paradigm...

Hi All,

Well, as you know I sold my car last month.  It was totally the right thing to do.  For my pocket book, my body, and eco - wise.   However, I have been having some difficulty switching my brain over from car ownership to car freedom.   I have all of these great options: city car share (just a 10 min walk / 2 min bike ride), Riding my bike, walking ( I live close to everything I need), and Bart/bus.   Somehow I still feel stuck here at the house.

The strange thing is I only used that car like once a month, and only if I was going off Alameda Island.  Why should its lack effect me so deeply?   Why would I want to pay so much every day for something I don't use?  

I was talking about this with my friend Jon S. and he said something about going against the socity norm.  It was such a big thought that I don't remember his exact words.  That was on Tuesday and it has finally sunk in.  I am doing something different then most folks -- by choice.  Makes me feel powerful and in control.

When I look at some of the aspects of my life it seems like that of a Victorian woman.  I own a Millinery, ride my bike around, rent a room (with a watchful lady at the helm), even the foods I eat tend to be "slow foods."  I guess that for me the big difference is that I am promoting the right to choose my transportation, not the right to vote.

There are ways that this right is just as important as other rights women have fought for.   Some people are surprised that I ride my bike at night or in the rain.  Or -- by myself -- a woman alone.   I am surprised that I am strong enough to do it, even though it is not physically difficult (given where I live).

My mind is opening as my body is becoming even stronger and healthier.  

Thank you for reading this long post.

Velo Love,
Mary

Selling my car...

Hi Everyone,
Well, as it comes down to it I am nervous about being "carless".  Tomorrow is the big day and the plan is still on.  However, I don't know what the hold up is emotionally.  It seems so ingrained that having a car is somehow the adult thing, and might I say it the American thing as well.

I really believe that I don't need a car while I live in the Bay Area.  Months have gone by and I have not used it.  There is good and great mass transit here in the East Bay.  CityCarShare is wonderful, easy and cheep.  I will save hundreds of dollars a year (maybe even thousands).

Still I have this hesitation in doing the deed - finally being done with the car.   I will be healthier without it.  It is a good economic choice.  (and it is pretty darn eco-happy).

I love riding my bike, especially in the rain.

Car Owner,
Mary
PS My plan is to mail the Aids Life Cycle caps soon -- so I will cut off the give at the same time.  I wanted to give out at least 20 and I am at 18ish.  Tell your friends to email me if they are going to ride in the ALC 2010.  I will give them a cap -- for fund raising --or just for fun.
m