Friday, April 20, 2007

Going back in time

I'm thinking of renouncing my dependence on our stupid, expensive car. Gas is pricey even when the rest of the car is working, which it soon will not be. Our steering wheel was wobbling, and I took it in this morning, and now it's $534 to get the wobble to stop. It's some reasonable explanation, like our tires are worn out and the tire rods are loose, but still! Alright, so it's really the type of thing that is basic maintenance and we shouldn't be so mad about. But come on car! Don't you know we're poor and could use a few more months before $500 is needed? Sheesh. It's becoming one of those "growing" times where we have to get creative. Here's my idea: to get back to basics and walk/bike everywhere. Like people did in the good ol' days.

R is just fine riding his bike in 70 degree weather to school. He does it anyways. Plus, the only place I really ever drive is the grocery store and the library, which are right next to each other. And around the corner. So M and I could forsake the evil car and walk every day over there. Good exercise, fun for M, and necessary! Possible cons: what if we buy popsicles and then walk home in 80 degrees? What if I want to go to the gym, usually a 10 minute drive? But is that so bad? So I buy icy things in bulk so they won't melt. So I use the apartment elliptical machine from now until May 23rd instead of going to the gym which I kind of hate anyways. I think this could work. Plus out car is getting towed to AZ when we move, and we can figure out what to do after it gets there. More walking to grocery stores, and use of public transportation. Although we may need a car for Ryan to get home from work some days. But that isn't until August when he'll start getting paid. Which means...we can pay for this stupid set of new tires! I think it's a good plan :)

4 comments:

HW said...

And you can always call me for a ride if you need milk or ice cream. Don't forget that.

Jord said...

Oh the sad life of cars. I don't envy you a bit and am definatley here to help when you arrive in the valley of the sun. The walking plan sounds like a good idea. When we had the one car and J took it to work a few times a week Lauren and I cruised all over town. People gave me weird looks as I piled groceries in the basket of my stroller, but did I care...no! It's not like I wasn't going to pay for them or something. Walking home with a gallon of milk in the stroller basket though was a little bit of a chore, but thank goodness for paper towels! You can do it, you really can!!!

Elizabeth said...

We live right next to you! Give us a call when you might need a ride, or better yet, call when you are out walking. We could use the exercise...

k said...

thanks all you friendly folks! it's nice to know that you can always depend on the cars of others, because they've also probably been there...

however, we did cave and fix most of what the car wanted, although the back 2 tires didn't make the cut. they'll have to get fixed in a few months or something.

so, there's the update. not AS much walking as i hastily anticipated :)