Drive it Like it’s Stolen

No, I’m not asking you to break the law, or even as our police chief would say, “drive it like it’s borrowed without the owner’s consent (or a rental car).” That’s why it’s drive it “like” it’s stolen rather than “here’s how to hotwire a car and escape down dark alleys to avoid pursuit.” Not that I’ve ever stolen a car, but my understanding is that the first things that someone borrowing a vehicle without consent might do is to check out the stereo, open the sunroof, and then step on the gas. Why? Because that’s the good stuff.

Sidebar: Always hesitant to use automobiles (or sports) as metaphors for anything, given the potentially historical gender reference, I am going to proceed anyway. Besides, in terms of driving anything like it’s stolen, there is definite gender equity – I think I’ll leave it at that.

Okay, the point being that if you’re driving a stolen vehicle (or a rental for that matter), time is of the essence, so you should make the most of the ride – that’s why they call it “joy ride.” In our professional and personal lives, we should get the most possible out of everyday, every moment since we can never be sure how long the joy will last.

Time is fleeting at every age and after fifty, it seems like the brakes don’t work, so buckle up (I do have some responsibility for risk management on campus), hang on, and steer it as best you can. It’s more interesting that way and it’s definitely more fun – and actually, you’ll be more interesting that way and definitely more fun.

Having recently been treated for skin cancer, I am obligated to my dermatologist to make a pitch for wearing sunscreen, a hat, or both. Also, having recently discovered my sunroof after owning the vehicle for five and a half years, I am obligated to myself to open the sunroof anyway. (Insert your own imagery here of the heavens opening up or something about “Touched by an Angel.”) We should all be obligated to ourselves to “go hard,” “let ‘er rip,” “go down swinging,” and even “run with scissors” on occasion (sorry Mom).

Don’t miss out on the good stuff, at work or at home – turn up the volume, open the sunroof, and drive it like it’s stolen!