I had to wait for the bus for 20 minutes.
It was cold.
It was windy.
It was iced over.
Other than that, it was fine!
2/15/2007
2/14/2007
You'd Think It Never Snowed Here
My title is based on my experience yesterday with everyone from the media to the everyday person on the street talking about the snow as if it was going to change everything. Yes,this winter it really hasn't snowed...but come on...this kinda stuff happens here.
If that's one thing about public transportation, it is dependable through the harshest of weather. Sure, we had some minor delays...but nothing out of the ordinary. I remember taking the commuter rail to work through the ol' blizzard of '78. (yeah, I made that up)
Sidebar: I am picking my car up from the auto body shop. Finally, the remnants of the accident are gone.
If that's one thing about public transportation, it is dependable through the harshest of weather. Sure, we had some minor delays...but nothing out of the ordinary. I remember taking the commuter rail to work through the ol' blizzard of '78. (yeah, I made that up)
Sidebar: I am picking my car up from the auto body shop. Finally, the remnants of the accident are gone.
2/13/2007
Honeymoon is Over
I think the T gave me one good week. My first week back on the T, everything was on time and the people I rode along with were pleasant. Well, last week is over. Now it gets real.
Was it the coldest day of the year today or what? I think I noticed it more today because I had to wait for both the bus and subway for longer than normal. The wind was constant too...which didn't help much. My ears are getting their sensitivity back.
I think I may be on to something. I could time the duration of both the bus and T trips...and report them here.
Nobody was rude on the way into work today...but I met a woman yesterday who wasn't so friendly towards me on the way home...but I can't discuss it here due to contractual obligations.
Was it the coldest day of the year today or what? I think I noticed it more today because I had to wait for both the bus and subway for longer than normal. The wind was constant too...which didn't help much. My ears are getting their sensitivity back.
I think I may be on to something. I could time the duration of both the bus and T trips...and report them here.
Nobody was rude on the way into work today...but I met a woman yesterday who wasn't so friendly towards me on the way home...but I can't discuss it here due to contractual obligations.
2/12/2007
Slight Delay
Ok, so I guess I have been lucky...and I guess I have become jaded...but today was the first time the T was a little late, which made for a crowded ride.
Ya I know...big deal. This happens everyday. Just not to me...Wah.
Anyway, the tight quarters made for friendly chats between stops. Some older woman got pushed aside when some dude was trying to get off the train. She commented to me, "I guess that guy was in a hurry." I smiled. A woman next to her spoke of experiences she has had in the past with rude passengers 'throwing elbows' to get a seat.
Both of the ladies were gone by the next stop. These types of moments don't happen in the isolation of a car when driving to work.
Ya I know...big deal. This happens everyday. Just not to me...Wah.
Anyway, the tight quarters made for friendly chats between stops. Some older woman got pushed aside when some dude was trying to get off the train. She commented to me, "I guess that guy was in a hurry." I smiled. A woman next to her spoke of experiences she has had in the past with rude passengers 'throwing elbows' to get a seat.
Both of the ladies were gone by the next stop. These types of moments don't happen in the isolation of a car when driving to work.
2/09/2007
First Week Done
So, I finished a week of 'commuting to work' (I leave the driving to the MBTA). I still don't have any regular landmarks or items to keep track of yet. It'll take time.
Some thoughts:
There is a 7-11 that the bus passed and it has a big sign advertising a new Energy Coffee. Does anyone need more of a pick-me-up from their coffee?
Since I am on the subject of coffee, I wanted to mention I have been drinking a lot of it this week. With it, I have had some coffee-driven ideas:
If word of mouth marketing is the most effective kind of marketing, then why doesn't traditional marketing incorporate a word of mouth feel?
The slogan I would use for my product would be: "We Think It's Pretty Good." or maybe "Dude, this is so great. You have to try it."
I should cut down on the coffee.
Some thoughts:
There is a 7-11 that the bus passed and it has a big sign advertising a new Energy Coffee. Does anyone need more of a pick-me-up from their coffee?
Since I am on the subject of coffee, I wanted to mention I have been drinking a lot of it this week. With it, I have had some coffee-driven ideas:
If word of mouth marketing is the most effective kind of marketing, then why doesn't traditional marketing incorporate a word of mouth feel?
The slogan I would use for my product would be: "We Think It's Pretty Good." or maybe "Dude, this is so great. You have to try it."
I should cut down on the coffee.
2/08/2007
Auto Body Work
I am finally getting the dents that my car sustained in October fixed up. My insurance company gave me a check a long time ago, but the holidays, a job transition, and my fear about not having a car at all times delayed my action.
I was able to drive it to the auto body shop and since it was so close to the T station, I just walked over and hopped on the train that was pulling in as I stepped onto the platform.
I got in a little later than usual, but with no issues.
Man, is it going to get warmer (you know, like above freezing) soon or what?
I was able to drive it to the auto body shop and since it was so close to the T station, I just walked over and hopped on the train that was pulling in as I stepped onto the platform.
I got in a little later than usual, but with no issues.
Man, is it going to get warmer (you know, like above freezing) soon or what?
2/07/2007
Wash Your Hands
One thing that I have to keep reminding myself is to wash my hands after riding the T. I'm not a germ-a-phobe, but when I worked downtown back in the day ('01-'02) and took buses and Ts...I got sick during the winter three times.
3 awful times.
As long as remember to wash my hands when I get into the building, I will be fine.
I sat on the Orange line and faced east today. It's not as interesting as looking west, but I did see parts of the Hood Plant I have never seen before...plus the Scraffts building stood tall on the horizon.
3 awful times.
As long as remember to wash my hands when I get into the building, I will be fine.
I sat on the Orange line and faced east today. It's not as interesting as looking west, but I did see parts of the Hood Plant I have never seen before...plus the Scraffts building stood tall on the horizon.
2/06/2007
The Efficiency of the German Train System
Day two and my experience with the T has been favorable. My bus has been on time both days, although a little more crowded than yesterday. (I am thinking Super Bowl Sunday had something to do with the lack of peeps on the 7 o'clock bus...drinking and eating a lot at night tends to limit the number of early risers...we shall see next week...it may just be a Monday thing.)
Since there were more people on the bus, my trip took a little longer...which meant my arrival at the subway stop was a little later... No problem, it just meant I spent less time waiting for the train.
My total trip time was 43 minutes. Pretty sweet.
P.S. I am sad to see that the Assembly Square movie theater has closed. (see comments from yesterday's post). Back in the day, we used that marquee as an insight into how bad the traffic was on Route 93. If you saw traffic was backed up to the Loews' sign, you knew you were in for a looooooooooong battle to get into Boston.
Since there were more people on the bus, my trip took a little longer...which meant my arrival at the subway stop was a little later... No problem, it just meant I spent less time waiting for the train.
My total trip time was 43 minutes. Pretty sweet.
P.S. I am sad to see that the Assembly Square movie theater has closed. (see comments from yesterday's post). Back in the day, we used that marquee as an insight into how bad the traffic was on Route 93. If you saw traffic was backed up to the Loews' sign, you knew you were in for a looooooooooong battle to get into Boston.
2/05/2007
Transportation of the People
Here it is: The first post of the new phase of the blog. After doing significant research on mbra.com, I was able to plot my new trip through Google Maps technology. I plugged in my starting point and end point and it brought back my route on a map along with transfer times and duration. Pretty sweet. This site has come a long way, baby.
The bus ride was ok. You really know you are with the people on the bus. Far away are my days of being part of the elite: single-occupancy car driving. This morning, I was sitting real close with friends and family of all walks of life...all bundled up.
Once I got on the Orange Line, I took another sear facing west where I saw many of the roads that were a part of my normal route plus, Winter Hill in Somerville, and the movie marquee for the Assembly Square Loews (which was blank...did it close?).
I got to the new job in plenty of time. I even got some coffee before I went in.
So, I will work on figuring out what the structure of each post will be. For the time being, enjoy these free-form posts. Thanks for following along.
The bus ride was ok. You really know you are with the people on the bus. Far away are my days of being part of the elite: single-occupancy car driving. This morning, I was sitting real close with friends and family of all walks of life...all bundled up.
Once I got on the Orange Line, I took another sear facing west where I saw many of the roads that were a part of my normal route plus, Winter Hill in Somerville, and the movie marquee for the Assembly Square Loews (which was blank...did it close?).
I got to the new job in plenty of time. I even got some coffee before I went in.
So, I will work on figuring out what the structure of each post will be. For the time being, enjoy these free-form posts. Thanks for following along.
1/31/2007
The End?
Departure Time: 7:18
Arrival Time: 8:01
Weather as I call it: Where's the snow? Just cloudy and cold today.
Paper Guy: Doing well.
Shady Gas Price: $2.07
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
All the weather reports that I saw last night were calling for a snowy commute today...so I was surprised to see clear skies and roads. It would have been a better send off for this phase of the blog if the roadways were a little treacherous...but no dice. Some gray skies and cold temps are common this time of year. Nothing special to report in
I bought a paper from Paper Guy today. I flashed my dollar bill and he hustled over to me. I rolled down my window and he greeted me with some nice words...I didn't catch exactly what he said but his tone was soothing.
I handed him the money and I said, "Keep it. Keep it."
He said, "Oh, thank you!" and held the bill up in the air.
I smiled and rolled my window back up. I wish I had had the time to say 'great job' or 'thanks for everything' but the traffic has to keep moving..and the world has to keep turning. I wish him the best.
And so it goes. And so it goes.
Next week I will be posting my adventures on the MBTA. Good-bye and Hello.
Arrival Time: 8:01
Weather as I call it: Where's the snow? Just cloudy and cold today.
Paper Guy: Doing well.
Shady Gas Price: $2.07
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
All the weather reports that I saw last night were calling for a snowy commute today...so I was surprised to see clear skies and roads. It would have been a better send off for this phase of the blog if the roadways were a little treacherous...but no dice. Some gray skies and cold temps are common this time of year. Nothing special to report in
I bought a paper from Paper Guy today. I flashed my dollar bill and he hustled over to me. I rolled down my window and he greeted me with some nice words...I didn't catch exactly what he said but his tone was soothing.
I handed him the money and I said, "Keep it. Keep it."
He said, "Oh, thank you!" and held the bill up in the air.
I smiled and rolled my window back up. I wish I had had the time to say 'great job' or 'thanks for everything' but the traffic has to keep moving..and the world has to keep turning. I wish him the best.
And so it goes. And so it goes.
Next week I will be posting my adventures on the MBTA. Good-bye and Hello.
1/30/2007
Long Slow Goodbye
Departure Time: 7:08
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Sunny Cold 20s
Paper Guy: Wrapped up in a scarf and hat.
Shady Gas Price: $2.07
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
At a red light, I turned to look at a woman who was stopped beside me. I turned my head before I saw all the details, but I think she was popping a zit with the help of her vanity mirror.
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Sunny Cold 20s
Paper Guy: Wrapped up in a scarf and hat.
Shady Gas Price: $2.07
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
At a red light, I turned to look at a woman who was stopped beside me. I turned my head before I saw all the details, but I think she was popping a zit with the help of her vanity mirror.
1/29/2007
The Final Countdown
Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Cloudy when I started. Sunny when I got there.
Paper Guy: Very much bundled up
Shady Gas Price: $2.09
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
First off: I saw a guy behind me shaving while driving. No, not with the traditional implements (a large blade and soap applied with a brush)...he had an electric razor. I wonder, is he really saving a lot of time by shaving on the way to work?
Secondly, this post title is not just a bad song from the band Europe...but it is apropos of the next 3 blog posts.
Yes, faithful readers...I will be changing jobs starting on February 5th. The new job is in Boston's Back Bay...and I have decided that driving there (more like parking there) is not economical. So, I will be using public transportation starting next week.
How this affects the blog will be determined next week, but it's current state cannot carry on...so the countdown is on. Wednesday is my last day.
Please take note that I will continue posting here...We'll all know (including me)what it is next week.
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Cloudy when I started. Sunny when I got there.
Paper Guy: Very much bundled up
Shady Gas Price: $2.09
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
First off: I saw a guy behind me shaving while driving. No, not with the traditional implements (a large blade and soap applied with a brush)...he had an electric razor. I wonder, is he really saving a lot of time by shaving on the way to work?
Secondly, this post title is not just a bad song from the band Europe...but it is apropos of the next 3 blog posts.
Yes, faithful readers...I will be changing jobs starting on February 5th. The new job is in Boston's Back Bay...and I have decided that driving there (more like parking there) is not economical. So, I will be using public transportation starting next week.
How this affects the blog will be determined next week, but it's current state cannot carry on...so the countdown is on. Wednesday is my last day.
Please take note that I will continue posting here...We'll all know (including me)what it is next week.
1/26/2007
Buck Up Little Campers
Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Cold - only 3 degrees Farenheit
Paper Guy: Hat, scarf, gloves, shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.09
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
C'mon, this is a part of living in Boston. Frigid temps? No problem. We're built tough. The way people were whining about it on the local news program, you'd think this type of weather never occurred in this area before.
Buck up. Feel alive. I walked to work today wearing a windbreaker. No big deal.
Ok, I lied. I got into my car at 7:02 and after a long pause, a few gurgles, and a moan...my engine started. I went back in the house and let it warm up.
Outside of some dude in a van not waiting his turn to take a left at an intersection, a tow truck with a disabled vehicle going super slow in the left lane on Route 28 in Somerville, and peeps from CT not knowing which lane they wanted to be in on Storrow, it was a superb communte.
Oh yeah, and it was cold too...Hooray!
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Cold - only 3 degrees Farenheit
Paper Guy: Hat, scarf, gloves, shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.09
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
C'mon, this is a part of living in Boston. Frigid temps? No problem. We're built tough. The way people were whining about it on the local news program, you'd think this type of weather never occurred in this area before.
Buck up. Feel alive. I walked to work today wearing a windbreaker. No big deal.
Ok, I lied. I got into my car at 7:02 and after a long pause, a few gurgles, and a moan...my engine started. I went back in the house and let it warm up.
Outside of some dude in a van not waiting his turn to take a left at an intersection, a tow truck with a disabled vehicle going super slow in the left lane on Route 28 in Somerville, and peeps from CT not knowing which lane they wanted to be in on Storrow, it was a superb communte.
Oh yeah, and it was cold too...Hooray!
1/25/2007
It's Just Gonna Get Colder
Departure Time: 7:05
Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy again. Cold
Paper Guy: Walking backwards on his median.
Shady Gas Price: $2.11
Yelled at other drivers: No, but I communicated using a nonverbal method
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Just when I was thinking I have had it easy lately driving to work, I got beeped at today. It was partially my fault, but the dude who beeped was driving a little faster than he should have.
Right around the Harvard Square exit off of Soldier's Field Road heading west (same location of my accident), I heard a 'toot' behind me from a blue Honda Civic.
I guess I had faded into his lane..and he was trying to pass me on the right...
So, I moved over and flipped him off as he passed me... I don't know if he saw what I did, but it felt good.
Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy again. Cold
Paper Guy: Walking backwards on his median.
Shady Gas Price: $2.11
Yelled at other drivers: No, but I communicated using a nonverbal method
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Just when I was thinking I have had it easy lately driving to work, I got beeped at today. It was partially my fault, but the dude who beeped was driving a little faster than he should have.
Right around the Harvard Square exit off of Soldier's Field Road heading west (same location of my accident), I heard a 'toot' behind me from a blue Honda Civic.
I guess I had faded into his lane..and he was trying to pass me on the right...
So, I moved over and flipped him off as he passed me... I don't know if he saw what I did, but it felt good.
1/24/2007
Crack of Dawn
Departure Time: 6:55
Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Cold and partly cloudy
Paper Guy: Hat and a scarf wrapped around his head
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I got up early today for a few different reasons. 1) I have been a little behind at work. Getting here around 7:30 is great for my productivity. 2) My son woke up at 1AM and wanted nothing else but to play. We played for an hour...and when 2 o'clock rolled around I put him back in his crib and said, "Ok, time for everyone to go back to sleep." at my wife's insistence. He cried for a while...but eventually he understood that it was in fact time to go back to sleep...and did.
Unfortunately, Dad didn't sleep that much between 2 and 6...so he got up and started his day early.
It's a good thing that Wednesday is "coffee day" for me. Sunday is a coffee day. All other days, no coffee. Yes, I schedule my coffee intake.
Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Cold and partly cloudy
Paper Guy: Hat and a scarf wrapped around his head
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I got up early today for a few different reasons. 1) I have been a little behind at work. Getting here around 7:30 is great for my productivity. 2) My son woke up at 1AM and wanted nothing else but to play. We played for an hour...and when 2 o'clock rolled around I put him back in his crib and said, "Ok, time for everyone to go back to sleep." at my wife's insistence. He cried for a while...but eventually he understood that it was in fact time to go back to sleep...and did.
Unfortunately, Dad didn't sleep that much between 2 and 6...so he got up and started his day early.
It's a good thing that Wednesday is "coffee day" for me. Sunday is a coffee day. All other days, no coffee. Yes, I schedule my coffee intake.
1/23/2007
A Dusting of Snow
Departure Time: 7:08
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Clearing skies but some snow to brush off the car
Paper Guy: Snow gear: Scarf and hat
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nien
------------------------------
I had to brush off my car before heading to work, which added exactly one minute to my commute. I got in my car and started it at 7:07...but I didn't leave until 7:08. A half inch or so of light snow doesn't take that long to wipe off the car including my car hood, roof, and trunk. I did have to scrape the windshield since there was some ice on it.
I let the rear window defroster take care of the rear window...because it lives for this kind of stuff.
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Clearing skies but some snow to brush off the car
Paper Guy: Snow gear: Scarf and hat
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nien
------------------------------
I had to brush off my car before heading to work, which added exactly one minute to my commute. I got in my car and started it at 7:07...but I didn't leave until 7:08. A half inch or so of light snow doesn't take that long to wipe off the car including my car hood, roof, and trunk. I did have to scrape the windshield since there was some ice on it.
I let the rear window defroster take care of the rear window...because it lives for this kind of stuff.
1/22/2007
Red Light Blinking
Departure Time: 7:11
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Very light snow
Paper Guy: Dressed for winter with a scarf and hat. No shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
So, a little snow was falling this morning. Not too much to slow anyone down, although the beacon on the old Hancock tower was blinking red...which means "snow instead".
I saw Paper Guy stumble a bit on his median. I guess there was just enough snow to make it slippery. Maybe I should revise my previous statement about the effects of the snow on peeps since Paper Guy did have some trouble. He didn't fall down though...he went about his business like nothing happened.
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Very light snow
Paper Guy: Dressed for winter with a scarf and hat. No shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
So, a little snow was falling this morning. Not too much to slow anyone down, although the beacon on the old Hancock tower was blinking red...which means "snow instead".
I saw Paper Guy stumble a bit on his median. I guess there was just enough snow to make it slippery. Maybe I should revise my previous statement about the effects of the snow on peeps since Paper Guy did have some trouble. He didn't fall down though...he went about his business like nothing happened.
1/19/2007
Not So Dangerous
Departure Time: 7:09
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Clouds, maybe a sprinkle of rain here and there. 36 degrees
Paper Guy: Smiling with his hat on
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: I wish
------------------------------
I was really expecting some icy roads and treacherous conditions, but nah...just some wet roadways. As I was getting ready this morning, I heard about 7 assorted sirens wail past my house...so I had the impression I would walk out to a frozen hell of swerving cars and downed powerlines.
Nah.
Have a fun weekend. Watch out for me Monday.
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Clouds, maybe a sprinkle of rain here and there. 36 degrees
Paper Guy: Smiling with his hat on
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: I wish
------------------------------
I was really expecting some icy roads and treacherous conditions, but nah...just some wet roadways. As I was getting ready this morning, I heard about 7 assorted sirens wail past my house...so I had the impression I would walk out to a frozen hell of swerving cars and downed powerlines.
Nah.
Have a fun weekend. Watch out for me Monday.
1/18/2007
Ice On The River
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a little milder
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to take my son to a doctor's appointment in the morning. He's doing well.
Due to the really low temperatures we have had over the past two days, there is a thin layer of ice on the Charles.
Back to the regular stuff tomorrow.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a little milder
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I had to take my son to a doctor's appointment in the morning. He's doing well.
Due to the really low temperatures we have had over the past two days, there is a thin layer of ice on the Charles.
Back to the regular stuff tomorrow.
1/17/2007
80 Percent
Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Cold. 10 degrees cold
Paper Guy: Wrapped up like a gift
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I feel 80 percent better than I did yesterday. Don't ask me how I quantified my physical health....it's a long, complicated process.
Peeps on the TV were blabbing and blabbing about the cold temperatures, but I was underwhelmed when I walked out to my car this morning. Yes, I had a sense that there was a stillness to the world as if everything was frozen solid and couldn't move...and the car hestitated a bit before starting...but it was certainly tolerable.
This is what winter is supposed to be like.
Arrival Time: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Cold. 10 degrees cold
Paper Guy: Wrapped up like a gift
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I feel 80 percent better than I did yesterday. Don't ask me how I quantified my physical health....it's a long, complicated process.
Peeps on the TV were blabbing and blabbing about the cold temperatures, but I was underwhelmed when I walked out to my car this morning. Yes, I had a sense that there was a stillness to the world as if everything was frozen solid and couldn't move...and the car hestitated a bit before starting...but it was certainly tolerable.
This is what winter is supposed to be like.
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