May first is only 4 days away and I'm getting nervous. . .REALLY nervous! I'm a list maker and I've made lists of things to do before I give up the car for the month. Exciting things like buy lots of toilet paper since it's really hard to carry on a bike. Take Hobie to the vet for a nail trim since she isn't allowed to ride the bus (and all of the training in the world couldn't get her to pass as a seeing eye dog). Get supplies for a deer fence around the garden. Buy milk (perhaps even more difficult to carry on a bike than toilet paper). These are all things I can do rather easily and without too much trouble.
But a list of things I won't be able to do is also creeping into my mind. . .like visiting my parents (realistically riding the Amtrak from 9:30p to midnight for a visit probably isn't in my future). Getting the kids to swim class in Williamston is out - I really can't bike that far and there isn't a regular bus route to take so I still haven't decided between Corey taking them (which is cheating in my book) or missing out (an annoying by-product of my crazy plan). I also just realized that the Sunday service of my bus route is non-existent (I really can't believe I overlooked this one!). Okay - I better stop making this list. . . Basically, the reality of my challenge is finally setting in after months of high-flying grand ideas about how this will NOT interfere with my ability to do my usual activities.
My goal is to truly eliminate the impact of one vehicle for a month - not just shift around driving responsibilities to everyone else and increase their carbon footprint so I can pat myself on the back for what a great thing I did.
So where does all of this leave me? Honestly, still stubborn enough to persist but more than a little irritated. Was I really disillusioned enough to think I would only have to sacrifice my energy and time? No, not really, but, like most people facing a challenge I just didn't think about it - because I didn't want to think about it. . .until I really have to. . .which is now. . .
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You can do it. And don't forget, you don't have to do it alone. You alone did not destroy the earth, nor will you repair it alone. We can only make change by working together...
ReplyDeleteFor example: Corey can get TP from the RIte Aid across the street from the hospital and bring it home. Sending him out to do your errands? Cheating. Piggy backing them off of his route? Not cheating. Need something from the store you can't get? See if someone else is going there, and they can get it for you and bring it to you next time they see you. There are ways for you to succeed, and if you're willing to ask for and accept help, it will be no sweat.
Except the sweating of the bike riding, of course!
Well, I was just going to say more or less what I see Julie has written. If you find there is something you need & can't do it (supplies, a post office run, etc.) and think it might be something I'm already up to PLEASE feel free to tell me ~ we can make the swap of whatever-it-is at ONS.
ReplyDeleteAnd, my motto... don't think about it too much. It is what it is. Live it up!!!
Kim, best of luck! I agree with the others - you do not have to do this alone! Corey is on the road already, and a small detour is not going to increase his carbon footprint by much. If anyone can do this, you can!
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