The Meaning Of It All

I write down details of my trip into work every day I go to work. I type about interesting stuff, funny stuff, weird stuff, annoying stuff...stuff. Stuff.

Why does it matter? Does it matter? I am collecting experience and putting it into some kind of recorded form. I guess I am capturing time.

Time is depleting for me (hopefully not rapidly!) It's depleting for everybody.

Capturing the time I am here. Putting it somewhere. Keeping it.

Letting myself and others know, "I was here."

It had meaning.


Commute was ok today. No complaints. The T conductor thanked us over and over for riding the T.


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Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No...I was busy living life.

Puts It Into Perspective

I had a hard time writing something today. I am sad over the accident on the Green Line yesterday evening. I joke about fearing for my life everyday on the T. Mostly joking, but it's not so funny when it's real.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warmer high 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: ...

No Fires This Morning

I was hoping to see some aftermath of the fire in Downtown Crossing. No such luck. I was if it never happened. Maybe it didn't?

I seem to be getting to Back Bay station later and later. I checked my watch as we were pulling into the station and it was 7:39.

The T doesn't seem to be delayed. Strange.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Sunny 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Water On The Seats

Back to work! Great weekend though. The revitalizing powers of the sun are amazing.

Bus was fine. I got on the Orange Line and there were three seats with what appeared to be water on them. Appeared to be...is the key.

You see this thing on the bus all the time. Windows are not closed. Rain pours in and gets on the seats. On the Orange Line, it comes down to someone spilling something. What the liquid is and what container it spilled out of is always a guessing game.

I didn't play today. I stood.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and 50s. A bit humid?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

Calisthenics While U Wait

It has been going on for a while now, but this morning I am finally going to write about it. An elderly lady likes to do Calisthenics at our bus stop. Lots of wild toe touches, swinging of her legs, and other type activties are rocking our li'l stop every weekday morning!

I found it strange at first, since you don't normally see that happening at the stop. Now, I would feel lost without it. If she's not flailing her arms and legs around, something's wrong.

Some people driving by in cars like to slow down and stare. C'mon peeps, move along. She's just trying to get the old blood flowing.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 6:13
T Departure Time: 6:15
T Arrival Time: 6:35
Weather as I call it: Sunny, high 40s. Bring on the warmer temps.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life:

Gray Skies Blah Day

I am jonesing for this weekend. Today I didn't want to get out of bed. The cloudy, cool, blah weather isn't helping. I think a three day weekend will be of much help.

The T was fine with me today. No real issues to speak of. One should cherish these days.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cool, blah
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nah

Get A Charlie Card

I'm feeling cranky this morning. I am annoyed by people who still pay for their bus ride with change...when they ride it everyday like me. I have my Charlie Card. I "beep" it and I get on. I don't hold up the bus.

Peeps who frantically shove change into the slot and drop coins on the floor and cause the bus to pull over and stop for extended periods of time while they get their stuff together...everyday....have got to upgrade. Upgrade.

Get a Charlie Card. Use it. Please.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny 50s..it's spring.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah.

Sports Talk

Back on the bus today. The sign said it was a 92 bus, but we got on anyway. The driver said the sign was broken. Go figure.

A woman who rode the bus with me had a bag that said, "Pints for Half Pints - Children's Hospital". My first thoughts were of pints of beer. My bad. Three day weekend coming up.

Talk of the upcoming Celtics series and the Lester No-Hitter filled the Orange Line cab. I didn't mind overhearing the chats.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, cool, high 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Dentist Appointment

I am not going to report on the regular stuff today. There was a dentist appointment at 9AM that changed everything...so we'll do this all again tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by.

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

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, Cool...like 50s, I think.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): N/A
Feared for my life: Nah.

Gave A Dollar

On the bus, I saw more earphone sharing. I guess it's ok to share ear wax. Sorry that was gross...but that's all I could think of when I saw the two high school kids with an earplug a piece from the same iPod.

Stopped off at D-town Crossing and got breakfast for my co-workers. I gave a dollar to the guitar player/gospel singer guy.

Hopefully he'll sing a spirtual for me.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 8:05 (took a little pause at Downtown Crossing)
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cool...gonna rain today.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Not Riding To Work Today

I have a conference to go today...which starts at 11. So I am telecommuting right now. There's a lot less shouting when you telecommute.

I'll pick up where I left off tomorrow.

You Are Holding Up Service

No shouting matches on the bus today, thank goodness. The players from yesterday's game weren't on the bus...so round 2 will have to wait.

The Orange Line conductor was yelling at people coming on the train. One of the things she exclaimed was, "You are holding up service!"...

Pretty intense stuff. The gravity of holding up a whole line of the T is enormous.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, warm, 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope, felt pretty safe.

MBTA Bus Shouting Match

Today just wasn't a happy, friendly day. People were cranky. Not sure what to attribute it to...maybe the Celtics' lack of playoff wins on the road. I don't know.

There was a scary exchange of heated words on the bus. It got to the point that I thought some fists would fly...or other things flying. Let's start from the beginning.

The two people involved I will describe as "Old Guy" and "H.S. Kid" (You can probably guess where this is going). When I got on the bus, H.S. Kid was already sitting. I sat down in the seat in front of him. Old Guy got on at the next stop. He walked down the aisle and walked up the three steps that separates the back and the front of these new fangled buses. He asked the teenage girl across from me if the seat that she had her bag resting on was taken. She nodded, "No". and moved her bag. He sat down. Behind me, I heard H.S. Kid mumble something about, "You don't have to ask if the seat's taken...you just have to sit down." Apparently, he has his own opinions about MBTA Bus etiquette. I don't think Old Guy heard him because he didn't react to the kid's mumbles, but this incident is worth noting...a sort of preamble of what was to come. It seemed H.S. Kid already had an issue with Old Guy.

I guess it's also worth noting a few other things:

- The teenage girl promptly got up and moved to another seat 5 seconds after Old Guy sat down.

- Based on my own sense of smell, I caught a whiff of alcohol as Old Guy walked by.

- Based on my own eyesight, he was carrying a large black trash bag that was filled to half of its capacity.

As the bus ride continued, more and more people filed on until it seemed the bus could take no more. Old Guy noticed there was standing room in the back of the bus and shouted out, "There's plenty of room back here if you people weren't too lazy to move back!"

H.S. Kid took offense. "Why don't you shut up?" he retorted. "Picking on 15 year olds...you're probably pretty lazy yourself!"

A volley of "Shut ups" and "Screw Yous" took place...then comments related to their mothers and fathers were spoken. At that point, I started to tune out since it was getting to be very uncomfortable.

When the language got particularly ugly, a bystander yelled at the H.S. Kid and said, "Hey, there are kids on this bus!"...referring to the two baby carriages that were riding along with us.

H.S. Kid's response was, "I don't care!" He went on to explain he didn't care because he wasn't going to back down from Old Guy. Everyone, including myself, looked like they were trying to will themselves invisible.

As the H.S. Kid got off the bus, he did comment about the Old Guy's intoxication at this early hour. After the door closed, Old Guy had some things to say about what he was going to do to H.S. kid...things that I would have to testify in a court of law if need be.

Once a year, there's a loud argument between strangers on the bus and you just pray it doesn't get violent...especially when logic and humanity is seemingly vacant from the proceedings.

Beyond that, the Orange Line ride was full of delays. Some based on the train just stopping in between stops...Some based on people in the way of the doors closing.

The conductor was shouting at people at State and Downtown Crossing.

Sometimes this town is a morass of negativity.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, cool, 47 degrees
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 6
Feared for my life: Somewhat

Not a Morning or Monday Person

Bus was late today...not missing like other days. The lateness caused my other stop compadres to admit that they are not morning nor Monday people.

The bus driver apologized for her lateness...which was refreshing. She was having trouble with the bus. She drove as fast as she could to make up the time. I thank her for that.


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

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, windy, 47 degrees
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

Missed The Stop Need To Speak Up

Few notes from the trip today. Some high school girls were trying to get off at the stop after the high school...you know...cuz there's places to eat at that stop. Well, they were loud enough to tell the driver to open the back door...so the driver kept going.

They needed to walk a bit for their D and Ds.

Malden Center is so quiet without Boston Now hawkers there.

The gospel singer was at D-town Xing this morning. I was glad to have him back.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cool
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

MBTA Survey

I was handed an MBTA survey today at the Malden T stop. Pretty simple questions about where I get on and off the T...and some profile questions like my age, ethnicity, how many vehicles I own, and salary range.

I was actually given two of them, but I am only going to fill one out. I may give the other one to a coworker.

Not sure how this is going to help the MBTA improve the service...but they are trying to gather info. They can read this blog too...I guess.

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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: Spotty rain, cool, 50
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

More People On The MBTA

With gas prices soaring, are there more people on the MBTA? I am not sure, but today there seemed to be a lot of people on both the bus and Orange Line. I have to say...since I do take the T to work, I haven't felt as much pain from higher gas prices.

Food prices, yes. Gas prices, not so much. I need to stop eating.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny - mid 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Who Shrunk My Metro?

I did not go to work yesterday so I did not report anything. I was back in action this morning and I am happy to say that the MBTA hasn't changed since last I rode. Just so you know.

What has changed is the size of the Boston Metro newspaper. I didn't pick one up today, but I passed the stacks and it looked tiny. They shrunk it to half the size.

When I got on the Orange Line, I did see some normal sized Metros(?) Was I imagining tiny Metros? I will have to get one tomorrow.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Sunny, Temps in the high 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Few Steps Behind

Man, I had a hard time getting out of the house this morning. Every step forward I took..turned out bad...and meant I had to redo something...and extended my time getting ready.

I still made the bus stop in time to catch the bus.

I look forward to tomorrow where I don't have to rush around.

When I got to the Orange Line platform, the doors closed on the train and it rushed away.

I guess I am just slower than usual this morning.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cool.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Standing Up For Sitting Down

I got a seat on the bus, but the guy next to me needed lots of room...so I had half a seat for me to sit. I was on the edge of my seat...literally.

On the Orange Line, I had a seat but I got up to let a mom and her kid sit together. Nice.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Courtesy Counts

I thought I would use that MBTA slogan as my header today...for no particular reason. Well, maybe there is a reason. The automated voice on the bus uses this line when speaking about baby strollers.

"Passengers and baby strollers have to share space on the bus."

Lately, there have been a few strollers on the bus...and it's definitely hard to find space to share when there isn't a lot of space to begin with.

I think everyone does their best to make way for the stroller. I am often surprised at the help that stroller pushers get when they exit the bus.

With the announcements, I always pictured there were some crazy fights that broke out between strollers and passengers...and the announcements were a way to stop those fights from happening again.


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Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Sunny high 40s.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Under The Weather

I am a little sick today. I feel a little achy and my nose is a little stuffed up.

I am keeping it to myself though. I will not spread this illness to my fellow passengers. I promise!

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:13
T Arrival Time: 7:33
Weather as I call it: Light rain 40s blech.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Awful Monday

I guess it wasn't totally awful. I mean, I still got to work.

The bus I usually take didn't arrive. I had to wait for the next one...and so did everyone else. The bus hit capacity and we drove past 8 stops. Plenty of unhappy people today.

Just in time for the kids to be back in school today.

Plus, I am really beat this morning. Too sleepy to type. Need coffee.


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Bus Departure Time: 7:08
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nah

No More Boston Now

I know I am pretty late to the game, but I just found out that Boston Now is no more. I had a suspicion when their hawkers disappeared from Malden Center station.

There was the singing "Boston Nooooooooooooooooooooow!" guy...he's gone.

And the Boston Now guy who addressed the crowds as "America".

It's free, America!

Oh well. I won't miss the paper...but I will miss the hawkers...at least the ones that didn't get in my face.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Sunny 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Not A Peep

The bus was a little early, I guess...but not so early that most people would miss it.

It seemed like a late start morning for most people...or it was a good weather flu day off. The bus and T were quiet. Not a lot of people. Not a lot of noise.

Just a drowsy sunny morning...did I see pollen on the ground?

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Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:09
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Sunny and drowsy, 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Bring On The Sunshine

Seriously folks, the spring is here. The kids aren't in school and riding the T has been good.

I like watching the expression on people's faces who sit across from me on the Orange Line when people sit down next to them who put them into a tight squeeze.

The horror!! The disdain!! So much emotion.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:09
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Sunny and in the 50s.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Unspoken

The bus came on time and with the kids out of school, we rushed through the fair city. My fellow travelers talked about Bruins and Sox and the moving of the Super Fitness gym.

On the Orange Line, the seats were plentiful. No marathon tourists today either.

A guy sat down next to me and as he did so...sat on the end of my jacket. I didn't have to move until 3 stops later so I didn't mind too much...trying to keep the thoughts of being trapped at bay. When I did arrive at my stop, I tugged a bit at my jacket. Without a word, the gentleman lifted swayed to the left and released me to the wild. Thanks man...that could have been awkward.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:09
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Sunny and mild. High 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Marathon Monday 2008

The third and last Boston Spring holiday is upon us. (St. Patty's Day and Opening Day at Fenway being the other 2).

The peeps going to work today...these are my people. We either don't have state jobs or we didn't have the foresight to take today off. Either way, we are together in this.

There were some fragile tourists on the Orange Line....asking tenative questions about what stop to take. So tenative.

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Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cooler - 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

The Paper Guy Redux

Commute was good today. Happy Friday.

Here's the story I was alluding to yesterday. It's a bit out of scope but stick with me.

Back when I first started this blog, there was a guy that I passed every day on the way to work. He stood at a busy intersection and sold newspapers to people sitting in their cars waiting for the next light change. I dubbed him, "Paper Guy"...how original. I noted his outfit with each passing day, using him as a gauge of the weather. If he had sunglasses on, it was sunny. If he had no coat on, it was warm. If he had a hat on, it was cold. You get the picture.

Since I changed jobs, I haven't seen this guy...until a few weeks ago.

Here's where the story gets out of the scope of the blog...I saw him on the T ride home. (Slap my wrist now.) I was sitting there, minding my own business, and I look up and see him sitting right across from me. Whoa. Paper Guy is right there.

Pretty sweet -- small world and all that -- I guess -- Fun coincidence at least.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny Mild 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Weather Changes Moods

I swear to you...I saw people smiling on the T this morning...no really...people were smiling.

People got on the bus and were smiling.

I saw a woman who usually rudely pushes her way to get a seat...say "excuse me" and "thank you".

I saw another woman making happy faces at a baby on the Orange Line.

Promises of 70 degree weather will do that to people.


--Note to Readers: I will be breaking format a bit tomorrow. I have had this story built up for a while, but I haven't had the time to type it up. Readers who remember when I actually drove to work will get a kick out of tomorrow's post.

Here's a sneak peak: The story revolves around the guy who is pictured in this post.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Sunny and mild. Happy people!!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life:

Overload

There a lot of people on my commute today. The bus stops were particularly packed with people. Stops that usually have 3 people at them had 6 today. Stops that usually have 6 people at them had 12 today...you get the point.

Is it the spring time? Did these people pop out of the ground?

On the bus, I saw a WCOZ bumper sticker on a pole near Malden Center...the funny thing is, it didn't look old. The frequency it displayed was 94 1/2 FM. Weird. Someone must have been saving that sticker for a while.

The Orange Line stop announcements were filled with feedback...ear piercing feedback.

The announcer kept telling passengers "the train was filled to capacity". Passengers near me quietly disagreed. "I don't think so" said one.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool...spring time....saw a robin today.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3 (damn feedback)
Feared for my life: No

I Took A Stand

Well, I didn't really. I had to stand on the Orange Line this morning. It sorta worked out this way:

The bus was quick this morning....roaring down the street with a force not seen since the February vacation week.

We got to the station at 7:10. I stomped up the stairs to the platform and found a subway train with its doors open. So I jumped in...and all the seats were taken.

So I stood. No big deal...except for the older gentleman who decided to stare at me.

After 10 seconds went by, I felt a little uncomfortable about his glare...so I started to read my magazine. I didn't look up again but I am pretty sure my standing there reading became uninteresting for him...and he looked away.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:31
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3 (more creepy than annoying)
Feared for my life: Nah.

Where Are You?

Today was quiet...a quiet Monday to be sure. Not a lot of people on the T. The people who were on the T were silent.

Not a happy Monday for the people.

Well...

There was one guy who saw a sign for a wine tasting on May 2 and shouted out his joy to the whole bus. Outside of that, it was quiet


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

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: Sunny and cool
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Maybe Because It's Friday?

Bus came on time today...and was speedy in its delivery of me to the T station.

After a day of sunshine and mild temps, the rain and the cold are coming back.

Not a issue for a hearty N.E.er like myself...I know spring comes in spurts until it gets turned on full blast.

Peeps gotta quit whining.

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

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: Mostly cloudy. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Missing Bus Again

All right. Back to normal again.

But not so normal.

First, the bigger issue: There used to be two buses that ran the route around 7 o'clock. Now, there is only one. "They" took it away... Boo.

Today, the only one that runs around 7 o'clock didn't show up. So we had to wait until 7:09 to get the next one..which was filled to capacity two stops later...and started to pass crowded bus stops until we got to the high school.

Not fun. Plenty of "WTF" looks along the route.


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

Bus Departure Time: 7:09
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Sunny, mild...near 50.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nah

Breaking Up The Routine

I had to drop off the CR-V this morning. The "Check Engine" light lit up just in time for the state inspection month (March) and, of course, this year was the year they checked emissions. Because the light was illuminated, I got a big, fat rejection sticker. So, I went to a shop that has a state-registered technician to fix the issue or at least set me up to get a passing inspection sticker.

Let's all keep good thoughts about the repair bill. Thanking you.

Because I drove away from my house, I took the 109 bus which had a stop near the repair shop.

Yikes! The traffic was horrendous....I anticipated some traffic but we were stopped for a good 5 minutes. My usual bus ride is wonderful in comparison.

I took the Orange Line from Sullivan Square. Peeps are much more awake at 8:15 than they are at 7:15...and more annoyed too.

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

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: Foggy, almost smoky. Mid-30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No...and I didn't fear change either.

Bag On Knee

Sometimes when the bus is too crowded, someone will rest their bag on my knee. They are in a standing position. I am in a seated position. I don't put my knee out there as a support mechanism. It just sorta happens. I am fine with it.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, Opening day at Fenway
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Asking For Help

I got on the bus today and a woman sat down next to me. A couple of stops in, she tapped me on my shoulder and asked me to let her know when we arrived at the Malden Center T stop. I let her know that the last stop of the bus was the Malden Center stop.

I remember questions like this one being asked all the time on the bus. Since the MBTA put in the automated stop announcements and display at the front of the bus, these questions have ceased....for the most part. (At least in my universe)

This woman asked me to help her out because the announcement mechanism wasn't working.

Yes, the elimination of confusion through these mechanical means is definitely a plus. Heck, it's fundamental and should have always been there...but it was nice to help out a fellow commuter today. Certainly the opportunity to help someone find their way has been lost in the post-automated stop announcement world we live in today.

A small loss...but a loss for sure.


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

Bus Departure Time: 7:01
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Herky Jerky

The bus was braking for all sorts of things today. Not sure if there were a lot of bumper stickers around stating "I Brake For such and such" and the driver wanted to support the causes....but it was a herky jerky ride today.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny less windy...high 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Red Light Running

Amazing! This morning the bus ran a red light...and I'm not talking the aw-it-was-yellow-just-a-second-ago-and-we-are-halfway-through-the-intersection running of a red light.

More like: It's-been-red-for-a-while-and-the-driver-just-spaced-it running of a red light.

There were looks of horror! There were horn blasts! There were exclamations of "WTF?"

Nothing more than that though, thankfully. No injuries or damages happened.


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

Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny...but colder, more windy. High 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: A bit.

Spring A Ding Dong Day

I'll take it. Windy...a little rainy....temps in the 50s...sure.

I think the Orange Line had its heat on though...that made for some stuffiness.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Waaaaaaahm, dude!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Screaming Off The T

Not sure why, but there was a group of teenage girls screaming as they got off the subway...which spilt onto Clarendon Street. They didn't seem to be in distress since they were laughing between screams. Police officers took notice, but reacted indifferently. I think once they understood that there was no danger, they went about their business.

Certainly made for a different scene for 7:30 on a Monday morning. I tend to enjoy the quiet.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy. 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Sox In The Morning

I watched some of the game before I left the house to go to work. They were losing 2-0. I thought it would feel weirder to watch a live game at 6:30 in the morning. It seemed like old times.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny. Not too cold.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Not today.

Chats About Cats

On the Orange line today, there was a loud conversation about cats. People were talking loudly about their cats and which cat doesn't get along with this dog and so on. Nothing better than cat chat.

Back Bay station has been an ad mecca for the new disposable Mach 3 razor from Gillete....for the past few weeks now. I finally got a coupon for the darn thing today. (3 bucks off!)

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold - no wind though
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Fast As The Wind

With no school for the kids today, our bus flew down Salem St. like the wind...which was blowing at about 25 miles per hour...so maybe a little faster than that.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Windy and it felt colder than it really was. (Wind Chill)
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Getting Ahead Of Herself

The conductor called out "Next Stop - Forest Hills" right before we pulled into Haymarket. This mistake brought out some giggles from my fellow passengers. The conductor laughed too..and corrected herself.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy. Damp. Cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sure We Can Stop For You

One stop away from Malden Center, a guy "flagged" the bus down. He explained his whole story as he got on...saying he usually walks but it started to rain and he had the pass on him so he thought 'what the hey' and he decided to take the bus because why should he walk in the rain when he has a pass and the bus was right there.

Ok guy. Now just sit down so we can get going.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Freezing rain began to come down. Crappy.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Earphone Sharing

I looked back at my earlier posts and I saw that I did write something about sharing music on the T, but that was more in line with involuntary sharing; i.e. people listening to their iPod so loudly that you had no choice but to listen along.

Today, I witnessed two instances of voluntary music sharing. On the bus and on the T, there were two people who would take one ear piece each and listen along to whatever was playing on the iPod.

It brought a smile to my face. Something about sharing. It's a good thing.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:337
Weather as I call it: Sunny but still chilly.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope.

Crocheting And A Toothpaste Exchange

I was observing today. The woman next to me was crocheting something. It was too early to tell what the final product would be.

Across from me, there were two ladies who had two big backpacks on their laps. One of them was pulling out large boxes of Colgate toothpaste out of her bag and handing them to the other. The other lady promptly tucked the toothpaste boxes into her bag.

Happy St. Patty's Day

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Sunny, but breezy. Cold - 20s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Back To Driving To Work

Well, just a bit. I drove from my house to one of the parking garages in Malden Center. I have a dinner thing after work tonight and it's cheaper to park than it is to take a cab home from the T station.

I think I am a little rusty behind the wheel. As I was leaving my driveway, I was slow to turn and look to the left. As I did, I saw this crappy Civic closing in on me. The driver gave me a look. I think he was hugging the curb, but I gave the "I'm Sorry" hand gesture anyway.


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

Bus Departure Time: N/A
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:31
Weather as I call it: Mostly Cloudy 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Close call just outside my driveway was exciting

More Like It

The bus came a bit early today. I celebrated this rare occurance by taking my seat quickly and quietly. (That's my way of saying I didn't celebrate at all.)

Two people sat next to me on the Orange Line but they cared and shared more than the people yesterday. I had feelings in my arms the whole ride.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nah

Squooshed

Bus was late. I blame daylight savings time. (If you have read this blog for years like I have, you know my feelings on daylight savings time and time changes in general).

When I got on the Orange Line, I sat on the opposite side of the train from where I usually sit. Bad mistake. I got squooshed. I don't know how it happened but it did. I was reading my metro and suddenly I couldn't move my arms because my elbows were being held down by the two people beside me. With each passing stop, it got worse and worse. I really thought one of them would have exited at State or D-Town Xing...but no. They stayed on for the long haul.

I stood up at New England Medical Center just to feel my arms again.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold. Winter coats were out in force.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

Sleep Walking

I feel like I went through the whole commute sleeping with my eyes open...

I feel like I didn't get any rest last night. It was okay since I wasn't operating any heavy machinery.

Have a good weekend...I am gonna get some sleep.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, Cool. mid-30s.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah.

Comedy on the T

I didn't post yesterday but I will talk about both trips (today and yesterday) in this post. The stats will be for this day, though.

Yesterday, two guys got on the bus and they had a comedy routine going. One guy was just shouting out things...to the point where you ask yourself, "Is this really happening?" It got off to a rough start because he was complaining out loud about the woman in front of him not having her money ready when the bus pulled up.

He was commenting loudly about her lack of common sense and wondering what this world was coming to with people who weren't prepared "for anything".

He then started to rant about the 12 step program and how he would rewrite it. With shouts like, "The first step is to take a toke!", I was hoping this ride would never end.

Today, the bus went over a big pot hole on Centre St in Malden. There was a big 'whoop!' from the ladies who were sitting in the back of the bus. One of the ladies exclaimed, "That's probably going to be the biggest excitement we have all day!"

Potholes are pretty exciting but I wish these ladies something pleasant and more exciting today.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cooler, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Warm and Breezy

The weather outside was great. People were wearing windbreakers. There were smiles on faces...well not really...but it was nice out and it made me feel warm and breezy too.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Warm and breezy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Long Torture

Nothing more to say than this: Switching problems at Oak Grove stink.

Stood on the platform with 300 of my closest commuting buddies for 20 minutes in the blustery snow.

It was not fun. People were getting pushy too. One woman turned around to ask another to stop sticking her in the back with her bag.

Not fun at all.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:33
T Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Cold, windy, snowing (lightly)
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 8
Feared for my life: Frostbite comes to mind.

Public Conversations

When you ride the bus (this situation probably applies to any public place really...but let's keep it to what I experienced today), do you ever sit near two people who are talking loudly to each other and really don't need to be talking as loudly as they are?

This morning, two people got on at the stop right after mine. They were talking to each other as they stepped on.

They talked to each other throughout the ride.

They talked to each other as they exited the bus.

I don't care that they were talking to each other. Communication is great. It's just the volume at which they were communicating to each other. I was able to tune it out...so I don't even know what they were talking about...but the constant chatter was driving me nuts. It became a chore to tune it out.

Meh, I have no solutions...just thought I'd share.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2.5
Feared for my life: Nope

Making Friends On The Platform

Hey, the bus came on time today. That was nice.

Just one thing of note this morning: There were a couple of Asian women on the platform at Malden Center speaking in their native tongue. I am not sure what it was as I am not familiar with any language outside of English and some of the European languages (Spanish, French, German, and Italian...maybe Lithuanian).

I was standing near this couple when this other man walked up to them and said something to the effect of "Go back to China" or something like that and he walked away.

The women, looking nonplussed, stopped chatting for a moment and then continued after the man walked away.

You don't win friends with salad and you can't make friends with ignorance either.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Coffee Roasting

The bus was late today, just in time for the kids to go back to school.

I could smell the coffee roasting this morning. I must have been downwind from the The New England Coffee Company. They have been in Malden since 1966, you know.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny 20s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Saving Seats With Shells

On the Orange Line, there was an empty seat but no one wanted to sit on it.

Somebody had left pistachio shells on the seat.

Somebody had left PISTACHIO SHELLS on the seat!?!

Thankfully they were the non-dyed ones...but still...this is odd for even the T.

Thoughts:

• Somebody was eating on the T...which is something I wouldn't do. Too dirty.
  
• Somebody was eating pistachios on the T early in the morning...I dunno...Pistachios just aren't a breakfast food to me.
  
• Somebody decided to leave the shells on a seat once they were done. Why would you do that? Pack in - Pack out, peeps.
  

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Cold...sunny...but 20s if that.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah.

Bless You Rules

One thing about the third full week of February...no school...which means easy riding on the MBTA...

I got on the bus today and there were 4 other people on the bus. One of the people is "coughing up lung" guy...who seems to be feeling better. He hasn't been coughing that much lately.

A woman who sat in the front of the bus had a sneeze attack. She must have sneezed seven times in a row. People said "Bless you" after the first three times, but then stopped.

I guess they felt she was on her own after a certain number of sneezes.


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

Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:13
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Music Musings

There's a girl who is on the same bus as me. She takes the bus to the high school and I have noticed that she has a back with a Beatles logo on it. It's sorta freaking me out how old their much is now. The White Album is going to be 40 years old this year. Guessing that this girl is 17, she was only 4 when the first Anthology CD came out. The Beatles were my parents' music...it's just amazing it still resonates today.

Long weekend coming up for me... Type to you Tuesday.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sympathetic Conductor

For the second straight day, the bus I usually take was MIA. I do not understand. Although it's not a huge deal in terms of my arrival to work since there is another that comes five minutes later, it does make a huge impact on every commuter's comfort. It's simple: If there is only one bus to pick up two bus-loads of people, the one bus is always packed and uncomfortable.

It's not funny and it's not fun.

Even though I stated earlier that waiting a little bit for the next bus is not a big deal, this morning it was a major factor in my missing the Orange Line. I made a valiant effort: The bus had pulled into Malden Station just as the T was slowing to a stop. I dashed into the station, scanned my card, and bolted up the stairs just in time to hear the tones of the doors closing. As I hopped unto the platform, the doors slammed shut. I sorta clenched my right fist and motioned my arm in an "Ah Shucks" fashion.

I made eye contact with the conductor. He looked sympathetic to my cause. I had the feeling if I had put up a stink, he would have opened the doors for me.

I decided not to do or say anything to get special treatment. I did what I think we commuters are supposed to do: look down and wait awkwardly until the train rolls away...and act like nothing happened.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Slushy Start

My neighbor extended an invitation for a lift this morning since she was leaving her house at the same time as me. I thanked her, but I did not accept. It wasn't that bad out this morning.

The bus I usually take did not run this morning. The next bus was quick and got me to the T station right in time to catch the Orange Line.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Light rain, Slush and wet snow on the ground
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

No Shaking Today

It must have been warmer today. The fact that the wind wasn't howling was my first tip. The second indication was nobody entered the Orange Line visibly shaking. Yesterday, there was a woman who stood in front of me who was so cold that her body was convulsing (at least that's why I think she was convulsing) even after the doors closed and we pulled away from Wellington.


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

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: Cold but no wind...so tolerable.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Frozen Doors

Sometimes it's just cold. It's been colder...I've experienced colder...but there's no denying that this morning was unpleasant.

When we got to Malden Station, a few of the bus passengers were waiting to exit the rear bus door. The green lights came on but the doors didn't open. The crowd began to shout "Rear Door!" to alert the bus driver to open them for us. I think the crowd was confused.

The driver had indeed taken action to open the doors (as was indicated by the illuminated green lights), but the doors were stuck..maybe frozen shut.

The woman who was in the lead position must have never encountered frozen doors and she kept shouting at the bus driver. Eventually the crowd pushed against the doors and forced them open.

No door nor human was hurt in the stampede.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:14
T Arrival Time: 7:35
Weather as I call it: Cold (13 degrees) but contant wind made it worse.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: If I was out in the cold any longer, I would have lost an ear or two.

You Need To Signal

There was (another) new bus driver today and he almost drove by our stop. His explanation was that we needed to signal him if we wanted him to stop.

Huh?

Dude. It's 7 o'clock in the morning. There's 5 of us standing around waiting. There's only one bus route that drives by this stop. I don't think there is a need to signal.

Usually when other bus drivers see our crowd, they understand our unspoken message of: "We would like to board and ride your bus after paying the fare."


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

The Bus Driver Means Business

Ok, for the past few weeks (I think) the bus drivers in the morning have been no nonsense. You get on the bus, they close the door before you pay, they are hitting the accelerator once they hear the beep of your CharlieCard being accepted. Good stuff.

The bus driver guy today was pretty intense. He was all about braking at the very last second. When he came to our stop, his speedy entry made for a nice splash of water, slush, and snow that my fellow travelers and I had to avoid.

By the next stop, he almost hit somebody crossing the street.

He was all about using the hydraulic lowering mechanism that all the new buses have. Usually it used only when an elderly passenger is getting on, but he was using it for every stop...no matter who was getting on.

When the bus got too full, he stood up (while the bus was stopped), turned around to face the passengers, and pleaded with everyone to please move back so that he could continue to drive because he could not proceed with people standing in front on the yellow line.

People moved back, but his methods were out of character of the typical MBTA bus driver.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Light snow
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Dead of Winter

I saw the forecast on TV this morning before I left the house. The 5 day said it would be mostly cloudy...every day.

Luckily it hasn't been cold lately, that's one thing to be positive about...but I think I am starting to feel the winter blues. Maybe a little seasonal affective disorder? Or maybe I am still dealing with the Patriots' loss...

I'm getting there. It's only football. It's only football.

It would be nice to see some sun.



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

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: Rainy, misty, dark
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Voting Day

I guess there was no school today since bus was void of high school aged kids. Since the number of passengers was reduced, the bus came early and I had to run for it. I wanted to make sure I didn't have to stand in the rain longer than I had to.

I've finally taken a book along with me for my rides to and from work.

Although I may not be observing everything I could be, my commute has been pretty enjoyable.

I am probably gonna vote tonight when I get home. I am sorta looking forward to the results since it seems too close to call.


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

Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:08
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Rainy and cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

You Can't Win Them All

I really thought the ride to work would be quiet, somber this morning...and the Orange Line was. The bus was a different story. Kids were whooping it up and laughing in the back. Maybe they were Giants fans?

I guess you can't really win them all.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:10
T Arrival Time: 7:31
Weather as I call it: Orange skies in the morning...sailors take warning
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Early

The bus came early today which put into motion a commute that was shifted a least 5 minutes before I usually ride.

The faces were all different. The noise level was much quieter. I missed my peeps.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:55
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:31
Weather as I call it: Colder than yesterday but sunny.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Why Aren't We All Sick?

Germ warfare is a part of riding the MBTA. I am not sure everyone is a conscious participant in the germ war, but I am. It is a full-on fight not to catch the ugly virus that is making the person next to you hack and cough in the most disgusting ways.

People...please cover your mouth when you cough. I don't want to be sick. I don't want what you have. Even though my immune system has evolved and has been fortified due to my ridership on the T, I am still human. My body cannot fight off every flu or cold virus out there...especially when I am exposed to it in the cold confines of the bus and/or Orange Line.

I might need to start wearing rubber gloves and a surgical mask.

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

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Mild for a January morning. 40s. Cloudy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4 Please STOP COUGHING ON ME!
Feared for my life: Depends.

Use Your Inside Voice

I worked from home yesterday so no post. My wife had jury duty so I was on baby duty. Is that TMI? Well, too bad! My blog. My rules.

Or something like that.

Sorry, I didn't mean to come off as a tough guy.

Please don't click the back button.

I had a good time on the bus. I saw some guy (in his 20s/30s) was getting escorted out of a Malden high rise nursing home in cuffs by a couple of police officers. Wonder what that was all about.

This guy behind me answered his loud ringing cell phone and then had a very loud conversation...It was pretty obnoxious. Ooh, maybe he was a little hard of hearing? Ok, next subject.

There was another guy on the Orange Line having a boisterous conversation about John Harvard's growlers and pint glasses. His southern accent was thick. I knew he wasn't from around here.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cold, sun rising over the trees.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Bags On Seats

Well, I enjoyed my three day weekend. Did you have Monday off too? I hope you did. If not, I back with you today.

The bus has been on time for the past few days. I have to hustle to make sure I get to the stop before it passes. Not that I am complaining...it's been nice not having to wait for it.

The Orange Line was packed. There were a few guys along the trip that decided that their duffel bags were way too big to place on their laps or in front of them...so they put them on the seat next to them.

The guys would move the bags eventually...but I still don't understand why they place their bags on seats in the first place.

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

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cold, 10s, Partly Sunny.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Performer at Downtown Crossing

Jesus woke you up this morning.

If anyone goes through the Orange Line section of the Downtown Crossing stop, specifically the Forest Hills side of things...you know what I'm typing about.

Have a good weekend.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:09
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:34
Weather as I call it: Rainy...better than snow
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

A Balancing Act

The bus was NO NONSENSE today. On time and over delivered on arrival time. The driver was brisk and didn't delay at any stop. It was great.

Not sure why, but there were a lot of people falling on the T today...grasping for poles and doing acrobatics to stay on their feet. Amazing stuff.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:07
T Departure Time: 7:10
T Arrival Time: 7:34
Weather as I call it: Cold but sunny
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2 (delays on the orange line make it a 2)
Feared for my life: No

Aftermath

I was witness to a bizarre landscape as I walked out of the house today. The snow was heavy in the trees. The sky had patches of dark gray and red-orange. The ground was covered in....whoa, almost slipped on the black ice in my driveway. Next time, I should stop paying attention to the sky and more attention on where I am walking.


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Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cold and weird
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Except for the almost falling on the ice part, I was ok.

Untimely Snow

Nice. Another Nor'Eastah. Everything was on time though. There weren't a lot of people on the bus/Orange Line. No school...no work for some, I guess.

- There was a dude who was coughing up a lung behind me on the bus. I hope he covered his mouth.

- The bus was silent...outside of the dude coughing and the bus driver's c.b. radio.

- There was a woman yelling on a pay phone at Malden Center station. Maybe she was stranded and trying to get a ride home?

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Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: SNOW! WIND!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Felt pretty secure

Mad Improv Skills

It was a dark start to the morning. No sun means night-like conditions. I thankfully missed a downpour or two at the bus stop. It was a pleasant, mostly dry wait for the the bus.

The singer/guitar player at Downtown Crossing has been playing a big part of my morning.

He was singing and playing while we were stopped in the station. Then, some passenger walked by and said, "Sing about how you're Jesus woke you up this morning."

And he did just that. He has mad improv skills as well.


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Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Dark, rainy, high 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

They Need The Space

Bus came right on time today...but so did all the passengers. I ended up standing in the back. I hate the guys that take up three seats in the back of the bus.

These are the seats that do not face forward, they face the side of the bus.

It's not because they are large, they just feel like they have to spread their limbs and their stuff across all three seats. No need to make room for anybody else.

They need the space.


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Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Partial sun..a little cooler...around 40 degrees
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Let The Old Man Sit Down

I had the choice of two buses today and with choosing the later bus, I was able to get to Malden Center faster. Sweet.

Right before we got there, an elderly man got on the bus. He struggled to walk passed the people standing up front. Passengers sitting around me started shouting, trying to get someone to give up their seat for the old man. No dice.

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Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Warmer again this morning - 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Yankee Doodle

I thought I would change the format of my posts so that the body comes before the stats. I have seen some sites that republish this blog and the stats make the post look ugly. So, let's see how this goes.

There was a musician at Downtown Crossing playing songs on his guitar. While we were stop there, this guy played "Yankee Doodle". Although not a choice I would pick for the winter season, the worst part was that he only knew a verse...well sorta...I think he made up words for the last line in and he kept playing the verse over and over.

"Yankee Doodle went to town
Riding on a pony
Stuck a feather in his hat
And walked down the hallway...??" (I think that's what he was singing).

He just kept repeating these lines over and over.

I was facing the other way, but the people across from me were snickering and whispering things to each other.

He sounded like he was having fun.

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Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Warmer - High 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Not today

Plenty of Room in Back

Bus Departure Time: 7:01
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: 40s and cloudy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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Bus was pretty full today. I had the fortune of being able to sit. A woman who stood beside me had her duffle bag placed on my lap. I didn't mind.

The driver kept telling people to move back, but people were trying to stand their ground..trying to avoid the three steps.

You see, these new buses have rear sections that are set above the rest of the seating. There are three steps that lead to this elevated section and act as an invisible barrier...keeping the majority of the passengers out.

Finally, the bus driver had to point out that there was plenty of room in the back...and other passengers help spread his message. Eventually, people walked up the stairs to stand in the back.

A Little Warmer Today

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:14
T Arrival Time: 7:34
Weather as I call it: 10 degrees out, but that's warmer than yesterday.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

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Everything was running on time again...which made the cold temps bearable.

The bus driver did not have a good time with brakes. He made jerky stops the whole way. It was disconcerting.

Not sure what's up with the bus route, but we have not gone done Pleasant St. at all this week. I overheard the bus driver telling a passenger that the city of Malden is behind the route change. Not sure. Maybe I will investigate.

Catching Breaks

Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:34
Weather as I call it: COLD
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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It was cold. Very cold...but I caught some breaks. First, the bus showed up pretty close to on time. Then I didn't have to wait on the T platform at all because the train was in the station when I arrived and I was able to jump on before the doors closed.

I was able to cross the street without having to wait an entire light cycle.

All of these things add up.

One Bus One Love

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:24
T Departure Time: 7:28
T Arrival Time: 7:50
Weather as I call it: Cold and cloudy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: I slipped on some ice while walking on my driveway.

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I brought back the old template. So yay. There was only one bus that came during the 7 o'clock timeframe, so we all had to pile in and make the best of it.

People were shouting "No more room!" by the fourth stop. The driver decided not to pick up any more passengers once no one could get on any more.

I hate it when a scheduled bus fails to run at all. Not just late, but absent.

It happens way too often to be acceptable.


The Orange Line was fine. I need to start bringing books to read on the T. The Metro is rotting my brain.

Last Post of 2007

Hiya. Let's list the haps today.

I walked out of my house and saw the bus fly by my stop at 6:55. What the hell? Bus, you are always late or at the very least on time. You are never early. What gives?

Once I was on the bus, some guy at the next stop got on and paid his fare. After he got his Charlie Ticket back, he lifted it above his head and told everyone, "That's the last time I will use this thing." Not sure if he was getting a Charlie Card or excited he was never going to have to ride the bus again.

On the Orange Line, there was a pretty intoxicated guy talking to everyone. Thankfully, he got off at Sullivan Square.

Here's to 2008.

Vomit at Back Bay Station

Hey, howdy there peeps. It's yer old pal blogging again. I saw something this morning and I need to tell the whole world. Yeah, really.

Someone got sick on the Back Bay Orange Line T platform. I did not see the person that got sick, but I did see what they left behind.

It was chunky. It was pink. It covered a 16 inch diameter on the platform floor.

Thankfully it was closer to the Inbound side. I saw it but did not have to step in it.

Now you know the most exciting part of my commute today.

He Hates The Loop

I saw something curious on the Orange Line this morning. There was a dude who took his aggression out on an inanimate object. Let me set up the scene:

This guy got on at North Station and he pushed his way into the middle of the car where I was standing.

For some reason, the metal bars on the train...you know the ones...you hold on to them if you have to stand...well, nowadays they have these rubber loops on them...maybe three to a bar or so. They are sorta old timey and I find them annoying since I have hit my head on them a few times after I have stood up from sitting right underneath them.

This dude stood right next to me and attacked the loop. He struck at it. He punched it a few times. It was weird.

Then he flipped it upside down so that the loop pointed towards the ceiling rather than the floor. Again, strange...

He got a seat a few stops later while I continued to stand.

Because I was feeling a bit saucy today...blame the holidays...I turned the loop back right side down. I don't think he noticed. Too bad. I was wondering if he would turn his aggression towards me and not a poor, defenseless rubber loop.

Too Much Snow

Not enough shoveling.

I waited for the bus standing on the street. The snow bank did not seem like a safe place to stand. I didn't want to fall under somebody's tires.

The Orange Line was not prompt. We all waited on the platform as the winds blew. Many people turned their backs to the tracks...not sure if it was to keep warm or if it was a silent protest about the delay.

Even though the train took a long time to get to Malden, there were many delays on the line. What were we waiting for?

Dog Barking Bus Stop

On my walk to the bus stop, I encountered a dog. It had no leash. It had no owner in sight.

It made eye contact with me and then proceeded to bark at me as I continued my journey to the bus stop.

Once I arrived, the dog stood next to me and barked at me...and barked at me.

I started to ask the dog questions.

"Why are you barking at me?"

"Who is your owner?"

"Where is your home?"

The dog didn't answer. He kept barking at me.

I decided to ignore the dog as best I could.

It wasn't until Mike came to the stop did the dog run away.

I guess I am not that intimidating. Quite a bizarre start to the morning and I am not sure what to make of it.

Dunkin Donuts Couple

Do you ever get on the T and get involuntarily involved in a couple's argument?

Sometimes that happen.

This morning, there was a couple on the platform and they were nosily bickering with each other. They were complaining about their Dunkin' Donuts order and whose fault it was for the messed up order they received.

When they got on the train, they still talking loudly about how late they were and if they were given the right change back from the D+D cashier.

They took up three seats: Two for them, one for their food.

Thankfully, they did give up their food seat as more people entered the train.

Then, I didn't hear them for a while. Not sure if they stopped talking, or if the heavy coats of others standing around them insulated me from their noise.

As we got closer to Back Bay, the crowds thinned out and they were back talking again. Not sure they ever stopped.

Slushing To Work

Ah yes, the first measurable snowfall of the season...always makes things interesting.

Here's a good thing about taking public transportation. I don't have to deal with the people who are driving and act like they have never seen snow before.

I always disliked driving in this stuff. This morning was easy compared to getting there by car.

My heart goes out to my driving friends.

Text Alerts

Are you going to sign up for text alerts to find out why the T is late?

I think I would rather seek it out than have it sent to me.

Holiday Rush

I don't know about you...but has the subway been packed the last two days?

Is it because people are looking to get out of town for Turkey Day?

Is it because there have been system wide delays?

People were shoving and yelling at each other at State St. No lie.

I have a lot to be thankful for.

School Spirit

Since it is Thanksgiving week, Malden High School is having 'school spirit' week...at least that is what I can tell from what the kids were wearing to school today. Most of the girls were wearing pajamas. I overheard one of the kids saying it was "Wacky Tacky" day. Not sure what that means, nor do I understand why wearing pajamas to school means you are full of school spirit...but I'm not a kid anymore.

My high school had school spirit week and the adminstration asked that certain classes wear certain colors; i.e., Juniors wear white. I guess the thinking behind it is if everybody does the same thing, then we all feel unified....and therefore...we are full of school spirit.

I always felt they were reinforcing conformity...and I wasn't sure I agreed with it.

Still don't.

Examining The Boston Now Selling Techniques

Ok, I know they are not really selling anything...but there are a few techniques in play at Malden Station in the Boston Now paper distribution industry that I would like to discuss.

On the back side of the station, there is the guy who sings and I have talked about him before: The Malden T Stop Singer

On the front side of the station, there is this fairly new to the scene guy who takes a different approach.

• He addresses the oncoming crowds as "America". For instance, he will shout, "Boston Now! It's free, America!"


• He shouts, "Participate, don't discriminate!"


• He spells the word "Now" as a variation to saying the word "Now".
  

There are other things he says, but those three are the best.

Comments:

Although I see myself as an American, I think he should localize his target a bit more. I think it would be better addressed us as "Massachusetts" or more precisely "Malden". I just don't feel like "all of America" as I rush through the doors to get to the Orange Line.

Just because I don't want a paper doesn't mean I am discriminating. I like the guilt angle though. Well played.

The spelling of "Now" really punctuates the theme of the paper. N! O! W! It's not happening later...it's happening...now! Get it before "now" is over.

I still haven't taken a paper from this guy...but after breaking it down...I just might. Just don't call me America.

Yeah That Was Sweet

The bus was beeping throughout the whole ride. I think the driver finally got annoyed by it and turned off the engine at one of the stops.

At the engine shutdown, some guy in the back bus exclaimed, "Flipping Sweet!" (but he didn't say 'flipping').

I think he thought the bus had broken down. His shout didn't get much of a reaction from anybody else on the bus. I wonder if he felt a little embarassed for saying that once the bus started right back up again.

Probably not.

Air Conditioning

Not sure why, but our Orange Line car had the air conditioning on. If I was a little groggy from the hour change, the A/C certainly lifted the fog.

I was wide awake.