Well. after 7 months of starting my truck every week as it sat so the battery didn't die, I finally bit the bullet and sold it. Amazing how much I bought into the whole car-is-necessary mindset and was afraid to get rid of it. Seriously, I've been paying insurance and paid for the registration on a truck that didn't move in case I might need it someday? Sometimes my stupidity surprises me...

Anyways, I am now car-free (emphasis on FREE)! No more insurance bills, dmv fees, tune-ups (unless you count bikes), gridlock, sluggish feelings, road rage, contributing to the global climate issues (at least as much) or contributing to our dependance on foreign oil I've never felt better, and will use the money for a tour next year! Nothing major, as I only get 3 weeks of vacation, but a nice leisurely San Francisco to Long Beach trip may be fun...

I have to laugh, though, at all the people who ask me "What if you ever need a car?" My first response is that I haven't needed one in 8 months and I don't see things changing much too soon. Then, when I tell them that if I absolutely need a car or truck, I can rent one the act like that was a profound answer! Really? As much as anyone ever NEEDS a vehicle, it would seem for most it would be much cheaper renting now and again than it would be owning. But there I go thinking again...