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?

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

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.


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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.



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

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.

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.


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

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
.



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

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.


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

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

Gas Is On The Rise

Man, those gas prices are climbing again. Now it's the unrest in the Middle East that's causing the increases.

The price of gas is a small thing as compared to people fighting for a better way of life. I hope it all gets resolved sooner than later and peacefully.

The little kid who rides the train with his mom made a man run away, literally run away. He started to cry when he wasn't able to sit in the seat he wanted to sit in. So, the guy gave up his seat and ran out of the car amid chuckles and snickers from the rest of the passengers.

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

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, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.19
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Prez Day

A little light snow to start the day. I brushed it off and I was on my way.

I didn't realize the train was on a Saturday schedule until I got to the station. Hey, I forgot it was a holiday.

The train had a lot of people paying in cash on it. It was probably because the stations were closed due to the holiday.

Fun - just me and a few of my closest friends on the train this morning.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 7:07
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:49
Weather as I call it: Light snow
Shady Gas Price: $3.15
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Getting There Fast

I got up a little earlier. I had a few things I wanted to do like go to the post office and drop off some letters. The roads were clear and my trip didn't take that much time at all. The train ride was pretty easy.

I got there fast.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:25
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.11
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Love is Commuting

On the train, the guy who takes up too much space sat next to me. I don't know if I have mentioned him before, but he likes to sit down and spread his legs out. He likes to explore the space. I hate it when he sits next to me. I secretly wish that someone else will sit next to me...anyone else.

After the train and on the walk to work, I saw an old lady crossing the street very slowly. She held up traffic a little bit. Some dude rolled down his window and shouted, "Happy Valentine's Day, ma'am!" I am pretty sure he wasn't sincere.

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

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, but mid-30s. Wow.
Shady Gas Price: $3.15
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Wynter!

This winter should be spelled with a 'Y'. It makes it more rawk.

Some shoveling. Some slipping in the T parking lot. Some people didn't make the train.

The car that I thought never moved... I am pretty sure the person who drives it just parks precisely the same way every morning. Impressive.

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

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: Light snow to light rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.13
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: A little bit in the parking lot.

No Heat No Lights But We'll Get You There

"Happy Monday!" That's what the conductor said to us as she walked down the steps to the platform.

"We got no heat, no lights, but we're moving!"

Thankfully, there was heat at some point in the beginning of the trip because the car was warm. It did get colder as the ride progress. Every time someone got on, the door would open and cold air would seep into cabin.

It wasn't too bad. It made for a quiet ride.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:28
Departure Time From Train Station 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold
Shady Gas Price: $3.13
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Unicycle

As we were stopped at West Medford, there was this guy running for the train with a unicycle. I am not sure where he was going to ride it in all this snow. Cycles with 2 wheels are hard to ride in this stuff. Not sure how he was going to pull off the one wheel.

He didn't make the train. He was left standing there on the platform with his unicycle in hand as the cars rolled away.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Sunny, clear, cold - around 10°F
Shady Gas Price: $3.13
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Cancelled Trains

When it rained last March, I could understand the delays on the trains. There was so much rain that I thought the tracks would wash away.

Now the snow is causing the MBTA to cancel trains.

I drove all the way to Andersen/Woburn today to make sure I got a non-cancelled train.

I even got a coffee at the Dunk in the station. The worker behind the counter was so slow, I almost missed the train arriving at 7:13. Thank goodness I didn't.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:25
Departure Time From Train Station 7:13
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, some flurries, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.13
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

Cold Car Part 2

I think the cold car was back today but it wasn't as cold as it was on Friday.

I sat in it the entire trip...which made for a very cold morning.

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

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 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.09
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Who Ordered The Cold Car?

I got on the train as I normally do - using the middle entrance rather than the front or rear doors. I noticed something as I walked down the aisle of the train car...it was more empty than usual and it was dreadfully silent.

The white noise from the heater fans was missing. As I sat down in my seat, I felt the chill in the air. It was cold. There was a maintenance worker trying to fix the heater, but it was no use.

I guess he saw me blowing on my fist to keep warm and addressed me personally to let me know that the heat was working in the other cars.

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

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: Cold, but no snow.
Shady Gas Price: $3.13
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Shoveling And Switching

I got up at 5 AM so I could shovel out the driveway and get to work at a decent hour. I had meetings that started at 9AM and I felt that if I could get on a train before 7:30, I would be able to get to the office on time.

I finished shoveling around 6:30 and got ready to go to work.

I got to the train station in plenty of time and the train was running on schedule.

Then, we got to Wilmington and there was a switch problem. Conductors actually got out of the train and flipped the switch manually.

We got to North Station at 8:50. I hoofed it to the office and was there by 9:05...

Let's make it a dry week next week.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:52
Departure Time From Train Station 7:27
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:50
Weather as I call it: Light snow to clearing skies and sun
Shady Gas Price: $3.13
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4.5
Feared for my life: Nah

Rude Dude

There's this dude who rides the train with me and he is the master of taking up a two seater with his ass (shifted sideways) and his bag.

He makes it so no one can sit next to him.

He always has his laptop open and I am sure he's looking at porn or something.

He drinks huge amounts of diet coke and eats Dorito-like chips before 7AM.

He's a jerk....and a rude dude.

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

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 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.09
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Just A Little Snow This Time Around

Man, this is becoming the winter of snow. Even though there was a dusting on the ground, it snarled traffic pretty fiercely.

Now, I was pretty much unaffected by the snow. It felt like a regular day except that I paid for my parking via an envelope and not using the slot "machine".

Thursday should be worse...

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

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: Light snow
Shady Gas Price: $3.09
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Cold Can Slow Things Down

I pulled into the train station parking lot and saw an inbound train slowing rolling down the tracks. Uh oh, I thought. The trains must be running late.

Thankfully, my train station has an indoor facility where one can be sheltered from the cold.

My train was only delayed by 10 minutes...but it was slow moving and I got into North Station about 20 minutes late.

I was warm throughout most of the ride. So, I'll take it.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:31
Departure Time From Train Station 7:11
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Cold. -10°F when I left the house.
Shady Gas Price: $3.09
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Make Some Adjustments

So I got up an hour early to deal with the snow and get to work at a reasonable time.

I think with a little preparation, you can make it to work with no issues with snowfall that is less than 5 inches.

I got to the train station with no delay. It's a different crowd at 6AM than 7AM. They are tougher and they seem to know each other. I felt like I was intruding; they could tell I wasn't a regular.


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

Departure Time From Home: 5:37
Departure Time From Train Station 6:28
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:09
Weather as I call it: Snow
Shady Gas Price: $3.05
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sha-now

Ah, more snow. Or sha-now like my little daughter calls it. There was only a light covering of the roads and cars when I walked out this morning, but it didn't stop the schools in my town from closing.

The roads for the most part were fine. Right before the train station, I did tap my brakes and I started a small skid...nothing to write home about but it happened.


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

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: Snow.
Shady Gas Price: $3.09
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

If I Were Driving The Whole Way

Today would be a great day for commuting if I were driving the whole way. I don't anymore and I didn't make a special arrangement today.

The air was cold and the chill was bad for the most part on my walk. There were a few other souls on the streets, but for the most part it was me and the walk signals.

I wish we had today off. It would have been nice to sleep in a little longer.

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

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: Cold, sunny, some wind
Shady Gas Price: $3.09
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

I Think Someone Is Messing With Me

So the car that I thought never moved...has moved.

When the train rolled by it this morning, it was turned around and facing the opposite direction.

Two things...either the car is parked the exact same way every morning...which is not impossible, but improbable...

Or someone is messing with me.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:24
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cold, windy, blagh
Shady Gas Price: $3.05
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Unmoved Car

Hey - I'm back...not that you missed me.

There's this car that the train passes every day and it hasn't moved in months. It's a late model (I like typing 'late model' - I sound like a police officer), black Honda Accord and it's parked in a lot near the Grossman Marketing Group building. I think Steve Grossman owns the company. He's a our new Treasurer, you know.

It's a nice car. It pains me to think it has been abandoned.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cold, 20s Partly Sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.05
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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