Reflections on 40 - Am I Really Green?

For the May blogging blitz, I have decided to write about life at 40. Mid-life crisis monologues, perhaps.

On Norris Avenue in Kensington, I have seen plaques pop up encouraging people to abandon their cars and walk, bike or use public transportation instead. WALK, BIKE, RIDE, the messages implore. Flat on the sidewalk. They are preaching to the converted, I think, as only a pedestrian could see them. I'm disappointed that there is no website posted because I want to write and say, "I'm one of you. Please put me on your mailing list and invite me to your parties. I'm single and looking, by the way."

I have not owned a car since 1992 and have used my feet, bikes, buses and subways ever since. I don't miss using a car, in fact, I let my driver's license lapse.

Okay, I guess I should be glad that I am not polluting the air. But I feel like an accidental activist in this area. I simply don't like cars.

But truly this isn't a political choice, it's a personal one. I don't feel like I have surrendered a luxury, I feel like I escaped a commodity I have no use for. I don't think I'm noble, I feel eccentric.

May Day -- Blogging The Month

Today, I

• saw my ex-in-laws for the first time since I left my ex, at my son's birthday party, and everyone was very kind.
• reunited with an old friend, after some angry or imprudent words many months ago had caused a rift.
• showed my solidly suburban parents my new South Philly home, without anyone having a panic attack.
• celebrated my glorious son's 6th birthday, with a bunch of his friends, a bunch of friends of mine and his father's, and a cake I baked for him.

It's been a good day. Also a very full one, so I think it's okay (I give myself a pass) that I didn't get my first May Blogging Challenge blog entry in until after midnight. Tomorrow: I'll try for photos, I promise!