The quote in this title is from the above book and makes my feel envious. I still want to experience this.

Nine days ago I "broke down" and bought a car. I had been contemplating doing so for about a month. I've realized I'm not really saving money, or much at least, and I'm imposing on my friends and girlfriend for rides and car borrowing more than I'd like. I also was not doing things because of the 'hassle' of getting there. While the 'not doing things' has its appeal - as I am a person who tends to overbook - it also had its drawbacks in preventing us from taking friends up on invites to fun experiences too. So when a friend approached me with a deal I couldn't refuse... Well, I didn't refuse. 

Now I own a car and have fallen into the pit of exactly what I was afraid would happen. We've biked a total of once since I bought it. Now I've had good excuses... It's been horribly rainy; my sister is in town; we went on vacation... But still! Really?! I've offered friends to borrow it anytime, even for a few days. So far I've been taken up on it twice. Maybe with increasing this I will get back to riding more. 

I'm also in the bicycle-mode dilemma right now, which isn't helping my excuses. Now that X's leg is healed, and R is older, I don't really need the cargo bike and it feels like too much bike. I tried borrowing a friend's trailer, and I just really don't like it. We are back to using the tagalong, but after our fall, I'm not trusting it as much and just feel too disconnected from my kiddo back there. So I'm in the market again for a new bike setup too. Looking for a solution where they are close to me, and preferably in front. I love having X help pedal, but it isn't a requirement. I am debating between a workcycle mid tail with optional front seat, an extracycle, or a kidztandem. Any suggestions?! Pros/cons? Need to take moderate cargo with, but not always. Most of the time just a backpack for each of us. I wish a mid tail could use an optional cargo trailer, but it sounds like their rear racks are too specialized to make this work.

So I keep searching. In the meantime, I am back to some car reliance, and still dreaming of a bicycle focused place like Denmark or Amsterdam. Where people don't act like you are crazy or a bad parent for not owning a car. An where it is normal to have kids on your bike with you.

Reading this book is just feeding that dream... I didn't make my one year car-free goal, but maybe I will find another way some day. 

My youngest started school with his big sib today! We took the cargo bike as it was threatening rain, and the trail-a-bike has a flat I haven't fixed yet.

Guess who didn't have a nap at school?! X did a great job taking care of his little bro all day and I think he wore himself out :-)

Okay, this had nothing to do with biking, but does have to do with single parenting.

So we are probably going to either omsi or the zoo tomorrow. So naturally, I looked at membership options to see if it is worth getting a membership or just paying for one day.

I'm totally disappointed in both their membership options. Both have memberships available for singles - no kids. And then options for couples with and without kids. All assume that with kids you'll have two name adults. This feels discriminatory to me and doesn't at all take into consideration the plethora of single parent households. I don't want to pay for a named adult that I don't have. I can offer to a friend, or maybe even split one (see my other post if you're interested), but the discrimination is nagging at me. What are your thoughts?

Upset by this too? Join me in emailing them to tell them they need to create another option geared towards single parent households.

Oregon zoo: http://www.oregonzoo.org/contact-oregon-zoo-and-oregon-zoo-foundation

OMSI: [email protected]

I have never put much thought into that question, but Friday it became oh so very important. I was reattaching the trail-a-bike to my bike at school and dropped the but that holds the metal bar in which keeps the trail-a-bike hooked in. It is all so important as it really can't be ridden without it. We searched around where I dropped it for about 15 minutes with no luck. Thankfully, the last family was just leaving school and offered to give us a ride home. The little sister was out sick that day, otherwise there wouldn't have been a carseat to use in their car. I was so thankful for that ride.

So then we aquired a new but thanks to our neighbor who no longer uses her trail-a-bike and Saturday made the track back to school to retrieve our bikes. I didn't feel like imposing on any of my wonderful neighbors that day, so both kids and I boarded the bus. I has R strapped to my chest, with a backpack of just in case essentials on my back, and carried his front bobike seat with 3 helmets strapped into it. X walked next to me. We caught the bus and then walked the 3/4 mile or so to he school from there. Maybe it's just 1/2 mile, but it's a good walk for a 4-yr-old and for me lugging all that with me too. By the time we made it to the school, I was ready for a break. We searched around for said but one more time, just in case, but to no avail. The kids played in the yard while I set up the bike with the new nut and of course added the front seat too. We boarded our bike and headed home. By the time we got home, we were spent and hungry.

The last two days I've been very careful with the hardware while attaching and reattaching that thing.

And of course, Monday we delivered some homemade canned peaches to the family that so graciously helped us out Friday.

All and all, it was one and I'm so thankful to have great friends that are always there in a pinch:-)

So I finally decided on a carseat for my youngest. He is 15 months and 19 pounds (yes, I make them small). After WAY too much research and deliberation I landed on the Combi Coccoro and I LOVE it! It came yesterday and I used it today for the first time. It is lightweight as I new, but the best part is that the latches and buckles are super easy to use. This is something I recommend they add to their description. They have the quick release LATCH connectors, which I find so much easier to install and uninstall. Plus the mechanism for loosening the LATCH strap has a button too for ease without having to fiddle with the angle too bad like some.

Other bonus features include the pad at the crotch, so I never have to worry about pinching him and super soft fabric... Though it may be a little warm.

The downside is that the "infant" insert is required until 25 pounds. At my child's growth weight, that likely to be til he's 2 to 2-1/2. It isn't a big deal, but would have been nice to know as I picked the black color to avoid staining issues and now have to use the cream insert for some time. Had I known that I would have pick the trendier green or orange colors. It does seem to keep him nice and snug though and is somewhere I'd love to snuggle in for a nap if I fit.

Also, even though it is lightweight, if feels very sturdy and well made. Which is more than I can say for many of the other lightweight options I've looked at.

I'd recommend this seat for anyone, but especially for those who move their seats in/out of vehicles with any frequency. also for families with small cars and/or needing to get three seats across. Only other downside would be for those of you that make bigger kiddos, the lifespan of the seat may not be as long since it only works rear facing to 33 pounds and forward to 40. For me, considering my 4-yr-old just weighed in at 34 pounds and my younger one seems on a slightly smaller trajectory thus far, I don't think this will be an issue for us.

I was excited to finally make it in to by the hitch for my child's trail-a-bike he's been asking me to hook up for weeks, and with enough time to get home and attach it and maybe even take him for a test ride before my meeting! On my way out, I filled up my tires and then headed home. I made it almost a mile and heard a loud "pop". I quickly realized tht wasn't someone else, but was my tire, completely flat all of a sudden. Not along my normal route home, my options were to walk with my bike to the bus, transfer to another and then walk the couple blocks home to fix it. I thought about it a moment and realizing I was completely out of cash too, I decided to instead walk to the nearest bike shop to have them replace it. Luckily, I Live in Portland where there are lots of bike shops and it was only about 6 blocks away.

I was SO glad I chose that option. By the time I got there I realized it wasn't just my tube, but my tire was falling apart. I was worried I'd overfilled and caused it. Apparently though it was just its time. The side bead on the tire had ripped off.

So I resigned to buying a new tube and tire and sat down to hang at my second shop of the hour. The guy was very nice and after debating between another lower, entry grade tire and the next level up, he changed it out relatively quickly.

The whole ordeal probably tacked another hour or so onto my commute. I was fortunate that I didn't have anything I HAD to make it to then and got home with about 15 minutes to spare before my meeting. Needless to say, the trail-a-bike install had to wait until after.

I am finding the adjustment to life independent of a car more difficult mentally than physically. It is kind of like getting the energy up to drag yourself to the gym. You feel way better when you do it, and realize it really is no big deal, but stressing about it all day long takes way more energy than the act itself. Wednesdays are the hardest or me. I take my eldest child to school in the morning, so I have to bring my larger, bulkier, heavier bike. Yet after work, I don't have the kids, so I want to go run errands, or go hang with friends, but I don't want to tow this heavy bulky bike along with me. I enjoy riding my road bike so much more. So last week,, I was debating what to do most of the day.

First I thought, maybe I should drop X at school, rush back home and switch bikes before work. Then it would only be about 10-15 minutes added onto my day. Unfortunately, we had a little issue at drop off and it took longer than I hoped, so there wasn't time for that. Next I considered biking back home during lunch to make the switch. Then I got smart. I could run my errands during lunch (which are close to work) and then I don't need to ride as much in the evening and could just keep my bike with me. The tough days are when I want to go out with someone after work and they offer to give me a ride home. Do I leave my bike at work and figure out how to get it later? Do I try to get my bike into their car somehow? Or do I just politely decline and ride home? Hmmm.

I am finding myself traveling from North Portland to SE pretty regularly right now. I'm still figuring out the preferred method. It is a little over 7 miles start to finish, and then back. I work full time, have two children, and in general lead a pretty busy life, so travel time and efficiency is somewhat important. However, I'm trying to embrace this car free life. To me, car free doesn't necessarily mean never using a car, just not owning one and limiting use of a car.

So far I have tried biking, bussing, and tonight, borrowing a friend's car.

Biking is great. Especially right now with the amazing weather we are having. Yesterday I biked there. The weather was beautiful and I had the time to meandor over without getting too sweaty on the way. However, I don't love biking home that far alone late at night. So my friend offered me a ride home. I had the kid-mobile, so trying to fit it in the back of a Honda crv was a bit of a challenge. We managed, but just barely, and it was definitely a two person job.

Last week I didn't want to deal with my bike, since I wasn't sure what the day would hold after I got down there. It ended up being a good thing as our tour that day ended up taking all of us back up near my hood anyway, and had I biked, my bike would have been in SE while I was already near NoPo. The bus took about an hour and 20 minutes though, yikes!

Today, I borrowed a friend's car. It is super sweet of her to let me use it. She is a neighbor, so it was super convenient. I also was able to run a couple errands to and from SE that otherwise would have added a fair amount of time.

I'd like to try car2go as well. I think it seems like a good program for something like this. However, at the beginning the the cost is great with enrollment fees and I am not sure how much I'd use it whether it would be worth the initial membership fee. This is something I will look into further. I'd love to hear other's experience with the program or other ideas. I previously had my car on Getaround and would like to try that as well. I like the one way versatility of Getaround though. I don't have to commit for any distinct period of time amd if I find another route home, that is okay too. Perhaps I will report back on these various programs at a future time.

I am intrigued by the following two car seats. However, I can't find much out about them. No reviews, and the product info is a bit conflicted with itself. They both seem to be by the same company and are lightweight and relatively narrow. Plus they have the added benefit of being attractive for once. The other lightweight narrow seats I am finding are really cheap looking and seemingly feeling as well. Since the two seats I am replacing are worth a decent amount, I think my insurance will cover close if not the entire cost of both of these. Does anyone have any advice/info about either of these?

0-4 YRS Convertible Baby Car Seats With Base GE-B15
Description: ITEM NO.:GE-B15 COLOR: as picture BRAND: Ganen MATERIAL:Thick and breathable Artificial Suede Cover with absorbent padding, durable and environmental. WEIGHT: N.W.: 10 lbs. (4.5kgs) G.W.: 12 lbs. (5.5kgs). DIMENSION:43*44*65cm (17"x 18"x 26") Package size:65*28*49cm (26"x 11"x 19") STANDARDS: ECE R44/04 CONDITION:New in original Manufacturer's carton RECOMMENDED AGES:Forward-facing weight range: 9-36kgs (20-80 lbs or 1-12 years old) Brand new ,Never used We use specialist car restraint installers to avoid common mistakes in DIY installation Check that the child car restraint is in good condition from time to time with no frayed or broken straps and buckles---24 hours service for your baby Teach your child to always ask to use a restraint or seat belt. Specifications: Condition?Brand New Easy to install Rear Facining/ Front facing Material: thick and breathable Microfiber material with absorbent padding, durable and environmental. Suitable for children 9kg-36kgs?1-12 years old? Adjustable 5-point harness system and lower LATCH tethers to secure the child Rise-and-fall headrest and adjustable shoulder strap with 3 hole site, according to children's height Rear facing / front facing reversible car seat Contoured side wings for greater safety 5 point harness Retractor button which allows the seat belt to adjust to the correct length at the push of a button Plush, soft and cushioned fabric Machine washable fabric Forward facing seat belt lock off provides a more secure fit to vehicle Detachable air-permeable fabric lined mat High quality, this car seat produced according to European Safety Standards ECE R44/04 2 year free maintenance warranty Safety & Comfort

EMS Shipping CONVERTIBLE BABY CAR SEAT TRAVEL CARSEAT/SAFETY Convertible SEAT GE-D09 - cool2day

Description:

COLOR: as picture
MATERIAL:Thick and breathable Artificial Suede Cover with absorbent padding, durable and environmental.
WEIGHT: N.W.: 10 lbs. (4.5kgs)
G.W.: 12 lbs. (5.5kgs).
DIMENSION:17''x 18''x 26''
Package size:26''x 11''x 19''
STANDARDS: ECE R44/04
CONDITION:New in original Manufacturer's carton
RECOMMENDED AGES:Forward-facing
weight range: 9-36kgs (20-80 lbs or 1-12 years old)
Brand new ,Never used
We use specialist car restraint installers to avoid common mistakes in DIY installation
Check that the child car restraint is in good condition from time to time with no frayed or broken straps and buckles---24 hours service for your baby
Teach your child to always ask to use a restraint or seat belt.

Specifications:

Condition?Brand New
Easy to install
Rear Facining/ Front facing
Material: thick and breathable Microfiber material with absorbent padding, durable and environmental.
Suitable for children 9kg-36kgs?1-12 years old?
Adjustable 5-point harness system and lower LATCH tethers to secure the child
Rise-and-fall headrest and adjustable shoulder strap with 3 hole site, according to children's height
Rear facing / front facing reversible car seat
Contoured side wings for greater safety
5 point harness
Retractor button which allows the seat belt to adjust to the correct length at the push of a button
Plush, soft and cushioned fabric
Machine washable fabric
Forward facing seat belt lock off provides a more secure fit to vehicle
Detachable air-permeable fabric lined mat
High quality, this car seat produced according to European Safety Standards ECE R44/04
2 year free maintenance warranty
Safety & Comfort

In writing this it became rhythmic and sort of poetic, so I'm 'going with the flow'. I've never considered myself a poet, and this could use a lot of refinement, but let me know what you think!

My mom is in town, traveling from not far away,

Not a stranger to transit, she was up for adventure.

I gave her the option of driving (her car), taking the bus, or just walking as well.

We were going to dinner about 3 miles away.

She chose the bus.

We gathered our change and went to go wait.

I'm finding I love the pace of the bus, particularly with others, but also alone.

The night was one of relaxation and joy, not just about reaching the destination of food.

We sat on the hillside, just across the street, and talked while we waited.

The bus, we nearly missed, as we engaged in conversation.

The sound finally hit us as it quickly approached.

We boarded and traveled to our supposed destination.

We stepped into the evening sunlight as our stomachs had begun growling

The line was long and the atmosphere not what we imagined.

So we continued our journey using our feet.

We walked and we talked, laughed and then

We found a destination, up to our pallets, stomachs and mood.

We enjoyed tapas and salad over delicious mixed drinks.

Then we wondered once more to find a place for dessert.

Into a French bakery we went, sipped decaf and ate yet more little treats to fill our pallets with joy.

Our evening ready to come to a close, we stepped back outside and felt the crisp air.

We went to the stop, 18 minutes it said,

so we started to walk to keep ourselves warm.

We walked nearly a mile, bus stops every two blocks, then decided we were ready to stand and to wait.

We boarded that bus, sat down and relaxed, my mom and I returned on the bus that had brought us, to an evening of joy and good reconnection.

Not 10 minutes went by and we were suddenly there.

Returned home relaxed and enjoying ourselves,

not ever having to moved into the stress of stop lights and diverting attention to the traffic out there.

Rather we focused on each other and the joy of an evening filled with sunlight and warmth, crisp air and delight.

Thank you to the bus, for setting our pace, a slow one of ease and being present and open.