Life Without A Car?!

After the episode, I started to think about cars and driving. As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to get my license. For me, it meant a sense of freedom. I was always performing in local theater productions, so I was beyond excited that I could finally drive myself. It made me feel like I was really making it in the world.

I was also thrilled I no longer had to wait for my mom to pick me up because she was habitually late. It was just me, the first Train CD, and 690 East.

I passed my driving test with a perfect score. From parallel parking to checking my mirrors–I nailed it. The day after, I went to fill the gas tank for my mom, feeling like the ultimate adult. It was a warm, spring day. I was blaring  “Lady Marmalade” with Pink and Christina Aguilera with my sunglasses, and life was grand.

And then…I backed into the gas pump.

Someone had parked in front and back of me when I went inside to pay. So, there I was trying to get out of the little space I was trapped in and Bam! gas pump (attached to the stand) smashes right into the back light of my mother’s car. I was mortified. I immediately called my grandpa.

Needless to say, although I consider myself a pretty good driver (seriously) and have never been in any accidents with another car (only objects like gas pumps), I just knew that driving was not for me. Now here’s the thing: I like driving. Especially, in the summer when I can blare music with no chance of a crazy snowstorm dropping on me, mid-drive. I love being able to get in the car and go stop at Wegmans if I want (yes, Wegmans will find a way in–always).

But, ultimately, I love sitting my butt on the subway, reading a book, watching people, and not worrying about traffic, parking, and the weather. Weather, me, and a car don’t mix. 

And you never know what you will see on the subway. I have heard some fantastic singers, I’ve heard the most abysmal ones. I’ve seen long lost friends, and people I hope I never see again. You truly never know what you may find.

I mean, Joe saw someone moving a couch through the subway–solo! Just picking it up and carrying/pushing it. Crazy, right?

I mentioned, during the episode, that I had recently seen something at the 42nd Street (Bryant Park) subway.

Well…I saw a man masturbating right on the platform.

I was in true disbelief. You know how people will often say, “I just couldn’t believe it!” but, in reality, you can imagine it? Well, let me tell you this was a moment I never anticipated seeing at about 8:35 pm on a Tuesday night.

I truly couldn’t believe it.

Needless to say, I walked down to the end of the platform, far away from the man. But what struck me most was that so many people were still staying in that area as they waited for the train! What?? I wanted to take a picture so I could show Eric, because it was just too crazy to describe, but alas, I didn’t.

I really don’t think a total stranger masturbating on the platform beneath the ice skating rink, two days before Thanksgiving, needed to be in my photo stream, ya know?

So, maybe I do miss having a car (sometimes).

What about you guys? What does life with a car mean for you? How do you feel about not having one if you are like me and Joe?

I want to know.

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