So in order to commute 12-18 hours a week (328.4 miles a week, yes I calculated it), you have to be able to do two things.
First and foremost, you need to have the ability to be alone. Commuting is a solitude experience. You are ONE with your car. I sometimes am envious of carpoolers and daydream about what it would be like, but at the end of the day I think I prefer to commute alone. Mainly because I can come and go as I please and I don’t have to worry about the other person’s schedule. Also, because in the morning, the last thing I want to do is talk! Maybe that is the introverted side of me. I also think I enjoy commuting alone because it allows me time to reflect on the day, make plans for the week, weekend, and month. Hence, some of you might get calls with long voicemails between the hours of 5-6:30 pm. It’s also time I use to work out a problems I have or think through a situation to ensure I don’t over react or plan something nice for someone (although, I’ve been having more ideas then I have time for).
Secondly, in order to be a commuter you have to be able to entertain yourself. Yes, I mean even laugh at yourself. I entertain myself in many ways. The radio is an obvious one. I listen to the radio and depend on the radio a lot! Talk radio shows irritate me, so I am continually looking for stations with music. (CD’s are not an option since my infamous Reno trip in 2004 in which my CD play stopped working). I could use my IPOD, but dealing with the devices to have it work is more trouble than it’s worth. So the radio is my best friend during these hours.
The radio provides me a platform to practice my vocal talent, or lack there of. I defiantly enjoy singing along to all the stations, from rap to light rock less talk, depending on my mood of course. Some days I long to hear Ludicrous “Move Bitch”, others I want to hear “Real Love” by Mary J Bliege. I also start hearing songs over and over again and begin to analyze them and deduce the meaning of them. I do this without as second nature. One song that caused debate was Neo’s, Kayne and Kerri Hilson song about “love knocks you down”. Are they singing about when Love is good and you get knock down by it or when it’s bad and you get knock down? I’m still wondering….
I also like to dance and wiggle to songs. Currently, the song “Throw it in the bag” by someone has me ready to break out my dancing heels and show my stuff. But usually any reggae, Biggie, or club mixes get me wishing I was on a dance floor. I know you have all seen people jamming to their own beat in their car. That’s ME! I use to care about people seeing me, but not any more. I’m having fun and that is all that matters.
I often remember things that happen or stupid things I have done and start laughing to myself. If someone was sitting next to me, they might think I was a little crazy. But life is funny and you have to sit back at laugh at yourself and things that happen.
How do you guys pass the time in your commute?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Pet Peeves
1. I hate slow people
2. People who turn from the middle of the lane
3. People who ride their breaks
4. Prius drivers in the fast lane
5. Motorcycles between lanes
6. People who cut me off
7. People who stop in the middle of the lane to park
8. Tailgaters who tailgate ME
9. Cops hiding under underpasses
10. Rubbernecks who slow for accidents
2. People who turn from the middle of the lane
3. People who ride their breaks
4. Prius drivers in the fast lane
5. Motorcycles between lanes
6. People who cut me off
7. People who stop in the middle of the lane to park
8. Tailgaters who tailgate ME
9. Cops hiding under underpasses
10. Rubbernecks who slow for accidents
God Bless
On the corner of Market and Octavia on ramp, I have noticed there is a homeless man who is standing asking for hand outs. The first time I noticed him; I passed him and then thought to myself that I should give him some food the next time I pass him.
I keep snacks in my car due to my long commutes and I could spare a bag of chips or a granola bar to help this guy out. The next time I saw him, I was in my own thoughts and forgot to get ready for him, then the traffic was flowing the following time, and I was unable to stop to give him anything.
I had success tonight. I have a bag of triscuits handy. I rolled down the window and asked he if would like them. He was utterly grateful. He blessed me about five times. He even thanked me for my smile.
It was a good way to end my day!
I keep snacks in my car due to my long commutes and I could spare a bag of chips or a granola bar to help this guy out. The next time I saw him, I was in my own thoughts and forgot to get ready for him, then the traffic was flowing the following time, and I was unable to stop to give him anything.
I had success tonight. I have a bag of triscuits handy. I rolled down the window and asked he if would like them. He was utterly grateful. He blessed me about five times. He even thanked me for my smile.
It was a good way to end my day!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The streeses of parking
Parking is a big worry for me as I am traveling to school. I never know how fast I am going to get a spot, how far I am going to walk or if I will be late for class. It’s the most stressful part of my drive. I think that it is part of the reason I get less patient with the other cars on the road. If only they would hurry, so that I can get a close parking spot to class.
So, if all else fails, I park about two blocks away and walk to class. It’s not a far walk by any means, but it’s not the safest location. I feel like I should carry mace or a weapon some nights, especially as I walk to my car from class.
I’m usually fine walking in San Francisco, because I definitely have learned to express “the bitch” face so that no one with bothers me. I pretend to look pissed off, or irritated and it seems to work. I don’t get bothered. Oh, I also NEVER make eye contact with anyone. Although this face works most of the time, I still get scared walking to my car after class.
I’ve always been kinda scared just because two blocks in the dark, with no one around in the fog set the scene of a scary movie. I can’t help but let my mind go there. Part of the reason I stress about it on the drive up is because I want to get the closest parking possible so I don’t have to worry about walking to my car later in the night.
I am kind of mad at myself for thinking like this because my parents raised me to be independent and self sufficient. To know that I could get scared pisses me off. So I stand tall and put on my bitchyest face as I walk to my car.
Then I was checking my school email yesterday, there was an email about a girl who got attacked near where I park around the time that I usually get out of class. Needless to say, that stupid email scared me more.
Do you guys get scared ever? If so, what do you do?
So, if all else fails, I park about two blocks away and walk to class. It’s not a far walk by any means, but it’s not the safest location. I feel like I should carry mace or a weapon some nights, especially as I walk to my car from class.
I’m usually fine walking in San Francisco, because I definitely have learned to express “the bitch” face so that no one with bothers me. I pretend to look pissed off, or irritated and it seems to work. I don’t get bothered. Oh, I also NEVER make eye contact with anyone. Although this face works most of the time, I still get scared walking to my car after class.
I’ve always been kinda scared just because two blocks in the dark, with no one around in the fog set the scene of a scary movie. I can’t help but let my mind go there. Part of the reason I stress about it on the drive up is because I want to get the closest parking possible so I don’t have to worry about walking to my car later in the night.
I am kind of mad at myself for thinking like this because my parents raised me to be independent and self sufficient. To know that I could get scared pisses me off. So I stand tall and put on my bitchyest face as I walk to my car.
Then I was checking my school email yesterday, there was an email about a girl who got attacked near where I park around the time that I usually get out of class. Needless to say, that stupid email scared me more.
Do you guys get scared ever? If so, what do you do?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Who's got GAS?
So tonight I was on the verge of empty once again as I hurried home from Class. My internal debate is always: Do I get gas tonight or wait until morning? It is THE toughest question of the day, by far. I started debating with myself in Oakland. Sometimes it gets to the point of: should I exit now to get gas because I am TOO low?
One of my scary adventures was a gas deprived night driving thru Oakland. I NEEDED gas ASAP. For whatever reason I had failed to look at the gas tank all day. So I exited somewhere off 880. No lights, no cars, strange people. I was supper scared, but I needed gas or else I wouldn’t make it home. This was one of the few nights I just put enough in to get home and scadadled out of there!
So tonight I was plagued with the same choice all over again. I calculated that I can MOST likely make it to Hayward. My car was chug chugging as I exited. But yet I still debated with myself.
Pro for getting gas at tonight is that it is over and done with and tomorrow is a fresh new day without a worry for the day before.
Con for getting gas at tonight: 1. It’s scary. 2. It takes away from resting, either sleeping that extra 5 minutes or just relaxing from the day. 3. I’ve just been in the car for 1 hour and to delay that more is painful!
Pros for getting gas in the morning: IT’s NOT NOW! =)
Cons for getting gas in the morning, I ALWAYS forget about it and end up running late to work.
So, my big decision tonight was to get gas before I got home so that I would have to worry about it in the morning because tomorrow morning I am going to go to the gym for the first time ever BEFORE work to see if that works with my craz-ah schedule.
One of my scary adventures was a gas deprived night driving thru Oakland. I NEEDED gas ASAP. For whatever reason I had failed to look at the gas tank all day. So I exited somewhere off 880. No lights, no cars, strange people. I was supper scared, but I needed gas or else I wouldn’t make it home. This was one of the few nights I just put enough in to get home and scadadled out of there!
So tonight I was plagued with the same choice all over again. I calculated that I can MOST likely make it to Hayward. My car was chug chugging as I exited. But yet I still debated with myself.
Pro for getting gas at tonight is that it is over and done with and tomorrow is a fresh new day without a worry for the day before.
Con for getting gas at tonight: 1. It’s scary. 2. It takes away from resting, either sleeping that extra 5 minutes or just relaxing from the day. 3. I’ve just been in the car for 1 hour and to delay that more is painful!
Pros for getting gas in the morning: IT’s NOT NOW! =)
Cons for getting gas in the morning, I ALWAYS forget about it and end up running late to work.
So, my big decision tonight was to get gas before I got home so that I would have to worry about it in the morning because tomorrow morning I am going to go to the gym for the first time ever BEFORE work to see if that works with my craz-ah schedule.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Shoe shopping after work
Passing by shopping centers on my commute is just a BIG FAT tease! Every day! You start to convince yourself that you NEED those new pair of shoes or some cosmetic something or other.
So much so, that I ending up going to DSW the only day after work. I wear black heels a lot to work and seem to break them just as easy. About two months ago my basic black ones came apart and the heel no longer was attached to the sole. The peep toe ones I have been wearing since were causing me to walk funny until I realized that the spine of the shoe has snapped. Heels were not meant for walking I guess! SOOOO, That was my excuse for buying new ones.
Yes, I have shoes I could wear in the place of my black ones, BUT they just do not always go with the outfit or they are too flashy for work. Therefore, DSW was calling my name and I finally gave in.
These are the ones I bought….. http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=325&category=cat20006&prodId=138101&brand=
So much so, that I ending up going to DSW the only day after work. I wear black heels a lot to work and seem to break them just as easy. About two months ago my basic black ones came apart and the heel no longer was attached to the sole. The peep toe ones I have been wearing since were causing me to walk funny until I realized that the spine of the shoe has snapped. Heels were not meant for walking I guess! SOOOO, That was my excuse for buying new ones.
Yes, I have shoes I could wear in the place of my black ones, BUT they just do not always go with the outfit or they are too flashy for work. Therefore, DSW was calling my name and I finally gave in.
These are the ones I bought….. http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=325&category=cat20006&prodId=138101&brand=
Mindless driving
So as I was driving home the other day and I was thinking I should bring donuts into work one day. I was thinking donuts because my desk is known for having goodies, usually chocolate or snacky food. The chocolate bowl goes quick and it’s almost a part time job to keep it filled. So I was thinking that donuts would spice things up and give people something to look forward to and brighten their day. Plus, I got a request from one of my managers to bring in donuts (jokingly).
As I am driving past Union Landing and thinking about Krispy Kreme and how I should go there in the morning before work to pick up a box of assorted donuts, I find myself exiting to actually GOING to Krispy Kreme. I was so caught up in the plan and execution of getting donuts, I found myself mindlessly driving there.
Needless to say, as soon I exited I was mad at myself because that meant I had to take the back roads home, which made the commute longer.
The funny thing is that I was too tired the next morning to wake up an extra ten minutes to get the donuts, so all that thinking and extra driving went unappreciated… Well, that is until I bring in donuts one day soon. =)
As I am driving past Union Landing and thinking about Krispy Kreme and how I should go there in the morning before work to pick up a box of assorted donuts, I find myself exiting to actually GOING to Krispy Kreme. I was so caught up in the plan and execution of getting donuts, I found myself mindlessly driving there.
Needless to say, as soon I exited I was mad at myself because that meant I had to take the back roads home, which made the commute longer.
The funny thing is that I was too tired the next morning to wake up an extra ten minutes to get the donuts, so all that thinking and extra driving went unappreciated… Well, that is until I bring in donuts one day soon. =)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bleeding $$
So this weekend I was bleeding money. And guess what? Yup, you’ve guessed it. It was on my car.
The story starts with a slow leak about a month ago. I went to my usual spot...Pep Boys (where apparently I am on a first name/car recognition bases with a few of the technicians. How you ask? Who knows? ) and they fixed my front drivers side tire. A week later I had to return to Pep Boys because the leak was not completely fixed. A month later my tire still has a leak.
As I put air in the tire on Friday, I realize that my tires are balding and I decide to get new front tires. My fear is that my tire will blow on the freeway as I am driving on my commute around the bay. Since time is precious and I am commuting in locations that are not near my home, the choice was easy for me.
So first thing on Saturday morning, off to Good Year I went. Again you guessed it. I spent more than just on tires. I list is too long to list, but it was a substantial fix. Luckily, they fixed my car within the day. Deflated, I paid the bill; happy to have my car in sound condition.
This is another price I pay for being on the road at least 15 hours a week. For most this is a part time job, for me…life.
As I was driving today, I started to car shop. I seem to like a lot of cars these days. Most out of my price range, of course.
What should I look for in my next car? Style, gas-mileage, reliability, SPEED =), or comfort?
The story starts with a slow leak about a month ago. I went to my usual spot...Pep Boys (where apparently I am on a first name/car recognition bases with a few of the technicians. How you ask? Who knows? ) and they fixed my front drivers side tire. A week later I had to return to Pep Boys because the leak was not completely fixed. A month later my tire still has a leak.
As I put air in the tire on Friday, I realize that my tires are balding and I decide to get new front tires. My fear is that my tire will blow on the freeway as I am driving on my commute around the bay. Since time is precious and I am commuting in locations that are not near my home, the choice was easy for me.
So first thing on Saturday morning, off to Good Year I went. Again you guessed it. I spent more than just on tires. I list is too long to list, but it was a substantial fix. Luckily, they fixed my car within the day. Deflated, I paid the bill; happy to have my car in sound condition.
This is another price I pay for being on the road at least 15 hours a week. For most this is a part time job, for me…life.
As I was driving today, I started to car shop. I seem to like a lot of cars these days. Most out of my price range, of course.
What should I look for in my next car? Style, gas-mileage, reliability, SPEED =), or comfort?
Friday, September 11, 2009
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Have you noticed in the business world that saying “Happy Friday” is almost like saying Merry Christmas? People get happy, their faces light up, they add a skip and a jump to their step. It’s really the new holiday eve for the weekend.
The celebration starts on Thursday afternoons when you can hear statements like “It’s almost Friday!”, “Doing anything fun this weekend?” and “I can’t wait until Friday”. Are people so happy because they are over worked and need the weekend to recharge? I think so. As companies have reductions and force their staff to take on the extra workload, many workers look forward to the weekend to get a break to recharge.
The 20 something’s even take this new holiday to the next step and go out on Thursday nights for Happy Hour to celebrate the coming weekend.
I personally am big supporter of spreading the “Happy Friday” love to those I see. This is because I love celebrating, whether it is a birthday, a holiday, someone’s promotion or even to celebrate the weekend. Sooo…
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!
The celebration starts on Thursday afternoons when you can hear statements like “It’s almost Friday!”, “Doing anything fun this weekend?” and “I can’t wait until Friday”. Are people so happy because they are over worked and need the weekend to recharge? I think so. As companies have reductions and force their staff to take on the extra workload, many workers look forward to the weekend to get a break to recharge.
The 20 something’s even take this new holiday to the next step and go out on Thursday nights for Happy Hour to celebrate the coming weekend.
I personally am big supporter of spreading the “Happy Friday” love to those I see. This is because I love celebrating, whether it is a birthday, a holiday, someone’s promotion or even to celebrate the weekend. Sooo…
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What is it about Milpitas?
What is it about Milpitas? I swear this place causes the most irritation for me in my commute. When I was commuting from San Jose, Milpitas was the city where I ALWAYS hit stop and go traffic. Now commuting to Sunnyvale, Milpitas is still a major road block. It adds the most about of time to and from work.
I’ve noticed that Tuesdays and Thursdays are the most congested days of the week for Highway 237. Why is that? Is there some party or event that I didn’t get the memo for? If so, can someone forward that to me so I can avoid it in my commute?
And have your SMELLED Milpitas? YUCK. Those that haven’t be grateful! Very Grateful! I know it use to be a landfill, but I think the city council should invest in some air fresheners, like a city wide Fabreeze. I like the smell of Fabreeze. =)
At least I can say I don’t live in Milpitas…sorry to those of you that do. I still love you.
Do you have any horror stories about Milpitas?
I’ve noticed that Tuesdays and Thursdays are the most congested days of the week for Highway 237. Why is that? Is there some party or event that I didn’t get the memo for? If so, can someone forward that to me so I can avoid it in my commute?
And have your SMELLED Milpitas? YUCK. Those that haven’t be grateful! Very Grateful! I know it use to be a landfill, but I think the city council should invest in some air fresheners, like a city wide Fabreeze. I like the smell of Fabreeze. =)
At least I can say I don’t live in Milpitas…sorry to those of you that do. I still love you.
Do you have any horror stories about Milpitas?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Will I always be a commuter?
I started this week wondering if I will always be a commuter. I think the answer is, unfortunately, yes. This is the price I pay for living near friends and family.
Over the four plus years for commuting to and from work, I realized that an hour in the car at a given time is bearable. Anything over an hour is utterly painful. I start getting antsy, irritated and begin signs of road rage. None of which are good. I realized that I use a little more profanity (which I never use in my normal language) very frequently if I've been in the car for at least an hour. I started to count how many times I say or think "JEEZ" when dealing with other commuters. It's A LOT!
I think my biggest pet peeve is those that are SLOW. I CANNOT stand slow people. They just need to get out of the way and let us that have somewhere to be pass. I would be more tolerable of these slow people if I had all the time in the world, but the fact is I am on a time schedule and they are my obstacle.
So if I know or think I will be a commuter for a long while, does that mean I need to be more patient with other drivers?
Over the four plus years for commuting to and from work, I realized that an hour in the car at a given time is bearable. Anything over an hour is utterly painful. I start getting antsy, irritated and begin signs of road rage. None of which are good. I realized that I use a little more profanity (which I never use in my normal language) very frequently if I've been in the car for at least an hour. I started to count how many times I say or think "JEEZ" when dealing with other commuters. It's A LOT!
I think my biggest pet peeve is those that are SLOW. I CANNOT stand slow people. They just need to get out of the way and let us that have somewhere to be pass. I would be more tolerable of these slow people if I had all the time in the world, but the fact is I am on a time schedule and they are my obstacle.
So if I know or think I will be a commuter for a long while, does that mean I need to be more patient with other drivers?
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