As with any Memorial Day, I am struck by how grateful I am to live in this country. What an amazing place to live, regardless of how "imperfect" it all is (especially right now). I want to recognize the men and women who everyday put their lives on the line to give us this blessing. Thank you very much.
I was thinking about how great this country is while I was taking the bus down to see the Colorado Rockies play yesterday (no we didn't win - darn LA Dodgers). As a new bus rider, I am being drawn into a world I never see. One of diversity, color and most importantly kindness.
As mentioned in previous posts (and I promise with no disrespect to the Cherry Creek area) I live in a pretty antiseptic, white, affluent neighborhood. But just step onto the #1 bus heading downtown and oh the sites you see. People of all different colors, religions, backgrounds, social standings and disabilities. I had the privilege of meeting a wheelchair bound woman and got to glimpse how brave she is and what a chore it is to simply ride the bus.
I met a wonderful old Mexican man, for sure travelling home after a long day of work, work he puts in 7 days a week to keep his children and children's children fed.
So many stories on the bus. So many people walking a different life path than me, but here we all are - smiling kindly to each other as we pay our fare and take a seat, on our way to different destinations, though we get on and off at the same stops.
Another profound lesson not learned driving my car from destination to destination. Lessons missed, people not met, opportunities not allowed. I continue to look forward to meeting new people, lending a hand when I can, and learning from those I never thought I needed to learn from. What lessons or opportunities do you think you are missing out on by driving everywhere you need to go? I wonder when, and if, you'll ever stop to find out. If you do, I know from experience, it will be worth it.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A New Way of Thinking
Today I woke up early. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect enough for a walk with the dogs. So at 7 am I have both my pooches leashed up and ready to go.
Now, as I have been saying over the last few posts, I am starting to believe that not driving is less about my need for a luxury car and more about my desire to find new ways to get around. As I am experimenting with this, I am also learning other ways to help out the environment and making this world more beautiful.
As I was walking I noticed trash along side the rode. I don't get why people feel the need to litter. It is like they just can't make it the 2 minutes home to throw the trash away. They need to get it out their car now. So, why not just heave it out of the window, make it someone else's problem. That seems to work alright for them.
It doesn't, however, work alright for me, or the other walkers who get to see it. So I decided I could just complain about these people (with wicked dreams of them getting pulled over the next time they throw something out of their car window and being ticketed) but that doesn't solve anything. So I stared bringing a grocery bag with me and picking up the trash I see while walking. Once home, I sorted out the recyclables and threw the rest in my trash can. It took me an extra 1 minute to do this and of course a good hand washing after, but all in all pretty easy. I would also like to believe that I created a nicer, more beautiful walk for the people walking that same route after me.
Again, I am not an extremist. This post isn't about judging people who drive, or those who don't pick up trash while walking. It is just another point to ponder and share with those who want this world to be more beautiful. If you feel inclined, maybe next time you are out walking you'll lend a hand and pick up that beer can on the side of the road.
Now, as I have been saying over the last few posts, I am starting to believe that not driving is less about my need for a luxury car and more about my desire to find new ways to get around. As I am experimenting with this, I am also learning other ways to help out the environment and making this world more beautiful.
As I was walking I noticed trash along side the rode. I don't get why people feel the need to litter. It is like they just can't make it the 2 minutes home to throw the trash away. They need to get it out their car now. So, why not just heave it out of the window, make it someone else's problem. That seems to work alright for them.
It doesn't, however, work alright for me, or the other walkers who get to see it. So I decided I could just complain about these people (with wicked dreams of them getting pulled over the next time they throw something out of their car window and being ticketed) but that doesn't solve anything. So I stared bringing a grocery bag with me and picking up the trash I see while walking. Once home, I sorted out the recyclables and threw the rest in my trash can. It took me an extra 1 minute to do this and of course a good hand washing after, but all in all pretty easy. I would also like to believe that I created a nicer, more beautiful walk for the people walking that same route after me.
Again, I am not an extremist. This post isn't about judging people who drive, or those who don't pick up trash while walking. It is just another point to ponder and share with those who want this world to be more beautiful. If you feel inclined, maybe next time you are out walking you'll lend a hand and pick up that beer can on the side of the road.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Rediscovering my Purpose
Adrienne and Jill live about 4 miles from me. Today we decided to grab breakfast in their neighborhood at 8, so if I leave at 7 that gives me plenty of time to warm up and then run to meet them. I had to run for my training today anyways. So - I am off.
As I head up from 1st on my way to 23rd I notice a shift as I cross over several neighborhoods on my way to theirs.
My neighborhood, Cherry Creek, is antiseptic and full of stucco "mcmansions" (at least that is what the Realtor calls them). Though I loved this neighborhood when I moved in 5 years ago, I am starting to tire of it's lack of individualism and flair.
Next comes 6th and 7th Ave. Beautiful, classic brick homes that have been around since probably the beginning of Denver. Older people, long retired, taking walks hand in hand. Lawns perfect enough to be in Home & Garden.
Next up is 10th and Milwaukee. This is my favorite area so far. Smaller homes than the previous neighborhood, but beautiful and lined up in a way that all I want to do is buy one and raise a family on those elm lined streets. I start noticing the state flower - the Columbine - growing wild in manicured yards. Middle aged couples are running, walking their dogs, having coffee on their front porches.
I then cross into the 12th Ave. area. The homes become more eclectic. Some are brick, some are stucco, some are purple. I loved the feel. Younger people, dressed for success, heading off to their jobs before they start their long weekend. Nothing is consistent here, but there is beauty in the chaos of it all.
I had to take a moment to cross over Colfax. If you know Denver, Colfax is actually pretty scary. At 7 in the morning you could get high and a hooker on the same street corner. I pick up my pace.
But just 2 blocks away from that you enter into Park Hill. Young, old, married, single, families, DINK's (double income no kids). They are all here. Sipping coffee at the local bakery. Buying fresh food from the Italian market. It is wonderful and so very uplifting being able to run through it at this time of the morning.
I meet up with my friends and am struck by how different the world looks when you aren't in a car. Maybe my experiment isn't about my needing a luxury car. Maybe it is morphing into my need to slow down, realize the beauty around me, and literally stopping to smell the roses.
I believe that I am transforming as I take this journey. I now believe it is less about the vanity of my external needs and more about finding true happiness in a place where happiness has existed all along.
As I head up from 1st on my way to 23rd I notice a shift as I cross over several neighborhoods on my way to theirs.
My neighborhood, Cherry Creek, is antiseptic and full of stucco "mcmansions" (at least that is what the Realtor calls them). Though I loved this neighborhood when I moved in 5 years ago, I am starting to tire of it's lack of individualism and flair.
Next comes 6th and 7th Ave. Beautiful, classic brick homes that have been around since probably the beginning of Denver. Older people, long retired, taking walks hand in hand. Lawns perfect enough to be in Home & Garden.
Next up is 10th and Milwaukee. This is my favorite area so far. Smaller homes than the previous neighborhood, but beautiful and lined up in a way that all I want to do is buy one and raise a family on those elm lined streets. I start noticing the state flower - the Columbine - growing wild in manicured yards. Middle aged couples are running, walking their dogs, having coffee on their front porches.
I then cross into the 12th Ave. area. The homes become more eclectic. Some are brick, some are stucco, some are purple. I loved the feel. Younger people, dressed for success, heading off to their jobs before they start their long weekend. Nothing is consistent here, but there is beauty in the chaos of it all.
I had to take a moment to cross over Colfax. If you know Denver, Colfax is actually pretty scary. At 7 in the morning you could get high and a hooker on the same street corner. I pick up my pace.
But just 2 blocks away from that you enter into Park Hill. Young, old, married, single, families, DINK's (double income no kids). They are all here. Sipping coffee at the local bakery. Buying fresh food from the Italian market. It is wonderful and so very uplifting being able to run through it at this time of the morning.
I meet up with my friends and am struck by how different the world looks when you aren't in a car. Maybe my experiment isn't about my needing a luxury car. Maybe it is morphing into my need to slow down, realize the beauty around me, and literally stopping to smell the roses.
I believe that I am transforming as I take this journey. I now believe it is less about the vanity of my external needs and more about finding true happiness in a place where happiness has existed all along.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
My First Bus Adventure
Last night, after much deliberation (and a thunder storm) I decided to not ride my bike and take the bus. I have never ridden the bus in Denver before, but I had taken the train in Italy and the subway in Paris, so I figured I could handle it.
After a short walk, I sat down at the bus stop bench to wait for the number 2 bus. I was about 10 minutes early, so I decided to read a book I had brought along for the trip. After a few minutes 2 men biked up and asked if I was waiting for the number 2 or had they missed it. I confirmed it was on its way. At that time they thought it would be totally appropriate to smoke some pot. I am not kidding you people, right there on the corner of University and 1st Ave.
To give these guys some credit, they did spend about 10 minutes talking to me, educating me about transfers and schedules and then proceeded to show me how to put a bike on the front of the bus. Pretty cool dudes in my book.
I enjoyed the ride. I finished the chapter in my business book I had been ignoring and even realized how stress free it is to just ride along and let someone else worry about traffic, pedestrians and red lights.
After about 25 minutes I did my transfer from the #2 to the #32 bus. 7 short minutes later I was walking to my destination, feeling stress free and happy.
What a great way to get around, and all for $2.00.
All you readers out there (how many of them are you now - 10, 11, 12 - the numbers are staggering) if you haven't ridden the bus yet - I say just do it.
Thanks Aunt Jan and Sister-in-law Suzanne for the recommendation and the encouragement.
After a short walk, I sat down at the bus stop bench to wait for the number 2 bus. I was about 10 minutes early, so I decided to read a book I had brought along for the trip. After a few minutes 2 men biked up and asked if I was waiting for the number 2 or had they missed it. I confirmed it was on its way. At that time they thought it would be totally appropriate to smoke some pot. I am not kidding you people, right there on the corner of University and 1st Ave.
To give these guys some credit, they did spend about 10 minutes talking to me, educating me about transfers and schedules and then proceeded to show me how to put a bike on the front of the bus. Pretty cool dudes in my book.
I enjoyed the ride. I finished the chapter in my business book I had been ignoring and even realized how stress free it is to just ride along and let someone else worry about traffic, pedestrians and red lights.
After about 25 minutes I did my transfer from the #2 to the #32 bus. 7 short minutes later I was walking to my destination, feeling stress free and happy.
What a great way to get around, and all for $2.00.
All you readers out there (how many of them are you now - 10, 11, 12 - the numbers are staggering) if you haven't ridden the bus yet - I say just do it.
Thanks Aunt Jan and Sister-in-law Suzanne for the recommendation and the encouragement.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
I NEED YOUR HELP - PLEASE
I have a problem.
Tonight I am heading out for a jewelry party with my friends Jackie and Melisa (the hostess). Here is the dilemma.
The location is 5.3 miles away. It doesn't seem like a long bike ride, but it is girls night and I kind of hoped to dress up a little. Also, there is a safety concern. It starts at 5:30 and goes to about 8:30, so it will be dark when I get back on my bike to ride home. Another consideration, they are serving wine, and I will probably partake in a glass or two.
My next option is to take Denver's RTD (bus). Not a vanity issue, but it takes over 50 minutes to get there this way.
Last option - drive my wonderful car.
I need ya'lls help. What would you do????
Tonight I am heading out for a jewelry party with my friends Jackie and Melisa (the hostess). Here is the dilemma.
The location is 5.3 miles away. It doesn't seem like a long bike ride, but it is girls night and I kind of hoped to dress up a little. Also, there is a safety concern. It starts at 5:30 and goes to about 8:30, so it will be dark when I get back on my bike to ride home. Another consideration, they are serving wine, and I will probably partake in a glass or two.
My next option is to take Denver's RTD (bus). Not a vanity issue, but it takes over 50 minutes to get there this way.
Last option - drive my wonderful car.
I need ya'lls help. What would you do????
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I have no discipline
Tuesday, Rich has left for 8 days at the Florida house and all I want to do is eat Chick-Fil-A. Herein lies the problem, one of the closest Chick-Fil-A's to my house is 12 miles away (which takes 25 minutes in rush hour to drive). Yes, I could bike there, but let's be realistic folks, I'm not going to. I could also skip having that tasty breaded chicken sandwich, but again, not going to.
So I saddle up in my car and head out for some great food.
Hey I am human, and remember this is an experiment, not a death sentence.
I will promise to do better tomorrow.
Here I come waffle fries and a peach milkshake. YUMMY!
So I saddle up in my car and head out for some great food.
Hey I am human, and remember this is an experiment, not a death sentence.
I will promise to do better tomorrow.
Here I come waffle fries and a peach milkshake. YUMMY!
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Root of Envy
I am wondering about the root of Envy. It may seem like a strange thing to wonder about, but how many of you truly even know what Envy is? It was explained to me at church on Sunday.
Envy is when you focus on what other people have that you want but don't have. It is pretty toxic. First, it means you are not giving thanks for what you do have. Second, it takes the focus off of loving those around you. How can you love them if you envy them.
This got me thinking about this whole car thing. If I don't own a luxury car, will I envy those who do? I obviously don't want to envy them, but will I? It brings me on a deeper level during this journey, one which I welcome wholeheartedly.
Anyone reading this - do you have envy in your life? How can you go about removing that from your life?
Envy is when you focus on what other people have that you want but don't have. It is pretty toxic. First, it means you are not giving thanks for what you do have. Second, it takes the focus off of loving those around you. How can you love them if you envy them.
This got me thinking about this whole car thing. If I don't own a luxury car, will I envy those who do? I obviously don't want to envy them, but will I? It brings me on a deeper level during this journey, one which I welcome wholeheartedly.
Anyone reading this - do you have envy in your life? How can you go about removing that from your life?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
A short post, but still relevant
OK, I learned a few things today.
First - you cannot walk or ride your bike to Sam's club. Not when you are hauling 40 lbs. of hamburger meat to host a BBQ at your house.
Second - a bike doesn't cut it either at Home Depot. Could you imagine me riding back with a boat load of flowers that I planted (correction - my wonderful husband planted) in the yard today.
THE ABOVE TWO JUST DON'T WORK. I have to agree with my friend Amanda though when she said - why not trade in the status car for a more economical and sustainable car. I like the idea. After this 4 month journey, I might just have to do that.
Walking out to the backyard today for a much needed BBQ with some friends (and of course 40 lbs. of hamburger meat). Enjoy our day.
First - you cannot walk or ride your bike to Sam's club. Not when you are hauling 40 lbs. of hamburger meat to host a BBQ at your house.
Second - a bike doesn't cut it either at Home Depot. Could you imagine me riding back with a boat load of flowers that I planted (correction - my wonderful husband planted) in the yard today.
THE ABOVE TWO JUST DON'T WORK. I have to agree with my friend Amanda though when she said - why not trade in the status car for a more economical and sustainable car. I like the idea. After this 4 month journey, I might just have to do that.
Walking out to the backyard today for a much needed BBQ with some friends (and of course 40 lbs. of hamburger meat). Enjoy our day.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Driving in a car stinks
OK, maybe I am getting a little too big for my britches with this no driving thing, but let me ramble for a moment.
First, I rode with my best friend Adrienne to go walk Wash Park. No biggie except, as I mentioned yesterday, not really a great way to smell the flowers. We did, however, have the windows open and got to smell fresh mowed grass. That was a plus.
Second, I went to run errands with my husband and it was a hassle. There are way too many cars on the road and way too many traffic lights to stop at. I was so frustrated that on his way to drop me off at the mall I had him pull over and I walked the rest of the way. I did pick up an amazing pair of white jeans and silver heels, by the way (for any of you out there who really cares). Remember, no car, extra money.
Does this mean I am becoming a "uncar" snob? Is this better than being a car snob?
Whatever it means, In about 2 and a half hours I am heading out for happy hour with my birthday girlfriend Jess and I plan on walking there. It is only about 5 blocks away and you can't beat this beautiful Denver spring day.
I hope it is beautiful where you are this weekend also.
First, I rode with my best friend Adrienne to go walk Wash Park. No biggie except, as I mentioned yesterday, not really a great way to smell the flowers. We did, however, have the windows open and got to smell fresh mowed grass. That was a plus.
Second, I went to run errands with my husband and it was a hassle. There are way too many cars on the road and way too many traffic lights to stop at. I was so frustrated that on his way to drop me off at the mall I had him pull over and I walked the rest of the way. I did pick up an amazing pair of white jeans and silver heels, by the way (for any of you out there who really cares). Remember, no car, extra money.
Does this mean I am becoming a "uncar" snob? Is this better than being a car snob?
Whatever it means, In about 2 and a half hours I am heading out for happy hour with my birthday girlfriend Jess and I plan on walking there. It is only about 5 blocks away and you can't beat this beautiful Denver spring day.
I hope it is beautiful where you are this weekend also.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
It's Lilac Season
You should know, my favorite flower is the lilac. Sometimes I wake up and there is a vase of lilacs on my dresser because my husband went out early to pick them for me. They used to be in my yard, but my black thumb has killed them all (which makes me wonder where he is getting those lilacs - hmm!!).
Anyways, I still have my car but have not driven it in 4 days. Turn in day is 6/2. With that being said, I decided to combine my morning run with my Thursday morning women's bible study. It is 2 miles away, so why not!
The run was beautiful. There had to have been a million lilac bushes along the way, something I did NOT notice each time I drove there. The fragrance was amazing, fueling me on my run.
On the way home I took another way to experience a different path. I was presented with even more lilacs. It was like God (or the universe, spirit world, mother nature - whatever you are into) said "hey, thanks for not driving today - here is a gift just for you." Well, thanks God, I appreciated the beauty during my run.
What could you possibly be missing while you are driving?
Anyways, I still have my car but have not driven it in 4 days. Turn in day is 6/2. With that being said, I decided to combine my morning run with my Thursday morning women's bible study. It is 2 miles away, so why not!
The run was beautiful. There had to have been a million lilac bushes along the way, something I did NOT notice each time I drove there. The fragrance was amazing, fueling me on my run.
On the way home I took another way to experience a different path. I was presented with even more lilacs. It was like God (or the universe, spirit world, mother nature - whatever you are into) said "hey, thanks for not driving today - here is a gift just for you." Well, thanks God, I appreciated the beauty during my run.
What could you possibly be missing while you are driving?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Vanity Kicks In
So I am driving with my friend (in her car) to Wash Park for a run and then to Einstein Bagels for breakfast when it hits me. I am vain about what I drive but not about what other people are driving. What is that all about? I mean I could care less what others are driving, so why does it matter what kind of car I own?
Anyways, as I come home and see my car in the garage I just want to hug it. Hug it because in less than 2 weeks it will be gone. Hug it because it is more beautiful than my bike. Hug it because, darn it, I am in love with it. How did this happen? And more importantly, how do I break those chains.
Looking forward to input from ya'll as well as figuring this out over time.
Enjoy your day - I am headed to the garage for a much needed hug.
Anyways, as I come home and see my car in the garage I just want to hug it. Hug it because in less than 2 weeks it will be gone. Hug it because it is more beautiful than my bike. Hug it because, darn it, I am in love with it. How did this happen? And more importantly, how do I break those chains.
Looking forward to input from ya'll as well as figuring this out over time.
Enjoy your day - I am headed to the garage for a much needed hug.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
2.63 MILES TO MY MASSAGE
So, today is my first day of "practice". I don't give the car up until June 1st, but I am practicing not having one.
It looked like it was going to rain today, but I had a massage and wanted to try out riding my bike to it. It was great. The ride there got me warmed up for the rub down and the ride back was amazing because I felt so good.
I highly recommend it.
I felt emotionally good about it as well, but I am starting to think it is just because that Mercedes still sits in my garage, and there is comfort in knowing I had a choice to ride my bike to the massage. Hmm?? What do you think, am I on the path to humility or just fooling myself?
I have to go walk to visit my best friend at work so we can have lunch. Hoping it doesn't rain (but I will bring an umbrella just in case).
It looked like it was going to rain today, but I had a massage and wanted to try out riding my bike to it. It was great. The ride there got me warmed up for the rub down and the ride back was amazing because I felt so good.
I highly recommend it.
I felt emotionally good about it as well, but I am starting to think it is just because that Mercedes still sits in my garage, and there is comfort in knowing I had a choice to ride my bike to the massage. Hmm?? What do you think, am I on the path to humility or just fooling myself?
I have to go walk to visit my best friend at work so we can have lunch. Hoping it doesn't rain (but I will bring an umbrella just in case).
Monday, May 17, 2010
My first day
OK, I am doing an experiment. For years I have been driving luxury cars. Currently I drive a Mercedes but I am turning in my Lease on June 1st, and for the first time in YEARS, I will not be replacing it.
I live in Cherry Creek (a suburb of Denver) and I am literally walking distance from everything I need. I also work from home, so commuting isn't an issue. Why do I even own a car? It just makes no sense. Now, I am not a radical. My husband owns a car and I realize if we want to get to places that are farther than 5 miles away we will need something. But for the everyday errands and stuff, I just need a break.
So I decided that I would turn in my leased MB and take the summer off of owning a car. Here what will happen:
1. I will save $4,000 over the course of 4 months (car payment, insurance and gas)
2. I will do my little part in helping our environment by driving less
3. I will get into better shape (walking and riding a bike when I used to drive)
4. My stress level will go down (if you have never been in the car with me in traffic you can't imagine how it stresses me out)
and last but not least
5. I will take the focus off what I am driving and put it on who I am as a person.
This is a big one, and the reason I am calling the blog vanity plate - an experiment in humility. I have come to the realization that I have put who I am below what I have. This is NOT good, for anyone, but I can't be responsible for anyone but myself. So here I go, on a journey to relinquish my need for luxury items. Won't you come along with me?
I live in Cherry Creek (a suburb of Denver) and I am literally walking distance from everything I need. I also work from home, so commuting isn't an issue. Why do I even own a car? It just makes no sense. Now, I am not a radical. My husband owns a car and I realize if we want to get to places that are farther than 5 miles away we will need something. But for the everyday errands and stuff, I just need a break.
So I decided that I would turn in my leased MB and take the summer off of owning a car. Here what will happen:
1. I will save $4,000 over the course of 4 months (car payment, insurance and gas)
2. I will do my little part in helping our environment by driving less
3. I will get into better shape (walking and riding a bike when I used to drive)
4. My stress level will go down (if you have never been in the car with me in traffic you can't imagine how it stresses me out)
and last but not least
5. I will take the focus off what I am driving and put it on who I am as a person.
This is a big one, and the reason I am calling the blog vanity plate - an experiment in humility. I have come to the realization that I have put who I am below what I have. This is NOT good, for anyone, but I can't be responsible for anyone but myself. So here I go, on a journey to relinquish my need for luxury items. Won't you come along with me?
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