Today: Waiting for the T.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]

Each morning and evening, so many of my fellow Bostonians find themselves waiting for the T.  Since I try to avoid taking public transportation with the common people*, I’m either sitting in traffic, or sitting in my parking garage jamming out to Michael Jackson.

I might be the last known human to make mix tapes (for themselves), but I’ve got to tell you, “The Return to Innocence” followed by “Black and Yellow” followed by “The Man in the Mirror” is sheer genius.  But it’s also making me late to work.  Because I can’t bear to leave a single song un-jamed to.

Back to the T.  I’m not sure what it is about me, but I don’t think I’ve had a single ride on the Orange, Red or Green Lines without being talked to by a stranger (or strangers).  I must look friendly.  Psssh. Once, a man asked me what white people thought about Obama.  I didn’t feel qualified to speak on behalf of all white people, but I said I loved the President.  I got a standing ovation… mostly because there were no seats available on that car.  Another time, someone told me my shoes were inappropriate.  I pretended to be deaf.

Creepers aside, the T usually gets me where I need to go, when I need to go there.  Unfortunately, the places I need to go are usually not T accessible (truth be told, I don’t really know how to ride the bus).  So I walk, or drive, or try and zap myself there (which never works, and wastes a looot of time).  But before I head out the door, I have to wait for the tea.

I’ve successfully survived the first five days of Lent with no Diet Coke, lots of gratitude and lots of running (that’s when I invent my best prayers).  I’ve found myself drinking far more tea than usual, perhaps to combat the DC withdrawal.  Regardless, I really appreciate the ritual involved in a cup of tea.  I brought the stash above to work on Monday of last week– having an electric tea kettle, a mug with an infuser, and my favorite loose teas on hand has been such an office upgrade.  Not only does it take a bit of time to boil water, and then brew the actual tea, you need to wait before drinking lest ye burn your taste buddies.

Amidst the go-go-go, every now and then it’s nice to have an excuse to slow down and wait– whether it’s for the T or the tea.

*I am most definitely kidding.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Running the Ras 5k and meeting up with some of our Team in Training pals
• Love this: 3 ways to make peace with where you are
• Happy Daylight Savings! 🙂

How do you slow down your day?