I woke up at my usual weekend time, two hours later than my work week schedule, walking to the front window, peering out, hoping to see my birthday wish come true-a new Dodge Challenger. I'll admit, I live at times in Neverland, a child's mind in an adult body, always wishing, always hoping for things, forgetting briefly the reality of it all. I rubbed my eyes, trying to get the sleep removed from them. Oh well, till another time I thought, it will be shoe leather and public transportation for me, which has worked out well just the same. Last night I had a dream of a Pontiac Firebird, going around to the front, lifting the hood, but when I saw the engine it was all covered in a little power unit, an electric car.
What is it about a car? Back in the 70's muscle cars were everywhere; the choices were many. I had my 67 Chevy Impala, purchased from my mom. The car was huge. Still had a V-8 and plenty of power. The classification though was far from the all admiring fast street cars. Since I worked at a gas station back then, I saw every car made, but I always perked up when a GTO, Vette, Camaro, Firebird, Charger and yes, last but not least, the Challenger would drive up. Back then $2.00 would get you 5 gallons, not the opposite you would get today. The owner would pop out, we always would raise the hood, the other guys I worked with would come out and mill around. The question would be asked "what ya got in this thing?". The driver, with eloquence and fine expertise, would explain the dynamics and everyone would drool. I looked over at my Impala, starting to rust behind the wheel wells and shake my head, oh well.
Today, I am more mindful of our environment, I think of electric cars, hybrids, gas mileage, aerodynamics and best bang for my buck. The Challenger will have to remain a dream, which I've learned over the years, the longing is just as good as the having.
