Priority Use

Sometimes I like to drive really fast. Lately, though, I have been quite relaxed on the road, happily taking my place in the right lane with no desire to pass on the left. Sometimes, I admit, it feels really good to be the observer. Actually driving the speed limit and watching all of the impatient people pass me as though I was doing something wrong. Tonight, when I was coming home from a friend's house out in the middle of nowhere, I drove really fast. I came up to the first stop light and there were two cars behind me. Before stopping, both of them moved into the lane next to me. I think they thought that I was going to be the slow driver. I didn't know whey and I didn't really care. So, the light turned green and we were all off. I wasn't trying to beat them off the line, but I won anyway. It felt really good. At the next light, I even beat a corvette off the line, without even trying. Driving fast can feel really liberating, the same way that driving slow can. As though nothing can get in my way. I am a really careful driver, even when I'm driving fast, so it doesn't worry me. I'm pretty aware of what's going on around me, which I think is more than most people could honestly admit to.

Noise is the key to satisfying driving. And open roads. With wide, smooth curves. Sometimes I like really fast music and I play it really loud. I love to sing to my music in the car and tap the wheel to the beat. But only if I'm alone. I like loud fast music when I'm alone at night and no one else is on the road. I like to feel alone and independent, with only my music to keep me company.

When I'm in the mood to drive slowly, I like introspective music. Lyrics that make me think and a slow rhythm that keeps me connected. With these songs, I mostly hum.

Sometimes, I'm in the mood to listen to someone talking. This is usually during the middle of the day when I'm driving through the town and I'm having to stop at lots of traffic lights and make turns left and right. I enjoy having voices that I can listen to and even ones to which I can respond. A couple of years ago I was a coxwain for a local rowing club. I would have to get up at 5 am and drive out to the resevoir about 20 minutes away. It was really early and I was always tired and always alone on the road. Even through the road had the broad, smooth curves that lend themselves well to loud, fast music, the talking always kept me company. When I am particularly lucky, I get to listen to Dr. Laura. I love listening to Dr. Laura. Mostly because I disagree with just about every piece of advice she gives and she makes my blood boil. I never understand why people call in to get verbally abused by her, so when I listen to Dr. Laura I like to talk back.

I think I feel a road trip coming on. I might drive to Mt. Rushmore tomorrow. I haven't really decided. We've been wanting to go for years, and tomorrow might be the lucky day. If we go, I think it will be a good day for talk radio and a bit of loud, fast music. Even though I won't be alone.