As I sit behind inconsistent drivers, creep along 19th Avenue or wait in the long lines of cars slowly exiting or entering 280, I think about the Commute. Sitting behind what I'm calling "inconsistent" drivers (a.k.a. slow or sometimes slow drivers) probably takes up a good 50% of the time I'm commuting, even if I'm on the road early. So, I think about driving or what is going on while I'm driving a LOT.
When I used to ride the 43 Masonic, I could read magazines or books, listen to podcasts or music on my iPod, tweet or check email. Of course, I can still listen to podcasts or music or books on tape on my iPod or the radio. I can listen to live NPR, which I never could before the car (b.c.). Often, on the bus, I had to contend with co-workers it was too early to interact with or homeless people that smelled like poo, unwashed body, and cheap beer. But my thoughts were often about things other than the Commute. Or so I remember, now.
Shifting between first, second, third, fourth, fifth... and sixth gear, I have the freedom to stop at Target on my way home or at lunch or any time I want. I get to drive to Mill Valley for a hike, this weekend; drive to my parents' house whenever I want without renting a car; and visit my friends in the East Bay or South Bay or Outer Richmond during the week, if I decide to.
And, I get to say I have a Mini Cooper S and get an exhuberant and covetous reaction on a weekend night at a wine bar, in my neighborhood.
When I used to ride the 43 Masonic, I could read magazines or books, listen to podcasts or music on my iPod, tweet or check email. Of course, I can still listen to podcasts or music or books on tape on my iPod or the radio. I can listen to live NPR, which I never could before the car (b.c.). Often, on the bus, I had to contend with co-workers it was too early to interact with or homeless people that smelled like poo, unwashed body, and cheap beer. But my thoughts were often about things other than the Commute. Or so I remember, now.
Shifting between first, second, third, fourth, fifth... and sixth gear, I have the freedom to stop at Target on my way home or at lunch or any time I want. I get to drive to Mill Valley for a hike, this weekend; drive to my parents' house whenever I want without renting a car; and visit my friends in the East Bay or South Bay or Outer Richmond during the week, if I decide to.
And, I get to say I have a Mini Cooper S and get an exhuberant and covetous reaction on a weekend night at a wine bar, in my neighborhood.
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