Jeff wants to ride around with the windows down blasting Van Halen

I don’t even know how it started. I mean, I don’t remember the first time I did it, but I was either 17 or 18, before college, a high school junior or senior. Again, I don’t remember doing it, but I did it, and it stuck with me, and I continued it for years and years afterwards.

A Newport Light, Van Halen’s “1984,” and me driving around aimlessly with the windows down. That was my first-hot-day-of-the-year tradition.

I can piece together how it happened. Newport Lights were the “in” cigarette for my friends at the time, “1984” had been out five years or so and had reached “beyond cool” status, and driving around aimlessly on a gorgeous day when you’re 17 or 18 is practically akin to breathing. It’s just what you do.

So I did it at some point. And continued the tradition at college, despite my musical tastes turning more to the Grateful Dead and my cigarette choice turning more toward Winston.

After college, I still did it. The sun would pop, the temperature would hit 80, and like a cicada coming out of its 17year slumber, I’d dig up the “1984” CD and head over to 7-Eleven for a pack of Newport Lights.

And then, at some point - again, I don’t remember exactly when - I

I’d love to be able to be 18 again, to have that feeling of renewal that comes with the change in the weather.

stopped. I quit smoking, so buying a pack of Newport Lights seemed silly, and while I still love “1984,” blasting it while driving around aimlessly seemed like a waste of time. After all, there are lawns to mow, homework to help with, garages to clean out, catches to have, games to play, wives to talk to, children to scream at … etc. etc. etc.

Well, now that I’m writing all this, I’m realizing something: I want a freaking Newport Light, I want to roll down the windows, I want to scream “Drop Dead Legs” until I’m hoarse. I’d love to be able to be 18 again, to have that feeling of renewal that comes with the change in the weather.

But it’s not going to happen. That tradition has passed. I need to find something new to celebrate the season.

Maybe a fresh-squeezed lemonade and some Jimmy Buffett. Not quite the same, but let’s start small.

Jeff Edelstein is a columnist for The Trentonian.