Don't Eff With Snacks

There is a work of art AKA graffiti that is painted on a wall along the train tracks.

It looks like a standard "Hello my name is" sticker that one would wear at an event.

Instead of having that greeting at the top of it, the work proclaims "Don't F-word with" and in the space where your name would go it has the word: Snacks

Believe me, I love snacks. I think most people do. We do not want to mess with snacks in any way.

Snacks, we have your back.

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

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, mild, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73 BOOOO!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Plucked It Right Out Of His Ear

There was a couple in the seat in front of me and I think they were fighting. They were having a loud discussion - a loud whisper discussion where the tone was aggressive but the words were said in the way so that only the intended receiver could hear them.

They settled down after a while and sat in silent. The man was listening to something as he had earbuds in his ears.

As a parting shot, she pulled one out of his ear, said something to him, and then stuck the earbud back where she found it.

I was happy I wasn't that guy this morning.

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

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. I didn't wear a coat today.
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Exact Change Wednesday

I saw some fog today. I guess that is the product of warm days and cool nights. There were little wispy trails of it stretched across the train tracks.

As the train raced through them, they violently dissipated to the left and right.

The train car was full today with people jammed into the seats and standing up. The conductor flirted with the young ladies...getting them to smile and telling them about exact change Wednesday. He has done this routine in the past. He has been quiet all week but today he was on a roll.


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

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, mild, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

He's A Regular Fixture

After this weekend with all the warm weather and stuff, it was hard to get back at it this morning. Everything went fine. I tried to get a little sleep on the train ride.

I think the guy who was yelling about Transformers or transformers last week is a newspaper hawker. He's a regular fixture.


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

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: Warm, sunny, high 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Come Back in One Piece

Good week people. No delays on the way to work. Coming home was a different story but I can't write about that due to contractual obligations.

Now everyone should have a good weekend. The weather is supposed to be nice and the first of the spring holidays is happening on Saturday.

Let's all come back in one piece.


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

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, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

No Smoke Or Fire

Beware the Ides of March. I will tell you this... I didn't have anything to be wary of this morning.

Everything went fine. There were no fires or smoke or anything wrong with times or anything.

Hopefully the warm weather will come back as they have been predicting.

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

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, chilly, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Transformers Are Here

So the most important thing I witnessed on my commute to work was a conversation that happened right outside North Station.

Here's the scene:

Newspaper Guy: (talking to trash can) Hey!

Newspaper Guy: (turns towards car) Shut UP!

Newspaper Guy: (yells at Old Guy) Hey! The Transformers are here! They are here from outer space and they're here to take over the...
Old Guy: (cutting Newspaper Guy off) Great!


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

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, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

More Awake

Well it was warm this morning but it was also rainy. I took the T instead of walking to the office because the rain was coming down just enough to be annoying.

Other than that, the commute was fine. I felt more awake this morning than I did yesterday. One little hour of my life shouldn't affect me so much. I need to figure it out.

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

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: Warm, cloudy, then rainy.
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Every Year It's The Same Thing

I abhor the losing of sleep at daylight saving time. The Monday after the Sunday is always hard for me. I am a wimp, clearly...

I need to prepare better. You'd think I would have learned by now.

Every year it's the same thing. I am a zombie. I can't keep my eyes open.

I slept on the train as much as I could. It didn't help much. I needed to sleep for another 36 hours or so.

That last statement may have been an exaggeration.

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

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, high 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

The end of another week. It felt like Friday would never come. The snow has all melted but the cool air was back.

Some empty seats on the train. I rode the whole way without sharing my seat.

Have a great weekend. I will see you on the roads and tracks on Monday.

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

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: Cloudy, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

It's Not Spring Yet Peeps

Everybody else didn't bring a coat today but I did. I felt like a fool.

It's supposed to get into the high 60s today. Sweet!

But I am still wearing my winter coat. Unzipped, but still wearing it.

It's not spring yet, peeps.

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

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, warm, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Workout Wednesday

It's Wednesday morning and I got my coffee from Boston Brewin'. Such a good place. If you work in Downtown Boston, go to their little shop on Bromfield St.

Good staff and the owner does situps and pushups on Wednesdays. He calls them Workout Wednesdays and you can get a small coffee if you exercise with him.


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

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, a little warmer, high 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Heartwarming Scene of Road Rage

I went to vote and took a later train. On my walk to work, I saw a great scene of love and compassion between two drivers.

Near the corner of State and Congress in Boston, there was a guy pulled over to the side of the road. He was dropping someone off.

Behind him, there was a woman in a car. Since the road is two lanes and there really isn't any room to pull over, she was stuck.

She couldn't get into the left lane because there were too many cars in it. So she started to honk her horn at the guy. She blasted at him three or four times to get her message across.

When the woman, who the guy was dropping off, finally exited the car, the woman stopped beeping her horn. Then, traffic eased up and she pulled around him.

As she passed him, the guy gave her some arm/hand gesture. His right fist was shaking at her. The other fist was planted and crossed his right arm at the bicep.

A real angry gesture...not a middle finger...but I am guessing a similar message.

Once she passed him, he stepped on the gas and chased her to the next red light where he proceeded to honk his horn at her in retaliation.

It was a heartwarming scene.



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

Departure Time From Home: 6:45
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Cold, sunny, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Nice Nap

Yeah, I took a nice nap between Wilmington and Somerville. Don't worry, I was on the train. Man, it felt good. The weekend went by quickly and I had an 8 o'clock meeting.

After a little nappy poo, I was feeling better.

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

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: Some sun, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.65
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Snow Slowing Down People

The train was pretty empty today to start off. I think the towns that got hit with snow had a hard time digging out this morning, I guess.

Roads were fine but the chore of shoveling out the front stairs and/or the vehicles must have slowed people down.

Same crowds from Winchester and the other stops closer to Boston.

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

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: Cloudy, cold, a little wind. Snow on the ground
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Character Study

So there's this guy who I have seen most mornings on my way to work for the last two years.

He lives down the street from the station. His wife drives him to the station...he could walk I guess, but she probably drives to her own place of employment and drops him off. They sit in their vehicle and idle until the train pulls into the station.

That's when this guy get out and then plows through to the front of the crowd to get on the train as quickly as possible.

He makes chatter with the conductor. He also likes to sing little tunes to himself as he makes his way to his seat.

He's a character and he makes the commute interesting.

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

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: Snow, then rain in Boston.
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Characters

Remind me to write about a character who rides my train. He is sitting across from me right now and he just coughed up a lung. Yuck. He has many quirks and deserves his own post.

Gas is up in my neighborhood. How 'bout yours?


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40 probably
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

But It Will Change

The gas price at the scary station hasn't increased lately. Even though the news outlets were talking about the average price of a gallon of gasoline had risen dramatically over the past two weeks, the price in my neighborhood was steady.

Oh, that will change.

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

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, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

She Didn't Know The Score

Man, it was a "going through the motions kinda morning" today. I just felt slow and tired.

There was an incident on the train where a woman was sorta shouting at a little boy for taking her seat - I guess. The little boy is on the train all the time. His name is Sam. He likes window seats. People usually get up for him.

I have never seen this shouting woman before but she seemed determined to let this kid know that she was having none of his nonsense.

Sam's poor mom was struggling to get on the train. She always has a stroller with her and as of the past 6 or so months, she has a little baby girl with her too.

Once Sam's mom got on, the situation was diffused but it was a little tense for a few seconds. Sam didn't react at all to the shouting woman's repeated calls of "Excuse me!?!"

I think the regulars were a little perplexed. Sam gets prince treatment on the train. I don't think this woman knew the score.

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

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, chilly, high 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Something Smells Again

I think the guy who sat in front of me on the train cut the cheese. I am pretty sure.

That's all. Have a lovely weekend.

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

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, colder, 30s, light snow at times.
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Something Smells

Sometimes the station at North Billerica is downwind from the water treatment plant that is up the street.

It doesn't happen often. When it first open, it used to smell up the neighborhood all the time especially on warm summer nights.

Now, it is a rare occurrence. But still, when it happens, it makes the air around the station smell putrid.


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

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

Like A Damn Christmas Tree

My dashboard was lit up like a damn Christmas tree.

The SRS light was on.

The Check Engine light was on.

The gas light was on.

I went to the gas station and took care of one of them. Guess which on?

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

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. 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Beat Out The Lights

Well after a week away and yesterday not really feeling it, I am back to blogging about the commute to work.

I have an SRS light that is coming on in my car. What the heck is that all about?

Train was good. No real complaints.

Walk was good. I beat out some traffic lights.


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

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, cool, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Battery Wasn't Tired

I went out to my car this morning and noticed that I left one of the overhead map lights overnight. It was probably on for 8+ hours. Nice.

Because it was still illuminated, I had faith that my battery wasn't dead...and it wasn't.

It wasn't even tired. Ha. It started right up.

Good ride/Good walk. I even picked up some packing tape at CVS.

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

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, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

In This Non-Winter

Today was a colder day..but in this non-winter, temps in the teens is really nothing. This is a good day during a bad winter. Yeah, the temps were cold but the wind was non-existent and that's the real killer. Wind chills kill.

Car ride was good. My check engine light came back on after a month and a half of being incognito. I just need it to be off on a Saturday morning in March so I can get my inspection sticker without a hassle.

Train and walk was good. I got a coffee from Boston Brewin today. Nice little coffee closet on Bromfield St. Prices are good too. Give them a try...


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

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

One Thing Is True

If we all lived by this rule, the world would be a better place.

"Do what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it."

It's easy and there is great examples of it every day. Heck, even the T gets this right most of the time. Yes, most of the time.

I think in business and personal relationships if you follow this one rule, you're doing 90% of what is required. The rest is just kissing ass (rather than kicking it).

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

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

It Doesn't Compare

I had to come in early for a meeting and the Monday after the Super Bowl tends to be a slow one no matter what time you get up. It was particularly slow this morning because the Patriots were unable to win the game.

I think people are down about it. I know I am, but it is just a goofy football game and it doesn't really matter in the grand scope of things.

It doesn't compare to my son's laugh or my daughter's hug or my wife's smile.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:05
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:07
Weather as I call it: It was dark, 20s, a little windy on the walk.
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Happy Event

A little cold out there this morning. The wind blew as I stood on the platform and waited for the train. It didn't really die down much. Right around the time I felt like I couldn't take it any more, I saw the headlight of the train come shining around the bend. Sometimes seeing that train is a happy event.

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

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, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

What Up Boston

What up, Boston? Here we are again. Driving to work. Trying to get there all in one piece.

No fog and no road problems. My Check Engine light has been off for some time now. I jinxed it. It will be back on tomorrow.

Not much in terms of the train and the walk was pretty quiet and quick.


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

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

Lifts To Show Nothing

Fog was all over the place when I got in the car. The air was warm but the ground was cold and it looked more like Fall than anything else outside.

There didn't seem to be anything stirring in the fog as it seems in warmer seasons. I get this feeling that there are creatures hiding in the mist, but in the winter - all is still and the veil lifts to show nothing.

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

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: Foggy.
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nopers

New To The System

I got a seat on the train pretty close to the front. I had a nice lady sit next to me. She seemed to be really polite. She thanked people and was courteous to the conductor.

I think she may have been new to the system.


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

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

For A Monday

For a Monday, I was pretty wide awake and calm. I had some pretty good sleep throughout the night, even battled bad people in my nightmares...but my mind got a good reset.

After some breakfast tea and a blueberry filled pastry, I was good to go. GTG, as they say...somewhere.

Sunny to start, but once I hit the pavement in Boston the snow started to come down and it got steady as I walked into the office door.

I saw the flowers at the feet of the Kevin White statue.


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

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, then snow. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49 - oof.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Out Of Phase

The train stopped all weird this morning. I thought it was the conductor's issue at first but it turned out that the engineer had stopped too fast.

I sat in a odd place in the car...the middle.

I didn't know if I should go forwards or backwards to exit the train. I went forward. It worked out for me.

Blargh! Have a good weekend.

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

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: Rainy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Sorta Sick

Everybody in my house is sick so it was just a matter of time until I got something.

It's not a bad cold. It still feels like I am fighting it and I could be 100% better tomorrow. This morning, I was still feeling a little achy, a little run down.

I slept a little bit on the train. I sat down, made sure the conductor saw my pass, and then closed my eyes. Drifting away a little bit from consciousness was good. More rest would be even better.

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

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

Charlie Is His Name

The guy who holds two cups out and asks for change is named Charlie. Some guy came right up to him and said, "Here you go, Charlie."

Charlie was very happy to see the crumpled dollar bill. "Thank you!" he cried out in a sweet voice.

People kept walking. Charlie asked for more change.

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

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

Foggy Roads To Drive Down

High temperatures and rain have turned snow into fog. I had to fill up the gas tank.
The drive to both stations (gas and train) were a little hazy.

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

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: High 50s. Foggy!
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Stealing A Victory

People seemed to be happier this Monday morning. I apply it to the Patriots stealing a win last night.

Train was on time. The warmer temperature was melting this snow.

Lots of smiles on the people's faces.

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

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: High 30s, maybe a little rain in Boston.
Shady Gas Price: $3.43
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

2 Inches To Shovel

We woke up to a nice coating of snow. Light fluffy stuff...not too bad. I cleaned off both cars and cleared the stairs and the driveway. I took the later train and sat in the 3 person seat...got squeezed in the middle.

Walked through the snow and wind to get to the office. The sun was shining and was blinding me. Winter is back, people.

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

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, coldish
Shady Gas Price: $3.43 Poop.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Same Crowd

I took a later train this morning. Too much partying with the family, I guess.

There was an accident at the 495/3 interchange. It looked like the road crews were towing away the vehicle when I got there, but there was a state police car with its lights own that blocked a lane of traffic. It added a few minutes to my drive but I didn't miss the train.

No matter the train, it's the same crowd of people at the station. I see them on the train ride home - or they take the early train with me too.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:53
Departure Time From Train Station 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Cold, sunnyish
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Coffee Wars

I went to Anderson Woburn this morning. I am meeting my family for my daughter's birthday tonight or at least that is the plan. Traffic on 93 South started to slow down in Wilmington...which only affected my progress a little bit since I got off the highway in Woburn.

At North Station, there were people from Starbucks handing out free sample cups of coffee. The set up was two people per corner - one handing out flyers and the other with a large canister strapped to his back. In his hand, he had a tap hose...and he was dispensing coffee to people who walked by.

I avoided them for two reasons. 1. The wind was blowing so hard and was sustaining for many minutes at a time that I felt like my cup would blow away and the coffee would spill all over me.

The other reason was the medium Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup in my right hand filled with black coffee.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:18
Departure Time From Train Station 7:10
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Windy, Sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Wow We Have Snow

I haven't had to brush snow off the car since....October.

There wasn't much though. I brushed an inch off of the car and shoveled the stairs and the porch.

The roads were fine. The train station parking lot was plowed-ish. I put money in an envelope and stuck it in the slot.


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

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, snow on the ground, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Closer to Warmth

It's a holiday but I still have to work. If that's one thing about working on a holiday, it's the lack of traffic and commute hang ups.

The only issue was the temperature. It was around 3°F at the house. I let the car warm up for 15 minutes before I left. The car was warm but not hot. It seemed like the engine never really got that hot.

The walk from North Station to the office was sorta brutal. I counted the steps knowing that each one was one closer to the door and warmth.


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

Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cold, sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Blue Salt

The guys at the train station were saying it was icy on the platform and were spreading the blue salt around.

A woman who doesn't ride the train a lot sat next to me. I could tell because she paid for a round trip ticket and had to search for change to pay for it.

The walk was wet again. I have my umbrella with me so I got through it without too much water absorption.


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

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: Rainy, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Actually Drove To Work Today

I faced light snow, rain, and wind but drove all the way to Boston today. I parked in the uncovered lots in the Seaport district. 13 bucks all day. Can't be beat.

Well, the walk to the office could be a little shorter. The wind and the rain was pretty bad.

The wonderful thing was that the wind was at my back for most of the walk.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:16
Departure Time From Train Station N/A
Arrival Time at North Station: N/A
Weather as I call it: Snowy/Rainy/Windy
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Exotic Auto Body

There's a billboard that I can see from the train as we ride along the rails towards North Station. It can be seen if you are driving southbound towards the O'Neill tunnel on 93.

Anyway, it is an advertisement for an auto body shop and I think it has the word exotic in its name.

Usually only pets and dancers get described that way...

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:28
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny-ish, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Take A Knee

When I got to Boston this morning, it appeared that the city got some snow before the sunrise. There was a small coating of snow here and there but the really tricky parts were the icy patches. I felt them under my feet from time to time in my walk.

Then, at the crossing of Hanover St. at Congress St., some dude slipped and took a knee. He recovered ok but I crossed the street very careful as to not replicate his fall.

The rest of the walk was ice free. The building owners put down some salt and the sidewalks were safe.

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

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, manageable
Shady Gas Price: $3.37 - wha' happened?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

I Couldn't Get The Cold Out Of My Bones

Man, I walked to the train platform and I couldn't shake the cold out of my bones. It was cold car ride and a cold wait for the train. I was hoping that the train would be incredibly warm, but it wasn't. I felt a little better on the walk to work from North Station, but it was still cold. I think if I get some rest and change my frame of mind to expect cold tomorrow morning, I will feel better.


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

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-ish, 10s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

King Of The Homeless

Right around Haymarket, this guy started handing out money to all the regular folk who hang out and ask for change. One regular is a guy actually calls out, "Change?" with a cup in each hand. The guy gave him the coins that were in his pocket.

The second regular is the guy who wishes everyone a good day. Well, if you are a man then it's a good day...if you are a woman, it's a lovely day.

Just once, I want to have a lovely day.

The guy handed the #2 regular a dollar bill and said something about the Bruins.

The third regular is Mr. Spare Change Newspaper...and he was leaving his shift. The guy said hello to him.

I am telling ya, today...this guy was the king of the homeless.


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

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, a little warmer. 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Squeeze Me A Little Tighter

I took an earlier train today so I could be on time for an 8 o'clock meeting. It was pretty dark when I got to the station.

I got on the train and sat in a two seater. In a few stops, a big and tall man sat next to me. It was pretty uncomfortable for a while since he pinned me to the window.

I shifted a bit and it got a little better, but he was big and was reading a book...which didn't make for much elbow room.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:02
Departure Time From Train Station 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:06
Weather as I call it: Dark, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nah

Wear Your Hat

I brought my hat this morning. I learned that my ears can't take the chill like they once did. I was not doing well on the evening walk to the station so I made sure to get that hat in my jacket and wear it even though it messed up my hair.

Other than the hat business, the commute was fairly ordinary and went smoothly. I was warmer so the whole process was better.

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

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: Mostly sunny and cold.
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Check That Engine Before You Wreck That Engine

Cold one this morning and my check engine light is back on. I should really get it looked at but since it was turning on and off, I thought that maybe it would shut off again. No such luck so far. If I could go back off in March, I would appreciate that because I could get an inspection sticker.

Meh - we'll see. I am probably endangering myself and everyone around me. Happy New Year.



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

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.



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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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.


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

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.


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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.



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

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.




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

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.


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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.


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

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?

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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 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.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 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?



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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: 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!
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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