[Mercury]

I'm done with cars for now. And my friends keep making fun of me as if it's shameful to ride the bus or walk. But personally I'm very proud of myself and I feel it's one of the smartest decisions I've made as of late. Not only do I have a couple extra grand in the bank from the car money but I also cut my transportation expenses to shreds by walking to the stores (I live near a strip mall) and taking the bus to work. Not to mention the money I save without insurance!!! My parents, friends and coworkers for some reason don't understand this. No matter how many times i explain to them the economic benifits, the environmental benifits and the health benefits they still look at me with this look their face like "Yeah... but it's the bus!". It's no wonder so many Oregonians are overweight with that attitude. It's like get your on your feet for a change. Stop relying on a big ass SUV to get scoot your lazy ass around.

Also it's fantastic way to get to know your surroundings. Once you step outside of your sheltered car cabin you realize that there's a community out there and recognizable faces everywhere. It is a small world after all.