The Two Seasons
Around these parts, we like to say we have two seasons: winter, or construction. This has never rang more true for me. Currently my commute one way is 30 miles door to door (if I go straight to work - add in a few more if I have kids to drop off or pick up). Those 30 miles include three tollways, as well as a zig-zag route just to get me on the first one.
28 of those miles are now under construction.
This morning the newest portion of it was added, which was on a local road. I can do those 30 miles in about 35 minutes when there is no traffic. Unfortunately I do not work the graveyard shift, so my commute ONE WAY can be anywhere from 1 hour (on a very good day) to pushing the 2 hour mark. With gas prices around $4.20 a gallon, I'm starting to feel the mental strain as well as the financial one. So to try and see the humor of the situation, I've come up with this:
- The term "rush hour" is such a gross misnomer, can't we come up with a more accurate term? You wouldn't want to hear mine, as they couldn't be said without a bleep.
- State Troopers have no business on the roads during peak commuting times. All they do is cause yet another bottleneck or gaper's delay in the already annoying traffic taking place. Write your tickets some other time, please. Some of us are trying to get to work.
- Speaking of gaper's delays, come on people. Do you want people gawking at you? Keep your eyes on the road and get your asses moving. Those poor people in that accident do not want your stares or need your curiosity. Show them some respect.
- Traffic reports for my route are useless. Every day they tell me that there are no delays, and everything is fine. Or else they tell me the delay on my most problematic tollway begin 10 miles further than they actually do. If they would just say the truth, "hey, if you have to go that way, it sucks!", I'd be less annoyed. Quit giving me false hope!
- Sign on a ramp from one highway to another, which is under construction: "Do Not Stop on Ramp." I've had plenty of time to admire said sign. I've thought about taking it off road so I do not violate that rule. Hey, I'm a good citizen!
- Another sign through a construction zone: "Avoid Unneccesary Lane Changes." I suppose the thought process behind this one was to try and avoid those in a hurry from zig zagging through the stalled traffic, but you have to appreciate the humor. Or maybe I think it's funny because I consider all of my lane changes to be necessary.
- And my all time favorite: "Road Construction Ahead: Expect Delays." Boy, thanks for the warning there, Sherlock.
To be fair, some of the construction is to widen these roads, so I'm hoping this is temporary pain and it will pay off. However, I also didn't just fall off the truck yesterday so I'm just trying to be optimistic. Other parts of the construction is...you gotta love the justice in this...to fix the pothole damage caused by the cold and snowy and LONG winter.
Yep, two seasons.
