Identity Crisis

Today, I'm posting about something other than being a teacher....

I felt like part of me died yesterday when Max brought back our car from a smog check (which it miraculously passed). It had new license plates on it. California license plates. I stared at the back of our car for at least a minute, wrapping my tongue around the strange-sounding new numbers. I've had the same Michigan plates since 2000 and I'd come to enjoy the bright blue distinction from the other CA plates. Plus, it was a reminder of where I'd come from. And now, it's gone! I'm surprised that it matters so much to me.
Today when I walked out to the parking lot to drive home, I felt disillusioned because I couldn't find the car--I had totally forgotten that it had new plates now. It's like I need to get reacquainted with my car again. I walked over to open the door and actually looked inside to double check that it was, indeed, our car. I guess this will take some getting used to....

Is it just me or does anyone else have issues letting go? :)