A while back I wrote about how I want to get a GPS system and how I think it would be beneficial for all women to have one (men too, actually — yeah, maybe men need directions even more). Anyway, I have a new addition to what I’m calling the “women’s toolbox” that I think women need to have at their disposal — the ability to drive a stick-shift automobile.

I can’t imagine not being able to drive any car I wanted. Not being able jump into any vehicle and take to the open road. Having the ability to drive a manual transmission gives me those options. It also give me options in times of emergencies. What if my car was in the shop and the only one I could borrow was a stick?

I find, however, that there are many people in this world that can’t drive one. You’re not too old to learn.

The best way to learn is to buy one. That’s what I did. It was my second car. At the dealership I paid for the car, signed all the papers and was handed the keys. Now what? Crap! I had to drive it home. So, drive it home I did, jerking and stalling at every traffic light. My boyfriend at the time was driving behind me so I had some added “protection,” but I had to figure out how to get that sucker home on my own. The drive (punn intended) to get places is what gave me the will to learn how to operate this complicated vehicle. And, today, I am forever thankful. Not only is driving a stick important, it’s fun. It gives you a lot more power and control over your vehicle.

We recently got a new car and it’s an automatic and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Now, we have two automatic drives. I asked my husband if we would forget how to drive a stick. He was quick to say it’s like riding a bike. OK, I feel better.

Related:

• Women’s Toolbox Item #1: GPS

An attractive man with a sexy English accent tells me where to turn on my way to the location of my choice; a romantic restaurant for dinner, drinks and dessert. I’m in love. *sigh*

My new love interest isn’t a man, however: It’s the TomTom GPS device.

My sister-in-law let me try out her TomTom while she was in town visiting us. I’m amazed at how easy it is to get around with one of these devices in your car. I can see how handy it might be in a part of town that you’re not familiar with, or going somewhere for the first time.

It will be especially helpful on a long car trip — vacations and business trips. You can find the nearest gas station, restaurant, shops, etc. Just type in what you are looking for and the device will find it for you and tell you how to get there.

A friend of mine has the Garmin version and she loves it too. She recently told me of a time when she was in an unfavorable part of town at night, with her young daughter. There was construction going on in town with several closed streets. But, with her GPS device, she didn’t have to worry about finding her way. She keyed in her information and the device showed her a way home — to safety.

I think that every woman should have one of these in her arsenal of tools. I plan to get one as soon as the sweet-talking Englishman tells me which way to the electronics store.

Related:

• Garmin GPS system
• TomTom GPS system
• CNET Review: 5 Best GPS Navigation Systems
• Compare GPS prices