August 30, 2010 by Christine
Being back home has been an adjustment. After an entire summer of being with me almost constantly, Charlotte is still adjusting to me being gone three nights a week. She and Daddy hang out, though, so I'm confident that it will all work out in the end.
One of the biggest adjustments to being back home is that I now have to drive everywhere. Living in San Francisco without a car was very eye-opening. With laundry, grocery, library, and a park within easy walking distance, we walked most places. Micah even walked to work every day. When we had to go someplace further, we took public transportation. In fact, I spent a full two months of my life without ever getting inside a car.
Not driving or riding in a car for so long changed my perspective. It made me really think about what I want from my future home, the one we will have after we leave NC. I would LOVE to be able to walk or bike or take public transit for the majority of my travel.
When I was working at my former job I drove 70 miles a day just commuting to and from work. I hated it. I put at least 400 miles a week on my car. I bought gas every 3-4 days. Commuting was physically and emotionally draining.
Now that I am back in school full time, the unfortunate truth is that my drive is still pretty long. But at least now I only have to go in three days a week. And I am pretty sure I am going to be able to drive a few miles and take a bus to school at least one day a week. Hooray for free public transit!
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