So, we've lived without a car for almost a year now. That is kind of amazing actually. I couldn't have ever imagined making that work out as well as we have AND just being happy, even without wheels. Not to mention that I had no idea how much material I would glean from taking the bus. There are some real freaky people in Southern Oregon and some of them even know my name now. Which brings me to another bonus of bus riding... I have a larger sense of community now. It forced me to meet people and to talk to them. People really open up... we hear all about rehab and so and so's kid who was removed from their home and too many stories to mention here. Since May I have probably lost about 35 pounds... we walk a lot more. All these months I have maintained that we are CAR FREE and glad to be that way and then this weekend when my parents came for a visit they mentioned that they would like to help us out by buying us a used car and VOILA--- BAM--- I am obsessed with getting a car again. Sweet wheels that I can hop into, crank up the radio and escape! Oh sweet jesus... that sounds nice. So much for car free, but I do hope to keep walking every day anyway.