Welcome to the first post of the Great Writing Challenge of 2012.
Five days a week for six months, I will be given a topic to write about. The stipulation: it must be 250 words (or more), and positive in tone.
If you would like to suggest topics for me to write about, please email me at therebeccaproject [at] gmail [dot] com.

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It was Dexter who convinced me that I needed a minivan. With his low, slightly awkward voice, he told me my life would be so much better. The footage of Happy People Doing Great Stuff in the advertisement sealed the deal.

So here I am. A city dweller, minus the tribe of children, with no parking space and hankering for a ‘mom van’. Totally practical. But think about what you could do with it:

I would chase the sunset down Geary, and watch the sun disappear into the Pacific from my comfy position in the boot/trunk. Of course, with some Martinelli’s Sparkling and camembert.

I would go to Ikea and haul my purchases home with me. New bed? Done. New sofa? Easy. No need to hire a U-Haul. No surcharge, or waiting three weeks for delivery. Now.

I could offer a shuttle service to those on the always crowded Muni line 30 to the Marina. And airport pick ups? No problem. I can even fit the random Aussie you met onboard. Hop on in.

Doing the grocery shopping would be a breeze, and I could leave the backpack at home. No longer would I need to make a decision between food and beer. I can buy both! Revolutionary.

The American and I could spend date nights at one of the remaining local drive-in theatres. We could spend Sundays cruising Golden Gate Park for the perfect spot to have a picnic and play frisbee with our adorable new puppy (I mean, how can you have a minivan without having a puppy?).

Trips to Tahoe? Yes, please! Can I pick up the desk I just bought from a Craigslister? No worries! Do I have a ready-made guesthouse for when I’m in the doghouse? Absolutely. The possibilities are endless.

But the thing a minivan would most afford me as a carless city dweller, is freedom. It is the perfect vehicle to make my life easier, and would provide me the freedom to be a more mobile version of myself. I can do what I want, I can go where I want, and most importantly, when I want.

Oh, next weekend? Sure. I can help you move house.