Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Cost-cutting measures

Finally gas prices have reached our budget's breaking point. With the ever escalating prices I, being the CFO (self-appointed) of our family convinced Greg that we really need to "tone it down." That is, there really is no reason for us to drive to some of the places we have been driving to - especially when there is perfectly good public transportation right outside (literally the blue line is almost embarrassingly close to our apartment). This, while semi-convenient due to our location, requires that we leave much earlier for some things than we would prefer - like church. . . and take our bikes to other places we would normally drive - like Greg's softball games. This also requires that yes, sometimes I have to take the bus. For Tracy's wedding we rode the bus - all fancied up - with a bunch of not fancied up, ornery people. Because this "cost-saving measure" takes a little more time we have been working on developing our crossword puzzle skills. Just ask us a 3 letter word for rage - just ask us. So, just to make it fun, we're seeing how long we can go without being required to "fill-up." Not like Kramer did with the Saab - we don't want to repeat any out-of-gas situations. We just want to see if we can go on this tank for as many days as possible by finding alternatives to driving. But I have to tell you - we're going to have to use the Sube soon - we are desperately out of groceries and my bike basket (while Jessica Fletcher worthy) just won't cut it.

6 comments:

Lindy said...

Oh what a superior plan! If you guys want to have a romantic date, I suggest that Ross pedals and you ride the handle bars. Or, maybe he pulls you in a wagon.

Abby said...

Lindy, you are BRILLIANT! I particularly like the image of y'all going to Ross's ball games with you on Ross's handle-bars. It's like a scene right out of Happy Days.

Also, what's a four letter word for "Maintain the status quo" -- answer me that!

Anonymous said...

Well I don't know why you would ever want to drive that death trap again even if they start giving gas away. I would sell it for scrap metal. So what if your bike basket is too small for all your groceries. The way I see it you have two options: (1) get a bigger basket, or (2) make two trips. You could even convert your bike into a rickshaw and earn some extra money giving people rides on the way to Costco, then boot them out to make room for the gaint tubs of hummus and industrial sized boxes of Cherios that your are always buying.

Kris Tina said...

You didn't complain about that deathtrap when it transported you like a celebrity to Cedar Point. I mean honestly - we had everything in there for you - water, treats, and television. And silly Todd, I would have to attach a flatbed to the back of my bike if I were to take it to Costco - how else would I bring home my gallon size shampoo and conditioner bottles?

Anonymous said...

Oh please, Kitty, no on is going to believe your tall tales of buying bulk shampoo and conditioner after you had that whole blog post about never washing your hair.

Mauri said...

I have to commend you guys for your going green ways and your thriftiness. Personally I would love to have the light rail come down Utah County way, I think public transportation is awesome. I guess I got so used to it growing up in the Bay Area. Who would want to drive to San Francisco and try to find somewhere to park when you could ride BART?!