436.blahblah*

That's what its going to cost to get Fang back on the road. When I was
trying to recall the exact amount so the post title could be more
precise, it occurred to me that you all would probably forgive my
inaccuracy. Because at that point who really cares, right? All I was
concentrating on while Dan** was talking was whether my bank account
was greater or less than the numbers before the decimal point (A bit
greater if you're worried, so don't be). Anyway, I bring all this up
because every time the car I own breaks down, it stirs in me the
timeless 'urban v. rural' debate. I like the cadence and beauty of
rural areas; I love being close to nature, and firmly believe that I
feel best when I am surrounded by it. I also love anthropomorphizing
cute little animals and that's a hell of a lot easier to do when they
are greater in number. That said, like many good liberals I know that
one of the best ways to preserve nature is to live apart from it
because humans are so destructive (and if everyone wanted to live
there, tragedy of the commons, etc.). Also, living in a city comes
with so many conveniences; ways that life is technically actually
simpler, just based on the proximity of other things (not having to
drive 20 minutes to get milk for instance). Lastly in defense of the
urban I should point out that I still get great pleasure out of saying
'hi' to pigeon # 3465. Ooo ooo I know! I'll move to some
under-populated, but over-developed area right next to a highway (and
a human-made 'nature' park) that's really just a 5-minute car ride
from Walmart. It's the best of both worlds. But for now I'm stuck on
the Cape so, Fang, I love you and I hate you and will pick you up at
five.

* Actual cost was 510.36.
**Name not changed because there are a million Dans in the world.