Zoom zoom zoom at 49CC

My first six months in Chicago, I lived down the street from a scooter shop. I spent many afternoons sitting in the shop, talking to friends, and lusting after the scooters. What a fun and practical way to get around Chicago. My sister (who has joined me on this joyful experiment in prosperity) mentioned it the other day and now that I'm at day seven and have $7000 in my bank account, it is time for a scooter.

Or two.

That way I won't have to ride alone, but I won't have the stress of driving someone on my back seat.

What scooter? The same one I lusted after in 2002. The Honda Metropolitan. In Hibiscus Peach.

Looks like one current year ride will be $1949 and assuming there is no break for buying two, the total is $3898.

Then I'll need two helmets, $104.99 each. That brings the total up to $4107.98.

On my way home, I'll stop by the gas station and buy gas for the whole riding season. I think a $1000 gift card will be plenty. Now I'm up to $5107.98.

A parking spot in my neighborhood would make things much easier also. I just need one--the scooters are small. They seem to run about $75/month and I'll assume five lovely months of riding. Total now at $5482.89.

I was thinking that season tickets to Ravinia would give me an excuse to take a lovely ride on my scooter with a friend every week or so. But since the box office isn't open yet, I can't tell how much they are. So I'm going to spend $500 on Ravinia tickets to different fun concerts. Lyle--that means you. And another $60 for a proper picnic basket and a budget of $400 for wine, cheese, and yummy snacks. Citronella candles and bugspray for $25. Two of those kick ass backpack chairs for $45 each. And a $75 waterproof Mambe picnic blanket.

Oops. Let me slip back into practical and buy two scooter covers for rainy Chicago days. Those are about $95 each. And two Kryptonite locks. $80 each.

And that takes care of it. One day of shopping for a summer of carefree fun. Riding my scooter next to a friend riding my extra scooter. Heading up to Ravinia, listening to Lyle Lovette, and having a lovely evening. Never worrying about running out of gas or having nowhere safe to park. I can't wait!