Driving Chronicles #13: So, when are you having kids?
That was one question that I hated fielding when I was married. Because of society’s traditional views and expectations, this is viewed as a logical question for married couples. However, if you feel comfortable enough to ask a couple this, then you should at least know whether or not they even want kids…
The questions now bothering me, though, are “Did you get a car, yet?” and “When are you getting a car?” So, now people’s logic is, you got a license, you get a car. It does not matter how any times I say “It’s not in the budget right now. I had to take a pay cut,” or “It’s just not practical considering how much I spend on transportation currently,” and “You are talking about multiplying my transportation costs by about twelve.” People still keep asking me the same questions about getting a car.
Forget about me getting a car people. How about you get a clue! In this sad economy, why are people badgering me about getting a car like they grow on trees. Everyone gives me that “it is a necessity speech,” yet, I have been getting along just fine without a car for 33 years. Just how do you explain that? Yes, I want a car. Yes, having a car makes things more convenient and gives you more freedom, but the fact is that for me, it is more of a convenience than a necessity right now, not to mention that I cannot afford a car.
I already watched the repo man drive up to someone in my community this month and take their car. Half the people who have cars cannot afford them. I hear far too many people talking about “Do I pay my rent, or pay my car payment?” If there is one thing that I am not, it is a fool with money. I have had my money issues in the past, and I have learned from them. I am not trying to get into a money/debt rut ever again.
So, this is for those who are still wondering…unless there is a pretty significant change in my situation, I am not getting a car any time soon. If one of you gave me a car scot-free, it would still be a bit of a struggle for me to pay for gas and insurance. Since none of you are going to be handing me a free car, then adding a car payment to that only makes it more of a struggle.
I got my license as a step towards getting a car. I would never be getting a car without a license, but it was just that–a step. A step in the right direction, that I have been trying to achieve for years. That was a big step for me, and that cost me over $500, which was a pretty penny itself. When the time is right, I have no doubt that God will make a way for me. Until then, I’m not stressing about it, so why are you?
Maybe next time I will respond to such questions with “As soon as you start) contributing to the car fund!”
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