Write about a rite of passage. It can be your own experience or someone else's. It can be an event that you're anticipating, or one you're anticipating for your child. It can be a long forgotten memory, a touching ancedote, or a funny story.
I had to search my brain for something to blog about given this assignment. I don't know why it was so hard. It just befuzzled me a little bit.
What I want to write about came to me a few minutes ago when I was doing the dishes. I don't know what reminded me of it, but I couldn't wait to finish cleaning the kitchen and sit down to write.
I turned 16 on February 5, 1989. I don't remember exactly when I went to get my license (and there are no pictures or anything like that... 'cause my mom's not a scrapbooker like me!), but I'm sure it was the same day or the same week, at least. I passed on my first try (barely!) and that was it. I became a licensed driver.
About a week later I got to drive the car (a 1984 white Ford Thunderbird) by myself. I drove it from my house to my high school (which was about a 5 minute drive, really...) I was on the yearbook staff, and we sponsored the Miss Rendezvous contest (the beauty pageant). I know it was a Saturday, because we were decorating the gym that day for the pageant that night.
Oh, I was thrilled!
I was scared to turn on the radio. I did everything so carefully. I was petrified, but I got through it. I got better and better at driving, and eventually felt comfortable turning on the radio.
Fast forward to August 16, 1989. I was cruising with my younger sister. We had just been to the video store (I think) to get a video, and we took the long way home. It was raining. We (of course) had the radio up loud.
We were sooooooo cooooooool.
Then I saw them. Red lights in the rearview mirror. Dang it.
I was given a ticket in the amount of $110 for going 56 mph in a 35 mph zone. I was lucky he didn't double ticket me for driving too fast for conditions. I got a small lecture, and I drove home slowly, embarrassed, ready to quit driving altogether.
When I got to the house, my mom asked me to turn around and go back to the grocery store (this was before cell phones...) I threw the ticket at her and said, "I don't know if you'll want me driving after this!"
She was disappointed, and that's all I needed to hear. I lived to please my parents, and could see the disapproval in her eyes. She knew that I was already punishing myself more than she could, so she was brief with her scolding. She said she would cover the cost, and that I didn't need to tell my daddy. I'm sure he found out eventually, but I never told him. HIS disappointment in me would have been too much to bear.
One of these days I'm sure I will get another speeding ticket. I haven't had one since I was 16 (I was pulled over one time in Mississippi on the way to see my future husband in Memphis... luckily I had a gorgeous roommate that knew how to flirt, and I didn't get a ticket...)
I still love to crank up that radio, and I admit I drive a little fast. My favorite times to be in the car are when there is NO ONE else with me. I blast my favorite songs and pretend I'm 16 again.
And in a cooler car, 'cause somehow the minivan thing just doesn't align with the music.
The song I love most? Jack & Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp.
My favorite line?
Hold on to 16
as long as you can
Changes comin' 'round real soon
Make us women and men
And to quote Shania Twain...
Man, I feel like a woman.
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