Yearlong Song Challenge, Day 120: Allison

Prompt: "A song that has the word 'title' in the title"

Selected by Allison

"Title and Registration"

Death Cab for Cutie

Transatlanticism, 2003

I am the closest I have ever been in my adult life to buying a car. That is to say, it's still probably a year out. I gave my car up in the summer of 2013, about six months after moving into the city with Stephan. It was a run-down 1998 Saturn somethin'-or-other. It wasn't winning any awards, but it was crucial during those first few months of cohabitation. It was great for large, pantry-filling grocery trips. Buying those initial household essentials you never think about, they simply exist: broom, ironing board, plunger. Once our apartment was successfully stocked and I learned how to use the bus system (it's hard for some people), the car retired to Jersey to live out its final days as my sister's unreliable high school transportation.

Since then, I've rented cars, borrowed cars, and generally got by on the kindness of friends and family. Lately, we've been splurging for more Lyfts and Ubers. "Oh, it's only $30 to get to Jersey. That's not bad." The effects of us reaching a slightly higher tax bracket. I've driven more this year than any year since moving to Philly. My friend gave me carte blanche to use her car after she gave birth. I'm going to repeat that because it's incredible. My friend had a baby and then let me use her car whenever I wanted. How did I get so lucky? Of course, she eventually went back to work, and I lost that privilege. I blame workers' rights. Vote.

So, maybe I'll buy a car. Parking is still a nightmare; owning a car only adds to the problem. I still don't love driving, but I love buying four cases of seltzer at once. Can't do that on a bike! I've only managed three so far.