The car was my freedom. I couldn't wait to get away from the house.
I always worked as a kid, when we owned the restaurant I worked there, but once I hit about 13 I made my own jobs for my own money. I saved up for the sole purpose of having a car. When I turned 16 I was lucky enough to be given a car by my grandparents, but I had to pay my own insurance and gas and the money went to that.
Riding a bike to work limited my range, and put a ceiling on my earnings. Once I got a car, I was able to range further out, and make more money. I never had to beg my folks' for date money, and I was able to afford the finest Chili's and TGI Friday's date meals that my money could buy.
I understand kids these days are more connected through texting and social media, but you still can't GO anywhere without a car. I just don't get it.