On Walking

So I just came back from the post office. It’s a loverly, sunny day (and my car’s on the fritz), so I thought I’d walk the short seven blocks to drop off some mail. En route to my destination, several (and by several I mean under a dozen) vehicles honked at me. So right now I’m just a little confused. I’m not ugly, but I’m not hot hot stuff. I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I had mail in my hands. What is there to honk at? Can YOU think of anything? Can’t a girl walk to the post office without being harrased by half a dozen motorists?

I really don’t like getting honked at… it’s very offensive (and kinda frightening) to me. I think I’ve substituted “Hey bozo get a car!” (or in my more paranoid moments, “Hey babe I’m gonna kidnap you!”) for each honk I heard today. I’d almost rather trek through bear country with a string of landjagers hanging around my neck! At least the bears would be happy to see me.

So again I ask, why honk at us lone walkers? Perhaps that’s just the problem. Sans those in the cities, no one really walks everywhere anymore. I don’t know how you all go without walking, but I cannot get through my day if I don’t have my evening walk. I love walking alone and taking the time to reflect on my day. Most of the time I just forget about the day and take in everything around me… smells, wind, sounds, stars, etc. It helps me reset, relax, and be present.

I urge you to do two things:

1. Do not honk at anyone (unless he/she is being an idiot). It scares us womenfolk and it’s rude.

2. Try to take a walk everyday… perhaps during your lunch break or after dinner with your family pet.