’s not a difficult thing. Our LHIN is a 15 minute walk from our house and there’s two hospitals and an urgent care less than 3 km from our house all on major transit routes and all within walking distance.

Not everyone, everywhere needs or wants to drive. There’s less people nowadays learning how to drive and I know that there’s less licensed drivers under 30 in Ontario than they expected.

My youngest brother is 18 and out of all of his friends none of them drive. They don’t even have their G1 yet. They would rather use their money for something else than a car and licensing.

MissKittyDanger · April 2018

@banana468 Our clinic is walking distance. If weather is bad there's a regular bus right by our house. Even if I got my license, we're a one car family - no room for another vehicle for awhile {we do have a garage but that won't be cleared for another vehicle for awhile}
Side note/reference; M works 10-15min drive from our house and that's with traffic.

@STARMOON44 Oh I thought you were quoting what your parents said

lol
I am working on it. My plan is for drivers ed in the winter - that way I get winter driving practice and I get G2 before I go back to work

banana468 · April 2018

MissKittyDanger said:

@banana468 Our clinic is walking distance. If weather is bad there's a regular bus right by our house. Even if I got my license, we're a one car family - no room for another vehicle for awhile {we do have a garage but that won't be cleared for another vehicle for awhile}
Side note/reference; M works 10-15min drive from our house and that's with traffic.

@STARMOON44 Oh I thought you were quoting what your parents said lol
I am working on it. My plan is for drivers ed in the winter - that way I get winter driving practice and I get G2 before I go back to work

That's good. Does your clinic offer x-rays and testing in house?

I just remember when Chiquita was 1, DH was working, I was working and my mom stayed home with her while she was sick. I ran her to the doctor's office where she was examined and then she needed chest x-rays so I drove another 10 minutes to have her chest x rayed, brought back the disc, gave her disc to the doctor who diagnosed the pneumonia and then ran to the store where she got her prescription. Here, that's a lot of driving.

The other aspect is just being prepared to stagger who takes the child and who misses work. Babies just get sick. Once they're around other kids and they know how to put things in their mouths they excel at having illnesses. And most daycares will not allow you to have a child at the facility for fever, stomach upset or myriad of other things. That means kiddo stays home with someone and often that's Mom and Dad. Hopefully your system is flexible but I went through a period where I was under the microscope at my job and couldn't be the person who took the time off by default. So that meant DH and me shuffling around who was working and who wasn't. Maybe none of that will be a concern for you but I just wanted to throw it out there because once the baby is here the routines as you know them are going to be altered.

ShesSoCold · April 2018

Man, the concept of not driving is so foreign to me.

I could not wait to get my car when I was 16. I was a bad driver and my mom wasn't going to let me use her car so I had to wait like 6 months before I got my license and car when I was 16. It was excruciating.

I live in the suburbs and we have very little public transportation. Having a car meant freedom. And the ability to get a better job a little further away or with better hours.

6fsn · April 2018

This is so foreign to me too. So can you leave the city with public transport? I guess that's the part that sticks with me. How would I get to nowheresville to be alone?

Monday!

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