"You are so lucky you don't have a car"

One week this fall, two separate individuals said these exact words to me, "Hannah, you are SO lucky you don't have a car." Both times I smiled and nodded, but internally rolled my eyes so far into my figurative skull that they could have gotten stuck there. Really though, don't they know that sometimes it rains, and when it rains you show up to class looking like a "drowned rat" (direct quote from my professor)? Don't they know that my hands have been cold since November and I end up arriving everywhere I go a little bit sweaty and tired? Or that I share the road with giant mechanical beasts that could crush me in an instant? Oh yeah, I'm definitely lucky to not have a car.

But then...

If I take a moment to reflect on the last four years of my life, I can see that this statement, "Hannah, you are SO lucky you don't have a car" is not entirely ridiculous. Let me explain... I go to a lot of "activities" for church. Four nights a week there is something going on, and in general I feel that it's something I should participate in. That's really its own story, but for now let's leave it at: I have places to be all the time. Usually these things happen at night and they happen all winter so sometimes I just can't swing a bike ride. So I get to ask someone for a ride.  And it's not just to church, but also to school and to EVERYTHING!

When I first moved from home asking people for rides was really hard for me. First of all, it was just hard to talk to people. But also, it was hard to ask for help. I generally feel quite independent in my life. I work hard and support myself. I have a pretty good grasp on feeding myself and other necessary things. When I lived at home I drove my parents cars and I gave rides to people all the time. It was odd for me to have the situation reversed. I was uncomfortable with asking people to go out of their way for me. But it was really necessary at times so I got over it and made the call. Eventually it became easier, and lately I've noticed that it is super awesome.

I have had a crazy amount of rides home. Most of the people who have consistently helped me out and given me a ride have become my dearest friends. Looking back it is astounding how many profound realizations and life-altering conversations I've had sitting in the passengers seat of cars. Yeah, I've definitely had some seriously awkward car times, but the majority have been wonderful. I have indescribable gratitude to those who have chauffeured me over the years, not only because they brought me from point A to point B, but because they let me into their cars and their lives. They told me their secrets, listened to my fears, shared their ideas, their beliefs, and their jokes with me. It's a little overwhelming, but I can honestly and truly say (without any eye rolling) that yeah, I am lucky that I don't have a car.

In closing and possibly to clear up a few things:

People are great.
Biking is fun most of the time, healthy for your body, and cheap. I love biking.
I will someday have a car. I don't intend to mooch forever. One day I'll return the favor.
If you've ever given me a ride, thank you. I sort of wish you could jump into my heart for a second so you could see how grateful I am for you.

That's all.