WE DID IT! It wasn't always easy, but we managed to cut our gasoline usage in half!

We won't go back to using the car whenever we get the urge either. This challenge has created a shift in our thinking. It just doesn't make sense to run to one store on a whim. I'll bundle errands more than I used to and we'll check the bus schedule whenever that will save more gasoline too. Besides, it really is fun.

One more thought, if we can do this in July in Austin, Texas, the...

This last week was a killer! We were getting very low on fuel, and the 100+ temps here in Austin made walking and waiting for a bus very unappealing. I don't want to admit it, but I used every excuse I could think of to stay inside - at least during the afternoon hours. Riposo was my favorite word!

When I think about going anywhere, all I can think about is how many miles will this cost us? I've curbed my urge to impulse shop, which I've noticed is just an excuse to get out of the house. During this challenge, I noticed that I tend to use the car to procrastinate chores, like mopping the floor and picking up toys for the umpteenth time. By staying home, my house is speaking to me. It's saying it's time to donate some of the excess.
When we lived in Rome, our apartment was so tiny...

Ravioli with butter and parmagianna-reggiana. We had this tonight with a loaf of warm bread and red wine. I would normally have added insalata, but didn't because our son was nearing a meltdown. Everyone was happy after eating, and it was easy to clean up.

In Rome, Thursday was gnocchi night. I used to buy incredible gnocchi from a little shop in Trastevere "Per due personne, per favore."

Ahhh, I love simple meals. What's your favorite?

This second week was tough. We're watching EVERY single mile. We're doing our usual stuff in the neighborhood: library, gym and playing at the pool, and still making it across town to visit some friends.

I had a special lunch to go to on Saturday that was 11 miles away! I wasn't about to miss it, but I made sure to follow the directions and not get lost. No miles available for mistakes.
So where are we at the end of week two? Right at a 1/2 tank. There's still two weeks to...