Hello World:

Today, I became officially car free. I sold my lovely, 6-year-old VW GTI with its truly phenomenal sound system. Now that I work in downtown Cleveland (instead of in the southern 'burbs), it didn't make financial sense to hang on to an aging car that was taking up just too much room in my budget. It's a great relief to have that taken care of.

I was kind of practicing being car-less during the four months it sat on the local used-car market. During that time I didn't drive it much, as the fellow who was helping me sell it had it most of the time. But, you know, it wasn't the same as actually BEING car-less.

I feel freer, lighter. A littly giddy. Kind of like when I was a penniless college student.

The geographical extent of my world appears to have shrunk. At the same time, walking or biking everywhere in my hometown of Lakewood, I feel more connected to the rich pulse of my neighborhood.

I am now a true city dweller -- counting on cabs and the occasional car rental for journeys that public transport can't handle.

And now the garage has a lot more room for more J U N K!!

Lynne B.