Kennedy wanted to walk to school because she discovered it's better for the environment. Since my car is falling apart, I'm also finding ways to reduce (not eliminate) my car dependency. I recently purchased a well-equipped commuter bicycle, which I plan to use some days to get to work. In the event that car completely implodes, the bicycle might be a temporary solution. Two summers ago, I walked home from Dub Squared every time I dropped off my car, about five or six times -- now I have options. Back to the topic: I'm cool with walking Kennedy to school, as long as we have time to make the trip. Fortunately, we don't live too far away, less than a mile. Today was a little misty outside, just a light sprinkle. Not too bad. We made the trip anyway.
The best part of walking has nothing to do with the environment or exercise. (I don't know why, but I never like justifying fun activities with "exercise" as the ultimate reason. Riding my bike is fun. Shooting hoops is fun. Who cares if its healthy?) The best part of walking is the time spent talking with my daughter. Yes, you can talk in the car. However, the trip is too short. And there's something about walking along side your little one, instead of her stuck in the back seat. We didn't talk about anything too earth-shattering, just a light conversation. It was a great way to begin the morning. Hopefully, we'll have more opportunities to walk.
