When our cat does something dumb--like falling off of a dresser for no good reason--she licks her paws as though to say, "Nothing to see here. I am not embarrassed at all. No siree bob!" We all pretend like we didn't notice.
Well, I am having a lick-my-paws moment. Yesterday, I wanted to go to the library. Before I knew it, I was on a crowded street IN MY CAR--and that's when it hit me. I am doing a no-car challenge, and I am IN MY CAR!
I had gotten into my car out of habit and driven about 4 blocks before I remembered the no-car challenge. Walking to the library is 100% do-able.
Bottom Line: I messed that one up.
Today, I am driving to see my parents. If I follow MMM and Melody's thinking about basing my decision to make trips on whether they are walkable/bikeable or not, then visiting my parents would fall into the "car" category. While I will make the trip by car, it is a long way and, therefore, justified based on my new thinking about this topic.
So, I think what is happening here is I made a big declaration ("NO car driving") and am modifying as I go along based on what I am learning about the experience.
I plan to continue this into November. By the end of November, I may have 100% cured my car "habit," which means I will no longer drive at all for shorter trips. I am sure I"ll have some goof ups along the way, and I'll be better off in the end. =-)