on 8/20/01 5:17 PM, Kelly, Katie at kkelly@spss.com wrote:
> Boris writes...
>
>> It
> doesn't
>> have to be anything special, just a vehicle to teach my GF how to shift
> for
>> herself. The only place I've found so far is Specialty Rentals. They
> offer
>> some nice machinery at very special prices. Any suggestions?
>
> The key is to find a car that isn't too flashy. Something that blends in
> with the scenery. Like a Ford Pinto.
>
> Then, you must go to a place where there aren't too many people around. A
> bad idea is the parking lot of Cal High in San Ramon, as hundreds of
> teenagers board buses home after the East Bay Athletic League (high school)
> Swimming Championships.
>
> Then, and this is imperative, you must remain absolutely quiet. No sudden
> spurts of, "Oh my God!" and heavy breathing. This is probably the most
> difficult part.
>
> Do not bring a younger passenger, like a younger sister, or in your case,
> son of student. He will only serve as a tormentor.
>
> When the car begins moving in convulsions, you must resist the urge to
> scream. Laughing is even worse. Laughter is the worst teaching tool, because
> we all know that laughter is merely an extension of displaced fear. Work on
> your breath control skills. When the car comes to a complete stop, and only
> then, take a deep breath, count to ten, and decide if you want to continue
> the lesson.
>
> My suggestion is you find a very large, wide open parking lot. You go to one
> end, and leave your student on the other. Tell her to figure it out for
> herself while you enjoy a nice book or something. Watch the car hop along
> the horizon, and tell yourself smugly how glad you are that you're not in
> it. Realize that there is NOTHING you can say that's going to make the
> student pick it up any faster or slower, once you've said, "As you gently
> accelerate, slowly lift up on the clutch."
>
> NOTHING! NOTHING! NOTHING!
>
> Katie "My Dad tried to teach me how to drive a stick once" Kelly
Boris, I'll be happy to teach her. Women , for the most part, are so much
easier to teach about things mechanical. No preconceived notions of how "it
ought to work" or ego to deal with. Try teaching someone, anyone, the
difference between making smooth and making level with a 100k # machine.
MJ
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