You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Car is About You

Okay, so I did something wild and wacky... and got personalized license plates. I put them on today but haven't driven anywhere yet.

Vanity plates amuse and delight me on other cars, but I've never imagined having them on mine. And instead of choosing something clever or cryptic, I've just identified myself in a semi-cute way on mine. Eeek.

Short of telling the blogosphere exactly what's on my plates, let's just say I'm readily identifiable. Sooo, if I ever want to do any on-the-go nasal excavation, run red lights, or yell at my kids, there will be people in my town who will know it's me. Eeek.

I've never been one for flashy displays. Perhaps this stemmed from my utter misery when my boyfriend Steve brought back a heart-shaped lapel pin for me from the high school church choir trip. I really liked Steve, who was a hot-tamale senior to my awkward sophomore self. Alas, we never kissed. You can read more about my thrilling teen dating history here.

Oh how I missed him during those 3 days while he strummed his guitar and sang with the church girls who could actually carry a tune. But even my ardor for Steve could NOT compel me to wear a "Steve's Girl" pin on my jean jacket. No sirree. I guess I didn't want to be labeled. You know,"Nobody puts Baby in a corner," or on a lapel for that matter.

But maybe I've been looking for a little flash. After all, my beloved red car was out of stock when I went car shopping. Maybe personalized plates are my version of red.

In truth, I did not care for my old plates and couldn't bear to keep them for the next dozen years. They prominently displayed the letters "MF" on them. I may be a "M" but I've never considered myself to be an "MF."

I just hope I can get up the nerve to leave the house at some point.

If I do, you can bet I'll be on my best behavior.