This weekend I have discovered three of the Best Things Ever and claimed them as my own. There are brilliant people at work in this world and I am thoroughly enjoying the fruits of their labor.
1. Scooter Skirts - I commute to my job via scooter. I don't know about you, but going 45 m.p.h. in the open air, through cold morning rain wearing a dress is not the best way to start the work day. Two winters ago, I did ride nearly every day to work, but I can't say I liked it. My dad, who is a construction worker, always stressed the importance of using the right tools to do any job. I thought of that last night after a very enjoyable ride to the U District in the pouring autumn rain. I was wearing my new super squall-proof raincoat, my helmet with face-shield, and The Best Thing Ever: a scooter skirt.
These geniuses invented a waterproof, insulated drape to be fastened around the waist with a simple clasp, over your clothes. It keeps you dry and warm while riding. It even has little velcro strips you can put on your cowls to totally seal out the weather. It was worth every single penny. In this sodden city, I will use it constantly. I was really surprised how warm it was, too. I felt all cozy and actually looked forward to riding this morning. My only regret is not ordering one in hot pink.
2. Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kisses - miniature, kiss-shaped, chocolate covered cherries. Need I say more?
3. FlexCar - there are a dozen new cars parked within a few blocks of my apartment to which I can walk up, wave my magic wand, unlock the doors and drive off. The gas is free. There is no insurance paperwork. Two clicks reserves me the car for $10 an hour. And the best part is I can choose a station wagon if I'm going to Home Depot, a Hybrid if I'm going to the airport, and a convertible if I'm going to the beach. Also, the FlexCar lot on Broadway & Denny has 3 motorcycle parking spaces right in front. So when the Superstella cannot bear the load (infrequently, but for example, moving a bookcase..), I can zip over, park & ride. I LOVE it.
My only gripe is not FlexCar's fault, but city of Seattle. They are encouraging us to use alternate forms of transport in order to cut down on traffic jams and emissions. Yet starting today, they are charging a "rental car" tax on FlexCar, in addition to sales tax. This means nearly 20% tax on FlexCar use. Personally, they should make it tax-free if the government is serious about encouraging alternative transportation. If you're like me and a little peeved at the whole concept, you can sign the online petition. And I think sales tax on SUVs should be 20%, and then we could use the extra revenue to plant trees.
But excuse me, I've got some chocolate to eat.
RSS: subscribe to feed