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    Home » family

    By Amanda Smyth 9 Comments

    new tricks

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    as a student at an all girls high school I grew up on a staple diet of “girls can do anything” propaganda.  Somewhere along the way, I replaced the mantra with my own “just don’t muck* it up”

    Last weekend an opportunity to take my girls on an impromptu holiday to Fraser Island presented itself.  The only thing between us and a week on Orchid Beach was fear.  I had to four wheel drive the length of Fraser Island to get there.

    The girls were angels. The tracks were in good nick. My sister-wife Susan gave me pointers via two-way radio** and we made it.the girls and I on Waddy Point Making sand castle Platypus Bay

    For my efforts we’re enjoying a week in paradise, but there was another unexpected pay-off: pride.  Each day - as I do more and more four wheel driving - I’m realising I’m capable of much more than I gave myself credit for and it feels pretty good.

    Perhaps you can teach an old dog new tricks after all.

    * this may not be the actual word I use.

    ** you can read why I took Susan as my sister-wife here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. surelysarah says

      April 11, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Well done you! I'm fully impressed. I would love to take a 4WD course, we want to get into it ourselves now we have one 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda Smyth says

        April 12, 2015 at 6:48 am

        It's a lot of fun Sarah. I'm sure you'll love it. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Vanessa says

      April 11, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      Woo! I've realised I have more driving anxieties than I want to admit lol

      Reply
    3. Emma says

      April 11, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      Great work Amanda! I just got chills at the anxiety I know you feel when driving like that. I've driven Fraser Island a fair bit but always had my Dad with me- never done it by myself. You are a superstar ⭐️⭐️⭐️

      Reply
      • Amanda Smyth says

        April 12, 2015 at 6:47 am

        Up until now, I've mostly been a passenger Emma. I've had the Frozen CD on high repeat to keep the kids from arguing while I concentrate. I'm sure all the 4WD pros work under such conditions! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says

      April 12, 2015 at 10:46 am

      You wee legend, I bet the adrenalin buzz was magnificent, have a relaxing and fun time my friend. xx

      Reply
    5. Nicole- Champagne and Chips says

      April 12, 2015 at 4:13 pm

      Ahh what a lovely story.
      I am about to start a new job with a (big, very nice) company car and I have only ever driving my crappy old, small Nissan Pulsar. I'm hoping I cope as well as you did.

      Reply
    6. Suzanne Dang says

      April 15, 2015 at 11:49 am

      Sounds wonderful! Hope you and your kids had a lovely time, Amanda! P.s Found your blog via Maxabella Loves. Keep up the good work!

      http://www.suzannedang.com

      Reply
    7. Miss Chardy says

      April 21, 2015 at 6:59 am

      We can always do so much more than we think we can. I am always so so so scared when I have to drive in mud out here, but I somehow manage to get through.... I may have sweaty palms and be nearly in tears by the end but we get through.... feels good to. Well done to you, I am proud of you!!!

      Reply

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