Friendly Service

I used a different toothpaste this morning. Did anyone notice a sparkle in my smile? No? Day 2 of my 4 day work week and it's been a good week so far. No weirdness on the roads. When the train stopped, the open door was right in front of where I was standing so I climbed right in. The walk to work was good. I got a coffee from the Friend Street Hostel's cafe. It was wonderful and the service was pretty friendly. Good times - celebrate them.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny and not humid
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Doll On The Side Of The Tracks

I saw a doll on the site of the tracks. You know, a kid's toy? Anyway, it made me sad that someone is missing their toy. It also made me sad that somebody threw a doll on the side of the tracks. It was weird place to discard of a toy and it made me think of a hobo living on the side of the tracks. Nice weather this morning. The traffic was tolerable, the train was quick, and the walk was pleasant. Good commute, everybody.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, not humid, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Quiet Friday

Although the highway was a little crowded, everything else was quiet in terms of the number of people around to make the commute rough. There are plenty of people who have summer Fridays or WFH (that's work from home, peeps) on Fridays...so add that to the 4th of July and we're talking quiet times. All right. See you on Monday.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Beep Boop

Well, the train didn't have many people on it today. I think that is to be expected after a major summer holiday. Either people were smart enough to take the rest of the week off or they were taking later trains since they were out having a good time yesterday. I had a great time with my family. My kids spent much of the day in the lake near our house. We swam and splashed and took in the sun. The clouds stayed away for most of the day. Heck, I wanted to sleep a little more this morning but I was back at it on the ol' normal time train. I guess I am a robot. Beep boop.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunnyish
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life:Nah

I Thought You Would Take The Week Off

Maybe people are taking the last two days of the week off. The train was full of passengers and I had to take a seat near the middle. Maybe there were a lot of tourists on the train? Man, I would take a later train. It's too early for fun. Drive was good. Walk was good. Happy Fourth.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Noooooooooooooooooo!

Weird Week

So it's on two, off one, on two. It's weird. The parking lot at the train station was filled with big pickup trucks and other large vehicles. It was tough to find a parking space where I normally park - my car would have been tightly squeezed between cars that were parked over the line. Nearby, there were some spaces that had plenty of space. It's the same price no matter where you park. I fell asleep on the train for maybe 30 seconds and jolted awake because my arms went numb. People must have been wondering what was wrong with me. The walk to work was ok. There some guy yelling at a guy who asks for change to get a job...but other than that, it was a pleasant morning walk.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: NO!

I Beat The Rain

Dark clouds loomed in the west while I stood at the train station. I was urging the train to chug faster so I would miss the downpour. Since I head east, I missed the rain completely. It started to come down after I was in the office for 20 minutes. Then I started to see soaking wet coworkers walking in. Well, I got that going for me...which is...you know. Hope you have a good weekend

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, but not rainy
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Only In Two Places

Some days, the train is understaffed. The one in the morning usually runs with 3 conductors. If someone is sick or for whatever reason doesn't make it, they roll with what they have. With only two conductors, they open up doors in only two places. It tends to be the front and the back at my stop. That's fine, but I always wait in the middle. So today, my middle people and I had to trek to the back of the train. Not a horrible situation, but it was probably the most interesting thing that happened on my commute today. a hey hey...

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny-ish 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Better At Driving Than Me

There was a few close calls on the highway today. One where this black VW was close to hitting me on the exit ramp to 495 at the Lowell Connector. What a jerk! Good thing I didn't make any sudden movements or I would have hit him. Then, on the off ramp from 495, there was a motorcycle that decided that the ramp could handle two vehicles at once. What a jerk! Good thing I didn't make any...well you know the rest. What the hell, people? Was everybody in such a rush that they couldn't be a little safer? I guess. Maybe they were just better at driving/riding than me. Sure. Train and walk was ok. No pushing or shoving there.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Ish

Pretty Much Business As Usual

Well, I thought it was going to rain all day today. Much to my chagrin, the sky had only scattered clouds this morning. There was no need for an umbrella or any other rain gear. The commute was fine. No issues to write about. The heat from last week is gone so walking was more enjoyable. No interesting sights to share with yo. It was pretty much business as usual.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:39
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Smoking Cigars

Ok - the most curious thing this morning with the heat at 80 degrees already was the guy who was dressed in a long sleeve buttoned up shirt and tan shorts and loafer without socks smoking a fat cigar walking out of North Station. That guy had it going on. It was quite a sight. Maybe he was giving his notice today. Maybe he always dresses that way. He looked confident - no matter what.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, 80s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Prepared For The Heat

After many days of reasonable temperatures, today we are getting the smackdown from the sun and the humidity. It's supposed to be a hot one. Everywhere on my commute, it look like people were prepared for the heat. From the clothes they wore and the expression on their faces, the people were ready to defend themselves from the dangerous conditions. I got an iced coffee. That should help me fend off the dreaded heat.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, starting to feel it. High 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Not Groundhog Day

I got to the train station a little earlier. There were people standing and waiting by the side of the track. There was a group of three people where I usually stand. Two people were standing close together while the third was standing four feet away from the couple. It left a space big enough for me just to walk into and stand. Thanks guys! The train was a little late today. I was afraid we were going to have a repeat of yesterday but we didn't. It was just a little late. It was not Groundhog day again. The breeze was lightly blowing which kept me a little cold waiting for the train. No matter. Tomorrow it will be 100 degrees Fahrenheit - no big deal. I won't be cold tomorrow.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny, breezy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

I Wasn't Late But The Train Was

It was hard waking up this morning. The sunny day laziness of yesterday set in and wasn't letting go. No worries. I powered through it and I got to the station on time. I noticed there were a large group of people waiting around the tracks. I wasn't sure why. I looked at my watch three times to confirm I wasn't late. But the train was. We had to wait another 15 minutes before it came. I felt asleep on the train. I am pretty sure. I may have let my mouth hang open. I really hope I didn't...but I did have that feeling of complete sleep.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:16
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:57
Weather as I call it: Cloudy then sunny by the time I got to Boston
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

Sunny Day Run

Sunny day this morning. The air was dry and it was pretty awwwesome driving. I took the later train because I ran this morning around my neighborhood. It was pretty sweet. The weather was perfect and I made good time. Anyhoo. I took a little nap on the train. It was really nice to close my eyes and just drift off to some place between sleep and awake. Once I got out, I was refreshed and walked to the office.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):1
Feared for my life: No

Gotta Get Used To It

Cloudy this morning but the roads were pretty free and easy. The train station was quiet and still until the train came. Man, there was some speed and power behind it today. Very big gust of wind came after it pulled into the station. Good train ride. No announcements of higher ticket prices today. Mom and the two kids disrupted passengers sitting near the front of the car. They all felt like they had to give up their seats even though she claimed she didn't need it. Walk was fine out of North Station to work. I could get used to this kind of commute.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, warm, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Ticket Prices Are Going Up

This morning on the train, the conductor got on the loudspeaker and talked about how ticket prices were increasing as of July 1. He made a funny "Wha?" sound after he noted how much a one way ticket from Lowell to Boston was going to cost. He then suggested to everyone who wanted to save themselves a little money in the future to buy tickets now, in bulk, before the tickets go up in price. That's pretty good advice coming from an employee of the company that is charging the fares. All of us monthly pass peeps who get them purchased through some work program can only shrug their shoulders...like me. I have already purchased my expensive July pass. Yippee.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Rainy, humid, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Left Behind

I got on the train and sat down. At my feet was a large Dunkin' Donuts black iced coffee about three quarters full. Did somebody take a sip and then just leave it on the floor of the train? Did somebody forget to take it with them? Are they cursing themselves for leaving behind a tasty cool beverage? No matter - it was a problem waiting to happen. At any moment, someone (probably me) was going to kick it over. So I paid it forward - I took the big cup with me when I departed the train and gently put it in the trash. Who would leave such a large iced coffee behind?

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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No - but I feared an icy coffee mess

In Terms Of Rudeness

Man, I was tired this morning. I slept on the train or at least I did my best approximation of sleep. My eyes were closed and my mind was resting. The trip went by quickly. I opened my eyes and we were pulling into North Station with some jerks and clangs. I think the brakes need an inspection. Walking to work, a worker from the local Cosi gave me an empty small coffee cup so I could get a free coffee. I took her up on her offer even though I should only drink coffee on Wednesdays. When I got out of the restaurant, with my coffee in hand, I saw a guy on a bike yelling at another guy in a car about not using a signal. He called him a number of names that are not right for this blog. I am under contract to keep the content at a PG level at worst. Anyhoo - it's good to see Boston hasn't lost its edge in terms of rudeness.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

Then I Will Be Silent Again

Four day work week that went by quick. Next week I will be out of the office for 4 days so I will have a one day work week coming up...sorta. This morning was surprise pass inspection day and the conductor told us we all passed with flying colors. I had my June pass ready. I felt prepared. The sun was shining and people were in good spirits today. At least from the chatter and the expressions I saw, it appeared that people were feeling happy. Well, I leave again for a while - but you take care of yourself. Avoid cars when you're walking the street, and avoid those people with clipboards. They want to steal your soul.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.57
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Finally A Post

Well I haven't written in a long time but I have been commuting to work over the past few weeks. The last two weeks were pretty busy for me and if I am not inspired by the commute, I don't write. Today was a good one. There was a little mist during the drive that washed away some of the pollen on my car. When I got out of the train, I walked through the station and through the doors to the street. A few blocks away, I was under the parking garage near Haymarket station. There was a guy looking at himself in the reflection of the bus stop glass. He was on one foot and was making Karate Kid poses. I didn't know what to make of it, so I went and bought an iced coffee at the Dunkin' Donuts. The fog was covering up the tops of the buildings. I noticed that before I got to work.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Misty, foggy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.61 Down doobie do down down
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

Coast Guard Training

There was some wild driving on the roads this morning. I saw a small white pickup truck slide into a turn on the drive to work, then saw it run some red lights. No big deal...or NBD as they say in my neighborhood. On the train, there was a good number of people who were members of the Coast Guard. They got on at Woburn but were from out of town. I picked up on their accents and they weren't of the Boston variety. I overheard them talking about training sessions and powerpoint presentations that needed editing. I am glad that they have the same issues as other working stiffs like me. Some light rain was falling when I got to Boston. NBD - I didn't need an umbrella. I got a coffee on the walk to the office. It helped a little - warmed me up and helped me fight the chill that this week has given me.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, damn, some light rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: A bit, that truck was kinda scary

Found Myself

Today I found myself taking a later train. That's a weird turn of phrase. Yes, I took a later train but it sounds more poetic if I found myself. It's as if I were lost this morning and then I found myself doing something I hadn't planned. Well it was all planned. On the way to work, I saw a police boat in the water with its flashing lights on. It was near the traintrack bridge that crosses the Charles River. I didn't see any emergency. So, with the later train: More sun. Thumbs up for more sun.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Not Optimistic But I Wished Her Good Luck

When we got to North Station, Northeastern University was starting their graduation ceremonies. I talked to a woman who rode the train with me about her nursing degree. She is not optimistic about her job prospects after graduation. The rain continued to come down this morning and I can't wait to see the sun again. Yeah, it's been a while.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Rainy again
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

I'm Not Accustomed To Lose

Hey ho. Another rainy-ish day in Boston. At times, I was wondering if I would need the umbrella but the sprinkle stayed light so there was no need. The train came but they were down a conductor so the doors opened at the very back of the train and no where else. There was someone who didn't follow train exiting ettiquette. She sorta plowed her way down the aisle. The woman who was across from me smiled as I made a bewildered face. Then I let her go ahead of me, which she thanked me.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:02
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Rainy-ish
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Another Gray Day

Another gray day and another day where I don't need the umbrella. There was a woman who raced by me to aggressively stop at a red light. I love that...especially when I pass them while they wait for the light to change for their left turn. I got some coffee before I went to work...plus some breakfast pastries. One of the best scones I ever had from Boston Brewin' - unexpected to say the least.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, Gray, Maybe some sprinkles here and there
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

You Have Cooperated Today

I like mornings when it rains but it stops for the window of time when I am getting to work. It means I don't have to be delayed on the roadways when people forget how to drive in the rain. It means no need for an umbrella when I am standing and waiting for the train. It means not sitting in wet clothes on the train. It also means I don't have to take the Orange line rather than walking to the office. Yes, mother nature. You have cooperated today.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, but not raining
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Still Cold Out There

There was a short delay on the way to the train station. An accident had occurred a few blocks away from the train station parking lot. Three emergency vehicles had arrived at the scene and the crews were tending to the driver. She appeared to be fine and I didn't see any damage to the car. Everyone was able to drive around the damaged car without too many problems. Train and walk were fine. It's still cold out there. ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, high 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Early Ride In

I had a call at 7 to make so I got to the office early. I love the different culture on the earlier trains. These people are no nonsense. They are focused on getting to work. There's no smiles or chit chat. It's all business.

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Departure Time From Home: 5:23
Departure Time From Train Station: 5:43
Arrival Time at North Station: 6:22
Weather as I call it: Sunny, a little breezy. Low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Be Bold And Take The First Leap

No rain today but it was colder than yesterday. I wore my leather jacket and had to button it up all the way. The train was a little crowded. The big boy who likes to talk was at it again. He was chatting it up with another person and they were pretty receptive to him. I am surprised but maybe I shouldn't be. Maybe deep down we all want to talk to strangers but just need someone to start it up. We need the other person to be bold and take the first leap.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, colder, low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Umbrella Time

Wow. The rain was coming down this morning when I got outside. I had to run and grab the umbrella from the car and run to take the garbage out to the curb. The rain got me pretty good. During the drive to the train station, I dried off pretty good. My heat worked to dry out my pants and shoes. Traffic wasn't that bad and the train was on time. At the Woburn stop, it didn't stop like it normally does. It had stopped a few car lengths past where it normally stops. People had to adjust on the platform.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Rain then just wet
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Total Flat Tire

As I was walking to the place where I stand and wait for the train, this older dude stepped on the back of my shoes and almost took it off. Now, I do this all the time to people. I don't mean anything by it. I can be pretty clumsy at times and my big feet get in the way. I step on their heels and I always pretend that it didn't happen or at least that it wasn't me that did it. And you know what, this dude did the same to me. He didn't say he was sorry. He didn't pay it any mind. It was a total flat tire too. My shoe came off the back of my foot. I tried to walk and put it back on. No dice. I had to take a knee and put it back on.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Across The Sea

Do you ever listen to music on the way to work? I had a craving to hear Weezer's Pinkerton album this week so those songs have been played in my car and on the train (using my earbuds, natch). Good stuff. I got your letter, you've got my song. ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:05
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nopers

No Big Deal

After a few days of summer like weather, it was back to wearing a coat.  There was a little wind at the train station.  The breeze was cold, but hey - I had a coat.  No Big Deal.  NBD.  N! B! D!

The sun was nice.  It was pretty bright out there this morning.   With the cooler air, things looked clearer.  It was pretty smoggy lately.
I left a little early today. I had to get some gas. I've been riding with the gas light on for a few days.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:16
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cooler, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Marathon Monday

Ah, Patriots' Day.  The third spring holiday for us Boston folks (St. Patrick's Day and Opening Day being the other two).  I think we can finally close the door on winter, not that this winter was bad at all.

Light traffic and not many cars parked in the lot although curiously some woman parked right next to me even though there were many spots available.  She actually apologized for parking so close to my car as I was feeding the payment machine.  I told her it was all right, but I wondered why she did park next to me when she had other choices.  I think she's was unstable...in the brain area.

The train stopped right before it pulled into North Station.  A fire alarm went off at the dispatcher's office and we had to wait for them to come back before we could be allowed to enter the station.  I think it delayed us for  about 8 minutes or so.  I wasn't worried - I was taking a nap.




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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, 60s, I didn't wear a coat.
Shady Gas Price: $3.87 UGH!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Mellow

I looked out at my backyard and saw some fog hanging around at sunrise. I was surprised to scrape my windshield and clear it of the slight frost that had collected there. There were some slippery spots on the ground too. Thankfully I didn't encounter any on the roads, but I did feel the surface of the ground was a little slick. Thank goodness it is Friday. Pretty mellow commute. Monday should be mellow too. ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):2
Feared for my life: No

Yeah I Don't Talk To People

The big guy in front of me was at it again, talking to strangers. This time, I think he got a different reaction. It didn't seem like the person next to him wanted anything to do with his conversation. Sorry dude. I wish people were friendlier, but this is Boston...not...you know...anywhere else.

  ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

That Dude Was Talking

There's this dude who has been taking my typical seat on the train for the past two days now. Sounds like he just got a job in Boston. I learned of this information because he was speaking with the woman who sat with him on the train. She was more than happy to talk to this dude.

It got me thinking. Maybe the train doesn't have to be a big elevator where everyone keeps to themselves and doesn't talk to each other. Maybe I can say hey to the people I have seen on this morning train for over 2 years now. Yeah, probably not.


  ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, weird light rain at times.
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Rushed To The Station

I swear I thought the train was going to be late this morning. I checked my watch and at 6:57 the train was nowhere to be found. Then, the lights turned the corner on the tracks and it RUSHED to the station to pull in at 6:59.

 It might have left a little later than that, but it arrive right on time. More people on the train than usual. I can't wait for rates to go up. Maybe it will thin out the crowds?

  ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Some sun, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Car Dealership Service Center Pickup

After the weirdness of Friday, this morning - although not usual - was much more regular. I had my car serviced by the dealership. I had dropped it off on Saturday morning and I opted to pick it up today because of the holiday and such yesterday. I won't note the times and such since they really don't matter but gas is up again. I can say the car is running better than it has in a long time. No idea who put up the caution tape across my driveway on Friday morning...but I am more cautious if that's what somebody wants to know.

  ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: N/A
Departure Time From Train Station: N/A
Arrival Time at North Station: N/A
Weather as I call it: Some sun, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Weirdest Morning Ever

Other than that one commute where I got into a car accident, this morning was the weirdest one ever.

I woke up to find Caution tape crossing my driveway.  I don't know who did it.  I just took it down, rolled it up, and threw it in my car.  I saw that the house down the street also had the same yellow plastic warning across their driveway.  A random prank?  It was really weird.

When I got to the train station, I picked up the tape from my car so I could throw it away.  I was rushing and I ended up locking my keys in my car.  After some quick debate in my head, I called AAA to have them come out to open my car door.

The rest of the commute was ok.  Outside of going out of the way to buy some coffee at the Clover Food Lab truck and be told that it wasn't ready yet...it was ok.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Sunny, but cold
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 8
Feared for my life: No

20 Percent Less

Good commute today.  The train parking lot was 20% less full than on a regular weekday.  That is an accurate number.  I did the math.  Truly.

I think people are making this Easter weekend a little longer than usual by taking today off.  They probably have tomorrow off too.  It must be nice.  I will be back in the office, but the nice thing is - the roads will be less busy - the train will be less crowded - and the streets will be quieter.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Blinding sun, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Truck Crush

On the highway, a Jetta in front of me almost got crushed by a truck. We took the exit ramp together - the truck was first, then the Jetta, then me. The truck was going slow, so the Jetta was driving close to it. I was close to the Jetta. I probably didn't help the situation...but I wasn't doing anything illegal. Once we got off the ramp, we merged onto the Route 495 ramp for the Lowell Connector. It's two lanes and the truck got into the left lane. The Jetta tried to pass him on the right. Just as the Jetta was passing him, the truck started to move into the right lane. The Jetta swerved away, the truck swerved back. I kept my distance. Once the dust settled, the Jetta passed the truck and kept going. The truck slid into the right lane...and I continued to keep my distance until I could pass on the left.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40 on the nose
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah. Some tense moments but I was safe.

Three Stooges

In North Station today, there were three hired actors dressed up and looking like the Three Stooges. I avoided them well. They were being led around by a woman. I am wondering if she was the agency liaison to the actors and the event or if she was part of the act as well. Not sure - I didn't stick around to see what it was all about. A little part of me wanted to know, but most of me didn't want to be part of the show.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold, high 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Half Hearted Thumbs Up

I saw an act of kindness today. A guy in his teens returned a cell phone to another dude who had left it on his seat (I'm guessing). The dude was standing in the train's doorway. I didn't see him walk up there but he must have got up from his seat to take a strategic standing position near the door. The kid, who had left his seat and probably risked it being taken by someone else, walked up to him and handed him the phone (it looked like a Blackberry). The guy was very thankful, but the kid was less enthusiastic. He kinda gave the dude a half hearted thumbs up and walked back to his seat.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, a little rain here and there.
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Sip in Boston

I was a little slow out of the gate this morning. I had a outing last night and well, I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. No matter - I was good to go once I did get going. I grabbed a breakfast sandwich at Sip in Post Office Square. That hit the spot and got me ready for the day. Anyway - have a good weekend, ev'rybod. Let's do this all again on Monday...but with an April attitude.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold, high 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):2
Feared for my life: Nope

Now There Are Two Mommies

My ride has had one mom that brings her two kids on the train... My current commute has gone on for so long that I remember when she was lugging just one kid in a stroller. Now it two and I feel for her. Now there is another mom...and she gets on the train at the same stop as the original mommy. She has her stroller, but she doesn't get the prime spot. I feel for her too.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, windy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Hey Let's Stop

The train ride was riddled with a few weird stops. Not stops where people got on and/or off, just halts along the way. It delayed our arrival by a couple of minutes. During one of the stops, a train on the other tracks rode by and blew its horn. The force of the train passing by along with the horn blast made for an alarming experience.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

Yay Monday

Ah Mondays. Gray Mondays. They really get you into the spirit of getting back to work.

Thankfully, everything went smoothly. The drive was good. I was able to avoid a long wait at the traffic light by using the right lane (which no one else was using) and merging over when the light turned green.

The train was on time and the walk was pleasant. I think I may need to go a different direction out of North Station. My way seems slower.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Don't Eff With Snacks

There is a work of art AKA graffiti that is painted on a wall along the train tracks.

It looks like a standard "Hello my name is" sticker that one would wear at an event.

Instead of having that greeting at the top of it, the work proclaims "Don't F-word with" and in the space where your name would go it has the word: Snacks

Believe me, I love snacks. I think most people do. We do not want to mess with snacks in any way.

Snacks, we have your back.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, mild, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73 BOOOO!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Plucked It Right Out Of His Ear

There was a couple in the seat in front of me and I think they were fighting. They were having a loud discussion - a loud whisper discussion where the tone was aggressive but the words were said in the way so that only the intended receiver could hear them.

They settled down after a while and sat in silent. The man was listening to something as he had earbuds in his ears.

As a parting shot, she pulled one out of his ear, said something to him, and then stuck the earbud back where she found it.

I was happy I wasn't that guy this morning.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 50s. I didn't wear a coat today.
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Exact Change Wednesday

I saw some fog today. I guess that is the product of warm days and cool nights. There were little wispy trails of it stretched across the train tracks.

As the train raced through them, they violently dissipated to the left and right.

The train car was full today with people jammed into the seats and standing up. The conductor flirted with the young ladies...getting them to smile and telling them about exact change Wednesday. He has done this routine in the past. He has been quiet all week but today he was on a roll.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, mild, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

He's A Regular Fixture

After this weekend with all the warm weather and stuff, it was hard to get back at it this morning. Everything went fine. I tried to get a little sleep on the train ride.

I think the guy who was yelling about Transformers or transformers last week is a newspaper hawker. He's a regular fixture.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Warm, sunny, high 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Come Back in One Piece

Good week people. No delays on the way to work. Coming home was a different story but I can't write about that due to contractual obligations.

Now everyone should have a good weekend. The weather is supposed to be nice and the first of the spring holidays is happening on Saturday.

Let's all come back in one piece.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

No Smoke Or Fire

Beware the Ides of March. I will tell you this... I didn't have anything to be wary of this morning.

Everything went fine. There were no fires or smoke or anything wrong with times or anything.

Hopefully the warm weather will come back as they have been predicting.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, chilly, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Transformers Are Here

So the most important thing I witnessed on my commute to work was a conversation that happened right outside North Station.

Here's the scene:

Newspaper Guy: (talking to trash can) Hey!

Newspaper Guy: (turns towards car) Shut UP!

Newspaper Guy: (yells at Old Guy) Hey! The Transformers are here! They are here from outer space and they're here to take over the...
Old Guy: (cutting Newspaper Guy off) Great!


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

More Awake

Well it was warm this morning but it was also rainy. I took the T instead of walking to the office because the rain was coming down just enough to be annoying.

Other than that, the commute was fine. I felt more awake this morning than I did yesterday. One little hour of my life shouldn't affect me so much. I need to figure it out.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Warm, cloudy, then rainy.
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Every Year It's The Same Thing

I abhor the losing of sleep at daylight saving time. The Monday after the Sunday is always hard for me. I am a wimp, clearly...

I need to prepare better. You'd think I would have learned by now.

Every year it's the same thing. I am a zombie. I can't keep my eyes open.

I slept on the train as much as I could. It didn't help much. I needed to sleep for another 36 hours or so.

That last statement may have been an exaggeration.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, high 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

The end of another week. It felt like Friday would never come. The snow has all melted but the cool air was back.

Some empty seats on the train. I rode the whole way without sharing my seat.

Have a great weekend. I will see you on the roads and tracks on Monday.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

It's Not Spring Yet Peeps

Everybody else didn't bring a coat today but I did. I felt like a fool.

It's supposed to get into the high 60s today. Sweet!

But I am still wearing my winter coat. Unzipped, but still wearing it.

It's not spring yet, peeps.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, warm, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Workout Wednesday

It's Wednesday morning and I got my coffee from Boston Brewin'. Such a good place. If you work in Downtown Boston, go to their little shop on Bromfield St.

Good staff and the owner does situps and pushups on Wednesdays. He calls them Workout Wednesdays and you can get a small coffee if you exercise with him.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, a little warmer, high 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Heartwarming Scene of Road Rage

I went to vote and took a later train. On my walk to work, I saw a great scene of love and compassion between two drivers.

Near the corner of State and Congress in Boston, there was a guy pulled over to the side of the road. He was dropping someone off.

Behind him, there was a woman in a car. Since the road is two lanes and there really isn't any room to pull over, she was stuck.

She couldn't get into the left lane because there were too many cars in it. So she started to honk her horn at the guy. She blasted at him three or four times to get her message across.

When the woman, who the guy was dropping off, finally exited the car, the woman stopped beeping her horn. Then, traffic eased up and she pulled around him.

As she passed him, the guy gave her some arm/hand gesture. His right fist was shaking at her. The other fist was planted and crossed his right arm at the bicep.

A real angry gesture...not a middle finger...but I am guessing a similar message.

Once she passed him, he stepped on the gas and chased her to the next red light where he proceeded to honk his horn at her in retaliation.

It was a heartwarming scene.



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

Departure Time From Home: 6:45
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Cold, sunny, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Nice Nap

Yeah, I took a nice nap between Wilmington and Somerville. Don't worry, I was on the train. Man, it felt good. The weekend went by quickly and I had an 8 o'clock meeting.

After a little nappy poo, I was feeling better.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Some sun, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Snow Slowing Down People

The train was pretty empty today to start off. I think the towns that got hit with snow had a hard time digging out this morning, I guess.

Roads were fine but the chore of shoveling out the front stairs and/or the vehicles must have slowed people down.

Same crowds from Winchester and the other stops closer to Boston.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cold, a little wind. Snow on the ground
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Character Study

So there's this guy who I have seen most mornings on my way to work for the last two years.

He lives down the street from the station. His wife drives him to the station...he could walk I guess, but she probably drives to her own place of employment and drops him off. They sit in their vehicle and idle until the train pulls into the station.

That's when this guy get out and then plows through to the front of the crowd to get on the train as quickly as possible.

He makes chatter with the conductor. He also likes to sing little tunes to himself as he makes his way to his seat.

He's a character and he makes the commute interesting.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Snow, then rain in Boston.
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Characters

Remind me to write about a character who rides my train. He is sitting across from me right now and he just coughed up a lung. Yuck. He has many quirks and deserves his own post.

Gas is up in my neighborhood. How 'bout yours?


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40 probably
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

But It Will Change

The gas price at the scary station hasn't increased lately. Even though the news outlets were talking about the average price of a gallon of gasoline had risen dramatically over the past two weeks, the price in my neighborhood was steady.

Oh, that will change.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

She Didn't Know The Score

Man, it was a "going through the motions kinda morning" today. I just felt slow and tired.

There was an incident on the train where a woman was sorta shouting at a little boy for taking her seat - I guess. The little boy is on the train all the time. His name is Sam. He likes window seats. People usually get up for him.

I have never seen this shouting woman before but she seemed determined to let this kid know that she was having none of his nonsense.

Sam's poor mom was struggling to get on the train. She always has a stroller with her and as of the past 6 or so months, she has a little baby girl with her too.

Once Sam's mom got on, the situation was diffused but it was a little tense for a few seconds. Sam didn't react at all to the shouting woman's repeated calls of "Excuse me!?!"

I think the regulars were a little perplexed. Sam gets prince treatment on the train. I don't think this woman knew the score.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, chilly, high 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Something Smells Again

I think the guy who sat in front of me on the train cut the cheese. I am pretty sure.

That's all. Have a lovely weekend.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, colder, 30s, light snow at times.
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Something Smells

Sometimes the station at North Billerica is downwind from the water treatment plant that is up the street.

It doesn't happen often. When it first open, it used to smell up the neighborhood all the time especially on warm summer nights.

Now, it is a rare occurrence. But still, when it happens, it makes the air around the station smell putrid.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Like A Damn Christmas Tree

My dashboard was lit up like a damn Christmas tree.

The SRS light was on.

The Check Engine light was on.

The gas light was on.

I went to the gas station and took care of one of them. Guess which on?

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny. 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Beat Out The Lights

Well after a week away and yesterday not really feeling it, I am back to blogging about the commute to work.

I have an SRS light that is coming on in my car. What the heck is that all about?

Train was good. No real complaints.

Walk was good. I beat out some traffic lights.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Battery Wasn't Tired

I went out to my car this morning and noticed that I left one of the overhead map lights overnight. It was probably on for 8+ hours. Nice.

Because it was still illuminated, I had faith that my battery wasn't dead...and it wasn't.

It wasn't even tired. Ha. It started right up.

Good ride/Good walk. I even picked up some packing tape at CVS.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

In This Non-Winter

Today was a colder day..but in this non-winter, temps in the teens is really nothing. This is a good day during a bad winter. Yeah, the temps were cold but the wind was non-existent and that's the real killer. Wind chills kill.

Car ride was good. My check engine light came back on after a month and a half of being incognito. I just need it to be off on a Saturday morning in March so I can get my inspection sticker without a hassle.

Train and walk was good. I got a coffee from Boston Brewin today. Nice little coffee closet on Bromfield St. Prices are good too. Give them a try...


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny, colder
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

One Thing Is True

If we all lived by this rule, the world would be a better place.

"Do what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it."

It's easy and there is great examples of it every day. Heck, even the T gets this right most of the time. Yes, most of the time.

I think in business and personal relationships if you follow this one rule, you're doing 90% of what is required. The rest is just kissing ass (rather than kicking it).

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

It Doesn't Compare

I had to come in early for a meeting and the Monday after the Super Bowl tends to be a slow one no matter what time you get up. It was particularly slow this morning because the Patriots were unable to win the game.

I think people are down about it. I know I am, but it is just a goofy football game and it doesn't really matter in the grand scope of things.

It doesn't compare to my son's laugh or my daughter's hug or my wife's smile.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:05
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:07
Weather as I call it: It was dark, 20s, a little windy on the walk.
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Happy Event

A little cold out there this morning. The wind blew as I stood on the platform and waited for the train. It didn't really die down much. Right around the time I felt like I couldn't take it any more, I saw the headlight of the train come shining around the bend. Sometimes seeing that train is a happy event.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cold, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

What Up Boston

What up, Boston? Here we are again. Driving to work. Trying to get there all in one piece.

No fog and no road problems. My Check Engine light has been off for some time now. I jinxed it. It will be back on tomorrow.

Not much in terms of the train and the walk was pretty quiet and quick.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy - colder. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Lifts To Show Nothing

Fog was all over the place when I got in the car. The air was warm but the ground was cold and it looked more like Fall than anything else outside.

There didn't seem to be anything stirring in the fog as it seems in warmer seasons. I get this feeling that there are creatures hiding in the mist, but in the winter - all is still and the veil lifts to show nothing.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Foggy.
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nopers

New To The System

I got a seat on the train pretty close to the front. I had a nice lady sit next to me. She seemed to be really polite. She thanked people and was courteous to the conductor.

I think she may have been new to the system.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

For A Monday

For a Monday, I was pretty wide awake and calm. I had some pretty good sleep throughout the night, even battled bad people in my nightmares...but my mind got a good reset.

After some breakfast tea and a blueberry filled pastry, I was good to go. GTG, as they say...somewhere.

Sunny to start, but once I hit the pavement in Boston the snow started to come down and it got steady as I walked into the office door.

I saw the flowers at the feet of the Kevin White statue.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, then snow. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49 - oof.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Out Of Phase

The train stopped all weird this morning. I thought it was the conductor's issue at first but it turned out that the engineer had stopped too fast.

I sat in a odd place in the car...the middle.

I didn't know if I should go forwards or backwards to exit the train. I went forward. It worked out for me.

Blargh! Have a good weekend.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Rainy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sorta Sick

Everybody in my house is sick so it was just a matter of time until I got something.

It's not a bad cold. It still feels like I am fighting it and I could be 100% better tomorrow. This morning, I was still feeling a little achy, a little run down.

I slept a little bit on the train. I sat down, made sure the conductor saw my pass, and then closed my eyes. Drifting away a little bit from consciousness was good. More rest would be even better.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Charlie Is His Name

The guy who holds two cups out and asks for change is named Charlie. Some guy came right up to him and said, "Here you go, Charlie."

Charlie was very happy to see the crumpled dollar bill. "Thank you!" he cried out in a sweet voice.

People kept walking. Charlie asked for more change.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Foggy Roads To Drive Down

High temperatures and rain have turned snow into fog. I had to fill up the gas tank.
The drive to both stations (gas and train) were a little hazy.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:25
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: High 50s. Foggy!
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Stealing A Victory

People seemed to be happier this Monday morning. I apply it to the Patriots stealing a win last night.

Train was on time. The warmer temperature was melting this snow.

Lots of smiles on the people's faces.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: High 30s, maybe a little rain in Boston.
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

2 Inches To Shovel

We woke up to a nice coating of snow. Light fluffy stuff...not too bad. I cleaned off both cars and cleared the stairs and the driveway. I took the later train and sat in the 3 person seat...got squeezed in the middle.

Walked through the snow and wind to get to the office. The sun was shining and was blinding me. Winter is back, people.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Sunny, coldish
Shady Gas Price: $3.43 Poop.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Same Crowd

I took a later train this morning. Too much partying with the family, I guess.

There was an accident at the 495/3 interchange. It looked like the road crews were towing away the vehicle when I got there, but there was a state police car with its lights own that blocked a lane of traffic. It added a few minutes to my drive but I didn't miss the train.

No matter the train, it's the same crowd of people at the station. I see them on the train ride home - or they take the early train with me too.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:53
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Cold, sunnyish
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Coffee Wars

I went to Anderson Woburn this morning. I am meeting my family for my daughter's birthday tonight or at least that is the plan. Traffic on 93 South started to slow down in Wilmington...which only affected my progress a little bit since I got off the highway in Woburn.

At North Station, there were people from Starbucks handing out free sample cups of coffee. The set up was two people per corner - one handing out flyers and the other with a large canister strapped to his back. In his hand, he had a tap hose...and he was dispensing coffee to people who walked by.

I avoided them for two reasons. 1. The wind was blowing so hard and was sustaining for many minutes at a time that I felt like my cup would blow away and the coffee would spill all over me.

The other reason was the medium Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup in my right hand filled with black coffee.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:18
Departure Time From Train Station 7:10
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Windy, Sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Wow We Have Snow

I haven't had to brush snow off the car since....October.

There wasn't much though. I brushed an inch off of the car and shoveled the stairs and the porch.

The roads were fine. The train station parking lot was plowed-ish. I put money in an envelope and stuck it in the slot.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, snow on the ground, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Closer to Warmth

It's a holiday but I still have to work. If that's one thing about working on a holiday, it's the lack of traffic and commute hang ups.

The only issue was the temperature. It was around 3°F at the house. I let the car warm up for 15 minutes before I left. The car was warm but not hot. It seemed like the engine never really got that hot.

The walk from North Station to the office was sorta brutal. I counted the steps knowing that each one was one closer to the door and warmth.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cold, sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Blue Salt

The guys at the train station were saying it was icy on the platform and were spreading the blue salt around.

A woman who doesn't ride the train a lot sat next to me. I could tell because she paid for a round trip ticket and had to search for change to pay for it.

The walk was wet again. I have my umbrella with me so I got through it without too much water absorption.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Rainy, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Actually Drove To Work Today

I faced light snow, rain, and wind but drove all the way to Boston today. I parked in the uncovered lots in the Seaport district. 13 bucks all day. Can't be beat.

Well, the walk to the office could be a little shorter. The wind and the rain was pretty bad.

The wonderful thing was that the wind was at my back for most of the walk.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:16
Departure Time From Train Station N/A
Arrival Time at North Station: N/A
Weather as I call it: Snowy/Rainy/Windy
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Exotic Auto Body

There's a billboard that I can see from the train as we ride along the rails towards North Station. It can be seen if you are driving southbound towards the O'Neill tunnel on 93.

Anyway, it is an advertisement for an auto body shop and I think it has the word exotic in its name.

Usually only pets and dancers get described that way...

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:28
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny-ish, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Take A Knee

When I got to Boston this morning, it appeared that the city got some snow before the sunrise. There was a small coating of snow here and there but the really tricky parts were the icy patches. I felt them under my feet from time to time in my walk.

Then, at the crossing of Hanover St. at Congress St., some dude slipped and took a knee. He recovered ok but I crossed the street very careful as to not replicate his fall.

The rest of the walk was ice free. The building owners put down some salt and the sidewalks were safe.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cold, 20s, manageable
Shady Gas Price: $3.37 - wha' happened?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

I Couldn't Get The Cold Out Of My Bones

Man, I walked to the train platform and I couldn't shake the cold out of my bones. It was cold car ride and a cold wait for the train. I was hoping that the train would be incredibly warm, but it wasn't. I felt a little better on the walk to work from North Station, but it was still cold. I think if I get some rest and change my frame of mind to expect cold tomorrow morning, I will feel better.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cold-ish, 10s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

King Of The Homeless

Right around Haymarket, this guy started handing out money to all the regular folk who hang out and ask for change. One regular is a guy actually calls out, "Change?" with a cup in each hand. The guy gave him the coins that were in his pocket.

The second regular is the guy who wishes everyone a good day. Well, if you are a man then it's a good day...if you are a woman, it's a lovely day.

Just once, I want to have a lovely day.

The guy handed the #2 regular a dollar bill and said something about the Bruins.

The third regular is Mr. Spare Change Newspaper...and he was leaving his shift. The guy said hello to him.

I am telling ya, today...this guy was the king of the homeless.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, a little warmer. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Squeeze Me A Little Tighter

I took an earlier train today so I could be on time for an 8 o'clock meeting. It was pretty dark when I got to the station.

I got on the train and sat in a two seater. In a few stops, a big and tall man sat next to me. It was pretty uncomfortable for a while since he pinned me to the window.

I shifted a bit and it got a little better, but he was big and was reading a book...which didn't make for much elbow room.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:02
Departure Time From Train Station 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:06
Weather as I call it: Dark, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nah

Wear Your Hat

I brought my hat this morning. I learned that my ears can't take the chill like they once did. I was not doing well on the evening walk to the station so I made sure to get that hat in my jacket and wear it even though it messed up my hair.

Other than the hat business, the commute was fairly ordinary and went smoothly. I was warmer so the whole process was better.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny and cold.
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Check That Engine Before You Wreck That Engine

Cold one this morning and my check engine light is back on. I should really get it looked at but since it was turning on and off, I thought that maybe it would shut off again. No such luck so far. If I could go back off in March, I would appreciate that because I could get an inspection sticker.

Meh - we'll see. I am probably endangering myself and everyone around me. Happy New Year.



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Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cold, some sun.
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No