The Perfect Commute.

All commuters know that a good or bad commute sets up your whole day, it influences your mood tremendously. This week I experienced the "perfect commute." A perfect commute is a commute where everything goes in your favor on the road and in the car. Here's a look at my perfect commute. A perfect commute has three qualification which are as follows...

1. Positively sets up your day.
2. Everything on the road goes in your favor.
3. The radio adds to the atmosphere of your commute.

The Morning Of...

It was a Friday, which only adds to a commute, as it marks the ending of a long week. I woke up at a normal time around 7:00 am and it was one of the coldest mornings of the month, which means a cold car. However, my brother ended up leaving 10 minutes before me and was able to start my car up with the heat blaring. Score! 

Though like most of the time, I felt like I was running late and hurried to school, but this time with a warm car to enjoy! 

The Commute.

Jumping into my warm car, I was presently greeted with some great oldies on the radio which included Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen along with others that I can't remember at the moment but were good. As I cruised along and hit my first and second stop sign down east grand avenue (picture to the right) there was no line of cars that I had to wait for. It was almost like I was the only car on the road, no one was going 10 mph under the speed limit or behind me riding within 10 inches from my bumper.

Continuing on my way, I headed down route 1, which consists of multiple traffic lights. They all seemed to be green or turn green as I approached them. By this point in my commute I was already satisfied with the great music and all the advantages, but what really pushed my commute over the top was when I approached the "Y" in the road that yields onto a back road. Usually, I spend what seems like 5 minutes waiting for an opportunity to turn, but a silver ford focus stopped in the middle of the road and waved be by. Lastly, as I turned into the universities parking lot, I got my favorite parking spot outside of my first and last class on Fridays, which is rarely open. As Ice Cube might say "Today was a good day."

The Perfect Commute

As you can see from what I deem as my perfect commute, it is does not take much and it is the little things that add up. 

Roadblock.

It is bound to happen, sooner or later, as a commuter you will be late to class. Whether it is sleeping in to late, running out of gas, or an accident, commuting offers so many obstacles that prevent you from making it to class on time. I remember the first time it happened to me, it goes a little something like this..

Oh Deer.

At the time, I was commuting from my parents house, and was inexperienced when it comes to commuting. I would often wait last minute to leave, drive with the gas light on, and other things I shouldn't have chanced.

This particular day, started out just like any other. Waking up after a much needed nap, I made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, watched a little sports center, and got ready for class. Leaving for my 1:00pm General Chemistry lecture, I stopped at the local gas station. Deciding to spend my money on a slice of pizza and a Redbull, instead of gas, I continued on my commute. 

It was a great day, the sun was shining, Jay-Z was on the radio, and no cars on the road. Cruising around a corner, I see it out of the corner of my eye: a deer. Time slowed and I watched as the path of my car converged with the path of the deer. Slamming on my breaks, the deer is shot up and over the corner of my car, but my focus remains on the road ahead. Swerving in and out of each lane, my car comes to a stop, after a complete 180 degree turn. 

It being my first accident, I was pretty shaken up. After calling the police and filing a report, my mother arrives and let's me take her car. I ended up missing my lecture, but she made sure I was still able to make it to my lab. As you can see in the picture, the damages to my car where upwards of $8,000. The next 4 weeks I was stuck driving my mother's girly Mazda Miata around. 

It is worth noting commuting can be dangerous, and can cause multiple problems. Luckily, I was fortunate to have a spare vehicle. 

On the Road Again...

Fortunately, I only have to tolerate a 20-25 minute commute each day, rather then 45-60 minutes as some of the fellow commuters have shared. Though, it is incredible the obstacles that this short period of time can generate. Some that are aggravating, others that are just plain bizarre...

The Drive.

Growing up in a relatively small town, driving through the city with stop-and-go traffic each day, takes some getting used too. From experience, I can suggest one key component to ease each morning commute: time is everything. Having an adequate amount of time is ideal. 

Each day, leaving 5-10 minutes early allows a "safety net" of sorts, for the obstacles that may occur. Whether it be the construction work (which is currently being developed on my main route) or the mad man with impulsive road rage that always seems to target you. In addition, I have generated a list that I believe, as a commuter, should be noticed:

1. Parking
2. Alternative Routes
3. Cops
4. Gas
5. Construction
6. Traffic
7. Weather

It may be hard to believe but not everyone obeys the speed limits. Though as a commuter, being late for an exam isn't particularly a good way to start a day.  Knowing your way around town, and having a variety of back roads that you can depend on in the event of construction or road closures, or even for avoiding heavy traffic hours. Gas, the most obvious necessity, should be greatly observed, from gas stations, prices, and even your vehicles fuel tank can come a long way in preventing disastrous situations. I find it helpful to keep a 10 dollar bill in my car for the occasional times I find myself with no money on me. Weather is another notable experience you may face. Down pours often cause slower traffic and planning ahead is key. These are just a few of the often overlooked obstacles a beginning commuter may face, but being aware will help in finding a solid routine to the commuting lifestyle.

The Weird and Bizarre Scenarios of Commuting...

By far the favorite part of my commute, is witnessing some of the strange encounters on my daily drive. The most memorable, due to the irony, was last week when I had to stop, as a chicken crossed the road (this is in the middle of the city). Another one of my favorites would be the various objects in the road; trash, large boxes, and once even a girls bike standing straight up with the kick stand out? Other things that are just surprising, are how some of the other people on the road can be so arrogant. Squeezing/forcing themselves into the lane and riding as close to the back of my car as possible are some examples, though every now and then there will be some considerate drivers who let you in a line of backed up traffic for example. The point being: pay attention. Other then the fact you'll likely to prevent accidents, but also it is a little amusing!

The Commuter Survival Pack

Commuting can be a dangerous lifestyle, and requires much preparation. From leaving the driveway at 8:15am to returning home by 5:00pm, there will be certain necessities to ease your way throughout the day. 

The Backpack.

First and foremost lets take a look at the backpack:

1. Laptop
2. Quality (bigger then most) Backpack.
3. College Ruled Spiral Notebooks
4. Pens/Pencils
5. Laptop
6. Headphones
7. Calculator
8. Laptop
9. Individual Class Folders
10. Laptop

As you may have guessed by the list above, bringing your laptop along with you is a must. Finding yourself with an hour of spare time between classes, without a laptop you will find that any productive time becomes increasingly difficult. I would like to point out that "spiral notebooks" for writing paper and "individual class folders," whether you have that specific class during the present day, is a must. Having these two items is very helpful in the down time for studying.

Inside the Car.

Another factor you may want to consider is what you bring along with you within your vehicle:

1. Lunchbox
2. Phone Charger
3. CD/Ipod/Iphone Stereo Player
4. Class Text Books
5. Jacket/Rain Coat
6. Umbrella (optional)
7. Spare Change
8. Water Bottle

Commuting demands that your vehicle becomes a partial living space during the day, and being prepared is certainly convenient to reduce the stress that college produces. During the drive, luxurious features such as a phone charger and personal music are always nice. Also, I strongly recommend packing a lunch each morning, this helps financially and is much less expensive then the $8.00 chicken wrap at the local 7-eleven. Spare change is handy for tolls (if required) or campus vending machines, and I even found useful for making photo-copies at the university library that requires a fee. Class textbooks, again for studying. is nice to keep in the back seat so you won't have to carry the extra weight in your bag but is still accessible. Preparing a survival pack within you vehicle is a convenient way to keep personal items, that you can access during the day (similar to what a dorm room has). 

If you still have questions after reading this blog of what to bring or not bring with you, I will gladly leave feedback based on my personal experience!