In a desperate attempt to extract some joy from 2020, we went to uncharted extremes: we bought a used Japanese minivan. Introducing our 1991 Toyota Town Ace. It makes me very happy.

This is the "Super Extra" trim with the incredible "Skylite Roof". It's a diesel, just like my first car. 4WD but you gotta turn a thing on the wheels to activate it and I probably never will. The engine is under the passenger seat. The happy design of it just feels fun.

I cannot express to you how bright and fun and… train-like?… the interior is. The kids absolutely love it. (And fall asleep a lot in it?) And yes, I drive on the right, which took very little adjustment, surprisingly.

Two VERY IMPORTANT features. First, POWER CURTAINS. Seemingly a magnetic rail that, like a modern roller coaster launch, shoots the curtains (!) across at lightning speed!! Also the "Cool & Hot Box" will chill or heat your drinks and freeze ice?! It's tied into the AC lines?!

Anyway, it's been a bright spot in a year of nearly endless stress. PS: I added a single vintage bumper sticker, so honk if you see me around town.

A follow-up on my Japanese import van. Many of you asked where it came from. I got mine from Javan Imports — Ian has been super helpful. https://www.javan-imports.com/ 

But most importantly, many of you asked if you could see the POWER CURTAINS in action.

You are NOT READY for their power.

A construction worker saw me stopped in the Town Ace and yelled out “that thing is DOPE as F—K!!”

I yelled thanks, and told him it was super fun to drive, and as I drove away, he yelled “keep on shining with your sunny side up!!!”