A while back I accidentally deleted a post that was, ironically, one of my most popular early items on this blog. Ironically because it was only a bit of fun, a little anecdote about something that happened to me.
Well I just came across the draft in text format, so here it is again as a bit of light relief after the high drama of Holy Week:
Last night driving home I stopped at a red light. A racy green car drew up beside me. The driver was a teenage boy, obviously out for a spin in daddy’s motor. His passenger was another teenage boy. There was eardrum-shattering music, there were cigarettes, there were sideways glances at me, simultaneously competitive and dismissive. There was also much revving of the engine.
I didn’t react, I didn’t look, I didn’t rev my engine. But I’ve been driving for a lot of years and I was ready. The very second those lights changed I pulled away, smooth and fast. I caught just a glimpse of two slack-jawed youths in my rear-view mirror before they ate my dust.
Yay! Score one for middle-aged women drivers everywhere!
Image by flat-black 66
Elsewhere:
Well my earth is tilting, BlissChick is considering getting a car. Just as I’m considering getting rid of mine. And here’s Leo discussing convenience, and cars, at mnmlist.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
The Tess!
Wild and wonderful post!
Wanting to play Thelma, I am probably more
the teenage boy, left behind in total awe !!
I’m chuckling. I too am a bit of a daredevil on the road, in my nice matronly van.
TAWANDA!!!!!!!! Think “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg!
Way to go, Tess!
Hugs!
Tess, I loved this story – the Tawanda comment made me LOL.
You go girl.
LOVE it!!! oh and where my mind goes…. fyi – i’m a much more competent driver in the US
this reminds me that ‘the bridge’ story never surfaced… perhaps it’s time. you GO girl!!!!!
Thanks all, yes I loved that Towanda scene too: “I’m older and I got more insurance”.
lucy, you demonstrated that you are a very competent driver, the best driver in the world can’t be expected to avoid bridges that suddenly move…
There’s now an addendum to this story: yesterday I got stuck in my staid-mobile behind a guy doing half the legal speed limit in the “fast” lane on a completely clear road. I couldn’t bear it so I overtook him from the slow lane. The weirdness of his behaviour? He was driving a red Porsche!
ha-ha
sounds like you and me could have fun
i take 30 mins less than mr X to drive from the city to our island home
here on the island they call me lead-foot
perhaps porsche man just got a speeding fine?
Tess, you jest !!
Love the story. Go, Tess!
I totalled our car about 4 years ago. Never replaced it. I sort of got tired of living a life that requires me to schlep a car around. I felt I was putting far more money into it that the value I derived. I felt enslaved to a machine. Now in year 5 sans voiture, I feel healthier, and I think my consumption choices have shifted … in favour of buying local, exclusively in my neighbourhood, even. I plan a big move in the months ahead, and may end up adopting a car, once again. It will feel strange, I think.
Tess -
Hooray – Not often but wonderful to outdo a teen occasionally at their own game:)! So glad you pulled this post out of oblivion!
xo
love. it.
love, towanda
Thanks all, Roxanne, your story is interesting. Towanda – well of course!