I think I must be a bad driver. I don't know. When I was little I used to be pretty klutzy. I guess I still am. But when I was seven, I specifically remember knocking into a dresser and spilling a Pure Chocolate Ice Blended from Coffee Bean. I used to get those with my best friend at the time (that was our treat). It was a joke in her family, and whenever I bumped into something or dropped something, her dad would always make fun of me. "Vic! Look what you did!" And there I was, cleaning up my spilled milk (literally) with a wash cloth. I also remember burning pop corn in the microwave at her house, and we tried to air out the kitchen so when her dad came home he wouldn't smell it, but of course he did, and then of course, I was embarassed...AGAIN.
I think I must have poor depth perception mixed with a general incoherence when it comes to math and simple calculations or equations - like how far away something is or how close. You know, basic measurements, like distance. This probably makes me a bad driver. I also think that someone's car is a great indicator or symbol of his/her current state of mind. A clean, washed car says something very different than a dirty car filled with old tupperware containers, water bottles, items from who knows when, etc. Different state of minds. And if someone bangs up their car or gets in an accident...I bet there is something going on upstairs...something maybe not so peaceful?
Anyway, I went to the pre-party for Vid Con (which I am not including as a culture vulture point because it was part of my job and thus mandatory), we had the opportunity to go kart. My instincts and guts told me "No". Why would I want to race on a track with a bunch of drunk people who want to drive fast and let loose? I just want to drive nice and safe in my lane and not get bumped. This very instinct made me realize I had to do it. Conquer a little fear. Maybe have a little victory.
I bought my ticket for $12.00 and awaited my turn. The go-karting experience here was probably different on this night in comparison to a regular night when a big, loud event isn't happening. They announced your name over a deafening speaker.
When we were called - one of the several guys working there (interesting how the only woman was behind the cash register...hmmm...) tried to explain the rules while shouting over loud music and general hoopla. He described how to use the go-kart (the pedals) and the different flags that would be waved during the course. "The white flag means what??" I could barely hear him. I didn't want to screw up or get hurt. We had to sign a waiver moments before, basically saying we were okay with dying...so I wanted to limit that possibility as much as possible.
After our all too brief safety seminar, we got these sock like things to put over our heads. There was a small hole for our eyes (I wasn't even sure if it was supposed to cover my mouth or not, and I spent a good ten minutes struggling with it, pulling it over my mouth and then trying to squeeze my chin out, just to understand how it was supposed to fit). We then got helmets. Afterwards, we were given numbers assigning us to a specific kart. Since I'm short, I was given a booster seat. Yeah...I felt pre-tt-y cool. He...He...He?
We buckled ourselves in and the race began. I, of course, was passed by pretty much everyone. Some people even passed me twice. I tried to stay on the side of the track so people could pass me easily, but I did get bumped a few times. It was startling, but not scary. While I was driving, I honestly just wanted it to be over. I didn't feel the need for speed, the need to drive recklessly, the need to win. I just didn't want to get hurt.
During some parts of the loop, I tried to set goals for myself: try not to get passed here! Try to speed up here! I was trying to test my bravery. But I just don't think go-karting is my thing. All the while, these men, stationed throughout the course are waving various flags, constantly, and I have no idea what they mean or if they are referring to me.
By the end of the race (yes I came in last of about 15 people), I was glad it was over. Glad I did it, but can't see myself doing it again. It's hard for me to understand people that don't have fear of hurting themselves - maybe they'd done it before and believed it to be safer than I? I don't know. It just wasn't that fun to me. I hate driving. I commute to work, to school, even to see friends. I'm stuck in traffic all day, and then have to circle around for hours to find a parking spot. It seems a little counter intuitive to then go to a race track and drive, again, for fun. But hey, if that's what gets you smiling - then go for it. I'll cheer you on from the side-lines.
K1 Speed is located in Anaheim, a bit far away, but if you're ever in the area or trying to go to Disneyland or somethin', maybe check it out! You can learn more about it here: www.k1speed.com/
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