My husband and I work in Bakersfield but we live in Tehachapi. I have lived there for 12 years. Actually, we used to live in Stallion Springs but we moved to downtown Tehachapi when the gas went nuts and my son started college.The commute did not used to bother me, but now it feels like I am working just to pay for the gas to get to work! I get off at 530, but my husband works long hours and often does not get back to the depot (he drives a Schwan's truck) until 8 or 830. I still end up waiting for him so we don't have to pay for the gas for two cars. It feels like we are never home, and on weekends we staunchly refuse to go down the hill unless we absolutely have to. Everyone I know says we should move to Bakersfield, but to be frank, I hate it. I can't stand hot weather, and I don't like the city; I am a small town person. But even worse, my son and I are both asthmatics. We can't breathe down here because the air is so terrible. When I was first divorced 10 years ago, we did try to move down here, but less than a year later we went back to Tehachapi because our asthma worsened so much in just that short time. I have enough trouble just working down here. I can feel the difference in my breathing as soon as I get to the bottom of the hill. So we really do not have a choice about moving. Leaving Stallion was bad enough, but now we are considering moving to a cheaper house because we are having trouble making the bills. Every time I have to go to a gas station, my mood goes downhill. If I could get work closer to home, I would, but the job market in Tehachapi is ZERO.

Jenny, you are assuming that the higher gas prices are affecting everyone's quality of life. That is not necessarily true. Some people make enough money to maintain their normal lifestyle. Have you looked at that angle?

Thanks, Ghostriter, for your thoughtful comments. I'd like to speak with you; what's the best way to get in touch? You can reach me at 395-7234.

And OldBlue, no, we haven't considered the angle you mentioned. But if you'd like to tell us how high prices aren't affecting your life, I'd be happy to talk to you. Most people are in the opposite boat. Again, my work number is 395-7234.

Thanks,

Jenny Shearer