Thank you for sharing this. I stopped owning a car about seventeen years ago ... but since the pandemic I find myself so much more often taking a car (a Lyft, a Waymo, a ride with a friend) and while ride-sharing does have some sustainability benefits, it's not nearly as good as walking or busses or trains. So this reminded me that I want to get back to doing more by doing less.
Yay! And your comment reminds me that I also love how moving my body and learning a transit system positively impacts both creative thinking and mental health... at the core it’s about so much more than the sustainability impacts. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I love this, Jennifer, and am so happy you're happy! You inspire me. I'm still not driving on Saturdays 96% of the time and, maybe, when I get more organized, I can make that rule stick for an entire weekend. Working on it (and getting an EV...hopefully in 2024). xo
Thank you, my friend! I know how hard it is where you are without a car — LA is definitely not designed for that life (my son has way too many scary stories from the subway, although he’s found the bus to be surprisingly nice — actually more reliable than the buses he was riding in the NYC metro area!) Thanks for reading & for your car-free Saturdays! Xo
Oh, I am a fan of the bus. I have my TAP card all set. I would use that instead of ride-shares for certain happy hours that were bus stop friendly. LOL. All things are possible in LA with enough money...and the right neighborhood. I love how walkable mine is...it's just a matter of getting to work on time. You are the best, Jennifer. (Pepper spray in your son's stocking, if I may be so bold.) xo
Oh that’s so good to hear — I always assumed the only people who rode public transit in LA were those who didn’t have cars! And yes — my son has mentioned several times how nice it would be to be in LA “with enough money” — ha! You’re the best (and thanks for the tip for his stocking — very good idea!)
Yeah, I'm still trying to find a way to live with enough money in LA. LOL. When my car dealer had its service center downtown, I would take the bus from/to when the work wasn't going to be a quickie. Straight shot, easy-peasy. Now, it's in the Valley -- the nightmare I desperately try to avoid. And there are great shuttles to the Hollywood Bowl that should (hopefully) open the eyes of some fancy people on how great/easy public transport is. It's a shame what happened to the trains. They were great when they first started (we would take them to downtown). I understand that, during lockdown, it became acquired territory and it's been a challenge to get it back to how it was. Hope your son is enjoying LA. I know it can be challenging, but it really is a great city/place to live with so much to offer beyond our weather (last winter being an exception...or new rule). xo
Wow. I couldn't imagine walking around in snow. I'm not a fan of being cold, so walking around in that would be a no-go for me. Or living near train tracks. My ex and I lived in downtown Phx for years and hearing the whistle of the stupid fucking light rail train was SO. ANNOYING. LOL I need quiet to sleep. But that's awesome about the LEED certified place. I think that would be a really cool place to live.
Haha that’s how I feel about the heat! Summers are so much harder for my walking habit (totally zaps my energy) but I *love* walking in the snow!! And I personally love the train whistle (actually helps me when I can’t sleep to imagine I’m actually ON a train and hearing it!) but I know not everyone does. And yes, the LEED certified place is amazing — hopefully the direction all construction is headed now.
I love this post! So inspiring. For me living in a small rural city, it’s hard to go without a car (I’ve thought about it) but I have to leave town to go to the city for doctors appointments etc for my kids. Also wildfires scare the shit out of me and where I live we need a car to get out in case of emergency. Saying that, I try to walk where I can locally. I wish we had access to train and bun service here in Canada. It is very limited! In the mean time, I’m saving for a EV.
Hi, book-friend!! Ahh yes I completely understand the wildfire/emergency aspect. I do feel like I have to pay attention and think about an exit plan not having a car. Living anywhere more rural or surrounded by forest I’d absolutely have one, too! Canada and the US both have a lot of room to expand rail service don’t they… I seriously want to figure out how to get more involved in that push next year. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! ❤️
Ah Jennifer, thank you for the gift of sharing this experience and joy of how truly one person can make a difference and in so many ways! That collage remains an image of beauty and your words express the joys of a more minimal approach to this century of more with inspiration. Much appreciated.
How good to hear from you, Jen! I enjoy your perspective(s). You seem to extract the best of your circumstances--a good theme for the long haul. Love from Sharon and me (and our little dog, Murphy).
Thank you for sharing this. I stopped owning a car about seventeen years ago ... but since the pandemic I find myself so much more often taking a car (a Lyft, a Waymo, a ride with a friend) and while ride-sharing does have some sustainability benefits, it's not nearly as good as walking or busses or trains. So this reminded me that I want to get back to doing more by doing less.
Yay! And your comment reminds me that I also love how moving my body and learning a transit system positively impacts both creative thinking and mental health... at the core it’s about so much more than the sustainability impacts. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Yes to that.
I love this, Jennifer, and am so happy you're happy! You inspire me. I'm still not driving on Saturdays 96% of the time and, maybe, when I get more organized, I can make that rule stick for an entire weekend. Working on it (and getting an EV...hopefully in 2024). xo
Thank you, my friend! I know how hard it is where you are without a car — LA is definitely not designed for that life (my son has way too many scary stories from the subway, although he’s found the bus to be surprisingly nice — actually more reliable than the buses he was riding in the NYC metro area!) Thanks for reading & for your car-free Saturdays! Xo
Oh, I am a fan of the bus. I have my TAP card all set. I would use that instead of ride-shares for certain happy hours that were bus stop friendly. LOL. All things are possible in LA with enough money...and the right neighborhood. I love how walkable mine is...it's just a matter of getting to work on time. You are the best, Jennifer. (Pepper spray in your son's stocking, if I may be so bold.) xo
Oh that’s so good to hear — I always assumed the only people who rode public transit in LA were those who didn’t have cars! And yes — my son has mentioned several times how nice it would be to be in LA “with enough money” — ha! You’re the best (and thanks for the tip for his stocking — very good idea!)
Yeah, I'm still trying to find a way to live with enough money in LA. LOL. When my car dealer had its service center downtown, I would take the bus from/to when the work wasn't going to be a quickie. Straight shot, easy-peasy. Now, it's in the Valley -- the nightmare I desperately try to avoid. And there are great shuttles to the Hollywood Bowl that should (hopefully) open the eyes of some fancy people on how great/easy public transport is. It's a shame what happened to the trains. They were great when they first started (we would take them to downtown). I understand that, during lockdown, it became acquired territory and it's been a challenge to get it back to how it was. Hope your son is enjoying LA. I know it can be challenging, but it really is a great city/place to live with so much to offer beyond our weather (last winter being an exception...or new rule). xo
Wow. I couldn't imagine walking around in snow. I'm not a fan of being cold, so walking around in that would be a no-go for me. Or living near train tracks. My ex and I lived in downtown Phx for years and hearing the whistle of the stupid fucking light rail train was SO. ANNOYING. LOL I need quiet to sleep. But that's awesome about the LEED certified place. I think that would be a really cool place to live.
Haha that’s how I feel about the heat! Summers are so much harder for my walking habit (totally zaps my energy) but I *love* walking in the snow!! And I personally love the train whistle (actually helps me when I can’t sleep to imagine I’m actually ON a train and hearing it!) but I know not everyone does. And yes, the LEED certified place is amazing — hopefully the direction all construction is headed now.
I love this post! So inspiring. For me living in a small rural city, it’s hard to go without a car (I’ve thought about it) but I have to leave town to go to the city for doctors appointments etc for my kids. Also wildfires scare the shit out of me and where I live we need a car to get out in case of emergency. Saying that, I try to walk where I can locally. I wish we had access to train and bun service here in Canada. It is very limited! In the mean time, I’m saving for a EV.
Hi, book-friend!! Ahh yes I completely understand the wildfire/emergency aspect. I do feel like I have to pay attention and think about an exit plan not having a car. Living anywhere more rural or surrounded by forest I’d absolutely have one, too! Canada and the US both have a lot of room to expand rail service don’t they… I seriously want to figure out how to get more involved in that push next year. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! ❤️
Me too!! Except my tiny framed view is of Lake Michigan!
I’m thinking loving the frame is an artist thing :)
Ah Jennifer, thank you for the gift of sharing this experience and joy of how truly one person can make a difference and in so many ways! That collage remains an image of beauty and your words express the joys of a more minimal approach to this century of more with inspiration. Much appreciated.
Thank you as always, Debbie, for your thoughtful and kind reply! YOU are much appreciated and I hope to see you soon!
How good to hear from you, Jen! I enjoy your perspective(s). You seem to extract the best of your circumstances--a good theme for the long haul. Love from Sharon and me (and our little dog, Murphy).