Best Christmas Ever

I was wished a Merry Christmas by the guy who sat next to me on the train and I saw Santa Claus shuffling down the street while I was walking to the office from North Station.

I stood by him at a crosswalk. People were waving from their cars. Smiles were all around.

I have to say that the joy of the season was on display and it warmed my heart a bit.

Just a bit.

Sooooooowah, have a good rest of 2010...I am out until Jan. 3. SAH-weeet!

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, windy, but not as cold.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3 - had to brush off the car
Feared for my life: No

Have A Good Day

Today marks one year on the job here in downtown Boston, so it has been officially one year of this commute.

One guy who has been there for most of the walks from North Station to my work's building is the homeless guy who wishes everyone who walks by a good or lovely day.

Note: women are always wished a lovely day.

I had a dollar bill in my pocket and I handed it to him today. I have had a number of good days here at work, and I think his well wishing helped out.

So I paid him back a little. Thanks not only for the good day but the good year.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Light snow, cold wind, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Still Not Ready For Winter

It's cold again after a semi-wet Monday morning commute. I think that winter has come too early this year. If it were cold and not breezy, I think I would be more prepared for standing in the cold...waiting for the train.

I would like spring to come early next year...since winter has shifted itself on the front end so much.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Cold and windy.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Chilled To The Bone

Without a doubt, it was cold this morning. The air was cold but the wind made things worse. It passed right through you. It gave you the feeling of getting punched in the gut with every howl and every gust.

I saw a little bit of snow too. I sat in my car in the train station parking lot just watching the light and scattered flakes coming down.

I am off for the rest of the week. Stay warm out there.

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

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
Shady Gas Price: $2.93
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Fired Up for Friday

I slept in a little this morning because it was Friday and I needed to catch up on some sleep. I have a little dry cough that has been hanging around for a few days now. It's been keeping me up a bit.

The traffic and the train ride were issue free.

The walk to work allowed me to see jeggings for the first time - live in the field.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:27
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cold
Shady Gas Price: $2.93
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Merging Is Not An Art Form

I encountered a woman who was driving recklessly and forcing tight merges on highway ramps and entry lanes.

I guess she was in a rush, but her moves did not appear to be hasty decisions. They were slow and deliberate, but coming from a place of inexperience or stupidity.

She just got too close to other cars when she was merging. Maybe it was a scare tactic.

I am not sure. I let her know that she was driving poorly by trying to talk to her through two closed windows. That'll teach her.
------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but mild. High 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Kicking The Cobwebs Out

After many days off, it was hard to get going in the morning. I got up early so I could take my time and get out the door without forgetting things or messing things up because I was rushing.

I woke up to find that my car windows had frost and our friendly neighborhood raccoons had attacked the trash. I multitasked - I let the car warm up and defrost while I cleaned up the garbage and put it back in the barrels.

Once I was done with the trash, I scraped the rest of the windows and was able to get on the road.

The roads were empty as predicted. It's a late start for most people after a long weekend. I like to take advantage of that fact.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cold, sunny, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3 - damn critters!
Feared for my life: No

The Season to Be Giving

I took a later train because I wanted to rest up before the holiday.

It seemed like people were in a giving mood this morning. I saw someone hand their change to the dude that wishes everyone a good or lovely day (depending on your gender) and the guy selling Spare Change newspapers.

I also saw a guy wearing a turkey hat. Not sure if that was a gift or not.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny but cold 30s
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Dropping Water Bottles On Your Head

Ok, a few things before I get started. Gas prices have been going up and up over the past 3 or 4 weeks. Man, what a bummer... Check out the shady price below.

I had to get up early this morning because there was a meeting I was attending at 7:45 this morning. So, setting the old alarm for 5:20 was tough. Waking up at that time was tougher.

I got out the door and got to the station without problems. The train was filled with people. Lots of men and women were standing in the aisles.

One dude wanted to put his backpack and his metal water bottle up on the rack above this woman who was seated in front of him.

His bottle fell through the bars of the rack and hit this woman on the head. Jeez.

Lots of "sorrys" and head rubbing. What an embarrassing scene. Then he had to stand there in front of her for the rest of the ride.

Want to get away?


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:05
Departure Time From Train Station 6:28
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:09
Weather as I call it: Clear skies. Not too cold. 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

How Do You Get Your Money In the Slot

The parking lot at N. Billerica charges 4 bucks to park. To pay this fee, you have to stick money into a small slot that is numbered - the number corresponds to the number of your parking spot.

It used to be 2 dollars for the longest time. Jamming two bills into the slot wasn't a big deal. 4 is a bigger deal.

The instructions on the side of the pay box tell users a different way of shoving their money into the slots, but I have a better way. I haven't been penalized for using this method, but that doesn't mean I won't.

I take 4 one dollar bills and fold them lengthwise...then I fold them in half again the same way.

As long as you lead with the folded corner, you should be able to jam them all in at the same time with ease.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, light rain
Shady Gas Price: $2.85 BOO!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

It Can Be Dark Out There

As daylight savings time winds down, and probably a week longer than it should, the morning commute is as black at night. When you leave the house in the 6 o'clock hour, it's definitely a fumbling with the keys, trying to find the ignition kind of situation.

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

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: Some rain
Shady Gas Price: $2.78
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Voting Day 2010

I was happy to sleep in this morning since I was going to the polls right as they opened.

I opted for a later train since the one I usually take would have been an impossibilty due to my voting plans.

That said, the voting went smoothly and my commute was easy.

There was a feel of snow in the air this morning. Felt like winter.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cold, winter-like
Shady Gas Price: $2.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Trash Was Knocked Over

Some wild animal had fun with my trash last night. They knocked it over and ate whatever they could.

I picked up after their Halloween party and was a little late leaving the house.

I got to the train station in plenty of time, but it was a little tighter than what I am I am comfortable with.

I tried to sleep on the train but I had visions of derailment in my head. Not sure why, but I had irrational fears that the train would derail if I fell asleep.

So I didn't.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:40
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy. Cold, High 20s when I left the house.
Shady Gas Price: $2.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Kids On A Train

Yes, this too could be a bad Samuel L. Jackson movie: Kids On A Train!

The usual kids were on the train with me this morning...but they were louder than ever.

The mom was trying to shush them, but they got louder.

They seem to know each other from the same day care. The boy lit up when he saw the other kids. He started to laugh with joy as he saw them walk up the aisle.

I can't remember the last time I was so excited to see somebody else. Maybe I look that way when I walk in the door at the end of the day and see my kids.

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

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, humid, high 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Hey Monday - How Are Ya?

I saw there was an accident on Route 495 on the news this morning before I left the house. What I didn't know was how much it would affect me. It seemed a lot of people were getting off at Route 3 to avoid the accident, which slowed everything down for travelers driving south.

I felt I left the house on the early side this morning. If I had just left a few minutes earlier, I would have made the earlier train.

I saw my usual train pull into the station right before I was going to drive into the parking lot...so instead I went to Starbucks and got a coffee. Now that my stomach bug is gone, coffee is back on my menu.

I took the later train and it wasn't too much of a big deal. It gets me to the office only 25 minutes later than normal. Tomorrow I will try to leave earlier.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:10
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy. Cool. 50°F
Shady Gas Price: $2.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Salem Five Infiltrates

The Woburn/Anderson stop was the scene of a Salem Five Bank promotion. As we stopped in the station, I saw a band and a guy walking around handing out apples...

I couldn't hear the band but they looked like they were rocking.

The sun was big and orange today. I was able to look at it on the horizon as we rolled along into Boston.

My stomach felt a lot better too. I didn't feel as queasy as I did yesterday.

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

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: Mostly sunny. 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sick To My Stomach

I had some stomach problems last night and they crept into this morning. I felt weak and sick to my stomach. Just a sour stomach. I bought some pepto on the way to work and I am hoping it fixes the problem.

Ugh, I should have stayed home

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

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: Partly cloudy, cold, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Jet Blue Is In The Garden

Jet Blue had a big promotion in North Station today since they are the official airline of the TD Garden.

Please fly in to see the circus, Bruins and Celtics games, and concerts.

I got a handout that entered me into a contest. I almost won, I guess. The grand prize winning number was just 2 digits away from the one I had.


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

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: Partly cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

When You Can't Walk Because Of The Sun

After I got off the train, the sun was at such an angle that there were patches of my walk where I couldn't see. I was blinded by the sun. It was pointed right in my eyes.

If someone wanted to take something from me...like my wallet...this morning around North Station would have been the time to do it.

I wonder if pickpockets use the angle of the sun to their advantage...

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold, a bit breezy
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Forgot My Parking Money

I usually trade in 10 dollar bills into 1 dollar coins using the machine at the train station. They are easier to insert into the slots than bills.

After I get my coins, I put them in a dish near my door in my house. I usually remember to grab the coins before I leave...Yeah, I typed usually.

I forgot my coins today. I had to turn around and go back to my house to get them.

I missed the train I usually take - but I think that saved me from standing in the rain. The showers passed through pretty quickly and I was better off taking the later train.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 7:27
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Rain with wind - wonderful
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4 - at myself.
Feared for my life: No

Too Much Traffic On Route 3

I saw a guy in a wheelchair board the train at Woburn. I found the conductor was quite accommodating to him.

There were some space problems when the woman with the baby carriage and the toddler came aboard, but everybody worked it out with each other.

Significant traffic on Route 3 South around the 495 junction. In the 10 months or so that I have been driving this commute, these past few weeks have been the worst in terms of non-accident related volume.


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

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: Sunny, cool
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Roundtrip Needs To Be Same Day

Round trip tickets for the commuter rail are only good for the same day you purchase them.

A woman who sat in the seat across the aisle from me had to buy a new one way ticket to Boston this morning.

All parties (the conductor and the passenger) were calm in the exchange. It's just a bummer she had to pay twice.


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

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: Sunny, cool
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

So More People Drive To Work Today

I found the train to be quiet and pretty empty on the way in. I learned later that a lot of people drive in to work on Columbus Day because the parking is free on the streets.

I have a monthly train pass, so if I don't use it - I lose it.

I would rather be on the train and save money on gas. Did you see that the price is up 10 cents? Sheesh.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Worst Kind of Rain

Walking around the streets of Boston this morning was a nasty experience. The rain was blowing horizontally between the buildings. The wind off the ocean was constant...

Everyone kept saying that tomorrow will be better. I hope so.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Rain
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

She Left Her Coffee on Her Car Roof

On the walk portion of my commute today, I saw a woman take a left onto Congress St. with an iced coffee on her car roof. People on the sidewalk opposite me were shouting and pointing at it, which made her stop suddenly.

Because she stopped, her coffee feel forward and her windshield was covered with a coating of light brown liquid.

The cup rolled off the back of her car. I picked it up and threw it out.

I looked in and she was on her cell phone. I am sure the conversation switched to a discussion of spilled coffee and milk.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, some light rain here and there.
Shady Gas Price: $2.57
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Wet Start To The Week

The rain had fallen while I was asleep so the roads were wet as I drove to the station.

When we stopped in West Medford, there was rain falling on the passengers waiting to board.

The walk to work was relatively dry. Some drops fell on me, but not enough to force me to ride the T.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Light rain off and on.
Shady Gas Price: $2.57
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Posters Ripped Down

All the billboard advertisements at the Winchester Center station were ripped down. I saw all the paper with adhesive swirled on the back getting pushed around by the wind caused by the train.

I wonder if the advertiser gets their money back for vandalism like that.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold. I should have worn a jacket.
Shady Gas Price: $2.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Been Doing This For 5 Years

I took some time off last week and in doing so, I missed a key anniversary.

I have been blogging about my commute for 5 years.

In that time, lots of changes:

4 jobs

2 kids

1 accident

900 posts

Here's to another 5 years (at least) of employment and driving to work.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:27
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Kid Just Didn't Care

There's a woman who brings her toddler into Boston on the train. This child is the object of many other passenger's affection. I think the kid doesn't care much for these people and I think that is a smart move.

The way some of this people fawn over the kid is kinda creepy. Take this morning for instance:

This woman kept calling his same over and over. She kept saying hello. The kid seemed tired and didn't really reply. The woman kept calling out...over and over.

Even as we left, she had to make sure she said goodbye loudly. Geez, lady. Leave him alone.

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

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: Cloudy and cool. 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.61
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

The Dude Was Out

The dude who sat next to me fell asleep. He was still out cold when we pulled into North Station. He was still asleep when people started to exit the train.

Right before I was about to tap him on the shoulder, he woke up and jumped out of the seat. It was miraculous to say the least. His timing was perfect.

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

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: Sunny, cool, Fall-like.
Shady Gas Price: $2.61
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Lightning Storm

I think this marks the first time I was really rattled by a lightning storm on the commute to work. As I was walking up the ramp to the train station this morning, there was a huge flash in the sky. I didn't look up to see any bolts, but the quick sound of thunder right after the flash let me know that it struck nearby.

I walked into the station to wait it out. I usually stand outside near the rails to wait for the train. Today, I just didn't want to get struck by lightning.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Thunderstorm - raining once I got to Boston.
Shady Gas Price: $2.61
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3.5
Feared for my life: Yeah.

Long Weekends Are Great

Labor Day weekend is the best long weekend. It's the unofficial end of summer...so everybody gets back to work and school.

The roadways get clogged again. The train gets full again.

Even though this is the reality on the Tuesday after Labor Day, my commute was great.

I even got into North Station a minute early. How 'bout cha?

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, cool, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.61
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

He Just Doesn't Like The Red Sox

I saw a guy on the train this morning wearing a White Sox jersey. It was a Jim Thome jersey to be exact.

It just happened to be the same guy who wore a Yankees jersey as described in this post:

Crazy Yankee Fan

I think this guy is looking for a fight.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:40
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny
Shady Gas Price: $2.61
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Crossing The Street

So one of the major street intersection along my walk to work is the corner of Congress and North St. near Faneuil Hall.

There's always a ton of cars moving through that space and there are some walk signals that you can wait to obey or you can take your chances when you know it's safe to cross (through experience).

The intersection also has a strange feature where the all cross walk signal is delayed 3 or 4 seconds after all the red lights for the cars illuminate. I am sure it is a safety feature as many people blow right through the red light.

It gives me an eerie feeling though. Once all the red lights are on and the cars have stopped, I push on through and start to cross. With the delay, you don't know what's going to happen next.

Are the walk signs going to come on...or are all the green lights going to come on!

AHHHH! Fellow pedestrians - It's a trap!

I sometimes wish that the second scenario would happen - just to keep people on their toes...and for that reason only. I don't wish a massive car smash up/multiple death situation.



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

Departure Time From Home:
Departure Time From Train Station
Arrival Time at North Station:
Weather as I call it:
Shady Gas Price:
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):
Feared for my life:

Sweltering

Yeah, it's another hot one. It was in the high 60s when I left the house today. There didn't seem to be any relief today. It's going to be hot until Earl gets here.

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

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: A little hot
Shady Gas Price: $2.61
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

With The Quickness

Today was about trying to be quick and not succeeding. I tried to get out of the house quickly, but I found that there were all these little things that I wanted/needed to do before leaving.

The highway driving was slow due to sun blindness. It was worse than it was last Thursday.

The train was on time and got me there on time. My walk to the office was quiet, which is good for a Monday morning.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, high 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Graffiti With A Message

At the Winchester Center commuter rail stop, someone spray painted a message to all:

(I'm paraphrasing here - I tried to remember the whole thing but I forgot the exact message)

"Spirituality is the answer to all the problems that you are facing."

Now I love graffiti with messages that are not profane. That's why I am reporting on this bit of philosophy.

I am not sure about the definition of spirituality. I think it means different things to different people.

Plus, my definition may not get me a slice of pizza on a plate because I am hungry.

So, thanks for the sentiment but I think it's flawed.


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

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: Sunny, 50°F
Shady Gas Price: $2.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sunlight is Weird

Ostensibly, people can't drive in sunlight after 4 days of rain. Did they forget the sun also comes out and lights up the Earth...including the highway?

Lots of brake lights due to solar glare, I guess. I was thinking that maybe people put their sunglasses away..thinking they would never need them again - like ever.

Then today, they were screwed. SCREWED. They had to slow down to avoid going above 55 MPH in the SUN! AHHH! Who would want that?

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

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: Uh, Sunny. 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3.5
Feared for my life: After the slow down, there was a little bit of rage to deal with. So, I was a little a-scared with some of the aggressive antics/lane changing.

I Took The T

Instead of walking from North Station to work, I took the Orange Line to State Street. That brought back some memories. It was still packed but my trip was short, which was nice.

I avoided as many rain drops as I could.

I got to work pretty dry.

Here's to tomorrow and some sun.

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

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: Rainy
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Here Comes The Rain

Wow. Rain for the first time this summer. I don't remember when the last time I saw people with umbrellas at the train stop.

The summer has been sunny every single day it seems. From all the delays and issues we had with the rain in March, the last 3 months have been flood-free.

A groggy Monday morning to you all.


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

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: Rainy
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Friday Mornings And Local Coffee Shops

Stop at a non-chain coffee shop for a muffin and a medium coffee. It was good but not so overwhelmingly good that I would drive out of my way to go back there.

That seems to be the issue though...do one-store locations need to be 10x better than the chains to keep people coming back?

The muffin tasted a little more authentic...not mass produced. That may be the clincher.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:20
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Partly Walking To Work

Not for nothing, but I do walk from North Station to my office.

I think the walking is good for me. It wakes me up before I get into the office and it gets me some exercise.

With the little amounts of rain we have had this summer, I have been able to get a lot of walking in.


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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: Sunny
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Foggy Days

The family and I stayed at a place on the Cape called Foggy Days. We rented a house and people name their houses down there. Weird. I was reminded of it this morning with the thick fog that sat on the roadways and highways along the drive to work. It lifted by the time I got to 495, but I couldn't see much past 1,000 feet in front of me.

I got on the train and they only had 5 cars instead of the usual 7. So things were packed. I got a seat and sat with two other stressed out passengers.

At North Station, they were passing out Fiber One bars with 35% of my daily fiber. They were passing out two at a time. It's going to be a busy morning.


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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: Foggy.
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No.

A Real Cloudy Day

We haven't had a cloudy day in a while it seems. It did rain last night and the clouds lingered in the morning.

Since the skies were dark, there was no need for my sunglasses. Solar glare wasn't much of a problem.

I got out of the house rather late, and it meant I had to streamline my parking paying. I had to shove the dollar bills into the slot as fast as I could.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:40
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cool, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No.

Clothes Strewn On Cars In West Medford

I was looking out of the window while we were stopped at West Medford station when I noticed that there were a couple of cars with clothes draped over their side view mirrors and hoods. I thought maybe it was the work of a jilted lover, but I think it was probably a prankster who found a bag of donated clothes and decided that they were better off being worn by cars than people.

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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: Sunny and cool. 60°F
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1.5
Feared for my life: No

Two Seaters

I used to like sitting in the two seaters on the train... Now, I don't. I am starting to think I would rather sit in the three seaters and take the chance of just having one person sitting next to me. Lately, I have been stuck in the seat with some dude who likes to sit with his legs spread. It's a bit much. Unless I can get someone else to sit next to me who is a little more petite, it's a change of seat type for me.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:39
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy. 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Yankee Fans

There was a guy wearing a Yankees cap and a Jeter Jersey letting the whole train car know that the Red Sox were finished.

I think people wanted to yell back at him but I think they caught the vibe that he was a little crazy...not just loud and obnoxious...but a little crazy. I believe he sat somewhere in the "crazy category" that include people who walk in their place of work and start shooting their co-workers.

Maybe people just thought he was stating the obvious. There's just no need to be so loud about 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: Sunny
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Probably Would Be Hotter With The Sun Out

It was MUGGY...today.

SO thick with MUG today.

It was hot too. The thunderstorms will come later on and bring us cool air.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: MUGGY
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Suit Jacket

The dude that sat next to me today had to sit with his legs spread wide apart. He had his suit jacket draped on one his legs. He was taking up a lot of room on the seat. I shouldn't care so much. I just like my space.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, 60°F
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No.

Celtics Bag and Thermodynamics

I closed my eyes while I was on the train this morning. I opened them to find a woman sitting next to me who had a green Celtics bag and a book about Thermodynamics. She was taking notes in her spiral notebook with equations and such. Not sure if she is taking a class or going to school. Not something you see every morning.

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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: Partly sunny, high 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah.

Summer Keeps Going Strong

Pretty soupy this morning. A little bit of rain, but mostly muggy stuff.

Had little kids running up and down the train aisle today. The guy next to me thought it was funny. He was laughing a little bit.

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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: Muggy
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Changed Template

Hey - New look and feel for the old driving to work blog. Just couldn't resist blogger any longer. So now you can read my updates in a whole new way. Wow.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny, dry, not humid at all, low 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Pay For Parking Online

The MBTA is announcing the ability to pay for parking online and through your mobile device. The first time I heard about the program was from a card that some dude handed me at North Station. He was wearing a fluorescent green shirt and he was being ignored mostly by fellow commuters. I guess people thought he was handing out free stuff.

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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: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Vocal Conductor

Over the past week, there has been a vocal and overly-appreciative conductor on my train. She has been thanking people left and right for their tickets, with cheerful words of thanks.

Not sute if I believe it, but it's better than the normal groans.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Shouldn't Daydream on the Highway

I wasn't paying attention and missed my exit on the highway on my way to the train station this morning. It wasn't a huge deal because there are a couple of ways to get to the train station, but one way is quicker than the other. It forced me to park in the upper parking lot rather than the lower one, which is better for exiting for many reasons.

I have settled for second best so far today.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Not That I Was Grinding Anything

People will tell me to get back to the grind. I don't work in a mill. After being on vacation for a week, I can tell you the commute was as good as it could be. Everything was on time and all the old favorites were on the train again. Back to my regular routine indeed.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Need A Ride To Maine

I saw a weird scene on the street to the train station this morning. There was a couple of women who were holding up a sign that said "Need a ride to Maine". It said some other stuff but I couldn't make it out. It was out of the ordinary. I think they were in front of the entrance to a junkyard. Yikes.

The train was less crowded today...much less than it has been all week. They finally ran a train today with 6 cars instead of 5.

The doors I usually use to get in weren't opened today, so I had to walk down a bit to use the next set of doors. I was able to get into the car I usually sit in though.

I am on vacation next week. Write to you soon.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy, a little cooler today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No.

They Were Standing Up In Winchester

The train seemed crowded from the moment I got on. The conductors were opening up doors they don't normally open. The seats filled up quickly. People were standing once we got to Winchester Center.

The A/C was going so that the people were not overheated, but it was a full train.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, hot, humid
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Hot Soup

Man it was hot today. I had to go to the post office and the bank before I got into work. I walked on the sunny side of the street. The heat was intense for 8 o'clock in the morning. Just tough for the first day back from vacation. Thankfully the A/C was working everywhere.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Uh, hot
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: I was hot but not dead.

Much Cooler This Morning

Much cooler this morning in terms of temperature and commute. With the Route 495 exit reopened, I can get to the train station without too much rushing. I wish that it had been open since I started working downtown.

The only drawback is the blinding sun that you encounter before the exit. Coupled with the weird lane merging, it makes for a little bit of a tense ride.

I'll take it.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:28
Departure Time From Train Station 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: Weather as I call it: 7:44
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Anotha Choo Choo Train

The kid who rides the train with us in the morning was very vocal for 7:30 in the morning. As we approached North Station, he pointed out all the trains that were parked on the sidelines.

But he was screaming!

CHOO CHOO TRAIN!

NOTHAH CHOO CHOO TRAIN!!

Wake up people, there are trains!

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cooler, sunny, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Swampy Air

When air outside is so humid that it makes it hard to walk out of the door, you know that it is going to be a swampy ride.

One bright spot in my commute is that I believe the exit on 495 that was closed for so long has now reopened...at least it appeared that way last night while I was driving home.

I believe this development will save 5 to 10 minutes on my commute time from my home to the station. I'll try it out tomorrow.

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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: Swampy but a little better than yesterday.
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Making The Baby Cry

There are a few moms that bring their toddlers into Boston on the train. I am pretty sure they dump them off at daycare and then they go off to work. That part has got to be tough. These kids are pretty well behaved for the most part. Sometimes they start crying on the train and it's not pleasant for anybody.

What I love is when the old ladies come over to make googly eyes at the kids and the little guys start crying. That's the best! It's a real scene. There's one lady in particular that doesn't take the hint. She keeps coming back for more. I don't think she understands that the kids don't like it.

Do us a favor and stop tormenting the kids!!

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Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, hot, muggy
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Bringing in the Son

There's this guy who takes the same train as me. His son has been coming in the past two days. Looks just like him but just 25-30 years younger. Doesn't wear a suit, so I'm not sure if the son is going into work with him or not.

Maybe the kid is interning for the summer.



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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 60s, humid
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Got a Coupon For Viga

Some guy was handing out coupons for Viga and I felt bad that no one was taking them from him. So, I grabbed one.

It gives you a one dollar discount on any order but only during certain times and it expires on 7/15/10.

Looks like they're trying to get people in the door.

As for me, I don't know. Maybe I will take them up on it.



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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

He Lost Power

Somewhere between Wilmington and Anderson RTC, the train lost power. The engineer had to get out of the train and walk back to the motor to fix something.

He walked along the tracks to get back to the engine in back.

Then, an outbound train came clacking by. A few moments later, the engineer walked back along the train to get back to the front of the train. I guess he didn't get run over.

All in all, it was about a 5 minute delay. It could have been worse.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Sunny, warm, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

In The Dust

While the train was coming into the station, North Station that is, I looked over to see another train coming in along side ours.

There was a patch of greasy dust on the side of that car. In the dust, there was a tic tac toe setup with one of the squares filled in. Beside the grid, someone had written, "Next Move".

I can't wait to see the outcome of this game. Maybe someone will win this anonymous, long distance game.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Sunny, getting warmer. 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Everything Went As Expected

I think the best part of the morning commute today was that everything went as expected. There were no problems getting to the highway...there was a traffic build-up once I got on the highway...and no issue getting to the parking lot.

Once I got on the train, the small children got on to make noise. Everything went as expected.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy. 50s
Shady Gas Price: $2.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Well That Was A Long Time Away

I can't believe that six weeks went by without me posting a report about my commute. Man, I got lazy...or I got busy at work. Hey, that happens.

So, I got behind some dude in a Volvo who liked to come to a dead stop on the highway. We would be in stop and go traffic...he liked to hold on to the stop portion of the traffic as long as he could. He probably was having some manual transmission issues, but it just wasn't the time to have them.

Ok, I will try to keep the content flowing now.

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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: Mostly sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $2.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

No More Shouting About The Sun

I think the woman who used to sell Lowell Sun newspapers at the North Billerica train station is out of a job or something. She is no longer there shouting out, "Do you want to buy the Sun for a quarter?"

They now have a ticket booth in the train station and people can buy their newspapers there. They just place their quarter on the counter, pick up their paper, and walk away.

No more personal touch. No more shouting. They call this progress?


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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: Mostly cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.77
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Condolicious

There's this billboard that I see every morning coming into North Station that is an advertisement for the NorthPoint Condominiums. There's this woman's face on the billboard and she has her right index finger in her mouth. Her other digits are topped with some kind of red berry.

I guess living there is tasty...among other things.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.77
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Aprile's European Restaurant

There's a new restaurant that is opening along my route to work. It is going into the space that Bainbridge's occupied...

The name of the new restaurant is Aprile's European Restaurant. At least that's what the temporary signs says its name is.

The sign also mentions fine food and pizzeria. Not sure on when it is opening but I look forward to it.

I won't be able to go there on my drive to work but maybe at night some time.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:30 AM
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.77
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1 (Patriots' Day)
Feared for my life: No.

Snoring

There was this really big dude snoring in the seat across the aisle from me. Man, he was loud. It wasn't just deep breathing. It was full-on, nasal-cavity vibrating snore.


It was ok as long as you didn't want to sleep too.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:00
Departure Time From Train Station 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:08
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

I Forgot My Pass

Ugh. There is no worse feeling like realizing you left your pass at home as you are sitting down on the train. First time this has happened...and hopefully the last.

I had left the pass in my shirt pocket from the train ride home.

I forgot to put it back in my wallet.

Good thing I had some cash on me. I hate having to pay twice for something.


Ugh.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

I Think I Almost Slept On The Train

I got up this morning on the early side and felt tired. I felt so tired that I started to fall asleep on the train.

I wish I could catch some winks on the train like some people. I don't think I can fall into a deep sleep.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Have A Lovely Day

The homeless guy who stands around Haymarket in the morning requests that the ladies have a lovely day. As a guy, I am to have a good day.

But what if I have a lovely day...? Should I tell him?

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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: Sunny -some fog - 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Skateboarding to Work

There's this dude who skateboards to work from North Station. Somehow he pulls it off.

I couldn't do that. I would look silly doing it. But this dude, this dude looks right.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Altercation At North Station

As I was walking down the stairs at North Station, I saw an altercation of some sort at the doors.

What I saw was a man pushing/hitting a woman...which made me say "whoa" out loud. It was pretty jarring. I am not sure what happened beforehand to provoke such a response, but it wasn't cool.

What I could deduce was that the woman was coming through the door at the same time as the man was exiting. Maybe she shoved him first? Maybe she wouldn't yield to him.

Who knows. Let's stay out of each others' way. Respect the "stay to the right" rule.

And let's stop hitting each other...

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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:27
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Sunny
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Commuting Characters

You've got the woman who is cupping her hand over her cell phone while she talks. I guess she really does not want anyone reading her lips when she talks. Are we at a ballgame or something? Are you afraid that the other side is going to steal your signs?

You've got the woman who is singing to herself loudly...mostly a hum...no iPod to be seen. The song is just in her head.

You've got the guy who has smoked more packs of cigarettes this morning than most people smoke in a lifetime.

Good people - every one!


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Departure Time From Home: 6:52
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Light snow and windy
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

March 2010 Rain Aftermath

Things seemed to be back to normal for the most part on the train today. There was some slow going between Billerica and Wilmington, but I would say the rest of the ride was typical.

The Shawsheen River is engorged and roaring under the tracks.

Winchester seems to be underwater. School parking lots are filled with huge puddles. Ballfields where people would bring their dogs to run around have now been replaced by ponds for ducks to swim.

I am hoping things dry up soon.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

What A Nightmare

So I got to the train station with not much trouble. Yes, it was raining and yes I had seen flooding issues on the TV...but I didn't encounter much resistance.

After getting to the train station, I saw that there was a lot of people waiting in the station. Again, I knew that there was a delay on the Lowell line of the commuter rail...15 to 20 minutes. Not the end of the world.

After 40 minutes, I heard a loud conversation from the center of the station. I concluded that the Wilmington station was closed due to flooding. No trains were making it beyond Wilminton it seemed. There were supposed to be shuttle buses but none were seen.

I decided to drive to work. How 'bout cha? As I get on to 93 South, my wife calls me to tell me her car isn't starting.

I drove home so she could use my car to drive our son to school and I could wait for AAA.

I got to work around 11 o'clock. Yay!


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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station Didn't happen via train
Arrival Time at North Station: Didn't happen.
Weather as I call it: Rain
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 6
Feared for my life: No

White Swans

On the ride in, I saw two huge, beautiful, white swans swimming around in one of the marshes along the tracks...somewhere in between Billerica and Wilmington.

I was surprised and happy to see them.

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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: Cloudy..
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

More Than a Feeling

Some dude has his iPod blasting and he was blasting the band Boston. Oh yeah. Raise your fist and beat the beat to More Than a Feeling.

It must have been that first Boston album because the next song I heard was something else by that band but I don't know the name of it.

He was BLASTING IT. Who cranks up Boston on their way to work? THAT GUY!


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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: Cloudy, 28 degrees
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Putting On Your Makeup

If there is one big difference between commuter rail and subway travel, it's the freedom the ladies feel to apply makeup while riding into work.

I would see some woman do touch ups on the T. Maybe the full application here and there.

On the commuter rail, I see this ritual about 3 of out 5 mornings. It's not just a touch up. It's the full deal. It's about 20 minutes of concealer.

I think it takes talent.

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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: Partly sunny, some wind, 30°F
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

No Flooding

The rain continues to come down and thankfully I wasn't affected by flooding. On the way home, I may need to avoid Route 3 North because of the huge puddle near Drum Hill.

I picked up a Metro to read something quite mindless on the way to work. Did you know that Charlie Sheen's wife is working on an addiction to crack? Wow.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Rainy. High 30s
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Soggy and Slushy

It snowed overnight where I live but it was raining pretty steadily when I woke up.

I clean off both cars before I left. I hope that the rain will wash away the rest of the snow on the driveway. I don't want to have to shovel when I get home tonight.

A woman on the train asked me to move over so she could sit. I did and she mutter something to me like "Great weather we're having." I coughed a "ya" back at her and that stopped the conversation.

I wish I could kick this cold.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:47
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Rainy, high 30s.
Shady Gas Price: Surprisingly still at $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Tires Were Spinning

I pulled out of my driveway today and had a hard time climbing the hill. Our road had been plowed but there seemed to be a thin layer of ice underneath the dusting of snow that fell between 9PM and Midnight last night. I kept my foot on the accelerator and I kept inching up the hill. Suddenly I saw a Ford Explorer in my rear view. He must have come up on my quick. He didn't seem to have the trouble I was having. I think he almost hit me. People drive too fast on my road anyway. Everyone should just slow down and be careful of dudes with front wheel drive.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny, mid 20s
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

President's Day Fun

Yeah I had to work today. I think this may have been the first President's day that I have had to work since the 90s. The train was a little busier than I thought. It was filled with other sad schlubs like me who had to get themselves up and run for the train. Saturday schedules don't really make for a lot of choice. It was either the 7 o'clock or the 9 o'clock for me. I got there just in time to catch the 7 o'clock. I looked like a mess getting out of my car without my coat on and my bag flapping around. I was definitely the unprepared guy this morning.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station 7:08
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:50
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, cold. 20s.
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

Snow Was A Joke

I just read my last post. That last snowstorm was a joke...for Boston at least.

There's a guy who stands outside one of the exits of Haymarket. He wishes everybody who walks by a good day....and he sings songs too.

Today he wished a few ladies a happy Valentine's day. I think a couple of them blushed.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Less Wind Less Dread

The cold wind wasn't present this morning and my cold has subsided. I didn't feel awful on the train.

The train was less crowded too. I have figured out where I can get a nice seat every morning. A nice seat being one that is close to the door yet you don't get a neighbor until 2 stops from N. Station. Nice.

Snow tomorrow.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:51
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Sunny, less windy.
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Packed Train

I am a little under the weather this morning and the cold wind didn't help matters.

The packed train was uncomfortable. I didn't want to cough or sneeze on anybody. It was better to rest my eyes and turn my head to avoid spreading my cold.

I hope I feel better soon for everyone's sake.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:28
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:12
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4 - sick and too many people
Feared for my life: No

Want To Buy The Sun For A Quarter?

For the blog, we may have a new paper person. There is a woman who asks commuters if they want to buy the (Lowell) Sun newspaper for a quarter every morning.

I may need to incorporate her into this blog. Maybe a count of how many times she asks people if they want to buy the paper.



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Departure Time From Home: 5:50
Departure Time From Train Station 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:05
Weather as I call it: Dawn broke. Looks to be a sunny day.
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Crowded Train On A Monday

Today seemed to be a light traffic day on the roads but a crowded scene on the train.

I have never seen so many people on the morning train having to stand. On the way home, it's like that...but going to work is usually pretty mellow.

Anyhoo. Everyone got in on time. February started on a positive note.

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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, a little warmer...high 20s.
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2.5
Feared for my life: No

Free Coffee at North Station

...or at least across the street from it.

Chinet is promoting their new "comfort cup". They were handing out free coffee to show off how their new cup would save your hand from the burning sensation of hot liquids.

I think the cup is okay. Not sure if it is recyclable...If not, you are probably better off with a travel mug you can use over and over.

The cup kept my hands from getting burnt. The coffee wasn't that hot though...I would like to test it on near boiling liquids.

I took the free coffee and the coupon.

There were some dudes handing out Sox schedules near Faneuil Hall. I declined.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:50 - got out of the house early
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Cloudy. No rain yet.
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Wrecks Near The Rails

There is an old truck. Must be from the 1940s or so. It is sitting there rusting on the side of the tracks between Woburn and Winchester.

You think with so much visibility that someone would make somebody junk it?

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Departure Time From Home: 6:39
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Shaking Hands At North Station

I think the biggest news from today is that Martha Coakley was at North Station shaking hands with commuters. I even saw some dude walk up to her and give her a big kiss on the cheek.

Too bad it was too little too late.

The other tidbit:
I had voted right as the polls opened and just made my train.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Light rain
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life:

Well I Had To Work

I woke up to find 4 inches of wet snow on the ground. I got the shovel and started clearing off the steps and the cars and found the asphalt of the driveway.

I left the house thinking I could make the train that leaves N. Billerica station around the 8 o'clock hour...but I just missed it.

As I walked up to the station, the warning tones started to ring and I knew I was too late.

I had to wait around the station until 8:33. Fun times. I did meet up with an ex-coworker..so that did make the time go by a bit.

As we parted ways on the Orange line, he said, "Enjoy your holiday..."

I said, you too. Hey, I had to work today.

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Departure Time From Home: 7:26
Departure Time From Train Station 8:33
Arrival Time at North Station: 9:07
Weather as I call it: Snow, sometimes rain, windy
Shady Gas Price: $2.71 CRAP!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: Once. Had to brake. Started to slide.

Sharing My Seat

I could probably write a whole post about people who share a seat with me on the commuter rail. I will wait until I have a few weeks worth of data to do the post some justice.

An elderly couple sat next to me today...both an old man and lady sat with me until the older woman decided that sitting that close to me wasn't a good experience.

I guess I smell. I don't know. I have a story like this one every day.

Anyway, it sounded like they were going to Boston for a hospital visit. I wished them the best of luck.

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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 but cold. 20s
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Just Getting Progressively Colder

Not sure why, but today it felt a lot colder. The wind was blowing right through me.

The walk from my car to the train platform was especially brutal.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny, but windy/cold
Shady Gas Price: $2.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Tried an Earlier Train

The baby woke us up at 4:30 this morning. Since I was up and had nothing else to do, I got the earlier train into Boston. Totally different scene...much quieter...but only 27 minutes apart.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny. Blinding at times. Cold
Shady Gas Price: $2.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Not In Such A Rush Today

Left the house earlier this morning..which was nice. I didn't feel like I had to speed down the roads to get to the station.

Leaving earlier makes my commute shorter because less people are on the roads before 7 than after 7. Gotta remember that.

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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: Cold, cloudy, but no wind.
Shady Gas Price: $2.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

First Commute of 2010

YEAH! That's what I am typing about. As you may or may not know, I changed jobs last month and had two(ish) weeks to get my commute down via the commuter rail.

It seemed pretty quiet. Not a lot of people. Good times.

Today was a different story. Everyone was back from vacation...but I am getting ahead of myself.

I left the house a little late. The traffic volume last week would allow me to leave the house after 7AM without any problems...but this morning the traffic was 3 times what it was last week. I barely had enough time to park and pay for my spot when the train arrive. Note to self: Need to leave the house later tomorrow.

Lots of people at the station waiting for the train. I got a seat without any trouble...

Train got to North Station without any major delays. I hope that is always the case!

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Departure Time From Home: 7:04
Departure Time From N. Billerica Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Seasonal temps - 20s, Sunny.
Shady Gas Price: $2.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah.