only a single car in the family

[houseelf]

I had to leave my car at the mechanic's for the second weekend in a row. This meant that I had to get up VERY early to drive my husband into work several days. This little annoyance had the unintended benefit of us spending an amazing twenty minutes together while we watch the dew clear and the sun come up over the city. It made me realize how much he hurts to be away from his family and how hard his job must be. Most of the mornings, we are silent and just enjoy being together. We also have engaged in a few meaningful conversations that approached an intimacy that we seem to lack the time for anymore.



I'm glad that my car is ok because we're absolutely broke, but I'm thinking about continuing these morning car rides for the benefit of our relationship. I guess that there can be a positive spin to anything.



Kelly

We still just have one car....and although I complained bitterly about it while we were in Florida because I was running all morning to get Thomas to work, the kids to school and then me to the lab....I have to say that I enjoyed the family time. The kids take the schoolbus now in the mornings and Thomas takes the car to work on his own...(I have my bike to get around here)....but I miss it...I really do. My vote is to park your second car in the garage when you can and enjoy the extra few minutes as a family...



Kris

[houseelf]

Kris,



You ARE right, I am so grateful for my car! This is especially true since getting out is how I survive the loneliness of residency. Nonetheless, I would get rid of my car in a heartbeat if the U.S. offered a safe, cheap, and abundant railway system like Europe. Maybe the recent aversion to air travel will force us to examine alternative forms of transportation.



Kelly