CAR

Today I felt trapped without a car.  I have been pretty content this past year without a vehicle.  I was sweaty by the time I got somewhere, but my legs were pretty damn muscular and strong! I figured my way around Tucson, preparing and planning for the miles, thankful for my simple lifestyle and the way riding helped me live more in my senses. 

But today I am restless and I'm thankful for the restlessness, because it's motivating me to establish a goal for myself.  I need a car, and I must budget and work harder to achieve this goal.
Here are the reasons I feel that I need to save and buy a car:

1) Safety reasons.  It's not safe to be out in my neighborhood.  Today I was out a few times in the day and there were so many creepers.  I hate cat calling, and I know I would feel a lot safer in a car. 
2) So I can go to the church of my choice!
3) So I can go hiking whenever I want and get the best exercise nature provides!
4) So I can go through the drive thru because I love drive- thru's
5) Time purposes.  I wake up at 5am Monday thru Friday to catch my first bus out of two to get to work.  I could sleep two hours later if I could drive myself.
6) I would have more job options and more options in general.
7) So I can buy more than one bag of grocery without the bag breaking.
8) So I can travel and see more of this state I live.
9) So when company comes to visit, I have a car to help them see where I live.
10)Because driving is a wonderful way to RELAX and THINK and DREAM!

So now I need to plan... how will I save for a car?

1) No eating out, no fancy drinks, no books, no entertainment (not even Netflix!) READ.  I need and want to READ anyway, and I have plenty to read and enjoy.  And plenty to enjoy on youtube, etc.,
2) Quit my gym membership.  It's 21.00 / month, but that adds up and they add on 40.00 the beginning of November.  I can- hopefully- hike more with Libby, swim frequently, and walk more. 
3) Find a second job.  I applied to three places this morning, and I am most interested in DD's which is just a mile from my house.  They are hiring, and I will stay persistent in calling and reaching out to them.  A second job could make a big difference in my saving.
4) Have a yard sale.  I'm going to inquire about having a yard sale in front of my apartment complex on a Saturday.  If not, I will try to find someone to have a joint sale with at some point. 
5) Continue to use a cheap phone and get the basics, but find out if there are any ways in which my plan could be even cheaper.