Catching Up

So I am taking the bus again today. I haven’t done that in a while and I’m taking the opportunity to post about what’s been going on outside of this blog.

Emily and I got a new car. Our old one had become a money pit, and the maintenance costs had begun to skyrocket. Eventually the car would reach a top speed of 35, which is not ideal for driving on Lakeshore or 290. Totally unsafe.

We got a Honda Fit, and we have been completely satisfied. It’s a great city car: compact, fuel efficient, versatile. Much easier to parallel park. Aside from a nasty incident that if we’re friends on facebook you’ll already know about, we haven’t had any complaints.

With that change comes another: I am now driving to work instead of taking public trans. I know it is far less green, and I now use more fuel, but I must tell you, the ability to be home at 5:00-5:30 instead of 7:00-7:30 is wonderful. My evenings before could be very constrained. Now, I’m much more at ease when I get home. My night has opened up. It’s liberating. (I do miss seeing familiar faces and people watching on the bus, though. A lot.)

I’m also done with my coursework for my masters! Didn’t have much time for celebration though; I’ve since started an LSAT prep class. Logic games, reading comp….all the fun stuff.

Emily also finished her written proposal for her PhD program. I’m very proud of her for that. It’s an incredible accomplishment.

We also celebrated our 2 year anniversary this month, and my birthday. We went out on both occasions and had a great time.

It’s been a good month.

A Celebration of Public Trans

While sampling some music on lala tonight as I read for class, I came across a great song by Art Brut from their new album, Art Brut v. Satan.  The song is called “The Passenger.”  It’s about the pleasure that can be found in taking public trans.

[I'm having serious trouble embedding media lately, so here is the link to the song on lala.]

Here are the lyrics:

I’m a determined passenger
I never learnt to drive
But don’t worry, I’m not asking for a ride

Some people hate the bus
Not me, I can’t get enough
Some people live in the fast lane
Not me, I take the train
I love public transportation
Train or bus, they’re both amazing

I don’t take a book
I’ve no time to read
It’s a long journey but there’s a lot to see
Back left window, upstairs
The view alone is worth the fare
If I wanna sleep
Gonna miss my stop
I use my phone as an alarm clock

Some people hate the bus
[ Art Brut Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ] 
Not me, I can’t get enough
Some people live in the fast lane
Not me, I take the train
I love public transportation
Train or bus, they’re both amazing

I know there’s somewhere I’m supposed to be
And I’m gonna get there eventually
But when I’m travelling from A to B
I’m avoiding my responsibility
And I love the thrill of being last
Bus and trains don’t go that fast

Some people hate the bus
Not me, I can’t get enough
Some people live in the fast lane
Not me, I take the train
I love public transportation
Train or bus, they’re both amazing

More Thoughts on Commuting

Taking the bus and rail to work most days isn’t always glamorous or enjoyable. But there are moments where I am struck by how much pleasure can be found in my daily commute.

My wife has talked before about how she enjoys her commute because it allows her to mentally prepare for the day. I have to agree–especially when I have the opportunity to take public trans. When I drive, there’s a little more stress involved.

For me, one of the most peaceful moment of the day is when the Red Line comes out of the tunnel after North & Clybourn and begins to make its transition to the elevated track. All of a sudden the sound of the train is redistributed throughout the city, no longer confined to the subway walls. The loud noise of the tracks is replaced by a quiet, rhythmic shk-shk-shk sound, which is pleasant in its own way. The train gradually climbs an incline, and at once the city comes into view on all sides. It is an engaging commute that many are not as privileged to have. At this part of the evening, I revel in my city, and take comfort in the fact that I am almost home.