Friday Morning

This morning I woke up on time. After reading part of a book that a friend sent to me last night "The morning is yours, make it count, get ready for the day and embrace it". I decided that he was right. So i jumped out of bed feeling great. Today was the first day of the rest of my life after all we are all going to die. We must make every day count. I decided that it is time for me to get back on track, get healthy, live a life I want to live and not what someone else wants me to live.

I got ready, dressed and put the running tights under my jeans since the temperature had dropped so much over night. I set my phone on the counter to charge a bit and thought "do not forget this" running out the door I forget the daily check as I walk to the elevator. I am sure we all do it, running your hands thru the pockets to make sure you grabbed everything. As I am walking to the 94D I have 10 minutes to spare and realize...The phone...is on the counter plugged in...NOOOO. I run back upstairs, run down and sprint the block to the stop... I made it just as the bus was pulling up. Saved!

I ended up talking to this nice guy who we will call D. Very interesting conversation about the weather and jobs and school. As the 94 pulled up I saw the 684 go by...NOOO again. I sprint 3 blocks. On the bright side I have been trying to get healthier and would like to run in the mornings I have not been able to pull myself out of bed early enough to do it. But this was my chance and I have tell you I HAVE to start running again. As I ran down

Marquette Ave

dodging the other commuters on the side walk I prayed for a red light. I get my chance at

9th Street

as people are getting on the bus. I try and catch my breath but I felt like I was going to die. The women in front of me asked me if I was going to make it and I said I will let you know in ten minutes.

My daily driver Charles is usually very prompt as soon as I step off the 94 he is waiting there for me where I am able to just jump on. However today he was on fire and hitting each stop a couple minutes early.

There have been a couple days that I feel like a dog chasing a car although I am usually waving my arms and not barking at the bus. You are all picturing me barking aren’t you...? I guess I should ask the dog owners in the office if they have any biscuits for me.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures.

My new life..on the bus

It has been two weeks since my inception into the life of a mass transit commuter. And it has been interesting.

The first Monday I got on the bus I realized that maybe I should have take a day off the previous week and done a test run. Or maybe had a trailer car follow me in case i got stranded or got on the wrong bus. The first Monday morning was a breeze, I hopped on the 94D and headed to Minneapolis, jumped off walked a crossed the street and jumped on the 684 Express to Eden Prairie. I thought this is easy, bus riding is simple, cost effective and I can read or sleep and let someone else deal with the traffic, snow and incapable drivers on the roads.

Then Monday evening rolled around and was I in for a shock. After being dropped off at the stop I waited for 25 minutes. I have a new appreciation for winter in Minnesota and think I am finally getting used to the cold. After accidentally getting on two incorrect busses and right back off I finally figured out the system.

Every day I ride the bus it is a new experience. The conversations that take place are always entertaining. I have found it is a way to unwind from the day and get a little bit of comedy in my day.

Last Saturday I rode the 16 bus that runs a long

University Avenue

and saw a totally different side of St Paul than I had seen in my 2 years of living on the Eastern side of the Mississippi. Upon entering the bus I realized that it was packed. So I stood up front along with another gentleman that had hoped on at the same stop I had. It took roughly 5 minutes for the first conversation to start up. One gentleman wearing a long green coat and having longer brown hair looked as if he had really enjoyed the 80's and decided that he was not ready to give them up yet. Another gentleman sitting across from him also looking as if he was still living in the past were deep in conversation. The other gentleman was wearing sweat pants, a sweat shirt and large rimmed glasses. Side note: It does not matter what you are doing or where you are going sweat suits should NEVER be worn in public. They just look schlub like you really don’t care how you present yourself to the world.

I couldn't help but overhearing the two gentleman's conversation. It quickly turned to the 80's and how wonderful they were. "Morning in America" one man commented. Yes for some it was and others it was. Just then two seats opened up towards the back of the bus so I sat down. The gentleman with the glasses quickly followed and sat across from me. Behind him were a younger gentleman and a lady sitting quietly. The gentleman quickly turned around and engaged them in conversation. He seemed to be a little bit jittery...and mentioned that he had just returned from St Peter... One asked what were you there for, the man replied "oh they just gave me some medication and sent me on my way". "Medication for what?” "The gentleman with glasses replied "oh just stuff to calm me down". The younger gentleman replied "can you do me a favor and let me know when it wears off so I can move seats".

Then without skipping a beast the man with the glasses mentions that he needs to stop by the Cathedral as he has a turtle that has Stigmata and is bleeding out of its flippers. And that is when I lost it.

As crazy as it may sound once you give up your our vanity and allow yourself to be viewed in a different light you are able to see all of the amazing things going on around you.

Stay tuned for more episodes...