I was almost hit by a car yesterday. Here is how it happened:
I am currently residing in Chicago while I direct a fabulous play. I am staying with my Favorite Youngest Son, AJ. After a nice lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant with Favorite Youngest Son AJ, we were walking back to his apartment. We were crossing the street ON THE CROSS WALK. We were observing the traffic signals and only crossing WITH OUR WALKING MAN SIGNAL. A man felt it was okay to chat with his girlfriend-- making all important eye contact with her instead of the road-- while he made his left turn.
Almost into me.
Son AJ shouted.
I screamed.
Thank heaven, the shout or the scream caused idiot-driver-lover-boy to slam on the brakes.
The bumper of his car was less than an inch from my knees.
That was my cardio for the day.
Then, I went off to rehearsal and then returned to find SOMEONE PARKED IN MY BOUGHT-AND-PAID-FOR PARKING SPACE.
I was ALL CAPS UNHAPPY.
I am heading out this morning to right the above mentioned wrong.
And go to rehearsal.
Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts
Monday, January 13, 2014
Saturday, July 21, 2007
cars
At times, I feel old.
I was born near Detroit, Michigan around the middle of the 20th century. I remember cars that were huge and lumbering and no one cared that they got about 9 miles to the gallon.
Above, an example: a 1971 Pontiac Catalina. Cars were big and sprawling. In those days, my dad bought a brand new car every two years or so. People changed cars like seasonal clothes or high fashion: the latest style, the latest color.
Growing up in Michigan, home to the Big Three automakers, everyone was encouraged to buy cars. Buy them often.
In those days, you could claim your car loan interest payments on your itemized deductions on your taxes.
Even today, there is some sentiment that buying a car supports America. At least, here in Michigan, where I have landed once again.
Only, the Big Three aren't so big anymore.
Once, I even fancied a sports car myself. I rather liked the Jaguar. It sounded exotic; and I even spent some time in one in the late 70s.
Of course, in those days, a gallon of gas was about $0.30. Yes, that's right, about thirty CENTS.
Not like today. Gas prices, and the lines outside of the "cheap" stations, are enough to inspire road rage in a Quaker.
Nowadays, my dream transportation has changed.
I want something reliable. I want something that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg to acquire or to drive (see above).
My dad bought a brand new car every couple of years. I, on the other hand, have bought just ONE brand new car in 35 years of driving. I buy my cars used-- excuse me, "previously owned" and drive them until they won't drive no more.
My real dream car these days is a solar powered super silent super fast hovercraft.
That's affordable.
Is that too much to ask?
I was born near Detroit, Michigan around the middle of the 20th century. I remember cars that were huge and lumbering and no one cared that they got about 9 miles to the gallon.
Above, an example: a 1971 Pontiac Catalina. Cars were big and sprawling. In those days, my dad bought a brand new car every two years or so. People changed cars like seasonal clothes or high fashion: the latest style, the latest color.
Growing up in Michigan, home to the Big Three automakers, everyone was encouraged to buy cars. Buy them often.
In those days, you could claim your car loan interest payments on your itemized deductions on your taxes.
Even today, there is some sentiment that buying a car supports America. At least, here in Michigan, where I have landed once again.
Only, the Big Three aren't so big anymore.
Once, I even fancied a sports car myself. I rather liked the Jaguar. It sounded exotic; and I even spent some time in one in the late 70s.
Of course, in those days, a gallon of gas was about $0.30. Yes, that's right, about thirty CENTS.
Not like today. Gas prices, and the lines outside of the "cheap" stations, are enough to inspire road rage in a Quaker.
Nowadays, my dream transportation has changed.
I want something reliable. I want something that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg to acquire or to drive (see above).
My dad bought a brand new car every couple of years. I, on the other hand, have bought just ONE brand new car in 35 years of driving. I buy my cars used-- excuse me, "previously owned" and drive them until they won't drive no more.
My real dream car these days is a solar powered super silent super fast hovercraft.
That's affordable.
Is that too much to ask?
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