What the World Could Do Without (just my soapbox)

I love having only one car. It's so much less expensive. Less gas. Less car payment (especially since I have owned mine for years and there is NO CAR PAYMENT). Less insurance. And more time since we consolidate all errands. But I really love showing the world that it can be done. I love it when people suggest we need another car and I say no, we really don't, and they look at me incredulously and then I put forth that we're completely happy and list the above reasons as verification of that fact. Yes, there are times when it would be convenient to have a second car, but I think most people would be amazed at just what they can do without and what they can come up with in a pinch. Now all of this goes along with my not owning a cell phone or paying for television. I LOVE not having a cell phone. Oh, the freedom. Instead of being on the phone in the car I talk to my husband. Instead of constantly texting about trivial things I spend time with my kids. "But they're so convenient! I get free long distance! I can call people on the other side of Disneyland! I can call people when we get to the restaurant and tell them where to meet us!" My answer? Having long distance is not that expensive, and by having the option to call unlimitedly and text all you want, you will. And you'll waste a lot of time doing it. And for the rest, how do you think people survived before cell phones?!?! Disneyland? Use walkie-talkies. One time purchase and WAY more fun (just ask N). And meeting up? Why not make your plans beforehand? It's just as easy to say "we're meeting here" before jumping in the cars as it is to call once you get there. And my mom agrees, so that means I must be right. Oh, and I have had car trouble once or twice and I survived without a phone. So there.

So, if I choose not to have multiple cars or cell phones, just let me alone. I'm perfectly happy, and I don't need everyone telling me how wrong I am. (Not that any of you reading this are the ones actually doing the telling.) If you choose to have them, fine. I would just rather put an extra $100 into our retirement every month than have a cell phone I could do without. Or buy $70 worth of home improvement items than have cable which will just induce me to watch even more television and not work on my house. Now you can all get on your soapboxes and tell me why having high-speed internet or buying name brand clothing is ridiculous. Those are my can't do with-outs!