Yes, there are such things, but no, I do not actually keep a file of them. So, I guess that would be the first thing in this non-existent file—that I’ve never kept a file of things I haven’t done. Confused now? Me too. I’ll see if I can get back on track.
Recently, I was reminded, while watching an unfortunate woman trying unsuccessfully to hail a cab in a pouring down rain, that I’ve never ridden in a taxi. Really! How did I get to be as old as I am without ever riding in a cab? Well, part of the answer is, I don’t live in a big city, and while we do have taxis in our town, they’re hardly anyone’s ride of choice. Another, and more pertinent reason is ever since I was 16, I’ve had my own vehicle. If I’m going to pay for a car, repairs, insurance, tires, gas, and oil, in order to use my car, I certainly have no desire to pay even more to take a taxi. Besides, I like to drive. After over two and a half million miles in a semi-truck, I’d much rather it be me behind the wheel instead of someone I don’t know. I’ve heard stories about taxi drivers! So, I’ve never ridden in a taxi.
I can’t say however, that I’ve never considered it. In fact, I came pretty close once. On a trip to Nashville, I needed a ride from the airport to the hotel for a convention I was attending. My meetings would keep me busy all weekend so once downtown, I really wouldn’t need to go anywhere. Normally, hotels provide a shuttle service but my arrival was long after the shuttle service had shut down for the evening. And since I’m not really into public transportation a city bus was out. Hitchiking was not an option either. It seemed like a taxi would be the best plan.
Except, I knew that taxis are notoriously expensive so, rather than be hit with an unwelcome surprise at two in the morning, where my disgruntled self could lead to trouble in the airport, I called a couple of taxi companies before leaving home. Good thing too! I found the cost, for a ride from the airport to the hotel, would be $50.00. That, I quickly decided, was insane. $50.00 for a one-way trip of barely ten miles? And, three days later, I would need a ride back to the airport—another $50.00 I presumed. In addition, I’m told cabbies expect a tip. I was certain I could find better ways to spend my hundred plus dollars.
And I did. I rented a car. That cost me $115.00. I know, about the same amount as the taxi would have cost. But, I had a car at my disposal for the three days, and I got to be the one driving me around!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention; the color of the car I rented was... bright yellow!