Small Gains

I've been watching gas prices with a lot more interest lately. It is definitely getting crazy for US gas prices, and I'm starting to notice. Really notice. I've always paid attention, but I've never really made a super conscious effort to change my behavior until fairly recently. I am grateful that we are not living paycheck to paycheck as we once were, as this kind of cost increase would require a ton of creativity and sacrifice.

Because leaving the house is costing so much, we're trying to do much better at combining trips and carpooling more errands with our roommate. We're also having a blast riding bikes and walking.

Not leaving the house as much is having some nice financial side effects. We're not eating out as much, we rarely stop off at the store for one ingredient. Basically, we're doing all the things we try to do anyway, but with that high gas price as an incentive, we're doing it much more effectively. So not only are we saving on fuel, we're saving on not eating out, impulse buys, and other small places. I see this as a positive thing!

With every loss there is one small gain. We're focusing on the gains of this fuel issue. Saving money, spending more time together as a family, and enjoying creative cooking are gains in my book. I'm hoping our nation will also gain wisdom and knowledge in fuel economy. Perhaps this high price will lead to more fuel efficient transportation, or more exploration in alternative energy sources. This is a crisis for many people, but hopefully the loss of our super cheap gas prices will result in gains for our family and our nation, however small.

Hopping on the bike

The weather was nice this morning, and gas is creeping up, so I decided to ride my bike to work today.

As I rode, I reflected on how much we miss in our cars. Here's what I experienced today that I miss in my car commute, both good and bad:

• The smells! They had just cut the grass yesterday and it still had that fresh smell. There were also some not-so-fresh smells here are there as well.
• The quiet. I did not listen to the radio or talk to anybody who may be sharing my car.
• The garbage. I did not realise just how much litter was blowing around on my route to work.
• Interacting with the front gate guards at my work. I've always waved to them as I flashed my ID, but today I actually talked to them for a few moments. It was kind of neat to connect to these people who I see every single work day, but know very little about.
• The exercise- After riding 5 miles each way today, I think I'll skip the gym.
• The heat. I'm not somebody who does hot very gracefully. I know that if I commuted on a regular basis, the heat and wind would really get to me.
• Helmet hair. I had to do a few emergency fix ups in the bathroom before I sat down at my desk.
• The feeling of accomplishment. I did not spend any extra, I exercised, I will be even more encouraged to pack a lunch- there are not many places in biking distance from my work.

It was just interesting to change my perspective for that short thirty minute ride. And I also saw how easy it was. It did not take that much longer to bike in than it does to drive, and biking is far better for my health and wallet. Plus I got to use my cute bike basket that I picked up at a yard sale last year for my lunch and purse and water.

With rising gas prices, have you considered any alternative transportation options? Share the good, the bad, and the ugly in the comments!