I think of a great idea for a blog post on the bus, but by the time that I get unwedged enough from between my fellow riders to write it down I've forgotten what I wanted to say.
So that's my excuse. That is also reason # 999 that I need an iPhone.
That is all.
In:
Get On Da Bus
Good news this week:
I found the Redmond Express. Now with only two buses and a short car ride I can get to work in about 45 minutes or an hour if I leave during peak traffic times. A Novelist dropped by to remind me of all the fun things that you can do in your car during traffic. Which I completely agree with, especially the part about singing in the car. I am a total "iPod Diva" while driving - high notes and all, plus it's getting to be the only way I can keep up with This American Life; Wait, Wait and Driveway Moments.
Plus, PT is SO CLEAN in Seattle. I mean, the buses don't smell, there's no extensive covering of graffiti, the lights all work. You don't feel like you're taking your life in your hands when you step on to one - and the few times my life HAS flashed before my eyes it's been because of either the driver or some stupid Suburban driving idiot.
I guess I'm just a cheap bastard too: I don't have the most fuel efficient vehicle, but I'm not willing to get into another car payment situation. Plus I LOVE my car. Even though I love it a LOT less when I'm watching upwards of $50 vanish into the gas tank. And I hate braking. Which sounds rediculous unless you think of Seattle drivers - who LOVE to slap their brakes in front of you for no good reason. Which drives me into an unmitigated rage more often than not. Then I spend the rest of the ride meditating on anger and trying to get my breath back.
See my dilemma?
Have I mentioned how hard it is to be me: living a privileged life in one of the most developed (if more than a little bit fucked up) nations in the world with a fantastic job and the ability to drive to work every day, which I totally take for granted most of the time?
Sigh, self absorption rears its ugly head.
In:
Car Love,
Get On Da Bus
It appears that in spite of my best efforts NOT to have a drive greater than 30 minutes to get to work (door to door, each way, including coffee stop, during off peak hours- I know, I know, I have been a spoiled brat for over a year in that regard!!!) I have been thwarted.
Okay let's get real: I am a Californian - born and raised: I love my car, I love driving. I do not love: driving to not fun places (work, anyone?), traffic, other drivers (especially Seattlites). These are my biases. Now, twice a day I have to haul out to the east side -in traffic - which takes me about 45 minutes car time, and I am not remotely thrilled about it. Plus, after scouring the King County Metro Transit trip planner, I've determined that would take me no less than 3 buses and upwards of an hour to get there. I dig taking the bus to the work cause I can "read not rage" I do not dig: waiting for late buses, being late to work or standing out in the cold waiting for the next bus to arrive. All things that have an exponential likelihood of increasing with every bus you add to the equation. And for my last bitch and moan of the night, I have to start factoring into my finances extra gas and wear and tear on my car. Plus the likelihood that my car will suffer from some sort of "throw money at me" tantrum increases the more I drive (brake jobs and clutches and tires, oh my!) so I'm considering dedicating an extra $500 or so to the Uh-Oh Fund (Emergency Fund sounds so dramatic)
Bummer.
Into problem solving mode: I've adjusted my schedule at work so I go in super early and leave early which is definitely helping. I'm not a morning person, but since work is casual, I can dramatically cut prep time and increase sleep time with a few tweaks. Roomie suggested finding a park and ride somewhere in the middlish to cut out at least one bus and half the drive.
Plus the upside is that if do drive a day or two, I can throw my gear in the back and head up to the Summit after work . I'm halfway there and leaving work early enough to make night ski - which is my favorite time to ride anyway.
No job is perfect, and really this is a minor setback. Just looking for the upsides and willing to make it work, one way or the other.
What's the worst thing about your job? How do you make the best of it?
