6/30/2008

Where Did June Go?

June has gone by so fast, at least from my perspective. Has it for you? As a kid, I always looked forward to the Fourth of July...and it always seemed to take a long time to arrive. Now I blink, and the 4th is here, and summer almost over.

Ok, it's not almost over...but June flew by.

Quiet Monday on the T today. The regular crew minus one was at the bus stop so that's refreshing.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 7:06
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, muggy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

6/27/2008

Weird and Awful

The bus has a lot of people on it lately that do not take the bus regularly. There is a lot of cash payments lately. Not sure why that is. Are shut-ins more active in the summer time or what? Where are they the rest of the year?

I read in the Metro that there was an Orange Line accident yesterday. The story was cryptic in the explanation of what happened. She wasn't pushed but it wasn't intentional. No video camera to capture the events. Weird. Weird and awful.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 7:06
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny High 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

6/26/2008

Adjusting To The Summer Schedule

More people at the bus stop today. That was nice. I didn't feel all alone.

The bus came a little bit earlier and it seemed to make a difference. We actually stopped at all the places we were scheduled to stop. I am not sure what one minute made, or if less people were waiting this time around. In any case, the bus fulfilled its duty this morning.

Orange Line was quiet today. Lots of people longing for the weekend. Hopefully the weather is nice.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 7:06
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

6/25/2008

You're Not In On The Joke

Strange times on the old bus line these days. This is the second time this week I have been the only person at my stop. After ten minutes of being alone, I get this sinking feeling that everyone else has taken the day off or it's Saturday and I just don't know it or there's a hidden camera on me and the jokes on me.

Now that school is out, they have revised the schedule. Now (I think) the bus comes just twice between 6:30 and 7:10...which is throwing everything off...I guess. Not sure why no one else is joining me for the wait at the bus stop, but the bus certainly fills up quickly...to the point that we stop picking up people halfway through the route.

The sad image of crowds of people giving the driver a faint wave as the bus rolls by is still in my head.

I think I might write to the T...and see what they have to say.


------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun. 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

6/24/2008

Two Times In Two Weeks

I drove into work again! That's two times in two weeks time. Another way of putting it: I am averaging a drive into work once a week. Not bad for a blog called driving to work.

Anyway, let's talk about that Tobin Bridge. I mean, are they ever not working on it?

The paint looks great...it really does. Love booger green...

And how about that Longfellow bridge...is that thing going to collapse or what?

Don't stand on it...you and your fatso friends can't stand on it for the Fourth of July...it's rusted and brittle....but you can drive over it all you want.

Thanks. I'll be here all week.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: N/A
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: N/A
T Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and muggy.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

6/23/2008

No Passing Through

Hi there,

I am guessing the bus schedule has changed since I waited at the stop for an extended period of time. I think we look forward to not having the high school kids on the bus, but then they take away a whole bus run and make things even worse.

The title of the post is the same as the message that is written above the front and back door of every Orange Line car. It seems someone(s) is having fun scratching off the "P" and the "Th" of this message and making the statement something entirely different. Not sure what it means, but it's different.


------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

6/20/2008

Such A Friday

It's been a long week. Feels so much like a Friday.

I drove into work today...making the name of my blog appropriate again.

I have a meeting I have to go to in the afternoon. Driving seems to be the best option.

Have a good weekend everybody.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: N/A
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: N/A
T Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): N/A
Feared for my life: N/A

6/19/2008

We Love A Parade

Bus was late today...not sure if they have changed the schedule because the kids are out of school or what. Gee, that would stink.

Some Celtics shirts today. Maybe more people are taking the day off and will be on the T later to see the parade.

There were people on the T who had a huge suitcase. It actually sparked a conversation between strangers. It was a miracle.



------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

6/18/2008

Believe In Boston

I am just so happy that the Celtics won the championship last night. I saw some green on the T. I think most people I ride with were too tired to really show their happiness. It was a quiet time for everyone to reflect. It's been a long time.

It doesn't appear that any celebratory damage delayed my commute.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

6/17/2008

Just One Delay

The only tough time I had with the commute this morning was one dude who decided it was time to put money on his Charlie Card. Seriously, we spent 5 minutes waiting for this guy to pay for his bus fare. Wha' happened?

I heard that the last day of school for the kids is tomorrow. Sweet.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

6/16/2008

Tired Eyes Cloudy Skies

I watched the entire Celtics game...I am little sleepy this morning. The bus and Orange Line were on time. Some guy was sitting in my regular seat on the Orange Line. I wonder if he will be there tomorrow. Could become a problem. Just kidding.



------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Cloudy - cool
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

6/11/2008

Random Observations

It's a potpourri type of post today.

Hot weather reveals things...like the tattoo on the middle aged woman who rides the bus with you. The short sleeved shirt that she was wearing yesterday allowed the tattoo of a castle on her left shoulder to be visible. Pretty cool.

I sometimes sit on the Orange Line in the seats between two poles...they are positioned as follows from left to right: pole, seat, seat, pole. If you sit in either seat and someone else sits next to you who likes to have a lot of space or just needs a lot of space, that pole next to you will leave a mark on your leg before you arrive at your destination. Believe it.

Apparently ice coffee takes longer to make than regular coffee. The lines in both establishments near my building were way too long. I got my coffee though, at establishment three...not so near my work.




------------------------------

Bus Departure Time:
Bus Arrival Time:
T Departure Time:
T Arrival Time:
Weather as I call it:
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):
Feared for my life:

6/10/2008

Heat Bring Hot Tempers

The Orange Line had a disabled train this morning which made for a long wait on the platform and a full train all the way into Boston.

The conductor was yelling at the passengers trying to squeeze into the train. The feedback from her intercom became more and more ear piercing with every announcement.

I guess people didn't believe her when she said there was a train directly behind us.

Some passengers yelled back at her. Some passengers made jokes.

I think tomorrow when this heat breaks, everyone will be less cranky.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 70s again today.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No

6/09/2008

Ha Ha Ha Hot

Not that it matters much since my office is climate controlled, but the 5 minutes that I was out and about this morning on my way to work fortold the steaminess that would be upon us by 10AM.

I hope people who work outside take it easy today.



------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:09
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, high 70s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1 Not bad at all
Feared for my life: Nope

6/05/2008

Flossing On The T

Seriously.

I saw one of those floss picks on the floor of the Orange Line this morning.

Really?

Who is flossing their teeth on the T? Yuck.

I mean, good oral hygenie is a virtue...but keeping up with it on the T?

No. Just don't.


------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Foggy 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

6/04/2008

What Are We Fighting For?

I am back to work after a day of doctor's appointments. Nothing bad to note. Thanks for your concern.

I'm happy to report that there were no kids on the bus...the ride was quiet except for the sports talk.

Orange Line ride was fine too, but once I got off the T, that's when the real fireworks started. I walked by a construction site on my way to my building where two workers were arguing loudly at each other. They were flat out yelling and cursing. Cops were staring. Other construction workers were gawking. Guys in suits on the sidewalks hustling with umbrellas to get to their jobs were giggling.

I was puzzled. C'mon guys, let's stop fighting and finish this building.

------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:09
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Light rain.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

6/02/2008

I Didn't Know The Exact Moment

The automated announcer guy wasn't working at Malden Station this morning, so I did not know the exact moment when the next train to Forest Hills was approaching or arriving. It's hard to understand how I got on the train without any warning.

Just joking, but the announcer guy wasn't doing his job today.


------------------------------

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny - 60F
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No