What is it about seeing a friend driving on the same road as you when you’re on your way to work (or, anywhere, really) that just makes your day a little brighter?
I used to see my friend KevinP on 696 now and then when he worked out this way. Also, my old pal Ted used to drive an unmistakable magenta (read: pink) explorer that I used to see quite regularly when we both worked on 12 mile. One morning earlier this year, I saw James’ green truck in ‘the clem’ … A few weeks ago, I passed schwinny on my way home from work.
I don’t really know why this is such a positive event for me, but it is. It always leaves a lingering smile when I see my friends on the road when I’m driving. Maybe its just a nice surprise to see someone unexpected in an otherwise mundane environment.
It was no different this morning when I saw my pal Charles on 696 (couldn’t mistake the Nissan with the tinted windows and Kentucky license plate – even after being here for almost 2 years). I jumped on MSN when I got to work to see if I could catch him online and say “hello” .. I ended up making lunch plans with another friend in the same office and met Charles, John, Kurt and Alex for lunch today… And, when they were 30 minutes late showing up, it was a perfect queue for the perfect joke “oh, its ok, I just figured grandma Charles was driving” … You see, I’d passed Charles on the freeway this morning like he was standing still; and I really wasn’t going that fast 🙂
It makes what seems to be a daily soulless drive seem more personal and friendly. Makes you realize that you’re not alone in the daily commute.
Hah, that’s too funny 🙂 I’m just now catching up on everyone!
I swear I don’t always drive slow. I think it’s just the mornings. Anyway, I’m sure this laid-back attitude about plates will make me pay some day.