A week after we moved into our new home, we sold our Explorer (which had been listed on Craigslist since May). It kind of happened all of a sudden and then BAM—we found ourselves with only one car. When we first listed our Explorer, we began looking for a new vehicle right away, but we didn't want to purchase anything until it sold—since with Craigslist, you just never know when something will sell. We figured it could be a week or months—and months was correct. We had found a couple of really nice pickup trucks (we're looking for something we can do landscaping projects with!), but of course those sell right away, so we kept finding ourselves playing the waiting game.
Now that we're down to one car, we can't seem to find the right second vehicle. They're either too old, have too many miles, are far too expensive... there just hasn't been "the one" that has popped out at us yet. So for right now, we're making one car work. And we're going to try to for as long as possible.
Oh, one car. It's interesting, I can say that for sure. We both work in Boise (and not too far away from each other), so it's convenient to drive to work together in the morning. Daniel begins his workday earlier than I do and finishes earlier, so lately he's been dropping me off quite early, which actually has helped my productivity go through the roof! Figuring out our other schedules has been a bit of a challenge. With my marathon training still at its peak, we're having to work around my run days and his gym schedule, so it's been tricky. But I'll say this, I'm becoming an expert at taking super-fast showers and putting on my makeup in the car while he drives us to work! Our routine lately has been: wake up at 5:00 am, go for a run, come home and hop in the car with Daniel to go to the gym—and while he works out for about 30 minutes, I shower and get ready. Then we get back in the car and head to work! It makes for a packed—yet enjoyable—start to our mornings.
Oddly enough, carpooling together has been really fun. We have a lot more time to talk about things we want to get done for the house, plans we have for the week, how our days went, and we have been really enjoying spending time—even if we're not talking—together. I'm not sure how long this one-car situation will last, but right now it's a great fit. Sure, we've had to re-arrange our schedules (especially after-work meetings/plans/errands), but hey—we're saving tons of money, we're spending more time together, and we're making memories that we'll always be able to look back on. So new vehicle, come when you may—but at the moment, I'm in no rush for another change.
30 comments:
That's awesome that you guys are able to make one car work! There's been a couple times when our second car is out of commission until Angel gets a few days off to fix it, and that always ups the stress a little bit--but life would be so much cheaper if you could live with one car. For the last nine years my parents have had only one car, but my parents work at the same place and none of my siblings are old enough to drive, so that simplifies things!
Buying a new car is scary! Good luck! I have had the best luck with either a) buying a brand new one or b) getting a car that has been the dealerships rental vehicle. They have low mileage and have been taken care of.
My mom and step-dad do the exact same thing, and they love it. Though my mom keeps saying she'll look for a new car...eventually.
I love having one vehicle and sharing with James. It definitely gives us more time to hang out. Plus with your marathon training coming to end soon, sharing one car won't be so bad.
That's really sweet!
I'm glad the one car thing is going over so POSITIVE!
You guys seem like such a cute couple!
I love seeing the scenes from your life, Aunie! Thanks for taking us along! (And you've almost talked me right into selling my own car with this one!) Haha. But in all seriousness - you guys are an inspiration.
Aww, so great you are working together so well!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
That's awesome that sharing a car is going well for your guys!! More time to talk is great!
We tried carpooling for awhile but The Fella is perpetually running late and we just couldn't jive :)
My husband and I share a vehicle and it works great for us! Glad you have such a positive outlook Aunie!
I have the same car! A Carbon Grey TSX! Mine is from 2007 and yours must be around that age also. So reliable and I haven't had any problems whatsoever with it! Gotta love Hondas!
Yes it does! We are making it work for as long as possible. We know that if a second vehicle comes into play, it will help out with schedules... but right now our bank account is praising us! With all the things we're doing to the house, having a couple extra bucks is worth the little bit of scheduling headache :) Thanks girl!
Thanks Rachel! Daniel is such the pro at buying vehicles. I have always bought from the dealer and used (I have had 2 lemons!), but he nails Craigslist each time. When I met him, he had 4 vehicles, all from Craigslist, and all amazing. Can you believe that? He has an eye for it! Now he's sold all 4 of them and we are starting fresh. Wish us continued luck! :)
That's what we're doing. We are kind-of/sort-of looking for a vehicle. But no rush. We love the extra savings!
OOOH a motorcycle! Now that sounds fun!!! I wish Idaho drivers were safer :) because that sounds like a blast!
I hope it gets like that for us, too! I wish I could bike to work... it's about a 15-mile drive. We considered moving closer to Boise, but man, family life where we live can't be beat!! So the commute it is. Though it's really not so bad ... for the moment anyway!
YES YOU'RE RIGHT! Only one month left and then I get to go back to gym workouts... woohoo!
You're very sweet :) We have tried to make it as positive as possible. Daniel just asked me yesterday what I thought about the car situation. I had a couple things I didn't like, but all he could say was that he enjoyed spending the extra time with me. I was blown away. It really helped change my thinking! :)
Oh, thank you Lauren. You know, I don't show you everything... so there is some bickering sometimes, and me not being able to cook, and things that are embarrassing... but I'm so glad you're here through the thick and thin of it. I debated not even sharing the car situation... but it's "us." It's our "right now." And I'm so glad you see the importance in that. Thank you, Lauren. Thank you.
We are trying! Some days are harder than others... but it's kind of fun. My next goal is to get Daniel to listen to my audiobooks with me! :)
Oh no! That's been me lately... which is why I'm constantly doing my makeup in the car. But hey, less is more so it's been working! :)
Thanks Linda :) It makes a lot of sense to carpool. I actually do get a little negative about it sometimes, but Daniel is the cheerful one :) I can always count on him to smash my negativity to smithereens!
Christine, mine's an '06! It's the BEST car... so so so reliable :) I got mine back in '10, and I never want to get rid of it. It has excellent gas mileage too :)
hahahaha. I can't believe you forgot. I believe you said that you would done soon on your last post. Once your marathon is done sharing will be MUCH easier.
Literally going through the same problem. But we FINALLY found a car we both like and are purchasing when he gets back into town this weekend! Good luck!
It is! The Hawaii drivers make it a little adventurous sometimes, but here motorcyclists can take the carpool lane so I don't have to sit in traffic and I get some fresh air!
So exciting! What did you end up picking??
What a pleasant way to travel. You're lucky!
When we moved this summer we chose to become a one car family (part of living downtown where we do). But my husband does have a motorcycle that he drives to work as often as he can so I can have the car with the kids.
A lot of people do that, it seems. I love the idea but BRRRR it's so cold here in the fall/winter :)
Yes, living in Texas does make it a little more convenient :)
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