it's over. move to somnia.

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The Rental

>>Metaphors and equations that will be useful for my upcoming trip to Modesto:

Modesto = childhood, family, dependence, vulnerability, obligation

Oakland = the present, reality

San Francisco = exploration

the rental car = adulthood, independence

BART = limited mobility, partial (false) independence

Pleasanton = the extent of my false independence

a family member's car = surrendering control

$50 = after taxes and rent, my averaged daily take-home pay

the Altamont = the divide between my formative years and my current self; also an ideological and political divide between my family and me

the highway = my connection to my family

>>What this means in context:

I live in Oakland and work in San Francisco, but my family lives in Modesto. I am going to visit them--as I do every few months--this weekend to celebrate my sister's graduation and Father's Day. Until recently, I've arranged to have a family member meet me at the Pleasanton BART station and drive me from there to Modesto. I was somewhat uncomfortable with that system, as I had to operate around someone else's schedule and take someone else's time, not to mention that once in Modesto my mobility was restricted to borrowing cars for in-town use.

I have not always had a positive relationship with my family. It is important to me to have the option to leave home of my own accord.

In April, I rented a car to go to Modesto and run some other, local (Bay Area) errands. I found that even though it cost nearly $50 per day (including the under-25 fee and insurance waiver), it was well worth the price to me to have my freedom. I sang as I went over the Altamont, driving along the uncrowded highway. I arrived in Modesto when I wanted and left when it was time to go. It was a good feeling. I've already got a reservation for a Geo Metro for this Friday.
peachy as always, Mike at 8:32 PM