What is it about a good drive that can really help you to meditate, and put things into perspective? Is it the uncertainty of destination? Is it the quality alone time? Most realistically it is probably just the sheer fact that you are away from everything and everyone and since you aren't sure just exactly where you are going, there is no way in hell that anyone else can possibly know where to come looking for you.
If you ask me, there is nothing better than an aimless trip around town. Really, all you have to worry about is keeping your eye on the road and keeping out of accident's way. Driving carelessly around the city, life around you becomes a blur. Everything is yellow lines and greenish clouds that would become trees if you would only hit the brakes. The chaotic sound of horns and radios. The overwhelming smell of engine exhaust and fast food restaurants. Yep, out on the road, not a thing can hurt me. It is only me and my thoughts. Oh, and if I'm lucky, a car wreck. Or maybe someone getting a ticket. Really even just seeing someone with their hazards on will do for now. You see, no one ever admits to it, but it is times like these that really get you feeling better about yourself. Being able to actually capture that moment where for just the three seconds that it takes for you to pass them, these people are undoubtedly having a worse day than you. It's moments like these that enlighten you. It is this very type of situation that finally gets you thinking clearly.
Aside from the pros of aimless soul steering, there is one thing that can really ruin this chance at automotive enlightenment. This would of course have to be stormy weather. Right? Nah. To be perfectly honest, I can only pray that it will be pouring out at exactly the time that Joe Schmoe pops his hood. The fact that not only is Johnny Cadillac's car messed up, but he's getting soaking wet to boot, only solidifies the fact that my life is better than his. Well, at least for that moment it is anyway. If there is one thing that can really keep your eyes off of these mood-mending martyrs of the road, however, it is a blinding ray of sunshine. Cars these days have moisture activated windshield wipers and they can even park themselves for you, you would think that by now they would find a way to make those god damn sun visors a little bit more effective.
Lately it feels as if I am stuck in autopilot, driving down the freeway with the sun burning my eyes. My car is stuck in drive and there is no stopping until it runs out of gas. Of course I had to go and fill up before taking this trip so things won't be slowing down for a little while. It seems that all I can do from here is try to stay aware of my surroundings, even if I can't see a fucking thing anymore. Hopefully it will be getting dark out soon. At least then even if I am stuck in this stupid car, totally unsure of where I am going to end up, I will be able to see what the hell is happening. At least then I will know for sure that I won't be the one to crash. At least then I can rest assured that I won't find myself on the other end of the spectrum, brightening someone else's day with my misfortune.
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