I Commute Therefore I Am

I spent a lengthy day today in our Connecticut office. I'd like to say it was a quarterly visit to make nice with the 75 people who work in this division, but it appears by a corporate roll of the dice that I will be spending quite a bit of time here. Oh, why sugar coat it? This looks to be my new work gig.

At the face of it, it seems like an interesting challenge. I like the talented pool of people. The portfolio of products are certainly esteemed in their respective markets. The division carries a heady name deeply entrenched among the annals of publishing. Frankly, it's a dream job.

Having spent 9+ hours with the outgoing VP today, I realized halfway through the review that not only could I swing his responsibilities, I think I could make them more efficient. As we discussed the possible relocation of the division to another office building, I had a vision of a keg party in the party lot as we packed up our office space. Oh yeah. This division legacy will carry on and continue its commitment to quality, objective, ethical, respected products...but we're going to have fun while we do it. That very notion convinced me today--I think I can do this job. Strangely still, I can't wait to get my hands on things. I'm invigorated. I can finally say, "There's a new sheriff in town so let's get this party started!"

The apparent disadvantage is the commute. I live in Manhattan. This office is located 37.5 miles from my home. I am without any kind of vehicle, having abandoned my trusted Laquita (a 2003 Honda Accord) upon migration to the East Coast. As such, I am reliant on the mediums of mass transit to get me from point A to B. In this case, it's a subway ride downtown to Times Square, a shuttle to Grand Central, MetroNorth train to Darien, CT and a mile walk to the office. I have spent my life on mass transit so I can roll with it, but each way is two hours. Let's be honest, people. It's a bitch.

When we finished tonight, a colleague drove me to the train station where I caught the MTA train to East Harlem and then I took a very slow moving crosstown bus to the west side where I live. Sitting directly behind me during this labored bus ride was a disgruntled Jamaican who kept muttering "Kill you motherfuckers.....kill YOU!" By the time I got into my apartment, it was 8:45 pm. I will be required to do this commute four days a week and I can already tell this will get tiresome very soon.

The only solution? I will have to buy a vehicle. I will have to find a place to park said vehicle. I will have to ante up the horrendous fees for insurance. I will have to drive I-95 every day. It's probably what I'll end up doing. With a ride, though, I can at least get to the beach now and again in the summer and well, that may make all the difference.