Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:35
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and damp, around 50 degrees
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
This Monday morning's commute was pretty easy. Overall, I think they are the easiest of the week...may it be driving or riding.
I have typed about this subject before. It must be due to the late rising from the weekend factor....so for me, since I commute in the early hours, it's pretty light...I wonder if 8AM to 9AM or 9AM to 10AM is really busy.
If you had a busy commute today and it happened between 8AM and 10AM, let me know.
4/30/2007
4/27/2007
Musing on Eternal Damnation
Bus Departure Time: 7:01
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Rainy. Sorta miserable.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): I'm gonna give it a 4
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Ah, standing in the rain...waiting for the bus...I think after I die and go to hell, my eternal punishment will be waiting outside in the rain for a bus that never comes.
Since I am still on earth, the bus did come eventually.
Have you noticed this occurrence too...or is it just me? I swear every time I get on an MBTA bus when it's raining, at least one window is open which lets rain get in and makes seats "unavailable" for passengers. With more people standing, the ride becomes worse with every stop. We survived, but I wish there were a policy for the driver to inspect the bus and close windows on a rainy day.
On the T, I moved a newspaper off a seat so a woman could sit. She thanked me. Maybe if I keep doing good deeds like that, I can work my way into purgatory.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Rainy. Sorta miserable.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): I'm gonna give it a 4
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Ah, standing in the rain...waiting for the bus...I think after I die and go to hell, my eternal punishment will be waiting outside in the rain for a bus that never comes.
Since I am still on earth, the bus did come eventually.
Have you noticed this occurrence too...or is it just me? I swear every time I get on an MBTA bus when it's raining, at least one window is open which lets rain get in and makes seats "unavailable" for passengers. With more people standing, the ride becomes worse with every stop. We survived, but I wish there were a policy for the driver to inspect the bus and close windows on a rainy day.
On the T, I moved a newspaper off a seat so a woman could sit. She thanked me. Maybe if I keep doing good deeds like that, I can work my way into purgatory.
4/26/2007
Sleeping Woman on T
Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny and spring-like
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I took the later bus today and enjoyed the space and the calmness that it offered.
When I got on the T, there was a woman who was slumped over and sleeping...yet she was holding a single crutch.
People would come and go, but she kept sleeping. I don't recall exactly which stop it was (let's say Chinatown), but at the beeping sounds alerting passengers the doors were closing she awoke with a start and a wide-eyed look of "Where am I?"
She talked to herself for a while but when we were pulling into Back Bay she asked if anyone knew the time. I told her it was twenty of eight and she thanked me.
I am sure there is more to her story, but I can only report what I observe.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny and spring-like
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I took the later bus today and enjoyed the space and the calmness that it offered.
When I got on the T, there was a woman who was slumped over and sleeping...yet she was holding a single crutch.
People would come and go, but she kept sleeping. I don't recall exactly which stop it was (let's say Chinatown), but at the beeping sounds alerting passengers the doors were closing she awoke with a start and a wide-eyed look of "Where am I?"
She talked to herself for a while but when we were pulling into Back Bay she asked if anyone knew the time. I told her it was twenty of eight and she thanked me.
I am sure there is more to her story, but I can only report what I observe.
4/25/2007
Cremora Crew
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a bit cooler: 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Conversation overheard on the bus:
"Are you going to sit there?"
"Yeah, it's dry."
"Yeah, but it's still gross."
(Girl sits)
"See, I don't have anything on my butt!"
When I exited the bus, I looked down at the seat in question. It was gross. There was a stain that not only length and width, but also height. A 3-D stain of caramel badness.
Outside of the Back Bay T station, there were a group (4) of uniformed (well...like-dressed) individuals with clipboards looking eager to talk to any passerby. So, I had a natural reaction of tucking my chin into my chest and speeding up my pace to avoid contact. As I got closer, one of them asked me if I would like a free coffee today. I looked up and stated, "No thanks." As I looked up, I noticed the woman's t-shirt had a Cremora logo on it.
I don't know about you, but I fear non-dairy creamer. Now, I never liked that kind of stuff in the first place, but once somebody showed me it was flammable (Yes, this guy poured a stream of it out of its container and then lit it on fire!) I never wanted to ingest non-dairy creamer again.
I am glad I passed on the free coffee offer. From the looks of the clipboards, it didn't look that free to me.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a bit cooler: 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Conversation overheard on the bus:
"Are you going to sit there?"
"Yeah, it's dry."
"Yeah, but it's still gross."
(Girl sits)
"See, I don't have anything on my butt!"
When I exited the bus, I looked down at the seat in question. It was gross. There was a stain that not only length and width, but also height. A 3-D stain of caramel badness.
Outside of the Back Bay T station, there were a group (4) of uniformed (well...like-dressed) individuals with clipboards looking eager to talk to any passerby. So, I had a natural reaction of tucking my chin into my chest and speeding up my pace to avoid contact. As I got closer, one of them asked me if I would like a free coffee today. I looked up and stated, "No thanks." As I looked up, I noticed the woman's t-shirt had a Cremora logo on it.
I don't know about you, but I fear non-dairy creamer. Now, I never liked that kind of stuff in the first place, but once somebody showed me it was flammable (Yes, this guy poured a stream of it out of its container and then lit it on fire!) I never wanted to ingest non-dairy creamer again.
I am glad I passed on the free coffee offer. From the looks of the clipboards, it didn't look that free to me.
4/24/2007
A Commute About Nothing
Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
It's the kind of commute where the bus is packed and high school girls talk of sisters who can do handsprings and MCAS studying and lack of cavities.
"I have had no cavities..."
[Gasp]
"Well, maybe one."
Which is it?
And the T is filled with Metro readers who are finding out that Boris Yeltsin died and kids in strollers repeat the conductor's announcements.
"Chinatown next...doors open on the right."
And the strong breeze caused by the Hancock building is refreshing instead of the usual "God-this-sucks-when-will-the-light-change-bone-chilling-cold".
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
It's the kind of commute where the bus is packed and high school girls talk of sisters who can do handsprings and MCAS studying and lack of cavities.
"I have had no cavities..."
[Gasp]
"Well, maybe one."
Which is it?
And the T is filled with Metro readers who are finding out that Boris Yeltsin died and kids in strollers repeat the conductor's announcements.
"Chinatown next...doors open on the right."
And the strong breeze caused by the Hancock building is refreshing instead of the usual "God-this-sucks-when-will-the-light-change-bone-chilling-cold".
4/23/2007
Commute Annoyance Levels
Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:25
T Departure Time: 7:29
T Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm. Pushing 60 at 7AM
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I am not sure what a "10" level of annoyance feels like. I guess an annoying commute with a level 10 rating would be one where the weather was awful, the bus would be late, the T would take a long time, and a number of passengers would punch me in the gut.
I gave this trip a 5 because, well, I just felt annoyed. The bus was really late, crowded, slow, etc. The T had the same feel...although I don't know if it was running on time or not. Plus, there were a lot of people everywhere...
A sunny day in Boston plus the end of April school vacation equals bad commute.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:25
T Departure Time: 7:29
T Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm. Pushing 60 at 7AM
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I am not sure what a "10" level of annoyance feels like. I guess an annoying commute with a level 10 rating would be one where the weather was awful, the bus would be late, the T would take a long time, and a number of passengers would punch me in the gut.
I gave this trip a 5 because, well, I just felt annoyed. The bus was really late, crowded, slow, etc. The T had the same feel...although I don't know if it was running on time or not. Plus, there were a lot of people everywhere...
A sunny day in Boston plus the end of April school vacation equals bad commute.
4/19/2007
MBTA Paper Reading Procedures
Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Overcast. I think the sun is out tomorrow.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
I took the later bus today and arrived at the same time I normally would. My preference is to take the bus that gets to my stop at 6:57, but if I am a little late it's nice to know the next one speeds down the lane. (it's a little frightening really)
A man was handing out what he described as "Boston's New Free Paper". It's Boston Now. I had to stand on the T today so I didn't read a lot of it. I think there is a technique to reading while standing on the T and I haven't quite mastered it yet.
You must find an article you want to read, fold the paper in half, hold the paper with one hand, and hold on for dear life with the other.
At the next stop, repeat.
I'm taking the day off tomorrow...Let's do this all again on Monday, mmmkay?
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Overcast. I think the sun is out tomorrow.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
I took the later bus today and arrived at the same time I normally would. My preference is to take the bus that gets to my stop at 6:57, but if I am a little late it's nice to know the next one speeds down the lane. (it's a little frightening really)
A man was handing out what he described as "Boston's New Free Paper". It's Boston Now. I had to stand on the T today so I didn't read a lot of it. I think there is a technique to reading while standing on the T and I haven't quite mastered it yet.
You must find an article you want to read, fold the paper in half, hold the paper with one hand, and hold on for dear life with the other.
At the next stop, repeat.
I'm taking the day off tomorrow...Let's do this all again on Monday, mmmkay?
4/18/2007
No Free Stuff Today
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Rainy still...
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
When we get storms such as this one where they linger for, you know, days...I forget what the sun looks like.
The bus came on time today and the ride was pleasant. We would have had a faster ride if some people hadn't forgotten where they placed their Charlie Card and stood in the front of the bus patting themselves feverishly, but all was forgiven once we arrived at the T stop before 7:15. There's normally a subway train that's pulling into the Malden Center station right at quarter past seven...and it's been a cruel joke lately because the bus has been arriving at the station at the exact same time and we bus passengers get to see the T roll out just as we get to the top of the platform. Not today.
The T was packed. There was a bit of pushing and shoving at Downtown Crossing...but no fisticuffs...and no free stuff at Back Bay. Man, give a rat some cheese once and he'll expect it everyday.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Rainy still...
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
When we get storms such as this one where they linger for, you know, days...I forget what the sun looks like.
The bus came on time today and the ride was pleasant. We would have had a faster ride if some people hadn't forgotten where they placed their Charlie Card and stood in the front of the bus patting themselves feverishly, but all was forgiven once we arrived at the T stop before 7:15. There's normally a subway train that's pulling into the Malden Center station right at quarter past seven...and it's been a cruel joke lately because the bus has been arriving at the station at the exact same time and we bus passengers get to see the T roll out just as we get to the top of the platform. Not today.
The T was packed. There was a bit of pushing and shoving at Downtown Crossing...but no fisticuffs...and no free stuff at Back Bay. Man, give a rat some cheese once and he'll expect it everyday.
4/17/2007
Shift Energy Drink
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Drizzling...40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
First time on the bus this week and the kids aren't on it because of school vacation. We had a new driver who was just as slow and as late as the last one was when she first started. It takes them a few weeks to get broken in, I guess.
A few random notes from the T:
Two strangers were having a conversation on the T. An older lady was asking this young gentleman about the music he was listening to. She told him she liked the song he had blasting through his earphones (Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine") She asked him how many songs he had on his "box". Then, she thanked him for sharing and wished him a good day. He wished her the same.
Just in case your ticker stops ticking, there is an emergency defibrillator in the Back Bay T station.
Also at Back Bay - Two people were handing out free energy drinks. It's called Shift and it's produced by Stonyfield Farms. It's a yogurt-based drink, but lighter. The Power Punch version has a strong cherry aroma and taste and according to the label, it also has açaí puree and organic ginseng in it.
Unfortunately, I don't feel energized. I think I will go get my coffee now.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Drizzling...40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
First time on the bus this week and the kids aren't on it because of school vacation. We had a new driver who was just as slow and as late as the last one was when she first started. It takes them a few weeks to get broken in, I guess.
A few random notes from the T:
Two strangers were having a conversation on the T. An older lady was asking this young gentleman about the music he was listening to. She told him she liked the song he had blasting through his earphones (Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine") She asked him how many songs he had on his "box". Then, she thanked him for sharing and wished him a good day. He wished her the same.
Just in case your ticker stops ticking, there is an emergency defibrillator in the Back Bay T station.
Also at Back Bay - Two people were handing out free energy drinks. It's called Shift and it's produced by Stonyfield Farms. It's a yogurt-based drink, but lighter. The Power Punch version has a strong cherry aroma and taste and according to the label, it also has açaí puree and organic ginseng in it.
Unfortunately, I don't feel energized. I think I will go get my coffee now.
4/16/2007
Patriot's Day Nor'easter
Bus Departure Time: N/A
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Ha Ha. Light rain but high winds. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No, but I would have if I had waited for the bus.
------------------------------
I was checking my logs and I saw that someone stumbled onto my site looking to see if "the mbta buses run on patriots day". Oh yes, they do...but on a Saturday schedule...which tends to mean less buses than regular weekdays. Due to the winds and rain and the unknown length of time I would need to wait for bus, I got a ride to the T station. Thank you to my wife and son for accompanying me on my trip today.
I read in Starts and Stops there would be more subway trains running today for the marathon. Why they would have less buses but more trains running is a mystery, but I am sure the T has a good reason.
Outside of the windswept rain, I didn't have that much trouble getting to work. We'll see how if getting home will be tougher.
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Ha Ha. Light rain but high winds. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No, but I would have if I had waited for the bus.
------------------------------
I was checking my logs and I saw that someone stumbled onto my site looking to see if "the mbta buses run on patriots day". Oh yes, they do...but on a Saturday schedule...which tends to mean less buses than regular weekdays. Due to the winds and rain and the unknown length of time I would need to wait for bus, I got a ride to the T station. Thank you to my wife and son for accompanying me on my trip today.
I read in Starts and Stops there would be more subway trains running today for the marathon. Why they would have less buses but more trains running is a mystery, but I am sure the T has a good reason.
Outside of the windswept rain, I didn't have that much trouble getting to work. We'll see how if getting home will be tougher.
4/13/2007
Stuck Arms Fire Alarms
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Overcast but not raining. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: I wondered about my safety.
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy was at the bus stop when I got there this morning. He has been taking the later bus lately. We talked about his experiences with the later (7:05) bus. He doesn't mind waiting a few more minutes for a bus that is less crowded than the earlier (6:57) bus. So when bus came (2 minutes late), he stood there defiantly. The bus driver questioned me if he was going to wait for the next bus. I told her that he was and she closed the doors.
She's getting bolder with every drive. Today she blew by a few bus stops that had large groups of people waiting. I think she's getting the hint and allowing the second bus to pick up the slack since it's right behind her.
It was a replay of yesterday once we got to the T station: The train was pulling in just as we stopped. What a tease.
Some gentleman decided to hold the doors open in the train's last car at Downtown Crossing, delaying our trip. He was holding the doors open for so long that the conductor was calling for security. I guess he stopped because we got moving soon after that.
At Back Bay, there were fire alarms blinking and screaming everywhere. Firemen were walking around and the T gates were wide open. I wasn't sure what was happening; I didn't smell smoke or see any flames. It still made me feel uneasy. This station doesn't need any more emergencies.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Overcast but not raining. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: I wondered about my safety.
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy was at the bus stop when I got there this morning. He has been taking the later bus lately. We talked about his experiences with the later (7:05) bus. He doesn't mind waiting a few more minutes for a bus that is less crowded than the earlier (6:57) bus. So when bus came (2 minutes late), he stood there defiantly. The bus driver questioned me if he was going to wait for the next bus. I told her that he was and she closed the doors.
She's getting bolder with every drive. Today she blew by a few bus stops that had large groups of people waiting. I think she's getting the hint and allowing the second bus to pick up the slack since it's right behind her.
It was a replay of yesterday once we got to the T station: The train was pulling in just as we stopped. What a tease.
Some gentleman decided to hold the doors open in the train's last car at Downtown Crossing, delaying our trip. He was holding the doors open for so long that the conductor was calling for security. I guess he stopped because we got moving soon after that.
At Back Bay, there were fire alarms blinking and screaming everywhere. Firemen were walking around and the T gates were wide open. I wasn't sure what was happening; I didn't smell smoke or see any flames. It still made me feel uneasy. This station doesn't need any more emergencies.
4/12/2007
Stepping It Up a Bit
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, but it's better than the storm the weather peeps were predicting
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
The bus driver has been getting a little more aggressive. She is still a little late, but once she picks me up...she is starting to make other stops as short as possible. She pulls away from the curb as soon as the last person is on. I like it.
I also can't wait for next week. No school...which means less riders.
When we got to the T station, the Orange line had just pulled in. The next one wasn't far behind...and glided down tracks all the way into Boston without any "standing bys" or "hesitations".
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, but it's better than the storm the weather peeps were predicting
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
The bus driver has been getting a little more aggressive. She is still a little late, but once she picks me up...she is starting to make other stops as short as possible. She pulls away from the curb as soon as the last person is on. I like it.
I also can't wait for next week. No school...which means less riders.
When we got to the T station, the Orange line had just pulled in. The next one wasn't far behind...and glided down tracks all the way into Boston without any "standing bys" or "hesitations".
4/11/2007
No Singing No Dancing
Bus Departure Time: 7:01
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it:
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Sometime the commute is just a commute...getting from point A to point B.
This morning, there was nobody singing to the whole subway car. There were no drunk Sox fans talking loudly about how pissah Dice-K is.
There's always tomorrow.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it:
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Sometime the commute is just a commute...getting from point A to point B.
This morning, there was nobody singing to the whole subway car. There were no drunk Sox fans talking loudly about how pissah Dice-K is.
There's always tomorrow.
4/10/2007
Fenway Opening Day 2007
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Sunny, less windy, 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Today is, in my opinion, Holiday #2 of the holy trinity of Boston spring holidays: Opening day at Fenway Park. (#1 being St. Patty's Day and #3 being Patriots Day) There is always a few co-workers who don't seem to make it to work on Opening day...not sure why.
This morning I had no problems with the bus...well, the problems I had were so small that they are not worth typing about. It came on time and there were no big delays getting to the T.
The T must have been late...or there was an interruption in service since there was a large crowd at the Malden T station...and there larger crowds at every stop heading inbound on the line.
No matter, plenty of entertainment: Some guy stepped on at Wellington and loudly wished a "Good Morning" to ev'rybody!
He then sang a few lines from the Rascals' "A Beautiful Morning" and "You Are My Sunshine" which apparently is Louisana's State Song. Nobody looked like they were appreciative of his vocal stylings. They were busy reading their books or their Metros, but it made me chuckle.
There was a musician playing songs in the State St. T station, and our serenader got off to sit on the bench next to him. As the T doors closed, the musician was finishing performing the song "Wade in the Water" and it was met with thunderous applause from our T singing friend.
Unofficial holidays are fun. Go Sox!
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Sunny, less windy, 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Today is, in my opinion, Holiday #2 of the holy trinity of Boston spring holidays: Opening day at Fenway Park. (#1 being St. Patty's Day and #3 being Patriots Day) There is always a few co-workers who don't seem to make it to work on Opening day...not sure why.
This morning I had no problems with the bus...well, the problems I had were so small that they are not worth typing about. It came on time and there were no big delays getting to the T.
The T must have been late...or there was an interruption in service since there was a large crowd at the Malden T station...and there larger crowds at every stop heading inbound on the line.
No matter, plenty of entertainment: Some guy stepped on at Wellington and loudly wished a "Good Morning" to ev'rybody!
He then sang a few lines from the Rascals' "A Beautiful Morning" and "You Are My Sunshine" which apparently is Louisana's State Song. Nobody looked like they were appreciative of his vocal stylings. They were busy reading their books or their Metros, but it made me chuckle.
There was a musician playing songs in the State St. T station, and our serenader got off to sit on the bench next to him. As the T doors closed, the musician was finishing performing the song "Wade in the Water" and it was met with thunderous applause from our T singing friend.
Unofficial holidays are fun. Go Sox!
4/09/2007
Commentary From the Back Seats
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, Cold, Windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not this day
------------------------------
The only thing that was annoying today was the weather. The calendar says Spring, but the wind and temperature says late November. I know thousands of other people in this area have commented about this topic, but I think it's about time we had some warmer weather.
Hey Mother Nature, just passing that idea by ya. Let it sit with you a while. Get back to me when you have had some time to process it. Maybe we can come to an agreement.
On the bus, there were two women who were provided color commentary for the bus ride. When they saw people scrambling to get to the bus stop, one of the said, "Ooooop, we got a runner!" When a kid tried to get away with paying 30 cents instead of 60, the other one said "He does this every time!"
It was like watching a DVD with the audio commentary turned on.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, Cold, Windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not this day
------------------------------
The only thing that was annoying today was the weather. The calendar says Spring, but the wind and temperature says late November. I know thousands of other people in this area have commented about this topic, but I think it's about time we had some warmer weather.
Hey Mother Nature, just passing that idea by ya. Let it sit with you a while. Get back to me when you have had some time to process it. Maybe we can come to an agreement.
On the bus, there were two women who were provided color commentary for the bus ride. When they saw people scrambling to get to the bus stop, one of the said, "Ooooop, we got a runner!" When a kid tried to get away with paying 30 cents instead of 60, the other one said "He does this every time!"
It was like watching a DVD with the audio commentary turned on.
4/06/2007
Better Friday
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold. 20s and 15 MPH winds...wha happened?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
No school today...so the bus was pretty empty. Gym Bag Guy was asking me if today was going to be an easy commute. I told him, "I think so...we'll see."
Guy got on the bus, and had a problem with his Charlie Ticket...he didn't have enough money...and he held up the bus a bit. I felt bad for him. He became what irked him most about riding the bus.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold. 20s and 15 MPH winds...wha happened?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
No school today...so the bus was pretty empty. Gym Bag Guy was asking me if today was going to be an easy commute. I told him, "I think so...we'll see."
Guy got on the bus, and had a problem with his Charlie Ticket...he didn't have enough money...and he held up the bus a bit. I felt bad for him. He became what irked him most about riding the bus.
4/05/2007
Theory Proven
Bus Departure Time: 7:05 (no, it wasn't late...I'll explain)
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Craptacular
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy and I collectively decided that we were going to wait for the second of the two buses that come by around the 7 o'clock hour. Guy observed the same thing I did: The second bus, even though it comes later, gets to the T station earlier than the first bus. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my theory revolves around a tear in the space/time continuum but I wasn't going to share that with Gym Bag Guy.
Anyway, we didn't get on the first bus and got on the second bus and it worked exactly the way we anticipated. We got to the station faster and got on an earlier T.
Like a wise man once said, "I love it when a plan comes together."
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Craptacular
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy and I collectively decided that we were going to wait for the second of the two buses that come by around the 7 o'clock hour. Guy observed the same thing I did: The second bus, even though it comes later, gets to the T station earlier than the first bus. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my theory revolves around a tear in the space/time continuum but I wasn't going to share that with Gym Bag Guy.
Anyway, we didn't get on the first bus and got on the second bus and it worked exactly the way we anticipated. We got to the station faster and got on an earlier T.
Like a wise man once said, "I love it when a plan comes together."
4/04/2007
MBTA Bus Fun
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and colder. 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope. Cameras were on this bus.
------------------------------
The bus came on time for the first time this week. On top of that, to quote the bus driver: "That's the first time all the kids used the right amount of change." So, smooth sailing for the most part.
There was one issue with the bus ride today. The driver ran a red light (well, it wasn't red when her part of the bus went through the intersection). Unfortunately about a half block ahead of us, there was a school bus stopped with its flashing lights on. The line of traffic backed up so far it caused our bus to be stuck in the middle of the intersection. We were beeped at relentlessly...since we were blocking people from going when their light turned green. Other passengers were shouting at the cars beeping with exclamations of "Ah, be quiet!" and "It's not going to make us move."
I knew we had run the red light, but I kept quiet. I didn't want to incite any violence.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and colder. 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope. Cameras were on this bus.
------------------------------
The bus came on time for the first time this week. On top of that, to quote the bus driver: "That's the first time all the kids used the right amount of change." So, smooth sailing for the most part.
There was one issue with the bus ride today. The driver ran a red light (well, it wasn't red when her part of the bus went through the intersection). Unfortunately about a half block ahead of us, there was a school bus stopped with its flashing lights on. The line of traffic backed up so far it caused our bus to be stuck in the middle of the intersection. We were beeped at relentlessly...since we were blocking people from going when their light turned green. Other passengers were shouting at the cars beeping with exclamations of "Ah, be quiet!" and "It's not going to make us move."
I knew we had run the red light, but I kept quiet. I didn't want to incite any violence.
4/03/2007
Bus Fare Fairness
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, misty, but not windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
I think I am now on the bus driver's side when it comes to taking time to collect the correct fares. I think there are few kids who have been scamming the system for a while. Now they are facing a driver that makes sure they pay what they should.
So I am now more annoyed at the kids for holding us up on the bus than the driver. She's just trying to do what's right.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, misty, but not windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
I think I am now on the bus driver's side when it comes to taking time to collect the correct fares. I think there are few kids who have been scamming the system for a while. Now they are facing a driver that makes sure they pay what they should.
So I am now more annoyed at the kids for holding us up on the bus than the driver. She's just trying to do what's right.
4/02/2007
Not Like We're in a Hurry
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with some mist - 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I might have a new friend on the bus. He's this guy who I have seen over the last two months both going to work and coming home. I don't know his name but he likes to complain about stuff and I listen.
He was at my stop today, which is not the everyday, normal thang...I don't think he has a set schedule like, uh, kooky ol' me.
Our conversation consisted of:
Then the bus came, and we stopped talking. I don't know this guy's name yet, but let's call him "Gym Bag Guy" for now (he always has a Adidas duffel bag slung over his shoulder). He seems nice enough...and he breaks the stereotype of New Englanders not talking to each other...but maybe he's crazy and he will kill me. Keep reading the blog to find out.
The only real annoying part of the commute was the bus driver's on-going (since last week) interrogation of student and senior riders. She was asking for everyone's ID.
Yes, that's what she is supposed to do...but when you are running late you would think you would try to make up time and conduct an eyeball check of the old lady's age.
When I got to my building, a woman held the elevator for me. After I said, "Thank you," she replied with "Not like we are in a hurry...."
Sound like someone has a case of the Mondays.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with some mist - 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I might have a new friend on the bus. He's this guy who I have seen over the last two months both going to work and coming home. I don't know his name but he likes to complain about stuff and I listen.
He was at my stop today, which is not the everyday, normal thang...I don't think he has a set schedule like, uh, kooky ol' me.
Our conversation consisted of:
- The stinky weather
- Baseball
- Is there an earlier bus?
- April vacation coming soon which means no high school kids on the bus for a week
Then the bus came, and we stopped talking. I don't know this guy's name yet, but let's call him "Gym Bag Guy" for now (he always has a Adidas duffel bag slung over his shoulder). He seems nice enough...and he breaks the stereotype of New Englanders not talking to each other...but maybe he's crazy and he will kill me. Keep reading the blog to find out.
The only real annoying part of the commute was the bus driver's on-going (since last week) interrogation of student and senior riders. She was asking for everyone's ID.
Yes, that's what she is supposed to do...but when you are running late you would think you would try to make up time and conduct an eyeball check of the old lady's age.
When I got to my building, a woman held the elevator for me. After I said, "Thank you," she replied with "Not like we are in a hurry...."
Sound like someone has a case of the Mondays.
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