Who invented car advertising?

I always used to laugh at realtors, nutrition supplement and insurance salesmen with ads on their car doors and windows, and now I am one of them.

As I drove to work in the company car this morning with its logo and slogans, I grew very self-conscious, realizing that I was no longer anonymous. No putting on my make-up, speeding, road rage, or quick turns, and I was even reticent to talk on my cell phone in case someone woke up in a fowl mood and wanted to report me for that too.

If you saw me in my own car, you would be amazed at how well I can multi-task while driving. If I put my mind to it, I could probably dictate a peace treaty for Israel into my tape recorder while applying my lip liner, and sign and send an internet petition for moms rising all at the same time.

But today I had to mind my peas and q’s in a whole new way, living in a small town, where if you sneeze or have a bad hair day, everyone hears about it. Since at times it takes weeks to actually see your doctor or stylist, both are hard to avoid.

Needless to say, I was bummed, since my drive to work is sacred time, one of the few times I can be alone, think and take a breath, but today I had to dodge looks from long time locals – ‘Oh, you work for the big bad developer taking over our town.’ I laugh as I pass a Ford with a bumper sticker that reads “Save an elk, shoot a land developer.” Of course, drive another block and you will see one that says “Save an elk, shoot a hunter.”

The conflict and history of the area is rich with pros and cons for development dating back to the 1800’s when James Corbut was successful in his mission to re-route the train away from the main highway and his property. His army consisted of himself and his shot gun and their tactics were one-fold. Point the gun and don’t let them do it.

The funny thing is that if you walk into the local coffee shop and listen to folks talk, you will see that the fight still rages on today, but somehow we all relish in the stories of the good that has and can come, as well as laugh at the stories of men tying themselves to trees and using chainsaws to prove their points.

Ahhh, the Wild West.

I am just happy that tomorrow I can drive my own car to work anonymously again because I really need to pluck my eyebrows and don’t have time to do it until then.