You might think I’ve lost my mind. You won’t be the only one.
About a month ago I had a conversation with myself.
Me: “Self, what would you do if you didn’t think you were too old?”
Self: “I would spend next winter in Mexico. The whole winter. You know how much I hate the cold.”
Me: “Just do it. Figure it out and do it. After all, you bought this condo so you could go places. That’s the beauty of living on the third floor. Just lock the door and go.”
And in my typical, impulsive fashion, I immediately went on the Airbnb website and booked two stays in Mazatlan: October 2 – December 6 and again from January 15 – March 15. It felt good.
About a week later, I had another talk with Self.
“Self, what should I do about my car if I’m in Mexico all winter.”
Self scratched her head and noted, “Hmmm. I wonder. I don’t think it will be safe in the parking garage. Cars are vandalized and stolen every month. Maybe you should just sell it. You drive less than 6000 miles/year. See what it’s like to go without a car. You can always buy another used car next spring if you really want to.” That felt even better!
I learned to drive when I was sixteen but I never loved driving the way a lot of people do. It took me an entire summer of driver’s ed to pass the test. Mr. Norberg, the school’s basketball coach, was my driver’s ed teacher. He yelled at me three times a week as I got behind the wheel and practiced nothing but right-hand turns. The only person who was a worse student driver was my friend, Linda Lawrence. Linda jumped a curb and smashed into a house during one of her driver’s ed sessions. I think she’s still driving, albeit in a small town in northern Minnesota.
Finally I graduated to left-hand turns and eventually to parallel parking. This was in North St. Paul, MN ~ a town of 2000 people. Now I’m driving in Denver, where about a million new drivers are on the road every year. Hardly anyone takes driver’s ed any more. A lot of people learn by watching YouTube videos. It’s simply terrifying.
This spring, when I broke my leg, I discovered the joy of taking Uber. The drivers, mostly from Ethiopia and Eritrea, are kind and polite. They drive better than I do. Most of my trips cost less than $10.00. I relax and enjoy the ride.
Last week I put my car up for sale. Because used cars are at a premium, I’ll earn enough money for a lifetime of Uber rides. I won’t have to buy gas, pay for car insurance or renew my license plates. I can take an Uber to meet friends for dinner and I can order a margarita because I won’t be driving. I can go places at night, if I want to, without worrying about headlights blinding me on the way home.
My car is listed on Craig’s List and I put up posters on our community bulletin board. Jason is handling the sale for me because he’s a much better negotiator. And he knows how to talk “car talk.”
My car, a 2015 red Nissan Juke, has less than 39,000 miles on it. It gets good mileage and has brand new tires. If you know someone who is looking for a great car, give me a call.
Or better yet, call Jason: 720-334-4896
Hope you get a good price soon on the car. And as you said if you change your mind, you can always buy another car.
What a wonderful decision! I like the way Me and Self converse. Your idea of selling the car makes so much sense and enjoy Uber. Instead of paying insurance for an idle car help someone with that money and enjoy a ride after a margarita.
It’s interesting how sometimes we need to dream small (we are trained to dream big) … well I think I am not confusing the two things. You must think big when you are writing a novel, then you must think as a minimalist with the things you use in life. Most of the times we accumulate things that we don’t really use or honor.
I sm proud the way you took these decisions. Enjoy your winter in Mexico.
You are so inspiring cousin!
All the best in Mexico amiga.
Well Linda, enjoy your winter in the summer!
Best regards and angels around you as you travel.
Sometimes losing your mind can be the smartest thing you’ve ever done. After having bought a new car this year and registered it and licensed it, I am thinking you are brilliant! And being in Mazatlan sounds lovely. Vaya con Dios.
You continue to do things that most of us just think about. Thank you for being a trail blazing inspiration.
Yes, yes, yes, Lynda! Go for it! Have a wonderful winter in Mexico!!!!
Yes, as others have said, you continue to be an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your plans and your process in your wonderfully written blog!
Lynda – loved how you wrote this. And loved your decisions – Mexico and carless. And loved your aging attitude. Still smiling. Thank you and safe travels.
So happy for you, Lynda. Great decisions–beautiful sunny Mexico sounds so wonderful! Love ya!
Of course you should spend the winters in Mexico. My sister — for years — has gone to Guatemala a month every year and Mexico for 6 weeks and LOVES it. Have a great time Lynda, and wave good-bye to your car. I’m sure it will go to a good home.