My Little Corner of the World Pt. 2

“Driving is like teleportation,” said a dear friend of mine from college as we approached campus. We had just finished the hour-long drive back to Azusa after spending the day in Malibu. Sure, we had spent an hour in the car, but that short period of time brought us to, what felt like, a whole other world.

From the rundown roads of our town to the Pacific Coast Highway. From dusty foothills to the sweeping Malibu canyon. Palm trees in both locales, but a vast, blue ocean to look upon from Pepperdine’s library. Both of us were enamored by the town’s lush greenery and sparkling water. It was hard to believe we lived so close to such beauty.

At the time, I will admit, I didn’t quite agree with my friend when she made her driving-teleportation comparison. Having gone on many 10+ hour road trips in my life, I did not share her sentiment that driving is a quick way to get from one place to another.

Of course, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Centuries ago, people relied on carriages, horses, bikes, and their own two feet to carry them from place to place. All of which, I need not point out, are much slower than driving a car. Getting to Malibu from Azusa on foot would take over a day. Biking would require six hours of your time.

Despite all this head knowledge, it’s taken experience to teach me that my friend made a keen observation that day. Driving into downtown Dallas two days a week has proved to me that driving and teleportation aren’t so different after all.

You see, I live in Coppell. It’s a suburb in Dallas County that lies northwest of the city. It takes roughly 25-35 minutes to get from my house to downtown Dallas, depending on traffic.

Each time I make that drive, whether leaving or coming home, I feel, well, transported.

My suburban neighborhood, with its squatty brick houses, feels so different from sitting among skyscrapers. The quiet of my neighborhood is a sharp contrast to the sounds of the city. From chirping birds and countless squirrels to bumpy roads and business-clad men and women.

How do these two places exist so close together? A thought that runs through my mind each time I open my car door upon arriving back home. The answer, needless to say, is found in the invention of the automobile.

Alongside my wonder of teleportation by car is a newfound appreciation for the suburbs. Growing up, I must admit, I hated the suburbs. I thought they were boring and ugly, and I felt like a hostage in my own home before I could drive (and sometimes even after).

Now, after so many years of suburban slander, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet comfort it brings while still being conveniently near the city. (Who have I become?) In fact, I’ve begun to think of my house and of Coppell as — you guessed it — My Little Corner of the World.

This was inspired by the TV show Gilmore Girls. You see, the two main ladies live in a quirky little town called Stars Hollow, which is some distance from Hartford. In the final episode of season one, a song called “My Little Corner of the World” by Yo La Tengo plays. It’s fitting because the town is the two main characters’ haven from the outside world.

I watched that episode some months ago, and since then that tune has been popping into my head — especially after I’ve come home from a long day in Dallas. Coppell’s distance from the city may be inconvenient at times, but I no longer despise it. More than ever, I’ve found comfort in the walls of my parents’ home.

Most of all, I’m learning to be grateful for what I have instead of focusing so heavily on what I don’t. Turns out I have a lot to thank God for!

As always, thanks for reading.