Thursday, June 30, 2005
1985

"Don't you ever wish you could go back with all the knowledge you have now?" - Uncle Rico

I turned 16 in 1985. When I first got my license, I took off alone in my 1970's blue Granada to visit friends in Annandale. I turned right onto Highway 10 and then turned left onto a road that we called Airport Road. I crossed the train tracks and suddenly had an incredible feeling of freedom and independence.

Being by myself in the car was completely different. I realized that I could go anywhere. I could drive until I ran out of gas, if I wanted to. Going to see my friends was even better.

Driving alone now is old hat. But I'm glad I can remember that rush.

I loved that car. It was kind of crappy, but it was mine. It never died on me. Driving to school instead of taking the bus was great. Almost every weekend I was driving somewhere to see somebody or do something.

Good times. Sometimes I do wish I could go back, but I wouldn't do one thing differently. Well, maybe my hair.
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Name: Laura

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