We almost bought a car last week.
Yes, it would be nice not to have to arrive looking half drowned to work on rainy days. It would be wonderful to carry groceries back home not on my actual back. And just think… I’d get a whole extra hour of sleep when I work the early morning shift. What stopped us?
The thought of owning a car was actually oppressive. I may have to get on the road at 4 am to make it to work but it’s beautiful and quiet out there that early. It’s a meditative time of peace for me as my body goes into auto pedal mode.
There’s also the constant thrill of challenge. Yesterday I came home with a huge load of groceries tucked away in my basket and back pack. I rode thru a thunderstorm. As the lightning streaked across the sky I was thrilled. I experienced fear, exhilaration and an adrenaline rush that had me pedaling faster than I thought I could. I slid into the driveway, brakes squealing and my heart pounding. People pay for extreme adventures to get that kind of rush. Bike riders get that on the way home from work.
I am in tune with the elements and more aware of my surroundings than ever before. My body is leaning out and tanning up. My legs are starting to have athletic definition. I notice I strut into work now and when I want to eat a piece of cake I have two with no worries. That’s not going on my hips… that’s fuel for the ride home.
The biggest reason we chose to remain carless tho was the price of gas. Like junkies lining up for a fix, a car would make us slaves to the tank once again. Gas prices are only going up and gas-powered cars are going down. Since we’ve gotten used to this lifestyle already it makes sense for us to stay this way.
Pingback: Back to Budget Basics | :Dandilyon Fluff