I enjoy seeing people riding the T in costume. This year wasn't spectacular, but there was enough to comment on.
There were mouse ears on a woman on the bus.
There was a bunny costume including painted on whiskers on an Orange Line woman.
I saw a guy in a Yankees uniform in Back Bay station. He must have lost a bet.
Lastly, the guy who sells Spare Change news on Clarendon St. was wearing an Elvis mask...very surreal.
Happy Halloween.
10/31/2007
10/29/2007
Best in Baseball
Three long years. I didn't think the curse of Mark Bellhorn would ever be reversed.
The bus came on time today so I had to jog a bit to make sure I caught it. I got a "fist punch" from Mike. He has been my Sox talk partner all year. He never gave up even when the Sox were on the brink of elimination in the Cleveland series.
P.S. I am not a smug 21st century Sox fan. I will appreciate this championship as much as I can. I already told a Yankee fan that works with me that she should start rooting for a winning team. She's from New York...but when in Boston...do as the Bostonians do.
The bus came on time today so I had to jog a bit to make sure I caught it. I got a "fist punch" from Mike. He has been my Sox talk partner all year. He never gave up even when the Sox were on the brink of elimination in the Cleveland series.
P.S. I am not a smug 21st century Sox fan. I will appreciate this championship as much as I can. I already told a Yankee fan that works with me that she should start rooting for a winning team. She's from New York...but when in Boston...do as the Bostonians do.
10/26/2007
Singing Conductors Bus Detour Pennant Waving
A few notes from the world of commuting to work.
Yesterday there was a woman conductor on the Orange Line who was "singing" out the stop names. Well, she wasn't totally in full-on song mode, but each stop name and connection information she broadcasted over the intercom had a tuneful lilt to it. She could be the next MBTA idol.
I like that you can now put the word "idol" on the end of any organization, and somehow it means you could be the winner of that organization's singing competition.
Today the road that leads to Malden station was being paved, so the bus had to take a scenic tour around, up, and through Malden Square to get to the T station.
The woman who was sitting next to me was reading a book. When she noticed we were not stopping at the station, she looked around and exclaimed, "What the hell happened?"
I told her we were detoured and she shook her head. You could see panic in her face and she was reaching for the stop signal...muttering something like, "Well I'll just get off here."
I could see in her face that she started to slowly understand that we were going to end up at the station eventually.
She reassured me that we were indeed heading towards the T station, which I never doubted but was pleased that she wanted to comfort me.
She then started to sing a little song to herself. More singing on the T...sweet.
When I got to Back Bay, I noticed the red flags and a big 2007 American League pennant waving from the top of the old Hancock Tower. Check it out if you can.
Yesterday there was a woman conductor on the Orange Line who was "singing" out the stop names. Well, she wasn't totally in full-on song mode, but each stop name and connection information she broadcasted over the intercom had a tuneful lilt to it. She could be the next MBTA idol.
I like that you can now put the word "idol" on the end of any organization, and somehow it means you could be the winner of that organization's singing competition.
Today the road that leads to Malden station was being paved, so the bus had to take a scenic tour around, up, and through Malden Square to get to the T station.
The woman who was sitting next to me was reading a book. When she noticed we were not stopping at the station, she looked around and exclaimed, "What the hell happened?"
I told her we were detoured and she shook her head. You could see panic in her face and she was reaching for the stop signal...muttering something like, "Well I'll just get off here."
I could see in her face that she started to slowly understand that we were going to end up at the station eventually.
She reassured me that we were indeed heading towards the T station, which I never doubted but was pleased that she wanted to comfort me.
She then started to sing a little song to herself. More singing on the T...sweet.
When I got to Back Bay, I noticed the red flags and a big 2007 American League pennant waving from the top of the old Hancock Tower. Check it out if you can.
10/22/2007
Maybe People Were Tired?
Back in 2004 when the Red Sox won the ALCS, people commuting to work were jubliant. We were letting people cut in front of us. We weren't driving like maniacs down the road. We were waving to each other on the roads.
On the T this morning, it was business as usual. Nobody looked really happy. There was no feeling of joy in the subway car or on the bus.
2004 was certainly different. We beat the Yankees after not beating the Yankees for so long.
This year, it seemed like we should win...unfortunately, I think we underestimated how good the Cleveland Indians were.
I don't know. I was beat this morning. I think everyone else was happy, but just not showing it because they were sleepy from staying up until midnight to see the end of the game.
On the T this morning, it was business as usual. Nobody looked really happy. There was no feeling of joy in the subway car or on the bus.
2004 was certainly different. We beat the Yankees after not beating the Yankees for so long.
This year, it seemed like we should win...unfortunately, I think we underestimated how good the Cleveland Indians were.
I don't know. I was beat this morning. I think everyone else was happy, but just not showing it because they were sleepy from staying up until midnight to see the end of the game.
10/18/2007
Hot Bus
I was on "Faint Watch" this morning. The bus had the heat cranking this morning. I didn't think it was that cold. It seemed kinda steamy out there, and the fog sorta reinforced the feeling.
Nobody opened a window. The bus was not filled to capacity, so that may have help us to get through the ride without anyone passing out.
In February, when we really need that level of heat, we won't have it. Save it, my fine bus driver. Conserve the heat until the dead of winter.
Don't waste it on a mild October day.
Nobody opened a window. The bus was not filled to capacity, so that may have help us to get through the ride without anyone passing out.
In February, when we really need that level of heat, we won't have it. Save it, my fine bus driver. Conserve the heat until the dead of winter.
Don't waste it on a mild October day.
10/12/2007
Unified
It's hard to retire a blog. I just logged into my blogger account for the first time since earlier this week and I found two comments that people had left that were very complimentary. It warms my li'l heart.
I saw so many Red Sox caps on people's heads today...and on people I wouldn't expect like Graphic Novel Reading Guy and Business Man #4. These are just nicknames I have given some of the regulars who share my commute.
In Boston, we don't have much that unifies us...but we have the Sox. For me, that's just fine.
From reading my comments, maybe another unifying force is a collective annoyance for the MBTA. Meh, I'd rather root for the Sox.
I saw so many Red Sox caps on people's heads today...and on people I wouldn't expect like Graphic Novel Reading Guy and Business Man #4. These are just nicknames I have given some of the regulars who share my commute.
In Boston, we don't have much that unifies us...but we have the Sox. For me, that's just fine.
From reading my comments, maybe another unifying force is a collective annoyance for the MBTA. Meh, I'd rather root for the Sox.
10/08/2007
Wake Up!
Fun Columbus Day ride on the Orange Line today.
I was sitting next to a woman who was pushing against my right side. I wasn't too sure why this was happening. I wasn't wearing any Axe bodyspray.
Soon, she stood up between the Community College and North Station stops. I was thinking she was getting ready to depart but she surprised me and sat down in an empty seat across from me. I wasn't too sure why this was happening. I did shower this morning.
Two stops later I understood why this woman was acting the way she was. There was a guy who was falling asleep...literally. When the train pulled into State, the guy toppled like a Redwood in an Oregon forest. His head barely missed my shoulder. The fall woke him up for a second, in which he held out his hand to motion an apology.
The next few stops were an adventure because he continued to wobble with each movement of the train. Finally, he moved over to the corner seat and was able to lead against the wall.
Dude, wake up.
I was sitting next to a woman who was pushing against my right side. I wasn't too sure why this was happening. I wasn't wearing any Axe bodyspray.
Soon, she stood up between the Community College and North Station stops. I was thinking she was getting ready to depart but she surprised me and sat down in an empty seat across from me. I wasn't too sure why this was happening. I did shower this morning.
Two stops later I understood why this woman was acting the way she was. There was a guy who was falling asleep...literally. When the train pulled into State, the guy toppled like a Redwood in an Oregon forest. His head barely missed my shoulder. The fall woke him up for a second, in which he held out his hand to motion an apology.
The next few stops were an adventure because he continued to wobble with each movement of the train. Finally, he moved over to the corner seat and was able to lead against the wall.
Dude, wake up.
10/05/2007
Orange Line Disruption
Good story.
I got to the bus just in time to catch my bus. It came on time for once and I thought it was a sign that the commute was gonna be sweeeeet.
Not so fast there, kiddo.
I walk into Malden Center and there is a woman talking into a C.B. radio-looking microphone (I'm totally dating myself, but I don't care. Hey, it's true. I remember the 70s!). I couldn't hear what she was saying because she was broadcasting through speakers that were situated on the platform above.
I walked up the stairs, took my normal stance on the platform, and awaited her message.
"We are shuttling passengers from Haymarket to Back Bay Station," she kept repeating as if it was some sort of transportation mantra.
Many people looked bewildered. Others appeared angry. I shrugged my shoulders and came up with the solution that I would be able to pick up the Green Line at North Station and not concern myself with this shutttle bus nonsense.
The Orange Line came shortly after her announcement. The ride was delayed many times; at stations and between stations. The conductor on the train reiterated the shuttle bus plan and made it clear that Haymarket was going to be the last stop. He also told us the reason for this disruption of service.
"There is a damaged work vehicle stuck between Haymarket and Back Bay."
One person offered a simple solution in response: "Well, move it," he said.
Maybe it was just that simple. Maybe the T didn't think of that.....
When we finally got to North Station, many people had the same idea as me. Chance would have it that an empty "E" line train was waiting for us as the doors opened. Suddenly, it was if the starting gun of the marathon has been fired. People started to run...I mean sprint...for the train. I decided to wait. Heck, I had waited this long, why try to hurry it up now?
A "C" line came right after it. It was slow as ever...but I finally got to Copley.
I couldn't pass up this report.
I got to the bus just in time to catch my bus. It came on time for once and I thought it was a sign that the commute was gonna be sweeeeet.
Not so fast there, kiddo.
I walk into Malden Center and there is a woman talking into a C.B. radio-looking microphone (I'm totally dating myself, but I don't care. Hey, it's true. I remember the 70s!). I couldn't hear what she was saying because she was broadcasting through speakers that were situated on the platform above.
I walked up the stairs, took my normal stance on the platform, and awaited her message.
"We are shuttling passengers from Haymarket to Back Bay Station," she kept repeating as if it was some sort of transportation mantra.
Many people looked bewildered. Others appeared angry. I shrugged my shoulders and came up with the solution that I would be able to pick up the Green Line at North Station and not concern myself with this shutttle bus nonsense.
The Orange Line came shortly after her announcement. The ride was delayed many times; at stations and between stations. The conductor on the train reiterated the shuttle bus plan and made it clear that Haymarket was going to be the last stop. He also told us the reason for this disruption of service.
"There is a damaged work vehicle stuck between Haymarket and Back Bay."
One person offered a simple solution in response: "Well, move it," he said.
Maybe it was just that simple. Maybe the T didn't think of that.....
When we finally got to North Station, many people had the same idea as me. Chance would have it that an empty "E" line train was waiting for us as the doors opened. Suddenly, it was if the starting gun of the marathon has been fired. People started to run...I mean sprint...for the train. I decided to wait. Heck, I had waited this long, why try to hurry it up now?
A "C" line came right after it. It was slow as ever...but I finally got to Copley.
I couldn't pass up this report.
9/27/2007
Step All The Way Into The Train
Ever wonder what the conductor means when they ask people to "step all the way into the train?"
It's not like people are straddling the door with one foot in the train and one foot out of it.
What they mean is once you board the train, you should move to the middle of the car you are in...if you can.
People who enter the car first should remember this instruction. If you enter the train first and there are a lot of people behind you...move into the car as far as possible.
It's a different tactic than stepping all the way into the train...but harder to convey in an announcement.
It's not like people are straddling the door with one foot in the train and one foot out of it.
What they mean is once you board the train, you should move to the middle of the car you are in...if you can.
People who enter the car first should remember this instruction. If you enter the train first and there are a lot of people behind you...move into the car as far as possible.
It's a different tactic than stepping all the way into the train...but harder to convey in an announcement.
9/14/2007
May You Be Well
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 50s.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope.
------------------------------
No school kids on the bus this morning which made for an easy ride again.
The Orange Line had no delays...so all and all it was a problem-free commute.
Taking a look at the date, it appears I have been running this blog for 2 years.
It's been fun. I have certainly learned a lot, but I think I've learned everything I can from this project,
I have come to the decision to semi-retire this blog. I've become less passionate about the subject matter (if passionate is even the right word for it), and looking at my watch for every connection has been getting a little tiresome too.
Not to say I won't post ever again, I just don't think I will post every workday like I have been for the past 450+ work days. I will be on vacation next week, so definitely no posting then. When I get back, we'll see.
Thank you all for reading. May you be well.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:38
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 50s.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope.
------------------------------
No school kids on the bus this morning which made for an easy ride again.
The Orange Line had no delays...so all and all it was a problem-free commute.
Taking a look at the date, it appears I have been running this blog for 2 years.
It's been fun. I have certainly learned a lot, but I think I've learned everything I can from this project,
I have come to the decision to semi-retire this blog. I've become less passionate about the subject matter (if passionate is even the right word for it), and looking at my watch for every connection has been getting a little tiresome too.
Not to say I won't post ever again, I just don't think I will post every workday like I have been for the past 450+ work days. I will be on vacation next week, so definitely no posting then. When I get back, we'll see.
Thank you all for reading. May you be well.
9/13/2007
Without Kids
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny and nice. 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The Malden Public Schools had the day off for Rosh Hashanah today. I found out that this is the reason why schools were in session before Labor Day. They had school in late August to make up for the day they would have off in September.
The bus came on time and was almost empty. Let's cherish this day.
The Orange Line had some delays and I was sitting in seat that faced east...directly in front of a window. The sun is still pretty powerful, so I sat there blind for a few minutes while we waited to move. (I would have given this trip a "1" on the annoyance scale if it hadn't been for this sun drenched delay).
Meh, it helped me to wake up.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:12
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny and nice. 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The Malden Public Schools had the day off for Rosh Hashanah today. I found out that this is the reason why schools were in session before Labor Day. They had school in late August to make up for the day they would have off in September.
The bus came on time and was almost empty. Let's cherish this day.
The Orange Line had some delays and I was sitting in seat that faced east...directly in front of a window. The sun is still pretty powerful, so I sat there blind for a few minutes while we waited to move. (I would have given this trip a "1" on the annoyance scale if it hadn't been for this sun drenched delay).
Meh, it helped me to wake up.
9/12/2007
Water Bottle Situation
Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and pleasant.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today.
------------------------------
I had a pretty good commute this morning. The sun was out. I got a seat on the bus. It wasn't too crowded. Life is good.
Close to the end of the bus trip, there was a peculiar situation where an older woman put an unopened, half liter Poland Spring bottle on the seat next to me. I wasn't paying attention; I was looking out the window watching the world go by (remember, life is good?). Then there was a thumping sound made on the empty seat next to me. I turned to look and the nice lady who was sitting across the aisle from me held up her hand and smiled at me a bit. I looked down at the seat and saw the water bottle. I half smiled and turned back to the window.
I am not sure if she thought it was mine; I don't remember bringing a water bottle onto the bus. I think it was left behind and it was rolling on the floor. She must have picked it up and put it on the seat to stop it from knocking into her every time the bus took a turn.
When we got to Malden Center, I picked it up off the seat and threw it out. I mean, I wasn't going to drink it. Even though it appeared to be unopened, I wasn't 100% sure. Plus, it had dirt all over it...and even though that dirt hadn't appeared to contaminate the bottle's contents, I wasn't 100% sure.
I was thinking that eventually someone would have to throw it away, probably an MBTA staff member, so I did it before the bottle caused any more problems. I did what I thought was right.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and pleasant.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today.
------------------------------
I had a pretty good commute this morning. The sun was out. I got a seat on the bus. It wasn't too crowded. Life is good.
Close to the end of the bus trip, there was a peculiar situation where an older woman put an unopened, half liter Poland Spring bottle on the seat next to me. I wasn't paying attention; I was looking out the window watching the world go by (remember, life is good?). Then there was a thumping sound made on the empty seat next to me. I turned to look and the nice lady who was sitting across the aisle from me held up her hand and smiled at me a bit. I looked down at the seat and saw the water bottle. I half smiled and turned back to the window.
I am not sure if she thought it was mine; I don't remember bringing a water bottle onto the bus. I think it was left behind and it was rolling on the floor. She must have picked it up and put it on the seat to stop it from knocking into her every time the bus took a turn.
When we got to Malden Center, I picked it up off the seat and threw it out. I mean, I wasn't going to drink it. Even though it appeared to be unopened, I wasn't 100% sure. Plus, it had dirt all over it...and even though that dirt hadn't appeared to contaminate the bottle's contents, I wasn't 100% sure.
I was thinking that eventually someone would have to throw it away, probably an MBTA staff member, so I did it before the bottle caused any more problems. I did what I thought was right.
9/11/2007
Drippy and the Mumbler
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and misty. High 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah
------------------------------
Just to let you know....The puke smell in the Malden Center T station stairwell was nonexistent this morning. It seemed clean from what I could tell.
The Orange Line was an adventure. I got stuck between two characters: Drippy and The Mumbler.
Drippy sat on my right. He had a large container of what appeared to be water tucked inside of a mesh pocket on his backpack. The lid must not have been securely fastened since it was dripping all over the place before he sat down.
The Mumbler sat on my left. He was a large man who wore shorts and Ace Bandages on his lower legs and mumbled odd phrases throughout the trip.
Drippy wanted to read his Herald using both hands and Mumbles was sitting wide-legged...so I had a pretty uncomfortable ride. I think one of my legs fell asleep.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and misty. High 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah
------------------------------
Just to let you know....The puke smell in the Malden Center T station stairwell was nonexistent this morning. It seemed clean from what I could tell.
The Orange Line was an adventure. I got stuck between two characters: Drippy and The Mumbler.
Drippy sat on my right. He had a large container of what appeared to be water tucked inside of a mesh pocket on his backpack. The lid must not have been securely fastened since it was dripping all over the place before he sat down.
The Mumbler sat on my left. He was a large man who wore shorts and Ace Bandages on his lower legs and mumbled odd phrases throughout the trip.
Drippy wanted to read his Herald using both hands and Mumbles was sitting wide-legged...so I had a pretty uncomfortable ride. I think one of my legs fell asleep.
9/10/2007
Malden's Funky Odor
Bus Departure Time: 7:05
Bus Arrival Time: 7:23
T Departure Time: 7:26
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cooler. Have we had summer's last gasp?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Yay Monday! Awesome!
I sat next to a woman who would sigh every time the bus stopped. I thought to myself, "Uuuuh, this is what the bus does...it stops....why are you so annoyed about that?"
I am thrilled to report that the stairwell of Malden Center's subway station smelled like vomit this morning. That was a nice wake up call. I was unable to make a visual, although that doesn't rule out it's existence.
The Orange Line was fairly uneventful. The announcer lost count of what stop was next and corrected herself with a laugh. I don't think anyone noticed.
She reminded people to take their newspapers with them as they left the train, which is nice.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:23
T Departure Time: 7:26
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cooler. Have we had summer's last gasp?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Yay Monday! Awesome!
I sat next to a woman who would sigh every time the bus stopped. I thought to myself, "Uuuuh, this is what the bus does...it stops....why are you so annoyed about that?"
I am thrilled to report that the stairwell of Malden Center's subway station smelled like vomit this morning. That was a nice wake up call. I was unable to make a visual, although that doesn't rule out it's existence.
The Orange Line was fairly uneventful. The announcer lost count of what stop was next and corrected herself with a laugh. I don't think anyone noticed.
She reminded people to take their newspapers with them as they left the train, which is nice.
9/07/2007
T Riders Come Lately
Bus Departure Time: 7:06
Bus Arrival Time: 7:26
T Departure Time: 7:27
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
When I started "using" the MBTA again to get to work back in February, the number of people sharing my commute was tolerable. This week, it's been a little much.
Maybe it's like this every September. Maybe it's like the gym in January. All the New Year's resolution peeps crowd the place but by mid-February most of them drop off and then it's back to "normal levels".
I hope that's what happens with the T too. Kids will say to themselves, "I don't have to leave so early." or "I can't take the crowds, I'm leaving later."
These things have a way of working themselves out. I am sure of it.
Happy Friday.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:26
T Departure Time: 7:27
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
When I started "using" the MBTA again to get to work back in February, the number of people sharing my commute was tolerable. This week, it's been a little much.
Maybe it's like this every September. Maybe it's like the gym in January. All the New Year's resolution peeps crowd the place but by mid-February most of them drop off and then it's back to "normal levels".
I hope that's what happens with the T too. Kids will say to themselves, "I don't have to leave so early." or "I can't take the crowds, I'm leaving later."
These things have a way of working themselves out. I am sure of it.
Happy Friday.
9/06/2007
Pointing Out The Obvious
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny and 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): I have to give it a 4
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
It was one of those days, one of those commutes, that you just know isn't going to be good. It starts when you get to the bus stop and there are 7 or so people standing around that you have never seen before but they all want to get on the bus with you.
Where did you people come from? Why are you paying with change?
It also seemed like we stopped at every stop. It didn't feel like we got anywhere quick.
I think the heat was on in the bus and coupled with all the bodies radiating their own heat, it made for a sweaty ride for some people. Not fun. I'm grouchy. Wah.
The Malden T station had a larger crowd than normal waiting for the Orange Line. Are they all college students? Where have these peeps been?
The comment of the morning was spoken at Downtown Crossing by the T announcer. To try to ease the delay of passengers entering the train, he explained that, "the train has more than one door...please use all available doors."
The comment was just on the verge of being obnoxious, but thoroughly steeped in the realm of the obvious.
Funny thing is, it didn't shorten our time at the station. We still sat there for a good 30 seconds after he said it.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny and 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): I have to give it a 4
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
It was one of those days, one of those commutes, that you just know isn't going to be good. It starts when you get to the bus stop and there are 7 or so people standing around that you have never seen before but they all want to get on the bus with you.
Where did you people come from? Why are you paying with change?
It also seemed like we stopped at every stop. It didn't feel like we got anywhere quick.
I think the heat was on in the bus and coupled with all the bodies radiating their own heat, it made for a sweaty ride for some people. Not fun. I'm grouchy. Wah.
The Malden T station had a larger crowd than normal waiting for the Orange Line. Are they all college students? Where have these peeps been?
The comment of the morning was spoken at Downtown Crossing by the T announcer. To try to ease the delay of passengers entering the train, he explained that, "the train has more than one door...please use all available doors."
The comment was just on the verge of being obnoxious, but thoroughly steeped in the realm of the obvious.
Funny thing is, it didn't shorten our time at the station. We still sat there for a good 30 seconds after he said it.
9/05/2007
Movies Filming in Boston
Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cooler. 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The fall bus schedule has made me feel a little less stressed in the morning. I am happy not to be shoved or squashed or pushed. It has been pretty low key.
The one thing that would make it better would be for everyone to get Charlie Cards. Paying with bills and coins is so 20th century.
There is a movie being filmed near my work, in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. My guess is it's The Women shoot...and not the Bachelor No. 2 shoot.
It's just a guess though.
UPDATE: I guessed wrong! Boston.com sez it IS Bachelor No. 2.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cooler. 50s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The fall bus schedule has made me feel a little less stressed in the morning. I am happy not to be shoved or squashed or pushed. It has been pretty low key.
The one thing that would make it better would be for everyone to get Charlie Cards. Paying with bills and coins is so 20th century.
There is a movie being filmed near my work, in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. My guess is it's The Women shoot...and not the Bachelor No. 2 shoot.
It's just a guess though.
UPDATE: I guessed wrong! Boston.com sez it IS Bachelor No. 2.
9/04/2007
Soy Amada
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
It appeared that we were not going to be saved this week. It appeared that we were still on the summer schedule and we were going to be dealing with the same "too many people, too little space" we encountered last week.
As the bus turned the corner in the distance, my spirits sank. It was late and it looked to be alone.
Then suddenly, the lights of another bus turned the corner right behind it. All was not lost. We are back on the fall schedule!
I got on the bus and took a seat. The driver was new and was determined to get us to the T station as fast as possible.
There was a woman on the bus that had a button that read, "Soy Amada"...I guess we all felt loved today. (It means: "I am loved.")
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:39
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
It appeared that we were not going to be saved this week. It appeared that we were still on the summer schedule and we were going to be dealing with the same "too many people, too little space" we encountered last week.
As the bus turned the corner in the distance, my spirits sank. It was late and it looked to be alone.
Then suddenly, the lights of another bus turned the corner right behind it. All was not lost. We are back on the fall schedule!
I got on the bus and took a seat. The driver was new and was determined to get us to the T station as fast as possible.
There was a woman on the bus that had a button that read, "Soy Amada"...I guess we all felt loved today. (It means: "I am loved.")
8/31/2007
Time Stands Still
Bus Departure Time: 7:06 I guess
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21 ish
T Departure Time: 7:25 probably
T Arrival Time: 7:46 meh
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s - man, it's like CA out there.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Dude, my watch died. Time of death: 2:50 AM. I looked down to see what time the bus arrived at my stop, and I saw the second hand frozen at 21 seconds.
I guess I gotta get the battery replaced.
I kept time using my cell phone but it just wasn't the same.
No school today for some reason...so the bus was tolerable. I had all these "the bus was soooo packed" jokes lined up for today's post, but I really shouldn't use them.
Oh all right.
The bus was so packed today, we ended up on the baggage conveyor belt at Logan.
The bus was so packed today, not only could I tell what the guy next to me had for breakfast but also what he had dinner the past two weeks.
The bus was so packed today, I think I'm carrying some woman's baby.
I have more...but I think that's a good place to stop.
Have a good long weekend.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21 ish
T Departure Time: 7:25 probably
T Arrival Time: 7:46 meh
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s - man, it's like CA out there.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Dude, my watch died. Time of death: 2:50 AM. I looked down to see what time the bus arrived at my stop, and I saw the second hand frozen at 21 seconds.
I guess I gotta get the battery replaced.
I kept time using my cell phone but it just wasn't the same.
No school today for some reason...so the bus was tolerable. I had all these "the bus was soooo packed" jokes lined up for today's post, but I really shouldn't use them.
Oh all right.
The bus was so packed today, we ended up on the baggage conveyor belt at Logan.
The bus was so packed today, not only could I tell what the guy next to me had for breakfast but also what he had dinner the past two weeks.
The bus was so packed today, I think I'm carrying some woman's baby.
I have more...but I think that's a good place to stop.
Have a good long weekend.
8/30/2007
Getting Through It
Bus Departure Time: 7:08
Bus Arrival Time: 7:22
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The bus was a little less stressful than yesterday. Oh yeah, it was insanely full of people but because I knew what I was in for this morning, it didn't stress me out as much. I counted down the stops until we got to the high school and all the kids got off. Once that happened, it was smooth sailing.
Just as a side note, I did see a bus that claimed it was "out of service" but was picking up people along the route on Salem St. Did the MBTA hear my plea from yesterday?
On the Orange Line, I sat at the end of the car and was smashed up against the faux wood wall because some guy needed a lot of space. There was a guy who was rapping along to his music aloud. I had to stop myself from looking up every time he broke the silence with some lyric.
I had two dollars burning in my pocket so I got a coffee at the Dunk near my work. There was a woman who greeted me right before walked in and she asked if she could have some change on the way out. After I got my medium with skim milk, no sugar, I handed her my $0.17 as I slid through the double doors. I'm not sure why I did that.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:22
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The bus was a little less stressful than yesterday. Oh yeah, it was insanely full of people but because I knew what I was in for this morning, it didn't stress me out as much. I counted down the stops until we got to the high school and all the kids got off. Once that happened, it was smooth sailing.
Just as a side note, I did see a bus that claimed it was "out of service" but was picking up people along the route on Salem St. Did the MBTA hear my plea from yesterday?
On the Orange Line, I sat at the end of the car and was smashed up against the faux wood wall because some guy needed a lot of space. There was a guy who was rapping along to his music aloud. I had to stop myself from looking up every time he broke the silence with some lyric.
I had two dollars burning in my pocket so I got a coffee at the Dunk near my work. There was a woman who greeted me right before walked in and she asked if she could have some change on the way out. After I got my medium with skim milk, no sugar, I handed her my $0.17 as I slid through the double doors. I'm not sure why I did that.
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