A New Perspective on slowing down....

A few weeks ago I decided to sell my, "mommy car". It was a Volvo XC90. When I bought it my concerns were safety and reliability for my family and of course for work. We all enjoyed the plush leather seats, premium sound and  the, "butt warmers" as the kids called them, especially on cold mornings on the way to school. I'm realizing that my kids are more independent now, in fact, my son is driving (omg) and my daughter is comfortable on the school bus or public transportation to get around.
In the near future, (three years) I may be an Empty Nester, and I didn't see it coming! Damn, time really does fly! Anyway, I'm thinking, why am I spending all this money on payments, insurance, registration, gas, upkeep and whatever parking tickets for a car that sits in my driveway 75% of the time? Duh!!! I've cut my monthly overhead by almost $1,000 by re-thinking the need for this money guzzler! My carbon footprint just got smaller and my wallet fatter!! I have been riding my bicycle to work or walking. You all know that I have a motorcycle, but Ziggy has been in the shop, so I've really had to reevaluate my means of transportation.I have had an up close and personal view of my neighborhood! The interesting thing is that I'm keenly aware now of how few healthy food options are within walking distance. Buy locally? The grid was laid out to encourage driving, which supports the auto industry, not community. I did find a new farmers market about 20 minutes bike ride from my house which is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood! Hopefully there will be more options like this in the future. I had to be conscious of my purchases as there is just so much one can fit in a bicycle basket. This is a good thing because I need to plan a menu around what I can carry! Hmmm, no waste there! Slow living is a good thing, I get more exercise, buy less, consume less and have an opportunity to interact with local artisans and markets!
Now this is a beautiful thing!! Life is sweet if you really stop and count the small potatoes!!