Perspective Is Cool

I recently came across this old photo of 16 year old me rocking my first car in tattered shorts and my dog photo-bombing. It reminded me how important perspective is. I freaking LOVED that car. It was so awesome just to be driving.

There is a bit of a story behind it. Just when I was set to get my learner’s permit, my grandmother backed into the house across the street. Everyone was okay, thankfully. But she of course would no longer drive. (Perspective, as I sit in traffic twice a day.) Her 1984 Pontiac, however, was perfect for a learner. The trunk would have to be duct-taped shut and the brake lights covered with taped-on red film, but the thing ran just fine. (Perspective, as I fret over the scratch on the underside of my car now.)

So I would drive my grandma to work, errands, and appointments in her (now my) car. She eventually needed help walking and staying steady, and had to hold my arm before we got to the shopping cart. (Perspective, as I want rest but need to be chasing kids around.)

After a while I upgraded the 1984 Pontiac with a portable CD player and portable, battery-operated speakers. I installed it myself, by taping both to the dashboard. It totally worked. (Perspective—even though my friends were driving hand-me-down Acuras on Mercer Island.)

Anyway, it’s helpful to be reminded of how interesting and cool everything is to kids, including myself 20 years ago.