Hello. I am a somewhat rural non driver with a family and I am soooooo tired of people telling me how empowering it would be for me, how much better life would be, how easy...blahblahblah. At first I didn't drive because I lived in the city and there was just no need. I love to walk and if that wouldn't do there was buses and taxis all over the place. Flash forward to moving to the burbs w/ kids. There WAS a bus on my road but it was cancelled shortly after the move. We CAN walk to a grocery store and another bus. It is a bit if a trek but less than a mile. It's a very dangerous rode for anyone biking. Anyway, with the constant haranguing and snide comments about me just NEEDING to drive, my thoughts have evolved to this - I will never drive. First, since driving a car is the most damaging thing one can do to the earth, I'm taking a stand, I'm not doing it. Also, exercise is a good thing. Stepping into the car is not exercise. And everything isn't easy. Sometimes I want to be able to get places more easily. It is then that I do something to creatively distract myself - i.e. I've become one bitchin' baker. Or should I say we. We as a family do some great stuff together at home that those bopping about from practice to mall and back never seem to find the time to even consider.

I think my "stance" if properly vocalized will be a good example for my kids and help them to realize one should tread lightly on the earth and be creative with one's time upon it.

NO ONE EVER lets me get all of the above out of my mouth without rolling their eyes and walking away muttering. So thanks - even if you didn't read it, just for this tribe.
J