Last Post of 2011

2012 will be a better year, right? We can't have 5 bad years in a row, right?

I guess it hasn't been a horrible year, but I would like to feel like I had a good year on the 30th of December in 2012.

We'll see. Time is what you make it. I am going to give it a go in 2012.

Good luck to you. May your driving to work be smooth in the next year.


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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, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.25
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Winter For Never

We used to say in our office that it was Winter Forever last year. This year, it's Winter For Never. We had a cold one this morning but it has been pretty mild this December. I think January should stay the same.

I have this later train schedule down. Too bad I will going back to the typical train next week.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:58
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.25
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Just Joking About 20 Dollars of Gas

I like this later train business...the extra sleep is nice especially if you have been out with friends the night before.

I left the house earlier than yesterday and was able to pump in 20 bucks of gas before I got to the train...that should keep me going for the next three miles.

Joking.

I got a little coffee using my li'l gift card and was in the door before 8:20.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:58
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Some sun - 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.25
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Threw The Bums A Dime In Your Prime

Yay - it's back to work time for me. I slept in later and took the 7:26 train out of N. Billerica.

It was pretty quiet and there weren't as many people on the train.

There was one hangup at Wilmington. We had to wait for the Haverhill train to get through the station. The wait added a few minutes to the ride.

The walk was good - I think I hit all the lights right and was able to cross the streets with no delay. I gave a buck to the homeless guy who wishes me a good day everyday. It's my two year anniversary at this job and it seems like I have more good days than bad days.

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Departure Time From Home: 7:09
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:09
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $3.25
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Happy For Some Time Off

It will be nice to have some time off next week - to shop - to sleep - to not drive to work.

Hey ev'rybod. Have a great week next week. I will be back after Christmas to blog again.


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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: Some sun, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.25
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sending Christmas Cards

I took a later train to work today. It was nice to sleep in a little bit and ease my way into work.

I had to mail all the Christmas cards today. I bought stamps and affixed them to all 30 envelopes right there at the Milk St. office.

Then the building management of our office had breakfast and I ate muffins and little paninis. Delicious.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.25
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Lost ID

On the way to Boston, some dude lost his photo ID. The conductor shouted something weird like, "the last guy who got on at West Medford may want to check to see if he has his ID".

Then the other conductor used the intercom and called the guy by his name. He said he had his ID and he should see either conductor when they stopped at N. Station.

It must be interesting to have your full name being called over the intercom on the train that early in the morning.

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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: Cloudy, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.25
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Bells Are Ringing

It's been colder this week but with the proper coat and the right attitude, it has been a fine experience in the morning.

When we arrived at Wedgemere station today, there was a loud bell ringing in the train. They had to check the engine and we were delayed for 8 minutes at the station.

Once we got started again, we didn't have any more trouble.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Cold, partly sunny.
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Flipping Blue Seats

The rain was coming down hard when I woke up this morning. I was hoping that it would die down before I stepped out the door and it did.

The roads were wet but there was no rain to drive through to get to the station.

Blue seated car for the third day in a row. I almost flipped some other seats to face forward but I just sat in my regular seat.


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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: Rain-ish. 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Dark mornings make for a quiet ride to the train station. Everybody seems to be slow moving and cautious.

I had to sit in the blue seated car again. The seat that I changed direction on what still in place...so I sat down again.

The walk was good. We have had some great weather in terms of temperature. The rain held off too.

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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: Cloudy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Winter Fog

Usually it's foggy in the summer time when cool nights bring foggy conditions to the warm mornings.

This morning, there was fog all around. Leaving the house was an adventure...

In all the low lying areas on my commute, there was thick fog covering everything.

Very stealthy.

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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: Foggy, then sunny.
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Blue Seats

Those commuter rail cars with the blue seats that just hold two people each have to go. They are all too small. I do like that I know how to make them face the opposite direction.

I did that this morning and was able to face the seat in the direction that the train was moving.

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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: Cold, 20s when I left the house.
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Remember It's December

I had a early meeting and I also had to make change for the old parking machine so I got up a half hour before I usually do. I walked out of the house and I was hit with a big gust of wind.

I went to the gas station mart down the street from the train station. There are some scary characters hanging out in the store. There's guys playing Keno and dudes just watching you in the parking lot.

I got a bottled water which broke my 10 dollar bill so that I had enough singles for the slot.

Once I was on the train, I realized that I didn't have my December pass. I pushed the pass into the top buckle of the seat to cover up the month. I got away with it.

I bought a ticket for the ride back though.



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Departure Time From Home: 6:02
Departure Time From Train Station 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:08
Weather as I call it: Dark. Colder. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.28
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

What A Warm November

We had such a warm November that I am afraid that our winter will be bad. You never know. Maybe the warm weather will carry over. It would be nice not to shovel eight feet of snow this year.


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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: 40s Some clouds
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

It's Going To Be A Happy Day Today

My daughter told me that today was going to be a happy day. She's two and says some interesting things from time to time.

I am confident she is right. She said it in a matter of fact tone. I have to believe she knows what she's talking about.

Look at that gas price. That's something to be happy about.


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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: Warm again, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

And It's Good To Be Back

After a week off, I got back to driving to work. What a wonderful day. The temps can't be beat for this time of year.

I settled back in nicely. Everything was on time. The walk to work was a little slower than normal. I think the turkey dinner was weighing me down.

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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: Warm, high 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Friday Before Vacation

I love Thanksgiving. I love it. That's why I am taking all of next week off. I don't want to have to deal with a slow work week and add to the agony of waiting for that 4 day weekend. Make it a 9 day week for me. Thanks. Have fun on the roads and on the sidewalks and on the trains because I will be trying to sleep in.

Mahalo.


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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: Mostly cloudy...cold. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sorry If I Snored

I made a plan to sleep on the train. I sat in the middle of the car in a two seater and I just closed my eyes. The next thing you know, the train was pulling into North Station.

Sorry if I snored.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.337
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: I didn't notice

Vanilla

I got up and ate a bagel for breakfast. The ride to the train station parking lot was issue free. The train came on time and I got on behind some pretty old people who were talking loudly to each other.

I had to wait until Winchester before someone would sit next to me. I was looking pretty ugly today, I guess.

Thankfully it wasn't wide legged sitting guy. He annoys me.

The walk to the office was good too. The temps are still pretty warm even if the sun didn't make an appearance.


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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: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

There Are Lots Of People Driving

I got to the Drum Hill intersection and the line of cars was huge. Hey, wha' happened?

When the light turned green, the cars would crawl through. I think I waited 3 light changes before I made it out.

It seemed like people didn't get that they could use more than one lane to get to where they were going. In most cases, Route 3 south was their final destination.

Too many early in the morning drivers.


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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: Mostly cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Warm November Rain

There might have been snow in October but November is busting out all over. It's been pretty mild in the mornings.

50s in the morning is a good thing.

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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: Warm, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

This One Goes To Eleven Eleven Eleven

I know that everyone should be celebrating Veterans Day...but take a few seconds to celebrate Nigel Tufnel day too.


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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: Not too bad
Shady Gas Price: #3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

I Think He Left His Lights On

When I was walking to the office from North Station, I noticed a car parked in one of those open lots had its lights on. Boo.

I don't think they were going to fade out anytime soon.


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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: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Usually Mechanical Problems Happen In The Cold

Ok so I left the house at 6:33A and I thought I was going to be early.

Wrong!

I got to the 495/3 interchange and there was traffic traffic traffic...silly traffic too.

Luckily, I arrived at the train station just a few minutes later than usual. I thought it would matter.

Wrong!

The train was delayed because of mechanical problems. I don't know which train I took but it came to the station about 12 minutes late. Not too bad when the scrolling information board stated it was going to be more like 25 to 30 minutes.

The train was a little slow at Wilmington but all and all...not too bad.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33 AM
Departure Time From Train Station 7:12 AM
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:02 AM
Weather as I call it: Sunny, warm, high 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3.5
Feared for my life: No

Nice To See Things

I am still getting used to the sun being up when I am driving to work. It used to be dark and I didn't have to battle getting blinded by the sun on Route 3 and beyond.

Beyond getting blinded, it is nice to see things like the street and people walking along the streets.

Sights for sore eyes.

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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, warmer...high 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

More Trash For You Today

I brought the trash to the curb this morning. We didn't get any trash pick up last Monday because the trucks couldn't get down our street. There was a large tree that was bent over the road. Smaller vehicles like my SUV could get through but a large garbage truck would not be able to pass under the newly made tree bridge.

With two barrels at the end of the driveway, I drove away with some frosted side windows.

There was a little traffic build up on Route 3. I am glad I didn't have to deal with the bulk of it since my exit got me out of that mess before it had me in its clutches.



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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, cold, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

School In July

I got up knowing that life at home would be back to normal. There was school today as opposed to the last 4 days where there wasn't any.

If we get any snow days this year, the kids will be going to school in July.




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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: Sunny, cold, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Coffee Is All Right

I got up and paid some bills since I need electricity to do that nowadays. I also made a pot of coffee and brought a travel mug of it with me.

Gaining momentum with every swig, I pounded it all down before I got on the train.

I felt pretty wide awake on the train. I shared a three seater with just one other person.

I greeted the homeless people with a smile and good morning. Coffee is all right.


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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, cold, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Electricity Will Light The Way

The power came back on at my house last night so I woke up with heat and electric light and sewage that could be pumped out of my house. What times we live in.

Everything else was tolerable. I felt warm at the train station.


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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, cold, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The World Is A Cold Dark Place

The world is a cold dark place. No lights for miles. Strange people walking in front of me while I drove to the train station. No accidents.

I woke up early because I was sick of the cold. I took the second train out of Lowell.

Please National Grid, please fix the lines.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:00
Departure Time From Train Station 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:05
Weather as I call it: Cold, Dark, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Halloween But All Tricks

The freak winter storm we had on Saturday took away all of my electricity. I woke up to a cold house and no lights.

With no distractions like TV or internet, I left the house earlier than normal. I thought I would stop by the li'l Starbucks in N. Billerica to get a coffee.

They were closed. No power. NO COFFEE.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:25
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Clear, cold, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Costume Friday

We have a Halloween party at the office today. I am not in costume but I did bring beer in a briefcase. I guess a bit of disguise.


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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: Cloudy, cold
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Rain is pain when you miss your train

So yeah, I did leave the house a little later than usual but not tremendously late.

Once I got on to the highway, I knew it was going to be a tight squeeze.

Cars merging on and off 495 were the issue. Big trucks made things worse.

I got to the train station right in time to watch it pull into the station. I wasn't going to catch this one.

So I went to Starbucks and bought a coffee to make things better.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No

3 Stops Before Work

I got off the train and I needed to go to CVS. There is a new location near North Station. Super convenient.

I stopped at Clover Food Labs and got their oatmeal with fruit. It had lots of pears and it was delicious.

I stopped again to avoid the small raindrops falling from the sky...and then I choose to move quickly into the building.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cold, some rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Parking Close

I parked near the payment "machine" since I knew I was going to an event at night and would not need to drive fast out of the parking lot to avoid the rush. I am always amazed at the small amount of cars in the parking lot at 10PM. Nobody stays out any more.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunnyish, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sam Wasn't Happy

So the morning started ok. I got to the station in plenty of time even though there was a flatbed truck doing his very best to slow everyone down.

As I was walking up to the station, the purple warning lights started to chime and blink. There was a train approaching. It turned out to be the inbound train so I didn't have to run for it. Some other people did and crossed the tracks a little too close for the engineer's comfort. He blasted his horn as hard as he could and barreled through the station at 60 miles per hour.

Once I got on the inbound train, things were good until Winchester when li'l Sam got on and cried for the rest of the trip. I think he may have fallen. There were bad conductor jokes and band-aids involved. It made for a loud train ride.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Clear but colder, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.47
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3.5
Feared for my life: No

Rain May Be In The Forecast

...but I am liking that today is my Friday. Yeah, I am taking two days off this week.

I have some stuff planned with the family and I am looking forward to getting some things done around the house and in the yard.

Have fun commuting for the rest of the week.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7;45
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, rain coming.
Shady Gas Price: $3.55
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Every Day There Is More To See

The Charles River park that is on the other side of the Zakim Bridge is starting to look more like a park and less like rubble.

The grass is really green. I hear that grass grows best in the fall.

Drive, Train Ride, and Walk were all good. I wore my jacket which was nice.



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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.53
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

I Miscalculated The Temperature

I didn't put on a jacket this morning. I wish I had. It was bearable but waiting for the train would have been a little more comfortable with a jacket.

I have been colder. There are days in the winter where the wind is blowing and my body is shaking because it's so cold.

Today I should have worn a jacket. Tomorrow I will.

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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: Sunny, cool, jacket weather
Shady Gas Price: $3.53
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Hey Ho Rain Again

Yeah, there was more rain today. It really started to come down when I was leaving the house and then it stopped.

While waiting for the train, there was a break. I didn't have to stand there getting soaked.

The walk was good and dry. I had some issues with the bottom of my pants but overall much drier and more comfortable than yesterday.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Rainy-ish. 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Wash Out

The rain was coming down this morning. I don't remember having to use my umbrella so much last year.

It would rain during different points in the day but lately it seems to have been coming down in buckets during the morning commute.

The bottom of my pants and my shoes were soaked when I walked in this morning. Yuck.

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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: Rainy. 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Fried Chicken and Beer

I was running ahead of schedule today. I had plenty of time for my breakfast and packing a lunch. I had dollar bills y'all for the parking fee. It's was a good morning from an everything-lining-up-and-going-as-planned-perspective.

I read the whole article in the Globe this morning about how the Sox pitchers were eating KFC and drinking beer and playing video games in the clubhouse while the rest of the team was losing out on the field.

It's a shame, really...but when you think you can do whatever you want...people choose the easy, fun route rather than the tough, just route.

And Jason Varitek doesn't want reporters calling him at home.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cool, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Loose Change Bad Checks Anything

I had to search around for some change to make up 2 dollars of my four dollar parking fee.

With 6 quarters and 5 dimes, I was able to feed the slot. I pray the fee collectors can add.

The train was filled with people again and it seemed like a typical morning.


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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: Sunny, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Quiet Car

I think every car on the train was the quiet car. There weren't many people on the train and it was silent.

I used to like to work on Columbus day when I was driving. Taking the train, it's sad. You feel like everyone else is in on the joke and you're being laughed at.

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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: Sunny, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Another cold morning but above freezing is tolerable to this old New Englander. Give me some temps that are below freezing and some wind that blows and some blinding snow and I might complain a little.

These mornings are welcome. There wasn't any frost on my window to scrape off. I will take it.

A work filled week - finally coming to a close. Yay. See you on Monday.

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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: Cold, but sunny. 35°F
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Sketchy Characters

There were a good number of sketchy characters on street corners this morning on the walk to work. Usually it's just me staring at people as they walk by, but today I was joined with older gentlemen in trench coats standing around for whatever reason looking at people as they walk by. I think I saw three people who fit that description.

Was there a national holiday for our tribe that I missed?

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

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 but cold. 38°F
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Home Is Wherever I'm With You

Yes, after the rain - the sun pours out of the sky. The leaves are starting to show their color. The air is crisp and I get to wear my favorite jacket.

Ah New England - your winters are awful. We know that. I have lived places where the winters are not that bad so I know it can be better.

But your autumns, your autumns make it worth it. It is the pay off and it is the best time of the year.


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

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, windy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Scotch N' Sirloin

The rain was coming down this morning and there were reports of flooding all around the North Shore. None of my commuting was affected. My walk from North Station to the office was nice.

I have noticed it in the past but this is the first time I have discussed on the ol' blog. There is an old sign for a restaurant called the Scotch N' Sirloin. I think it closed a while ago but the sign remains. If the sign could talk, would it speak of the bygone era of men eating steak and drinking scotch on a regular basis driving on the elevated Central Artery in Boston?



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

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: Rainy then not so much
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3 - rain stinks
Feared for my life: No

Hey She Is Back

The woman who ride on the train with me for many months is back.
She still has her boy and stroller in tow...but now she also had a little girl. Sweet!
------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sunburned Face

It looked as if someone who got on at Woburn/Anderson enjoyed the sun in these last gasps of good weather.

She came on the train and her red face startled me a little bit. I think she has enough vitamin D stored on her forehead to last until the first green shoots poke through the snow next spring.

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

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: Sunny, mild, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Overturned Trucks In The Rain

After a laugher of a Red Sox game and season, it was an appropriate rainy morning. There was a bad accident on 495 according to the traffic guy. My route wasn't affected too badly.

I got to the train station in time and everything went smoothly. The conductor kept reminding everyone that October would be upon us next week.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Rainy, 60°
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Gasoline and Coffee

My gas light was on and I had to fill up. I thought I would be able to take the same train I always do with a little side trip to the ol' gas station, but no.

The gas station was filled up with cars going to DD instead of getting gas so I had to wait for some goofballs to move.

I missed the train by that much.

I went and got some coffee cuz that's what I like to do in the morning if I have extra time.

I got my li'l coffee from SBucks and proceeded to spill a good portion of it on my shirt sleeve and pants and a first degree burn on my hand.

It's a beautiful morning.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 7:27
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.55
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nah

Promised Land Morning

I saw a friend last night who lives in Iceland and was visiting for a short time. He calls New England the promised land because someone he met in L.A. (a successful doctor living in a mansion overlooking the Pacific ocean) gave this place that name.

Do we love our home land more than other people? I am tied to tradition and ritual certainly and I love this place, but I am just one guy. I like hearing that other people have the same feeling but I can see the other side of the conversation too.

I am not looking forward to winter....

Great drive/ride/walk to work today.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny. Cooler, 60°F
Shady Gas Price: $3.55
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Summer In Fall

So Autumn began last week but the temperatures haven't reacted to the calendar.

It was in the mid-60s when I left the house today. I'm not complaining. The best part of an extended summer is a shorter winter...one would hope.

The train ride was fine. Wide-leg sitting guy sat next to me but we co-existed just fine.

The parks around the train station are starting to come together. I saw some guys welding the bridge together that links the Cambridge/Charlestown parks. I think it's going to look pretty good once everything is done.

And the kids will get to "shred ahead"... I am pretty sure.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, humid, mid-60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

London Town

I'd like to say I drove to the train station, took the train, and walked to work but I am in London and working in the HQ this week.

I walked the ancient blocks to the offices today. Somebody stopped to ask me if I knew where a particular school was. I cheerfully told her I did not and that I was a visitor in this fair city.

It's sunny here today and it's the first time I've seen the big star in a while.

Cheers!


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

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

Train Car Smells

I left the house early today so I could get some change from the ol' machine in the train station so I could pay for parking. Parking is 4 dollars a day and when all you have is 10s and 5s, you need to find somewhere that will give you change.

I like the machine. There's no small talk needed with the machine.

Sometimes there is an issue with the bill and you have to insert it a number of times but for the most part, it suits my needs.

I got the change for a 10 dollar bill. I got 10 golden coins and I put four of them in the slot that corresponded with my parking space.

Once I got on the train, there was a strong smell of urine. Somebody had a accident on the train.

Yuck. It got better as time went on - as more people got on bringing their own scents, it drowned out the urine smell.

The last three stops were pleasant.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:15
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cooler, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Getting Back To Typical

The road was clear. The power was back on. The OJ tasted a bit funny but didn't turn my stomach. The coffee maker was dripping. The car was running and got me to the train station, although my check engine light did come on before I got there. Shoot.

The train only had 5 cars. People were standing all over the place. It was a mess.

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

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: Sunny, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Aftermath of Hurricane Irene

Wellup, I woke up without the need of an alarm. Mainly because we didn't have electricity to power an alarm clock. Yeah, I could have used my cell phone but I thought I would sleep in if I was allowed by my mind and body. Alas, I woke up around the same time.

My wake up time was the least of my worries. The main issue of the morning was a fallen tree that had fallen in front of the one street that allows people to come in and out of my neighborhood. Think of it as a gated community but more ghetto.

At 6:30AM, there was no one around to clear the path. There were lots of people driving past my house in one direction just drive past again in the opposite direction.

Finally, at 10 AM, they cleared the road and people could leave the neighborhood. Hooray - I got to go to work.


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

Departure Time From Home: 10:15
Departure Time From Train Station 11:23
Arrival Time at North Station: 12:05
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 8 !!!
Feared for my life: No

The Train Was Back To Normal Speed

If that was one thing we had going for us, the train was back to full speed. It even arrived a little early today.
I sat not as close to the door. I have had success avoiding the guy who sits too close.
Tomorrow is Friday...
------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: nah

Post Earthquake Blues

Man, for whatever reason, the train rolled along at half speed this morning. It was late to our stop and got us to Boston 20+ minutes late.

It looked like they were down to two conductors. One conductor was actually driving the train!!

So no tickets were collected and the train was packed with people because we were late.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 7:11
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nah

It Can Be Deceiving

Not sure what today will bring. The cooler temperatures have been nice. The sunshine is pretty good. This kind of weather can fool you. You never know what the day may bring.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Brick Sidewalk

The homeless guy who wishes everyone a good day was wearing a Yankees suck tee shirt.

The guy has to wear what he has to wear.

The brick sidewalk near Congress and State. It looks good and it's about time.


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

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, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Black Forest Ham

Why is Black Forest ham so delicious? I made a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and Black Forest ham on a bagel and it was excellent.

I guess it originated from the Black Forest area in Germany.

Good stuff.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and humid
Shady Gas Price: $3.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

I Still Don't Want Him To Sit Next To Me

There is this guy who gets on at Winchester Center that tends to sit next to me. Some days I dread his stop if the seat next to me is empty.

He stares a lot. He also likes to sit with his leg wide apart.

He makes me uncomfortable. I like it when he sits somewhere else.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.67
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Sun Returned

...and so did dry roads. I had to use my defrost a few times. The air was cool and dry. I am hoping it warms up today.

The train was quiet and did not smell like moth balls.

I had a pleasant companion in my two seater.

The walk from N. Station to the office was pleasant.


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

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, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Well At Least It Didn't Rain In The Morning

Although the clouds were threatening us, it didn't rain on the way to work today.

I was able to stand outside and wait for the train. I walked to work without getting drenched.

The clouds can be so tough sometimes.

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

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: Threatening Clouds
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Rain and Keys

So this morning was the first one in a while where it was raining hard enough to force me to stand inside the station to wait for the train rather than wait for it outside.

The rain made the roads slow but the train chugged along with no issues.

On the train, I saw some keys hanging on a coat hook and called it "art".


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

It Smells Like Moth Balls In Here

I got on the train this morning and the A/C wasn't working and there was an odor in the air. It smelled like moth balls. I don't know why. Maybe there were some on the guy in front of me. It was stale and musty...

Like moth balls.


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

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: Partly sunny.
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Closed Sidewalks

I got to the train station and I got gold coins for my 10 dollar bill. They are easier to fit into the slots when you pay for parking.

The train was on time and quick and the person who sat next to me was pleasant.

The walk from the train station to the office was filled with closed sidewalks and other obstacles. I made it to work ok

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Forgot My Lunch At Home

It was much drier and cooler this morning when I walked out of the house. I didn't have to take the trash to the curb nor clean it up from the raccoon party that happened during the night.

Nope, I got to the train station right away and the train ride was good.

I got to work and I looked in my bag. I had forgotten my lunch at home. Blah.

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

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, cool, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Back To The Regular Schedule

So I got back to work today. My wife and I welcomed our third child to the world on 7/29 so I have been home for a while.

You know, it turns out I didn't forget how to drive to work.

They are putting bricks down at the corner of State and Congress in Boston. I think that project will be done soon. I have written that before though.

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

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: Cloudy but humid, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69 (Cash)
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Wow

The air was dry and the sun was out. It had that perfect day feel in the morning.

Sleeping in an extra hour helped a little bit. The drivers are a little more aggressive at 7 than they are at 6:30.

You get people riding your bumper...trying to pass you as soon as they can. They tend to have NH plates too.


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

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, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Renting Bikes

I see the kiosks outside North Station that are Hubway bike kiosks. I wonder when they will be filled with bikes.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

More Cloudy Skies

The rain came down last night and knocked out our electricity for 3 hours last night. Once it came back on, I set my alarm...but didn't set the volume. It was really loud when it went off at 6.

I took the later train and was able to hit the Clover Food Lab truck in Government Center for some iced coffee from Burundi.

Man, that was good coffee. Lots of happy people at that food truck too.

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

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: Cloudy, cool, 60
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Trying To Get Out The Door

I had a hard time getting out the door. I had computer problems - I was trying to get something done before I left the house but my PC wasn't helping me out.

I skipped breakfast and decided to buy something... I bought a breakfast sandwich at Subway. Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I was curious.

The egg for the sandwich was pre-made. Picture a small omelette in a perfect circle shape. The sandwich artist then heats it up it the big toaster oven along with the bread and cheese.

Well, that's the last time I get that. Plus the coffee was horrible too.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy. Cooler. 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Yeah That Was A Sweaty Walk

The sky was hazy white from the heat this morning. It looked like the bleak future they illustrate in the movies.

I got an iced coffee from Flat Black as a reward from surviving my walk from North Station to Post Office Square. It was a soupy hot stroll through the concrete jungle.

If I were driving all the way to work, I bet you I would see more cranky people.

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

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: Hazy, Hot, Humid.
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

Heat Wave Day 2

Another hawt one. How 'bout cha?

I thought to myself that I should call my mom because the news man said I should check on the elderly. I don't think she would think that was funny*.

*My mom is not elderly. I guess it's only funny if you know my mom.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Steamy, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Construction On The Corner Of State and Congress Street

It looks like they are finally cleaning up the construction on the corner of State and Congress streets.

It looks like they are going to fix the sidewalks and finally take away all the jersey barriers that have been in place for years and years.

It would be nice for this intersection to be cleaned up before the end of the summer.

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

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: Hazy sun, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

That Dude Was Jumping

I don't know if I can describe it but there was a dude jumping near the overhang of the Gov't center parking garage. He had no shirt on and was stomping around on the bricks around the garage.

Then, he took off running towards a wooden box where they store sand in the winter time. He used the box as a ramp to jump high in the air.

After he was done with the jump, he started to walk/stomp away. A turn of his head revealed that he had a mohawk type haircut, but only on the back of his head.

It was a blond hair strip of craziness if I have ever saw one.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny - hot
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Only 5 Cars Today

There were only 5 cars on the train today so things were a little snug for the ride. The driver was pulling into stations and was trying to force people to enter the train in different entrances.

No quiet car either - I didn't even know we had a quiet car on my train.

I was able to sit in between two nice ladies who didn't take up too much space.

I think I fell asleep a little too.


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

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 cloudy, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69 - yikes
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Smoking Like He Meant It

There was this guy who was standing outside the main Haymarket T stop entrance and he was smoking a cigarette as if his life depended on it and not as if it was shortening his life.

The guy who usually says "Good Morning" to everyone near Haymarket was not at his post today. I hardly think enthusiastic smoker guy is a worthy alternative to good morning guy.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cooler, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

1000 Posts

When I started this blog back in 2005, I didn't really know where it was going to take me. I just wanted to write about something. Since I was driving to work 5 days a week, I thought at least I would have a subject to get my fingers typing.

There was plenty to write about. When the Big Dig tunnel collapsed, I wrote about it and tried to restrain my anger.

I wrote about a strange liquid rolling back and forth on an Orange Line train seat and tried to restrain my vomit.

I wrote about the maple tree seeds that covered my car. I didn't have to restrain anything for that post.

Lately, I haven't been good at writing about all my commutes. Mainly because I am busier in the mornings now, but I am also sorta losing my passion for the blog. My commute isn't all that interesting most days. The people I ride the train with are quiet and appear to want to avoid contact with other passengers at all costs. I sometimes feel that way too. I guess people aren't happy about having to get up early to go to a job they don't particularly like. Maybe I should reach out more.

I will still update when I get a chance or need to report on some amazing thing. I hope there will be many chances in the future.

Besides that, if you are reading this, thanks. I do have a silly passion for observing and recording data. I wrote all this stuff and posted it for my own purposes, but if you're reading this post too...maybe it has more meaning to someone beyond me.

The older I get, the more I realize that all we really have is each other. I don't know why we are here but we are here together. Thanks for being here with me.


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

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, warm, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63 - it's going back up.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today

No Awkward Shaking

After a crappy night of sleeping, I was out the door around the regular time. The drive wasn't bad. I let some aggressive dude in a van merge in front of me on the onramp to Route 3. He was weird at the stop light so I let him go first.

Anyway, the train ran smoothly. The guy who sat next to me fell asleep during the ride but woke up as we pulled into North Station. No awkward shaking was needed.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, really warm, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Chasing Chickens

I was on the train this morning and was looking out the window as we left Wedgemere station (best name for a station...EVAH!) I saw a boy running around his yard...along with multiple hens.

He was chasing chickens which is not something you see every day especially along the train tracks of the Lowell line.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3 - slow traffic
Feared for my life: No

Watering Grass

Sunny Monday to start off the week after a Father's Day weekend filled with fun family activities.

I got to the train station a little later than usual. I had to water some grass before I left the house. There is this bald patch in the front yard that hasn't grown grass for years. I think I may have solved it with a little love and a lot of watering.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, high 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Thank Truck Driver

An 18 wheeler forced me to not take the exit to 495N off of Route 3 today. I was misjudged how fast he was coming off the ramp and before I knew it, I couldn't merge over without hitting his trailer. I just kept going south on Route 3 and took the exit for Route 129 to get to the train station.

He did not yield.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.77
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Working On Science Park

From my vantage point on the inbound train, there is a lot of activity on the Science Park T station. I could see at least eight construction workers moving about on the platform. Some of the structure has been taken down.

It's nice to see progress on the old station. Hopefully commuters don't have to be shuttled from North Station to Lechmere for longer than they have to.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, some rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.77
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Dancing In The Street

There was a homeless guy playing a guitar and another dude was dancing (like nobody was looking) to his music. It was a weird repetitive dance - with repeated bowing and stepping back.

And he kept dancing...


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cool, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.77
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Thinking About The Weather and Time

It's that time of year again where the sun is out and no jackets are required. Outside it can be hot and humid, but the A/C is cranking in the car and in the train.

I think I would rather be too hot than too cold any day.

I wonder when my driving to work will end?

What would I blog about?

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, warm, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Long Holiday

Hey - back from a long holiday. The roads were clear since most people hit the snooze alarm after a long weekend.

I just breezed into work...like it was Sunday.


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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: Sunny warm high 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Flat Noodle Friday

If you don't know about Flat Noodle Friday, you better ask somebody.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:57
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, damp... you know, normal.
Shady Gas Price: $3.89
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Noooooooooooo!

Good This Morning

I got up at my normal time and went to the train station at the normal time. I had a woman try to run me off the road on the onramp of the highway, but no problem.
I was good this morning. I only beeped my horn to let her know the error of her ways and then I let it go.


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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: Cloudy, some rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.89
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Rest Is Never Overrated

I needed to sleep in today. This cold has been lingering and I hope that at some point I get to feel 100% better soon.

So I set the alarm for 6:20 and woke up a little less sleepy.

I didn't eat breakfast so I got some on the walk to work. The skies are still gray and the ground is still damp, but breakfast was good.

Plus, the bump on my head isn't that bad.

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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: Cloudy, foggy, damp, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.89
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Did I See Birds?

I parked in a tight parking spot this morning. It was a real squeeze job between two cars. I opened my door and tried to get out but there wasn't a lot of space. I hit my head on my door and took The Lord's name in vain.

I think I saw birds and stars. It was not a good morning. I haven't looked in the mirror but I think there is a red mark on my forehead.

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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: Cloudy, a little rain here and there.
Shady Gas Price: $3.89
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

I'm Telling Ya

It's going to be winter forever, baby! It's only spring sometimes, but really it's just winter forever.

Looking at the forecast for the week, there isn't any sunny break in sight until next weekend. So bring on the rain, the cool temperatures, the ice age.

I am observing that it is winter forever. Not that I want that, but it's what I see.

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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: Cloudy, a little rain here and there.
Shady Gas Price: $3.93
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Now Here's Some Sun

The sun was out and it was the first bright day of the week.

I took a later train and that was a good thing. It's nice to get a little extra sleep on a Friday...even if it is a Friday the 13th.

No bad luck for me. There was a woman who flipped me off, I think, on the highway. The train didn't have the right door open.

I got a good seat on the train and caught a few Zs while we rolled into Boston.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:50
Departure Time From Train Station 7:28
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:09
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.93
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Clouds Right On The Horizon

There was sun when I left my house. Once I got to the train station, there was clouds. The cover of clouds was right there on the horizon. It was thick and depressing and I knew I was going right into it.

I couldn't stay out. I had to drive to work. Great, another gray day.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny then cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $3.93
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Hey Look - It's Cloudy Again

I don't think this bodes well for the summer. I think June and July are going be like they were back in 2009: Wet and cold. Not great. I mean, can the universe really do this to us? We have a really snowy January and then June and July are going to be cold and wet? Please. Please. If you know mercy, please give us some sunny days in long stretches.

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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: Cloudy and misty.
Shady Gas Price: $3.93
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Temporary Solution

It's day 2 of my temporary solution of my car's overheating problem. Thankfully - just filling the radiator with antifreeze and keeping it filled seems to be working. There is a crack in the radiator but I think I can keep my car on the road for the time being as we prepare to buy a new car.

If I can get through the month of May without any breakdowns, I will be blessed. I have already decided that my car will only be used to drive to work. I have a conference to go to in June so I have been looking at flights to Seattle and that will allow my car to rest for a week. I have a back up bottle of antifreeze in my trunk for emergencies. Unless something catastrophic happens, I may be able to get away with driving a broken car.


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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 cool breezy 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.93
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

My Car Was Smoking

I have been dealing with the old age of my car for a while now. Today, my car was getting a bit hot and smoke poured out of the hood.

I think I need to fix the radiator.

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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, cool, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.95
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Day 2 of This Sickness

I woke up feeling a little better but no where close to being 100%. I keep taking lots of Vitamin C and hope that it helps this cold end soon.

Other than that, the commute was fine. There was no problems in terms of timing - although at the station, people like to stand outside waiting for the train so it appears that I'm later than I really am.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.95
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

A Morning Just Like This Morning

A little sick in the head, nose, and chest. I don't know but it feels like I have been sick more times this year than healthy. Waking up from my melatonin induced sleep, I found out about Osama Bin Laden's death after I turned on the TV.

I remember Sept. 11, 2001 was a morning like this morning. Crisp air, blue sky, lots of sun.

It feels like closure but it's really just coincidence. I think I should get an iced coffee like I did on the morning I found out about the planes crashing into the WTC.


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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: Sunny, cool, high 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.95
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sunny and We Are Riding Fast

It's nice to see the sun in the morning for once. We have had a dreary week of clouds and light rain. I didn't wear a jacket for the second morning in a row.

The train was going pretty fast today...or at least when we pulled into stations. We definitely overran the Anderson station by a car or so.

We were flying by people on the platform. Their heads were turning as we were coming to a stop.


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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: Sunny, warm, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

They Were Playing

Another cloudy morning, another trip to work.

I am groggy from a late night so I took a little nap on the train.

I woke and saw photos on a woman's iPhone. She then played Scrabble.

The woman next to her worked on a crossword puzzle in ink.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, cool, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

There's No Visibility

The guy on the TV said the fog was so bad that there was no visibility.

I think I have seen more fog. It was just a little foggy.

I didn't hit anybody on the way to the train station, so yay me. No fog problems here.

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

Easter Was Tiring

I got up early on this Monday morning and I was tired for most of the day. I am so sleepy from this Easter.

The roads were pretty quiet. I think other people were having a slow morning as well.

The train was pretty full when I got on. I had to sit near the middle of the car.

I took a little nap from Woburn until we rolled into North Station. Still tired.

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

Sunny and Dry

It was still a little breezy when I got the N. Billerica station but when I got out at North Station, the sun was out and the wind was calm.

The walk was brisk and pleasant.

I said hello to all the homeless people.

I made most of the walk signals.

Good times.

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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
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Just A Little Early

I was checking my phone as we pulled into North Station. The clock was telling me 7:39. Were we going to be early? Just as the train stopped, the digits flipped over and we were sitting in North Station at 7:40. That's pretty accurate.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Windy, cold again
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

As They Say In My Office

...sometime it's winter forever. Kinda chilly out there today. The wind was a little much and the rain was just present enough to make it a bit of a miserable walk to work from North Station.

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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: Chilly, sprinkling.
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Patriots' Day 2011

Patriots' Day is a good commute day for the most part. There aren't a lot of people on the roads. The train is pretty empty. The traveling is easy.

There are plenty of people who are first time T riders. They come on with their large coffees and their Red Sox gear. Sometimes they can be problematic. I have seen people drunk at 8 in the morning talking loud and acting dumb.

Thankfully I was on an earlier train.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool and breezy
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Gloomy Rain Day

The guy on the TV was telling me to add 10 to 15 minutes to my commute. I just didn't believe him. There wasn't any rain coming down where I was. The statement didn't apply to me.

Roads were fast moving and I got to where I was going on time. Some gloom but no doom on the commuter

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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: Cloudy - no rain - 40°F
Shady Gas Price: $3.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Started Right Up

I had no car problems this morning. Everything started right up. It seemed that the battery connection was loose. I fixed that...like a boss.



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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: Partly sunny - 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

And My Car Won't Start

I was ready to drive to the train station but I couldn't get my car started in the driveway. I call AAA to see if they could help. While I was waiting, I played around with some connections to my battery. That did the trick. The car started up and I cancelled the AAA visit.

I got to the station much later but was able to take the express into Boston.

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Departure Time From Home: 7:26
Departure Time From Train Station 7:56
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:28
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, high 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No

Opening Day 2011

I love this day - traffic tends not to be bad. Lots of Red Sox fashion on the train. Let's hope for a win.


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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: Sunny, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Speed Limit Driving

I got behind some dude who drove around 35 MPH down the main street to the station. The actual speed limit was 30 MPH. It felt so slow behind him.

I was a little annoyed since I was a little later than usual and I needed to get to work at a certain time.

The funny thing was that once I got to the station, the traffic was back up way past the parking lot entrance. So even if I sped, I would have arrived in the spot at the same time.

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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: Sunny, but cold 20s - frost on the windows
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

She Cut Me Off

She realized that she had to take the exit I was taking and she cut over three lanes of traffic to do it. I beeped my horn at her. I think she motioned with some sort of "Ya I know" message.

Then she drove slow in front of me and I had to pass her. She cut me off...and she was from NY.

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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 but colder.
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Two Times A Ticket

I voted in the town election so I took a later train. I had to show the conductor my ticket twice. He came by once but didn't see my ticket, I guess. He didn't turn his little paper indicator to show that I was a paying customer.

Oh well, I showed him again and everything was right with the world.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Foggy. 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Early Kettle Bell workouts

I was up early this morning. I was working out with a kettle bell which was a gift I got two Christmases ago. With some YouTube video to train me, I started to use it this morning. Some funny stuff...but because of the "workout", I was able to get out of the house earlier.

The train seemed busier. All the seat in my car were filled up by the time we got to Boston.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:28
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy - rain threatening.
Shady Gas Price: $3.51
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

No Joke

The commute was fine. Thanks for asking.

(all right) - that's a joke.


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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: Snowy-ish
Shady Gas Price: $3.51
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 0
Feared for my life: Of course not!

I Needed To Put Gas In The Other Car

My wife wanted me to fill up the other car with gasoline last night but I forgot. I remembered this morning and pronounced my idiocy out loud as I was about to leave the house.

I took the other car out, put gas in it, and came back home.

I then drove my car to the station - I had to take the later train.

It's my own fault. Nobody's fault but mine.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:46
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, chilly, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.47
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

Free Granola Bar

Somebody was handing out free granola bars outside North Station. I grabbed one but saw that it came along with a card with a church's information attached to it.

I threw away the card and I was going to throw away the bar too, but my stomach had different thoughts.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny - 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.47
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Kid is Quiet

The kid who usually made noise every morning has been quiet over the past few months. I think the little guy is growing up. He's maturing right before our eyes. He is learning that the morning is not a time for commotion.

I appreciate it, kid.

And the scary old ladies aren't coming up to you and waving "hi" to you over and over. They don't seem to take the train anymore.


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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: Sunny, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.47
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Why Do You Drive So Fast

There's this one dude who likes to enter the train station parking lot with a lot of gusto. He drives real fast and he like to take wide turns so he can park in his spot just right. Every day, I see this same jerk-y move and it's getting to be annoying because his wide turns are getting close to HITTING MY CAR.

Some other guy was yelling at him a few months ago - I think it must have been due to his driving.

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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 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.47
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No - I feared damage to my car

Playing Games on My Phone

This woman next to me was playing some video game on her phone. It looked pretty fun.

The guy with bad breath was also in the seat...although there wasn't any odor this morning.

Good ride for the most part.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy again. Colder.
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope.

I Caught A Whiff

I think the guy who sat next to me on the train had a bad case of halitosis.

I kept getting whiffs of some bad breath. I thought it was me. I kept checking it...blowing into my cupped hand. The scent didn't match.

When we got to West Medford, he let a woman sit with us...so he got closer.
I had a pretty good feeling it was coming from him.

He probably thought I smelled bad too.


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

Is The Week Over Yet?

I woke up this morning and I didn't want to go anywhere. At this point, can we just pick a time and stick with it? I don't want to have to switch back from daylight savings to standard and back again...just pick one and let's go with it...like forever.

There must have been a lot of St. Patty's Day casualties...traffic was light today. There was puke on the sidewalk on Canal St....you'd think that was a regular occurrence, but it isn't.


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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, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Wear Your Green

St. Patty's day. The first of the Boston springtime holidays. People were wearing their green on the train. There weren't too many people on the train to party...which I have seen on other holidays.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

5 cars

Only 5 cars on the train this morning. It was packed in - Lots of people had to stand.

I listened to music from Anderson on and I was still listening on the walk.

The sun was good to see this morning. The heat is coming back.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, warmer
Shady Gas Price: $3.53
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Free Coffee

As I was walking off the train today at North Station, I noticed there were a few gentlemen handing out something. A few people in front of me declined whatever it was. I got closer to them and I heard what they were offering.

They were saying "free coffee" and handing out cards for redemption of the offer.

I looked at the card. It was sponsored by the MBCR and it was good at the McDonald's at either North or South station...today...between 6 and 10 AM.

I looked up from reading the card and saw the line at McDs was loooooooooooong.

I found it funny that the MBCR was trying to make up for all the late trains with an offer for something that would make me late for work if I tried to redeem it. NICE!!

Thanks again!

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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: Cloudy. A little cold. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.53
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Thinking About Them

I woke up and saw the news about the earthquake and the tsunami. I have a couple of friends in Hawaii right now...one who lives there and one who is visiting.

I checked on them both and they are ok...but it's crazy what can happen in just a day.

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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: Foggy, cloudy...wet
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Same Situation

I love watching the same scene every day on the train. Mom and kid get on. People get up and give them their seat.

Next day:

Mom and kid get on. People get up and give them their seat.

At this point, you'd think that the regulars would know not to sit in the front seat of the car.

They're just going to come on and take it from you.


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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: Sunny, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35 It's serious!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Happy Tuesday

typing on my mobile phone. Blogging the way I always intended.

Or at least how you thought I was blogging
.



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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 cool
Shady Gas Price: $ 3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: no

I Assume This Is North Station

Freezing rain met me as I walked out of the door. I had to scrape the windows and the windshield before driving. Then, I noticed that my neighbors had their trash barrels out and saw that we didn't. So, I stopped, got out, and dragged the barrel to the curb.

I got on the roads and people were driving slowly. I got to the train station on time, but barely. Some other people were running behind too. The train horn blasted as a guy ran across the tracks right before the engine came into the station.

As I was walking off the train, the guy beside me asked, "This is North Station, I presume." Yep, this is the last stop.


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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: Freezing rain, rain, fog
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No