Deep Fried Dust

The weird traffic tie up on the highway was back but it was the only day this week we had it. We shouldn't have it tomorrow. Fridays tend to be easier. I got to the train station parking lot with plenty of time. The train was cold at first, then they turned on the heat which cause the cabin to smell dusty. Dust was frying on the elements and then getting blown on us from above. Tired a bit today. I had a 15 month old alarm clock go off at 3 AM. I had to comfort her for a few moments before she fell back asleep in her crib. No so much for me.

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

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: Sorta sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Coffee Tragedy

I walked through the double doors at North Station to see that someone has dropped their coffee on the floor. I said out loud, "Well, that's unfortunate." It had made a huge splash on the cement. Light brown roasty liquid all over the place. I feel bad for the person who has to clean it up. Man, hold on to your coffees.

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

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: Mostly cloudy, cold, hogh 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Brisk Pace

I took the earlier train today. I forgot my lunch at home. The train that is scheduled to arrive at 6:26 actually came at 6:24. I had to run for it and cross the tracks right before it hit me. Pretty sweet. The ride was quiet. I found a seat where no one sat next to me. Not many people on the streets around 7:00. I was able to bust it to work at a brisk pace.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:05
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:25
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:07
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Twilight Sky

The sky had beautiful colors. It looked more like sunset than sunup. The traffic on the highway was just a tad busy...just a tad. Unlike last week, I got through the merge without too much hassle. Train was good. Walk was good after a weekend filled with big meals...BIG meals. Something tells me I will need to walk a lot today to burn it off.

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

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, but brilliant
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

No Frost

Cold morning - I ran around the neighborhood before I got ready for work. It was high 30s at 5 AM. Oofah Loofah... But yosh - No frost. I left the house way too early. The traffic issues of the last few days were nowhere to be found. I got to the train station 5 minutes earlier than I needed to be there. Once I was on the train, I wrote in my journal, which is something I haven't done since July. Most of the recording of my life is done online now. Man, I have had better commuting weeks. I am glad this one is over.

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

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: Partly cloudy, low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Ok Commute

Finally had an ok commute. I made sure I took the time to check to make sure I had everything, like my monthly T pass and money for parking. I am ready for traffic to get back to normal. Three days in a row where the backup was too much. I am getting better at cutting in before the exit. No problems. Good train ride and walk.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Paying Twice

I forgot my monthly pass at home today. Again, it was another morning of rushing around - but not as bad as yesterday. I got out of the habit of checking if I "have everything" before I walk out the door. Well, that taught me. I was hellbent to make my typical train time this morning. The traffic on the highway was bad again. I don't remember it being this horrible day in and day out. When I was 30 seconds away from pulling into the station, I looked in my wallet and saw that I did not have my pass. I did have enough money to pay for a one way ticket - 8 bucks! Yikes - I hate paying twice. I will be checking my wallet before I leave home from now on...until I get cocky again.

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

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: Gloomy, sprinkling, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nope

I Told You It Was Going To Be Horrible

I had a hard time getting out of the house this morning. I kept forgetting things and having to backtrack a number of times. I left late and that was the end of it. The traffic on the highway interchange was bad. Accident bad...but there was no accident. It seemed like there was just a large number of cars trying to go one way or the other. I don't think trucks help out either. I mean, they stop and start so slowly. They bring everybody to their speed. So I had to take the later train. Boo. I saw that the circus is in town. How appropriate. There's a bunch of clowns on the roadways.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:40
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:27
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Nope

Concord River Fog Bank

Heading over the Concord River on 495 North, there was a huge fog bank coming over the roadway. The sudden temperature dip last night coupled with the river's warm water must have caused it. It was concentrated and thick and and rolled over the highway. The visibility looking forward was ok - a little impaired but not bad. Looking south down the river, you couldn't see anything. It was one big bank of mist. If you were canoeing, you wouldn't see much. In case you were wondering, I wasn't canoeing. I was driving. Driving to work. On Columbus Day. Mahalo. No delays on the roads, the train, or the streets. Tomorrow will be horrible - count it!

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

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: Sunny, but foggy in one place.
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Milky White Sun

After what it seemed like a whole week of drizzle and clouds, the sun started to peek through the clouds on our trip into Boston. I could see the roundness of its body in the sky. The mist and the clouds were muting the brightness so I could look at it without having to look away. The sky was as if it were out of a dream. Have a great weekend. If it's a long one, please enjoy.

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

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 then turning sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Rolling Out

Even though we were met with another wet gloomy morning, the traffic on the highways were pretty much trouble free - at least for me. When I got off the exit, there was some dude who tried to pull in front of me to take a left turn. He was rolling out in the street. I didn't think he would stop. Train and walk were good. The walk was a little wet but manageable.

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

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: Gloomy, sprinkles, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):
Feared for my life: Kinda

Beep Behind Me

It's incredible what the return of school and the rain does to traffic. I had to pull some rabbits out of my hat to get to the train station on time today. The interchange was all backed up. If you weren't aggressive, you were going to sit in traffic for a good 15 minutes more. It was frustrating but not for me. I took the steps I needed to take to get ahead of the jam and get to work...even if I heard some beeps behind me.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Drizzle, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Frozen At The Elevator

I mean, everything was cool with this commute. Drive - Train - Walk - Whatevs. I get to my building and I walk into the lobby. The elevator I have to take to go to my office opens up. A woman walks out and stops right in front of me. We try to walk around each other. She goes to her left, I go to my right. She goes to her right, I go to my left. She stops. I stop. I am frozen at the elevator with her. She starts to move to her right...and I do the same...we laugh and apologize. Have a good day and such.

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

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, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Fell Asleep

I got on the train and fell asleep. The rain and the cold from the weekend had tired me out. It was peaceful. When I opened my eyes, we were in Boston. Walk was good. I got all the lights today so I didn't have to wait to cross the street. Brought some coffee into work to brew on the ol' Mr. Coffee. I think the Flavia machine is killing me slowly.

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

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, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Mostly Empty

A little rain didn't spoil the commute. The traffic did back up on the highway but nothing we couldn't get around. Sat in a different car on the train and it was mostly empty. Makes me wonder if it is always this way. I got out onto the platform quickly. The rain was light but the puddles were well formed. Taxis like to splash walkers. Be careful. Have a dry weekend.

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

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: Some rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

Just 12 Minutes

Traffic on the highways was better today than yesterday. The train was rolling on time without any problem. It appeared that they had a full crew of conductors for the first time in a while. I sat on the right side of the train for a change. I usually sit on the left. Not sure why. Walk was great. I hit all the green lights and made it to the office in about 12 minutes.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy again
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

The Agony Of The T

Foiled by mechanical problems again. The normal train was cancelled. The train I did take came up the other side of the tracks. It was ok, because I was running late and I thought I was going to miss the normal train. The traffic pile up on the highways was pretty awful. I boarded the train at 7:05 but we didn't start rolling until 7:10. Meh - the agony.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:10
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:53
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy
Shady Gas Price: $3.75
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: Nope

Ate The Whole Thing

A woman sat next to me on the train. She has sat next to me before. This morning she took a long time to get settled into the seat. Then she started to eat an apple. When she got down to the core, I was wondering what she was going to do with it. She answered my wondering by eating the whole thing. She didn't pause to think about if she really wanted to eat the seeds or not. She just ate it. Mmmm. Good.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool again, I wore my jacket
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Screaming Horn

On the walk to work today, there was a guy screaming at someone or something. I couldn't tell what he was screaming about since I had my earbuds in. Then, there was a cabbie who blasted his horn at somebody crossing the street. He held it down so long, there was a Doppler effect...the horn was blasting much longer than he was near us.

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

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: Sunny, cool, I forgot my jacket
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

On Time

Fall Friday - wearing my jacket. Man, it felt good to be warm this morning. Train was on time and my walk was quick. The old abandoned truck that I see on the side of the tracks...it has moved. I wonder if it will be removed?

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

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, cool, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Are You As Healthy As You Say You Are

I had a nurse come to the house this morning to examine me for a life insurance policy application. Basically they want to prove that I am healthy as I say I am. Vitals that she recorded this morning looked good. We'll have to see if they find anything else from the tests. I took the 8:33 train but it was late. I didn't record what I time I got in. I was trying to get to work as soon as I could. Cold day. I think I may need to start wearing a jacket soon.

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

Departure Time From Home: 8:07
Departure Time From Train Station: 8:40
Arrival Time at North Station: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Pumped Up Tires

I got some more air in my tires. That made me feel safe. There's an old couple that rides the train on Tuesday mornings. They walk slow. There will be rain tomorrow. After the weather we've had over the past few days, I don't mind. Train ride was good. Walk was good. I downloaded a pedometer app on my phone. It says I walked 1,715 steps to work today. Is that accurate? I guess.

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

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: Partly sunny, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

7 Years

Not that it matters to anybody but me, and I don't know if it matters that much to me...but I have been blogging about my commute for seven years now. I wrote the first post on September 16th, 2005. A good number of things have changed since then but I am still working and more importantly, I am driving to work in some fashion. If I ever get a work from home job, I guess I will have to shutter the blog but until then...let's just keep it going. I had a good drive to the train station. I noticed that one of my tires is pretty close to being flat. I gotta fix that when I have a chance. The train was a little late. It wasn't as bad as last week. Walking to work from the train station was pretty easy. I was able to cross streets without having to stop.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:02
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Problems Of The Mechanical Kind

Well the train was late today by 7 minutes. They claimed they had some kind of mechanical problems and had to take a shorter train out of Lowell. I think it only had 5 cars instead of 6. There were plenty of people standing, but everyone was in good spirits. It was Friday, thank goodness.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:07
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Sunny, nice,
Shady Gas Price: $3.65 - way down!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

I Am Really Sorry About That

On the train platform today at North Station, I was walking past a woman and her friend. As I was just getting by them, I lifted my bag at the same time the woman was lifting her arm. My bag and her arm met. I said, "Sorry." She said, "Ow!" I could feel her burning a hole in the back of my head with her eyes. I think the friend was pretty appalled too. It was an accident...and one with input on both sides. It wasn't as if she hadn't moved or something. I kept walking - I have seen them before and they are slow, almost roadblocks, walking and gabbing. I really was sorry. I didn't mean to hurt her, but I didn't deserve to take the whole blame.

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

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, warmer, high 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Broken Glass

Some dude dropped a Snapple bottle on the platform in front of me right as we were exiting the train. Broken glass went everywhere. There was a large crash and I let out an audible gasp. I high stepped over the mess. The bottle was empty so it was only glass and no liquid to clean up. People looked back to see the damage. I think I was happy to get out of that situation without harm. Hey, let's do this all again tomorrow....but without the broken glass.

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

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: Sunny, cool, high 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

Folding Dollars

Crisp morning to you. September comes along and then all the hot mornings go away. It was a different feeling coming out to the car. There wasn't any frost on the windows or anything but it was certainly colder and much less humid. I left earlier to make sure I didn't run into school traffic. I did see one bus but it helped me get off the 495 exit ramp. It was picking up a kid and had stopped traffic...but allowed me to roll right into the street without yielding much. Thanks bus. As I walked from my car to the payment slot machine, I saw a woman working on folding 4 dollars lengthwise so they could fit into the payment bin. I am glad everyone else is taking up origami. I have been doing it for years now. Then I realized I forgot to make my lunch today. Oh well, Mei Mei Street Kitchen it is.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Some clouds but the sun was poised to burn them off
Shady Gas Price: $3.79
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

I Didn't Get Much Sleep Last Night

Yeah, I don't know why but my mind was racing around. I should have tried to relax and get back to sleep mode but nah. I kept thinking about things and I was happy, but I am feeling tired now. Traffic, train, and walk were good. I got some new shoes so I was breaking them in. Have a good weekend, peeps. It's gonna feel like a short one.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3 - tired
Feared for my life: No

With No Rain

The traffic was much better this morning. I did leave a little earlier but it was unnecessary. The train ride was good. No delays and no A/C. It wasn't necessary today. The walk was good too. I think I didn't have to stop at any traffic light.

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

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: Partly sunny. 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Protected From The Rain

I had my umbrella with me...no big deal. The real deal was the traffic. Today is the first day back to school for a lot of people. The roads were clogged with cars and drivers who just don't understand how to drive in the rain. I got by the big merge issue at the Route 3/495 interchange. I know how to cut in front of slower moving trucks. I was a little late to the station parking lot but not late enough to miss the train. Note to self: Leave a little earlier tomorrow. You never know what newbies you will encounter tomorrow.

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

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: Rain, sometimes hard
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Bring an Umbrella Tomorrow

So I leave the house and I don't bring an umbrella because there is a line of showers on the old radar that has passed us by. I don't think it will make a return. Because of some small spending on the weekend, I didn't have money for parking this morning. I left early, got money, got coffee to break a 20 because parking costs 4 bucks a day, and got to the station in plenty of time. The rain came back. I stayed under the roof at the platform but from the time the train came and I boarded, I got soaked. The A/C was blasting in the train. I started to get chilled to the bone. Once we got to Boston, there was no more rain. No big deal but I had to use the bathroom at North Station because of all the coffee I drank. I will bring an umbrella tomorrow.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:11
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Rain off and on
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: Nope

Let's Get Through It

I like it when the train is empty before a holiday weekend. It reminds me of the days leading up to the end of the year. There aren't that many people riding so you can get a seat without any problem. Once you get a seat, you don't have to share it with anybody. Wellup, it's the last unofficial weekend of summer coming up so let's all get through Friday and then get home.

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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, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.71
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Leave The Guy a Sandwich

I saw a woman leave some food on a sleeping homeless guy's wheelchair on Friend St. today. I love silent acts of charity. Did she ever talk to the guy? Does she leave food often? No backwards train today. Yay.

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

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

Backwards Train

I arrived at the train station around the regular time. As I walked up the ramp to the platform, the purple lights started to flash to signal that there was a train approaching the station. I crossed the tracks quickly to get to the other side but went along my business. It's not typical for a train to come outbound to Lowell at that time, so I guessed it was a late train. I looked down and walked to stand in my usual spot. Once I arrived, I looked up and was surprised that the train was on the inbound side. I didn't know that the train was actually the train to Boston until people started to get on board. Not sure why the train arrived when it did or in the manner that it did, but we left N. Billerica, made all the normal stops, and got to Boston late. The woman next to me asked me if I knew what happened. I told her I didn't.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:53
Weather as I call it: Light rain. I brought an umbrella but didn't need it.
Shady Gas Price: $3.69
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

I Didn't Get Hit By A Train

I can say the train I rode didn't have any trouble getting into Boston today. There was an issue later on when a car decided to go around the crossing bars in West Medford and was hit by the Amtrak train. Train vs. Car - Train always wins. Reminds of something a guy said to me when a truck hit a railroad bridge: Truck vs. Bridge - Bridge always wins. There's something that is reassuring about absolutes. Maybe it's because I feel like you can count on those situations to always end the same way. Besides that, don't get into a fight you can't win. Don't try to beat the train on the tracks. Train always wins.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:39
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy. 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Skunky Smell

Somewhere in Medford, there was a strong smell of skunk. Maybe the train hit it - I am not sure. I was sure that the smell was powerful and it filled the train car. It didn't last long but it was pungent for a few minutes and pretty unpleasant to say the least. I stopped by Boston Brewin' today. The owner's 40 birthday is today and they were having a bunch of specials. If you work downtown in Boston, check out Boston Brewin'.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:39
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, high 60s.
Shady Gas Price: $3.63
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Feeling Good

Man, my company's summer outing was yesterday. I could be hurting a bit more than I am and I am thankful for that I am not. They were down a conductor on the train so we had to walk to the back of the train to get on. I sat down around where I usually sit. Nowadays, I don't get a seat companion until Wedgemere or so. The person is usually thin...which is nice. All right. Have a good weekend, peeps.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Sunny Skies and Smiles

Well, the sun was out and the air was crisp. We get one of these days maybe three times a year and they tend to be ones where we have to be in the office while the sun is up. The morning walk is nice but it really better to be there in the mid-day sun. The smile you see from some happy stranger. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's a funny tweet. I don't know. And they didn't even mean it for you. You just got a bit of the side spray of their happiness blast. These days, you'll take it where you can get it. If that's all I can get, then that's what I'll accept.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, clear skies, low humidity
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Gas Price Jumped

That gas price just jumped up over the weekend. Labor day is coming up. The gas price ramp us is on. Nice commute today. People were extending their weekends I am sure. The traffic is pretty light and the number of seats open on the train is up. Walk was good to the office. Not as muggy as in days past.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.59
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Stopping And Crying

I don't know the reason, but we were stopped for an extra long time at Wilmington Station. I think we had to wait for another train entering the station from the other side of the rails. The conductors were sorry for any inconvenience. The main one was mumbling about the reason why we needed to stop. Around West Medford, a baby started to cry loudly and continued for the rest of the ride. People did their best to ignore the baby.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: Nope

How 'Bout Cha?

The morning commute can be full of surprises. Not today. The weather was ok. It has been getting more humid in the morning with every passing day this week. Outside of the high dewpoint, the driving conditions were ideal. The train came on time and the wall was fine. I figured out that it is about three fourths of a mile to my building from North Station. How 'bout cha?

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

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

Sneaky Gas Station

I got out of the house early today and the ol' gas light was on so I decided to hot the gasoline station before I drove to the train station. Gas at this station was one of these sneaky higher price for credit card purchases. I think I paid something like $3.73 a gallon. I don't think that's right. Everything else was good. Should have stuck with the shady had station.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:
Arrival Time at North Station: Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy, 60
Shady Gas Price: $3.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):
Feared for my life: Nope

Name Dropping

I had a young woman who sat next to me and she turned her body to face the aisle so she could continue talking with the young gentleman with whom she entered the train. He sat in the seat behind us. They talked and talked about inane things. The woman can eat at Redbones for free because her family knows the owner's family. Her father is good friends with the guy who created and owns Redbones. The young gentleman was talking about one of Meryl Streep's daughters who went to Vassar with him. I started to stop listening to him but the story had something to do with her trying to quit smoking. I know. I shouldn't have been listening. It was difficult to stop. You can't close your ears. It was annoying conversation of who could one up the other...who could name drop more. I would rather know the owner of Redbones.

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

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 sunny
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Drove All The Way To Work Today

I got up early in the morning to get to the office around 5:30. Let me tell you - there is no one walking around Boston at 5:15 on a Monday morning. Outside of some seagulls squawking and flapping their wings, there is no noise. It is quite still. With the sun just peaking over the ocean, there is a soft glow on all the buildings and on the streets. You don't see any people until somewhere around Post Office Square where they sit and wait for the bus to come. I am feeling ok now but I probably will want to go to sleep at some point in the afternoon.

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

Departure Time From Home: N/A
Departure Time From Train Station: N/A
Arrival Time at North Station: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cool
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Sun In Your Eyes

There were a few mornings this week where I think people were driven mad by the sun shining in their eyes. They were making rash lane changes. Driving slow then fast after I passed them. It was a wild ride....but now for me the week is over. I am taking off Friday. I will see you on the roads on Monday. Please wear your shades.

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

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-ish, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Ish

Creeping Gas Price

I woke up to rain this morning. It seems like it has been weeks since it has rained last. It stopped before I got out of the house. No need for an umbrella, I was able to stand on the platform without dodging raindrops. Everything about this commute was good except for the creeping gas price. It always goes up faster than it comes down.

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

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: Mostly cloudy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.51
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Tangled Up

I took last Friday off so I didn't realize how lightly attended these mornings have been. It's summer time so people can do the old WFH thang...ya know...Work From Home. Or they get the summer Friday thang...you know...extra days off. Sweet. But me I'm still on the road...I'm heading for another joint. We always did feel the same, we only saw it from a different point of view. A bit chilly this morning...can I type that? With the overcast sky and the sea breeze, my short sleeved shirt appeared to be a bad choice for a few moments while the wind was blowing. All right. Happy Friday. Let's do this all again on Monday, mmmkay?

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:58
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, breezy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.49
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Delay At North Station

There must have been a signalling delay at North Station this morning. Our train was stopped right before the Charles River bridge. There was another train that was waiting there before us. When our train stopped, my window was right across the way from the other train's engineer. He had no emotion about the situation. He didn't seem frustrated or bored, just seemed to stare out waiting for the signal to start up again. The issue delayed us a few minutes. No matter really - the heat wave has been broken and everyone seemed as calm as the other train engineer this morning.

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

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: Cloudy, cooler, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.47
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

The Hottest Morning

...and I mean in temperature. Maybe because I ran before I went to work, but man it was hot out there today. It didn't help that our train pulled into North Station at the same time as another train did and we ended up side by side on the same platform. As we exited the train, the crowd was so large everyone came to a complete stop. Too many people were trying to get through the sliding doors and the delay sent a ripple back down the platform. A guy behind me vented some frustration using a few choice words. The heat from the sun and all those people made it very uncomfortable on the platform. Then, it seemed I had to wait at every intersection to cross. Each pause got hotter and hotter. Once I finally got to my building, I was blasted with cold air as I opened the door. The lobby never looked so wonderful before.

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

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: Hot, Hazy, Humid
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

They Must Be In Town

Yeah, it's hot but it is summer and it's supposed to be hot. It was 72°F when I left the house today but no big deal. NBD. Drive/train was fine. The walk was filled with interesting character. Most notably, I saw three separate guys wearing Iron Maiden t-shirts. Yeah, weird. When I saw the first one, I thought it was sort of interesting. Then when I saw the second and third one, I raise one eyebrow. The guys wearing the shirts seemed younger than me. What was going on? Had I gone back in time to a bad place in the 1980s? I thought to myself, "They must be in town." Well, they weren't. They played in Mansfield back in June and they are playing somewhere in NY tonight. Did someone say roadtrip?

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

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: Hazy sun, 70s
Shady Gas Price: $3.45
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope.

Perfect Stretch of Weather

I have heard of outsiders complain about Boston weather. You know, it rains too much or it's too cold or whatever. But then, you get what we have had for the last few days. Great weather. Sunny, 80s, low humidity. Happy faces. And we get a whole bunch of days right in a row. That can't be beat. When we are on a streak like this one, you can't complain. You probably won't remember that we have stretches of weather like this in probably a few days, but that's not my fault. That's your TVs fault.

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

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 and as beautiful as you are
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope - I am busy livin' it.

Friendly Service

I used a different toothpaste this morning. Did anyone notice a sparkle in my smile? No? Day 2 of my 4 day work week and it's been a good week so far. No weirdness on the roads. When the train stopped, the open door was right in front of where I was standing so I climbed right in. The walk to work was good. I got a coffee from the Friend Street Hostel's cafe. It was wonderful and the service was pretty friendly. Good times - celebrate them.

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

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 and not humid
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Doll On The Side Of The Tracks

I saw a doll on the site of the tracks. You know, a kid's toy? Anyway, it made me sad that someone is missing their toy. It also made me sad that somebody threw a doll on the side of the tracks. It was weird place to discard of a toy and it made me think of a hobo living on the side of the tracks. Nice weather this morning. The traffic was tolerable, the train was quick, and the walk was pleasant. Good commute, everybody.

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

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, not humid, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Quiet Friday

Although the highway was a little crowded, everything else was quiet in terms of the number of people around to make the commute rough. There are plenty of people who have summer Fridays or WFH (that's work from home, peeps) on Fridays...so add that to the 4th of July and we're talking quiet times. All right. See you on Monday.

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

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: Hazy sun, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope

Beep Boop

Well, the train didn't have many people on it today. I think that is to be expected after a major summer holiday. Either people were smart enough to take the rest of the week off or they were taking later trains since they were out having a good time yesterday. I had a great time with my family. My kids spent much of the day in the lake near our house. We swam and splashed and took in the sun. The clouds stayed away for most of the day. Heck, I wanted to sleep a little more this morning but I was back at it on the ol' normal time train. I guess I am a robot. Beep boop.

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

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: Sunnyish
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life:Nah

I Thought You Would Take The Week Off

Maybe people are taking the last two days of the week off. The train was full of passengers and I had to take a seat near the middle. Maybe there were a lot of tourists on the train? Man, I would take a later train. It's too early for fun. Drive was good. Walk was good. Happy Fourth.

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

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, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Noooooooooooooooooo!

Weird Week

So it's on two, off one, on two. It's weird. The parking lot at the train station was filled with big pickup trucks and other large vehicles. It was tough to find a parking space where I normally park - my car would have been tightly squeezed between cars that were parked over the line. Nearby, there were some spaces that had plenty of space. It's the same price no matter where you park. I fell asleep on the train for maybe 30 seconds and jolted awake because my arms went numb. People must have been wondering what was wrong with me. The walk to work was ok. There some guy yelling at a guy who asks for change to get a job...but other than that, it was a pleasant morning walk.

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

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: Partly sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: NO!

I Beat The Rain

Dark clouds loomed in the west while I stood at the train station. I was urging the train to chug faster so I would miss the downpour. Since I head east, I missed the rain completely. It started to come down after I was in the office for 20 minutes. Then I started to see soaking wet coworkers walking in. Well, I got that going for me...which is...you know. Hope you have a good weekend

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

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, but not rainy
Shady Gas Price: $3.29
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Only In Two Places

Some days, the train is understaffed. The one in the morning usually runs with 3 conductors. If someone is sick or for whatever reason doesn't make it, they roll with what they have. With only two conductors, they open up doors in only two places. It tends to be the front and the back at my stop. That's fine, but I always wait in the middle. So today, my middle people and I had to trek to the back of the train. Not a horrible situation, but it was probably the most interesting thing that happened on my commute today. a hey hey...

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

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-ish 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Better At Driving Than Me

There was a few close calls on the highway today. One where this black VW was close to hitting me on the exit ramp to 495 at the Lowell Connector. What a jerk! Good thing I didn't make any sudden movements or I would have hit him. Then, on the off ramp from 495, there was a motorcycle that decided that the ramp could handle two vehicles at once. What a jerk! Good thing I didn't make any...well you know the rest. What the hell, people? Was everybody in such a rush that they couldn't be a little safer? I guess. Maybe they were just better at driving/riding than me. Sure. Train and walk was ok. No pushing or shoving there.

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

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: Mostly cloudy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: Ish

Pretty Much Business As Usual

Well, I thought it was going to rain all day today. Much to my chagrin, the sky had only scattered clouds this morning. There was no need for an umbrella or any other rain gear. The commute was fine. No issues to write about. The heat from last week is gone so walking was more enjoyable. No interesting sights to share with yo. It was pretty much business as usual.

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

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: Partly sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.33
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Smoking Cigars

Ok - the most curious thing this morning with the heat at 80 degrees already was the guy who was dressed in a long sleeve buttoned up shirt and tan shorts and loafer without socks smoking a fat cigar walking out of North Station. That guy had it going on. It was quite a sight. Maybe he was giving his notice today. Maybe he always dresses that way. He looked confident - no matter what.

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

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: Hazy sun, 80s
Shady Gas Price: $3.35
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Prepared For The Heat

After many days of reasonable temperatures, today we are getting the smackdown from the sun and the humidity. It's supposed to be a hot one. Everywhere on my commute, it look like people were prepared for the heat. From the clothes they wore and the expression on their faces, the people were ready to defend themselves from the dangerous conditions. I got an iced coffee. That should help me fend off the dreaded heat.

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

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: Hazy sun, starting to feel it. High 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Not Groundhog Day

I got to the train station a little earlier. There were people standing and waiting by the side of the track. There was a group of three people where I usually stand. Two people were standing close together while the third was standing four feet away from the couple. It left a space big enough for me just to walk into and stand. Thanks guys! The train was a little late today. I was afraid we were going to have a repeat of yesterday but we didn't. It was just a little late. It was not Groundhog day again. The breeze was lightly blowing which kept me a little cold waiting for the train. No matter. Tomorrow it will be 100 degrees Fahrenheit - no big deal. I won't be cold tomorrow.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:30
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Sunny, breezy, 50s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

I Wasn't Late But The Train Was

It was hard waking up this morning. The sunny day laziness of yesterday set in and wasn't letting go. No worries. I powered through it and I got to the station on time. I noticed there were a large group of people waiting around the tracks. I wasn't sure why. I looked at my watch three times to confirm I wasn't late. But the train was. We had to wait another 15 minutes before it came. I felt asleep on the train. I am pretty sure. I may have let my mouth hang open. I really hope I didn't...but I did have that feeling of complete sleep.

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

Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:16
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:57
Weather as I call it: Cloudy then sunny by the time I got to Boston
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No

Sunny Day Run

Sunny day this morning. The air was dry and it was pretty awwwesome driving. I took the later train because I ran this morning around my neighborhood. It was pretty sweet. The weather was perfect and I made good time. Anyhoo. I took a little nap on the train. It was really nice to close my eyes and just drift off to some place between sleep and awake. Once I got out, I was refreshed and walked to the office.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.37
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):1
Feared for my life: No

Gotta Get Used To It

Cloudy this morning but the roads were pretty free and easy. The train station was quiet and still until the train came. Man, there was some speed and power behind it today. Very big gust of wind came after it pulled into the station. Good train ride. No announcements of higher ticket prices today. Mom and the two kids disrupted passengers sitting near the front of the car. They all felt like they had to give up their seats even though she claimed she didn't need it. Walk was fine out of North Station to work. I could get used to this kind of commute.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, warm, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Ticket Prices Are Going Up

This morning on the train, the conductor got on the loudspeaker and talked about how ticket prices were increasing as of July 1. He made a funny "Wha?" sound after he noted how much a one way ticket from Lowell to Boston was going to cost. He then suggested to everyone who wanted to save themselves a little money in the future to buy tickets now, in bulk, before the tickets go up in price. That's pretty good advice coming from an employee of the company that is charging the fares. All of us monthly pass peeps who get them purchased through some work program can only shrug their shoulders...like me. I have already purchased my expensive July pass. Yippee.

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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: Rainy, humid, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Left Behind

I got on the train and sat down. At my feet was a large Dunkin' Donuts black iced coffee about three quarters full. Did somebody take a sip and then just leave it on the floor of the train? Did somebody forget to take it with them? Are they cursing themselves for leaving behind a tasty cool beverage? No matter - it was a problem waiting to happen. At any moment, someone (probably me) was going to kick it over. So I paid it forward - I took the big cup with me when I departed the train and gently put it in the trash. Who would leave such a large iced coffee behind?

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Departure Time From Home: 6:32
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No - but I feared an icy coffee mess

In Terms Of Rudeness

Man, I was tired this morning. I slept on the train or at least I did my best approximation of sleep. My eyes were closed and my mind was resting. The trip went by quickly. I opened my eyes and we were pulling into North Station with some jerks and clangs. I think the brakes need an inspection. Walking to work, a worker from the local Cosi gave me an empty small coffee cup so I could get a free coffee. I took her up on her offer even though I should only drink coffee on Wednesdays. When I got out of the restaurant, with my coffee in hand, I saw a guy on a bike yelling at another guy in a car about not using a signal. He called him a number of names that are not right for this blog. I am under contract to keep the content at a PG level at worst. Anyhoo - it's good to see Boston hasn't lost its edge in terms of rudeness.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:38
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.39
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

Then I Will Be Silent Again

Four day work week that went by quick. Next week I will be out of the office for 4 days so I will have a one day work week coming up...sorta. This morning was surprise pass inspection day and the conductor told us we all passed with flying colors. I had my June pass ready. I felt prepared. The sun was shining and people were in good spirits today. At least from the chatter and the expressions I saw, it appeared that people were feeling happy. Well, I leave again for a while - but you take care of yourself. Avoid cars when you're walking the street, and avoid those people with clipboards. They want to steal your soul.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.57
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

Finally A Post

Well I haven't written in a long time but I have been commuting to work over the past few weeks. The last two weeks were pretty busy for me and if I am not inspired by the commute, I don't write. Today was a good one. There was a little mist during the drive that washed away some of the pollen on my car. When I got out of the train, I walked through the station and through the doors to the street. A few blocks away, I was under the parking garage near Haymarket station. There was a guy looking at himself in the reflection of the bus stop glass. He was on one foot and was making Karate Kid poses. I didn't know what to make of it, so I went and bought an iced coffee at the Dunkin' Donuts. The fog was covering up the tops of the buildings. I noticed that before I got to work.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Misty, foggy, 60s
Shady Gas Price: $3.61 Down doobie do down down
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nope

Coast Guard Training

There was some wild driving on the roads this morning. I saw a small white pickup truck slide into a turn on the drive to work, then saw it run some red lights. No big deal...or NBD as they say in my neighborhood. On the train, there was a good number of people who were members of the Coast Guard. They got on at Woburn but were from out of town. I picked up on their accents and they weren't of the Boston variety. I overheard them talking about training sessions and powerpoint presentations that needed editing. I am glad that they have the same issues as other working stiffs like me. Some light rain was falling when I got to Boston. NBD - I didn't need an umbrella. I got a coffee on the walk to the office. It helped a little - warmed me up and helped me fight the chill that this week has given me.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, damn, some light rain
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: A bit, that truck was kinda scary

Found Myself

Today I found myself taking a later train. That's a weird turn of phrase. Yes, I took a later train but it sounds more poetic if I found myself. It's as if I were lost this morning and then I found myself doing something I hadn't planned. Well it was all planned. On the way to work, I saw a police boat in the water with its flashing lights on. It was near the traintrack bridge that crosses the Charles River. I didn't see any emergency. So, with the later train: More sun. Thumbs up for more sun.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:55
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Not Optimistic But I Wished Her Good Luck

When we got to North Station, Northeastern University was starting their graduation ceremonies. I talked to a woman who rode the train with me about her nursing degree. She is not optimistic about her job prospects after graduation. The rain continued to come down this morning and I can't wait to see the sun again. Yeah, it's been a while.

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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: Rainy again
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

I'm Not Accustomed To Lose

Hey ho. Another rainy-ish day in Boston. At times, I was wondering if I would need the umbrella but the sprinkle stayed light so there was no need. The train came but they were down a conductor so the doors opened at the very back of the train and no where else. There was someone who didn't follow train exiting ettiquette. She sorta plowed her way down the aisle. The woman who was across from me smiled as I made a bewildered face. Then I let her go ahead of me, which she thanked me.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:02
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Rainy-ish
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Another Gray Day

Another gray day and another day where I don't need the umbrella. There was a woman who raced by me to aggressively stop at a red light. I love that...especially when I pass them while they wait for the light to change for their left turn. I got some coffee before I went to work...plus some breakfast pastries. One of the best scones I ever had from Boston Brewin' - unexpected to say the least.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, Gray, Maybe some sprinkles here and there
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

You Have Cooperated Today

I like mornings when it rains but it stops for the window of time when I am getting to work. It means I don't have to be delayed on the roadways when people forget how to drive in the rain. It means no need for an umbrella when I am standing and waiting for the train. It means not sitting in wet clothes on the train. It also means I don't have to take the Orange line rather than walking to the office. Yes, mother nature. You have cooperated today.

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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, but not raining
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Still Cold Out There

There was a short delay on the way to the train station. An accident had occurred a few blocks away from the train station parking lot. Three emergency vehicles had arrived at the scene and the crews were tending to the driver. She appeared to be fine and I didn't see any damage to the car. Everyone was able to drive around the damaged car without too many problems. Train and walk were fine. It's still cold out there. ------------------------------

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, high 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Early Ride In

I had a call at 7 to make so I got to the office early. I love the different culture on the earlier trains. These people are no nonsense. They are focused on getting to work. There's no smiles or chit chat. It's all business.

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Departure Time From Home: 5:23
Departure Time From Train Station: 5:43
Arrival Time at North Station: 6:22
Weather as I call it: Sunny, a little breezy. Low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.85
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Be Bold And Take The First Leap

No rain today but it was colder than yesterday. I wore my leather jacket and had to button it up all the way. The train was a little crowded. The big boy who likes to talk was at it again. He was chatting it up with another person and they were pretty receptive to him. I am surprised but maybe I shouldn't be. Maybe deep down we all want to talk to strangers but just need someone to start it up. We need the other person to be bold and take the first leap.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, colder, low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Umbrella Time

Wow. The rain was coming down this morning when I got outside. I had to run and grab the umbrella from the car and run to take the garbage out to the curb. The rain got me pretty good. During the drive to the train station, I dried off pretty good. My heat worked to dry out my pants and shoes. Traffic wasn't that bad and the train was on time. At the Woburn stop, it didn't stop like it normally does. It had stopped a few car lengths past where it normally stops. People had to adjust on the platform.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:37
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Rain then just wet
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

Total Flat Tire

As I was walking to the place where I stand and wait for the train, this older dude stepped on the back of my shoes and almost took it off. Now, I do this all the time to people. I don't mean anything by it. I can be pretty clumsy at times and my big feet get in the way. I step on their heels and I always pretend that it didn't happen or at least that it wasn't me that did it. And you know what, this dude did the same to me. He didn't say he was sorry. He didn't pay it any mind. It was a total flat tire too. My shoe came off the back of my foot. I tried to walk and put it back on. No dice. I had to take a knee and put it back on.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Across The Sea

Do you ever listen to music on the way to work? I had a craving to hear Weezer's Pinkerton album this week so those songs have been played in my car and on the train (using my earbuds, natch). Good stuff. I got your letter, you've got my song. ------------------------------

Departure Time From Home: 6:05
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nopers

No Big Deal

After a few days of summer like weather, it was back to wearing a coat.  There was a little wind at the train station.  The breeze was cold, but hey - I had a coat.  No Big Deal.  NBD.  N! B! D!

The sun was nice.  It was pretty bright out there this morning.   With the cooler air, things looked clearer.  It was pretty smoggy lately.
I left a little early today. I had to get some gas. I've been riding with the gas light on for a few days.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:16
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cooler, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.87
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Marathon Monday

Ah, Patriots' Day.  The third spring holiday for us Boston folks (St. Patrick's Day and Opening Day being the other two).  I think we can finally close the door on winter, not that this winter was bad at all.

Light traffic and not many cars parked in the lot although curiously some woman parked right next to me even though there were many spots available.  She actually apologized for parking so close to my car as I was feeding the payment machine.  I told her it was all right, but I wondered why she did park next to me when she had other choices.  I think she's was unstable...in the brain area.

The train stopped right before it pulled into North Station.  A fire alarm went off at the dispatcher's office and we had to wait for them to come back before we could be allowed to enter the station.  I think it delayed us for  about 8 minutes or so.  I wasn't worried - I was taking a nap.




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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun, 60s, I didn't wear a coat.
Shady Gas Price: $3.87 UGH!
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Mellow

I looked out at my backyard and saw some fog hanging around at sunrise. I was surprised to scrape my windshield and clear it of the slight frost that had collected there. There were some slippery spots on the ground too. Thankfully I didn't encounter any on the roads, but I did feel the surface of the ground was a little slick. Thank goodness it is Friday. Pretty mellow commute. Monday should be mellow too. ------------------------------

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, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):2
Feared for my life: No

Yeah I Don't Talk To People

The big guy in front of me was at it again, talking to strangers. This time, I think he got a different reaction. It didn't seem like the person next to him wanted anything to do with his conversation. Sorry dude. I wish people were friendlier, but this is Boston...not...you know...anywhere else.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:00
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

That Dude Was Talking

There's this dude who has been taking my typical seat on the train for the past two days now. Sounds like he just got a job in Boston. I learned of this information because he was speaking with the woman who sat with him on the train. She was more than happy to talk to this dude.

It got me thinking. Maybe the train doesn't have to be a big elevator where everyone keeps to themselves and doesn't talk to each other. Maybe I can say hey to the people I have seen on this morning train for over 2 years now. Yeah, probably not.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:35
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, weird light rain at times.
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Rushed To The Station

I swear I thought the train was going to be late this morning. I checked my watch and at 6:57 the train was nowhere to be found. Then, the lights turned the corner on the tracks and it RUSHED to the station to pull in at 6:59.

 It might have left a little later than that, but it arrive right on time. More people on the train than usual. I can't wait for rates to go up. Maybe it will thin out the crowds?

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:01
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Some sun, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Car Dealership Service Center Pickup

After the weirdness of Friday, this morning - although not usual - was much more regular. I had my car serviced by the dealership. I had dropped it off on Saturday morning and I opted to pick it up today because of the holiday and such yesterday. I won't note the times and such since they really don't matter but gas is up again. I can say the car is running better than it has in a long time. No idea who put up the caution tape across my driveway on Friday morning...but I am more cautious if that's what somebody wants to know.

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Departure Time From Home: N/A
Departure Time From Train Station: N/A
Arrival Time at North Station: N/A
Weather as I call it: Some sun, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.83
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Weirdest Morning Ever

Other than that one commute where I got into a car accident, this morning was the weirdest one ever.

I woke up to find Caution tape crossing my driveway.  I don't know who did it.  I just took it down, rolled it up, and threw it in my car.  I saw that the house down the street also had the same yellow plastic warning across their driveway.  A random prank?  It was really weird.

When I got to the train station, I picked up the tape from my car so I could throw it away.  I was rushing and I ended up locking my keys in my car.  After some quick debate in my head, I called AAA to have them come out to open my car door.

The rest of the commute was ok.  Outside of going out of the way to buy some coffee at the Clover Food Lab truck and be told that it wasn't ready yet...it was ok.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 7:26
Arrival Time at North Station: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Sunny, but cold
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 8
Feared for my life: No

20 Percent Less

Good commute today.  The train parking lot was 20% less full than on a regular weekday.  That is an accurate number.  I did the math.  Truly.

I think people are making this Easter weekend a little longer than usual by taking today off.  They probably have tomorrow off too.  It must be nice.  I will be back in the office, but the nice thing is - the roads will be less busy - the train will be less crowded - and the streets will be quieter.


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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: Blinding sun, 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

Truck Crush

On the highway, a Jetta in front of me almost got crushed by a truck. We took the exit ramp together - the truck was first, then the Jetta, then me. The truck was going slow, so the Jetta was driving close to it. I was close to the Jetta. I probably didn't help the situation...but I wasn't doing anything illegal. Once we got off the ramp, we merged onto the Route 495 ramp for the Lowell Connector. It's two lanes and the truck got into the left lane. The Jetta tried to pass him on the right. Just as the Jetta was passing him, the truck started to move into the right lane. The Jetta swerved away, the truck swerved back. I kept my distance. Once the dust settled, the Jetta passed the truck and kept going. The truck slid into the right lane...and I continued to keep my distance until I could pass on the left.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40 on the nose
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah. Some tense moments but I was safe.

Three Stooges

In North Station today, there were three hired actors dressed up and looking like the Three Stooges. I avoided them well. They were being led around by a woman. I am wondering if she was the agency liaison to the actors and the event or if she was part of the act as well. Not sure - I didn't stick around to see what it was all about. A little part of me wanted to know, but most of me didn't want to be part of the show.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:33
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Sunny, cold, high 30s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Half Hearted Thumbs Up

I saw an act of kindness today. A guy in his teens returned a cell phone to another dude who had left it on his seat (I'm guessing). The dude was standing in the train's doorway. I didn't see him walk up there but he must have got up from his seat to take a strategic standing position near the door. The kid, who had left his seat and probably risked it being taken by someone else, walked up to him and handed him the phone (it looked like a Blackberry). The guy was very thankful, but the kid was less enthusiastic. He kinda gave the dude a half hearted thumbs up and walked back to his seat.

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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, a little rain here and there.
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope

Sip in Boston

I was a little slow out of the gate this morning. I had a outing last night and well, I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. No matter - I was good to go once I did get going. I grabbed a breakfast sandwich at Sip in Post Office Square. That hit the spot and got me ready for the day. Anyway - have a good weekend, ev'rybod. Let's do this all again on Monday...but with an April attitude.

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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, cold, high 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10):2
Feared for my life: Nope

Now There Are Two Mommies

My ride has had one mom that brings her two kids on the train... My current commute has gone on for so long that I remember when she was lugging just one kid in a stroller. Now it two and I feel for her. Now there is another mom...and she gets on the train at the same stop as the original mommy. She has her stroller, but she doesn't get the prime spot. I feel for her too.


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Departure Time From Home: 6:36
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, windy, 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nah

Hey Let's Stop

The train ride was riddled with a few weird stops. Not stops where people got on and/or off, just halts along the way. It delayed our arrival by a couple of minutes. During one of the stops, a train on the other tracks rode by and blew its horn. The force of the train passing by along with the horn blast made for an alarming experience.


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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: Sunny, cold, 20s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah

Yay Monday

Ah Mondays. Gray Mondays. They really get you into the spirit of getting back to work.

Thankfully, everything went smoothly. The drive was good. I was able to avoid a long wait at the traffic light by using the right lane (which no one else was using) and merging over when the light turned green.

The train was on time and the walk was pleasant. I think I may need to go a different direction out of North Station. My way seems slower.

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Departure Time From Home: 6:34
Departure Time From Train Station: 6:59
Arrival Time at North Station: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, low 40s
Shady Gas Price: $3.73
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No