Moving forward...on the bus, on the train, in life

It’s been a while. A hiatus of sorts, unfortunately one that has prevented me from hopping on the bus; however, happily I report that I’m sitting on the train right now, rolling through Burbank and on my way to San Diego. And, public transportation again reigns supreme in my world of getting from point A to point B.

Let’s do one part of setting the record straight, two parts of projecting, add a splash of personal growth, a dash of philosophical reflection, shake—not stir—and serve.

The first two weeks of my second quarter bus riding adventure was, in my evaluation, a success. My goal was to ride four times per week—allowing myself one day each week to drive my car and run errands—and the good news is that I achieved. Woo woo. Last week and already the first two days of this week weren’t at all a success story, but I sort of knew that going into it…some unforeseen business obligations that didn’t coincide with the bus route. Today, as I said earlier, I’m on the train and rolling to San Diego for a conference. While there I’ll use the trolley system if I need to get around, so maybe, in the grand scheme of things, I can “make-up” for some of my lack of bus riding in the last week and a half.

So that was my one part of setting the record straight.

What’s next? Good question and one that requires some projecting for the answer. Riding the bus is the moment of truth when it comes to organization and planning. My immediate task is to purchase a bicycle that I can use for the commute to and from my house to the bus stop. Yes, I do feel like a hypocrite driving my automobile to the bus stop and then getting on. Reducing my carbon footprint means not turning the key everyday on the Honda. The four-day a week bus ride is manageable and responsible, and there’s that personal commitment to keep this up until June. The other part of this is to figure out how to make it from Cal State Channel Islands to the proximity of where my boyfriend (yes, I said boyfriend) lives by taking the bus or train and not inconveniencing anyone in the process. A huge social blunder in using public transportation is asking for favors from other people…I am guilty of doing this twice during my first two weeks of the bus. No more.

Personal growth, blah, blah, blah…hate to admit it because it means that I wasn’t as developed mentally/emotionally/spiritually as I claimed to be…and a little bit of the philosophical part. That being said, I’ve had more time to think and read since riding not big yellow. So here goes, it’s less about me and more about what I can do for others in my life and community. Lots of social ills out there along side the road and tracks, and sure, I’m not going to be able to cure them all, heck maybe not even one, but I’ve got talent and time that I know can help move toward some sort of a collective benefit for the whole. This is not me being a commie, rather this is me using the good fortune that I have worked my tail-feathers off to achieve and giving some back. Don’t worry mom and dad, I’m still a pull-ones-self-up-by-the-boot-straps gal, but I’m realizing it’s not all about the materialistic mold that my generation is typically cast.

As we roll out of Los Angeles, I’m realizing it’s time to shake and serve up what’s next.