Experiment

I'm in the middle of an experiment that is driving Joel crazy. Earlier this week we watched some evening news special (it may have been Dateline - I really don't remember) about increasing your miles per gallon. Some of the people with whom they were talking were getting > 60mpg. One person was getting 92 mpg! Isn't that crazy?! Doesn't that sound desirable?

Well, I don't have a hybrid little car, but surely I can help my 2000 Plymouth minivan get more than our current 16 mpg. So I inflated my tires to the maximum and have done my very best to not go above 2000 rpms. It does take a bit longer to get up to speed (especially if there is an incline of any kind), but I haven't been late anywhere as a result.

I hadn't told Joel for several reasons (if you have ever ridden with him, you'd understand), but today he rode with me. Before we were two blocks away, he gave me this curious look (like I didn't know I was going slower than normal). I could barely drive without laughing. :) All day long I have defended my experiment despite the ribbing. Now I'm praying that it will be worth the effort and the irriation that I must cause the other drivers who are stuck behind me who feel like Joel. Honestly, I think maybe I'm helping those high strung people enjoy life a bit more. Joel doesn't think I am.

We should know by next week sometime if it has been worth it. I'll be sure to let you know!