Recession Proof Commuting

Today's travels where varied and many, but through it all I was able to accomplish a lot and spend very little in comparison. The day started out costing only $2.10 for a bus pass for my son. After dropping him off with friends, I walked to work, a beautiful and brisk walk through the scenic Vanderbilt University campus. At lunch, I couldn't resist hitting the sidewalk again to splurge a little at Starbucks (a whopping $2.50) for a good cup of Joe and an excuse to get outside again. After work, I needed to go to Belmont University to get books for the upcoming semester, the most expensive excursion of the day. At least I could walk from the Vanderbilt area to Belmont at no cost; walking is still free, for now.

From there, I walked through the Belcourt/Acklin Park area back to the other side of Vandy's campus to pick up my son. Then we walked to West End to catch the bus toward downtown, another $1.05 for my son to ride. We got off the bus at West End and 25th Ave. so my son could meet his Dad and I could walk toward Church St. to catch the bus heading to WalMart in West Nashville. I reached WalMart in time to use my BOGO Subway coupon for a sub (half of which I'll have for lunch tomorrow) for dinner, purchase the few things on my list for less than expected and in time to catch the next bus headed downtown. I boarded the bus tired but satisfied that I had accomplished so much and spent so little while getting some exercise at the same time.

Planning my activities, my walking/bus routes and my spending is my recession survival plan. Works for me; why not give it a try? When combined, the cost of a bus pass and good walking shoes and even possibly a bike is a lot less than the cost of a car payment, insurance, auto repairs and gas. Consider it, and even if you don't decide to become car-free, think of ways that you can drive less, walk or bike more and save money. Your wallet and waistline will thank you later.

Lessons Learned

Each day on the bus when I encounter different people, it gives me the opportunity to learn lessons of life that I may not have gleaned otherwise. This morning while my son and I were riding, I thought he was being a bit disrespectful and I was contemplating how to continue to teach him these life lessons in a way that doesn't turn him away. To my surprise, a woman riding the bus with us later told me that she was very impressed with his behavior and thought he was quite mannerly. Lesson learned: I was being a little hard on him, he really was trying.

Later, I was riding and met a woman on the way to see her father at a health care facility. The route she was taking was new to her, and in addition to the driver, other passengers were offering her assistance to get to her destination. I shared with her my observances that bus passengers are very eager to help one another. She then shared with me the trails she has been enduring while trying to care for her father on her own. She finally had to relent to having him cared for by others, but was making the effort to visit him daily although it was not convenient for her. Despite not having the support or assistance from other family members, she was determined to care for her father to the best of her ability regardless of the sacrifices. Lesson learned: Doing what you know to be right may not always be convenient or popular, but worth it in the long run.

Last, but not least, I tried a new way of getting to and from the bus stop. I'm usually within a block or two of the bus stop, but lately I've been farther than normal from a stop. My solution is to bike to the stop, leave my bike with a lock at a nearby bike rack, and catch the bus. Then, when I return I hop on my bike to travel the few blocks instead of walking, especially since it's darker earlier. And if I chose to take my bike with me, all of the buses have at least two bike racks on the front; so I have the choice of leaving my bike at the stop or taking it with me. Lesson learned: There are several ways of getting around without a car, you just have to put your mind to it. I'm grateful for all the lessons learned today; I'm excited to see what tomorrow's lessons will be.

Bus Drama

If you think you know drama, you've not seen drama until you've witnessed bus drama. It isn't often, but something about the holidays brings out the best in everyone. I had the audacity to go to Rivergate Mall on Christmas Eve (I know, I was asking for it) and on the crowded bus back to town, the drama broke out. When the bus reached the Madison area, a man in a wheelchair with only one leg was on the opposite side of the street yelling for the bus to stop and wait until he crossed the street to board the bus. At first, the driver was reluctant to wait since there was another bus coming right behind him, and this bus was just barely on schedule on such a busy day. But when the passengers chided the driver for contemplating leaving a handicapped man, that the driver relented. Later, we all wished that he would have gone with his first thought to leave him for the next bus!

Well, the man entered the bus and from the moment he hopped from his wheelchair to a seat, his mouth never stopped. At first, he was giving the driver a hard time for considering leaving him. Imagine that! No gratitude for not leaving him, but threats to call the MTA office to report the driver for even contemplating leaving him, although he was on the other side of the street! Then because the other passengers were also tired of his constant negative and foul speech, one woman on her way to the Titans game told him to be quiet. Oh no! This started a verbal tirade between them that culminated in the driver stopping the bus and threatening to throw him off or call the police to take him off the bus. All of the passengers then agreed that his either being quiet or getting off would be best for everyone! We weren't even close to downtown, so he piped down because he didn't want to wheel it the rest of the way. Whew!

What was the most interesting to me is how everyone came together to defend this man when they thought that he was being treated unfairly, and then again agreed unanimously when he was being so offensive. There are lots of different people that ride the bus for various reasons, but one thing most people have in common is a sense of fairness, compassion and common decency. That was nice to see and what I appreciated from my bus ride that included a little holiday bus drama.

Walking as Therapy

I've confirmed something I've known and needed for many years: walking is therapy for my mind, body and spirit. I've been riding the bus with a new approach; I walk along the bus route until the bus 'catches up' with me. It has become kind of a game to make sure the bus doesn't pass me as I enjoy my walk. No matter the weather, rain or shine, cold or hot, walking is dual purpose, getting to a destination and clearing my head and lungs. This fact is lost on drivers who don't get the chance to get from behind the wheel and get some real fresh air and exercise. Driving to the gym to work out on a machine isn't quite the same as a walk around the block or in the park. During this crazy busy holiday season, if you want to refresh yourself, try walking as therapy.

City Paper MTA Ad Ran Today!

It was nice to be walking down West End after going to Vanderbilt this morning and pick up today's City Paper, turn to page 13 and see my quote and a link to this blog. Thanks again to MTA and all of you that follow my travels and adventures walking, biking or busing around Nashville. For those of you reading my blog for the first time, please come back often and hopefully be inspired to try alternative forms of transportation yourself. If you're already busing, biking or walking around Nashville or wherever you are, please feel free to comment and share your car-less stories as well. The journey continues.

An Eventful Day

What an eventful day! First of all I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for a new ad campaign for MTA. They are doing rider profiles that will be featured in various ads in City Paper and Nashville Scene among other locations. I am excited to be a part of the campaign to expand bus ridership in Nashville.

Well, I should have known it would be an adventure when I left my exam study session at Belmont to head to the Metro Courthouse for the photo shoot. I thought I was leaving in plenty of time at 11:50 to arrive downtown by about 12:20. Well, the bus needed to stop for several passengers and traffic was terrible. So, when I reached security at the Courthouse, I was already a little late for my 12:30 appointment. I had been told to bring as few things with me as possible so as not to be delayed by security, so I left my huge backpack at Belmont and only brought my lunch bag and a few essentials. What I had forgotten is that in my lunch bag is my pretty pink Pampered Chef knife that I carry to cut my food. Well, the Courthouse security personnel were all over it! When I tried to explain that it was just for food and asked if they could just hold it until I return shortly, they just informed me that my only option was to take it back out to my car! Well, that wasn't an option for me since I had ridden the bus there to do a photo shoot about riding the bus! So I had my $15 dollar knife confiscated. Oh well, the photo shoot was fun, but you know I asked again on my way out could I have my knife back! No success.

Then, later tonight on my way home from Belmont, I stopped to pick up a few things from Trader Joe's. As I walked from there to the bus stop at Hillsboro High School, I noticed a woman I've seen on the bus also walking to the stop, but she was struggling with several (eight, to be exact) bags of groceries. She is very small, about 5 feet tall and usually has several bags each time I see her. But tonight, she clearly needed help. So, together we carried the bags to the bus, for which she was very grateful and shared with me the sales and specials she had taken advantage of along the way. Then a little further on our way downtown, my 'spirit friend' boarded the bus. She and I share scriptures and encouragement each time we see each other. I hadn't seen her in awhile and it was good to catch up and know that she's doing well. After we had reached the depot and I was boarding the bus headed home, I saw my neighbor that I've been mentoring and tutoring as she reaches her goal of completing her high school diploma. She is closer than ever to realizing her dream of being able to enroll in college courses. We had the chance to talk over a couple of options she has as she approaches her testing requirements. It was nice to hear her express her determination and to be able to encourage her to keep at it.

I came home wondering what I would do without the opportunity to reach out to people that I meet on the bus. I don't think that life would not be near as eventful or rich.

Like a Family

Tonight I decided to ride my bike to the local pizza joint for a couple of slices and enjoyed the cool breeze along the way (ok, it was a little cold, but I kept moving). Anyway, on the way back with my pizza in tow, I decided not to ride my bike up the hill, so I walked it on the sidewalk instead. Behind me a heard a car horn toot, and as I looked around I spotted an MTA Access Ride Van. The van slowed down and pulled over at the top of the hill and put on the hazard lights to signal other vehicles to go around.

I was close to my house, but knew the van had stopped for me. So I approached the van and the driver asked, 'Does your bike have a flat, or did you just not want to take that hill?' to which I answered the latter. Then he asked about my missing helmet, which I usually wear but didn't since I was going a short distance and stayed on the sidewalk. But I was touched by his concern for my safety. He went on to ask how far I had to go and reminded me that people are 'drinking out here' since it's the weekend. I told him I was now right in front of my house, but thanked him for looking out for me. I told him that having the drivers and passengers look out for me and for one another makes me feel safer in this often dangerous world. He replied,'Be safe out here; God loves you!' And right then I thought, 'Yes, He does!'

I have stated before that the people we see practically every day on the bus become like a family. Sometimes, we interact with them more than we do our actual families! So, we look out for each other; even the drivers keep an eye out for passengers to make sure they are safe, even those not riding on their particular bus as my experience tonight demonstrates. We take care of each other, just like a family.

Helping Hands

This morning I enjoyed the warmth of my bed a little too long and we were running behind schedule. Add to that a grumpy pre-teen that insisted on lingering over a bowl of cereal, and we were literally running to catch the bus. A couple of blocks from the stop, I realized we might not make it, and I asked God why something so simple (getting to work/school) had to be so hard. Another block closer to the stop and I heard the bus coming and realized that even if I broke into a full sprint (with the sluggish, grumpy pre-teen a block behind) I wouldn't make it.

To my pleasant surprise, the bus stopped at the corner we were quickly approaching to let off another passenger; as long as I've been catching the bus there, I've never seen anyone else get on or off at that stop. The bus stopped long enough for us to get closer and for me to start yelling and waving my arms (what a sight) for the driver to wait for us. He started to pull away from the stop, but I could see the passengers gesturing to us and telling him we were coming. Thankfully, he stopped and waited for us; even my son, Mr. Pre-Teen himself grabbed his sagging pants and went into a full sprint to the bus. I thanked the driver profusely, and he pointed to the other passengers giving them the credit for noticing us. I waved a breathless thank you to them all.

The sweet part was when I found my seat I spotted a young man that is my son's age and who we know from past summer camps. He is now a thriving student at Hume-Fogg High School and is always a pleasure to speak with. He was the one who saw us running and asked the driver to wait. He said that he's seen times when passengers notice others running to catch the bus and don't alert the driver, but he didn't think that was the right thing to do. As I called my son over to also catch some of this young man's light, I couldn't help but be encouraged to know that there are still young people out there who care about more than themselves. I had asked God earlier why things had to be so hard sometimes; I feel like He answered by showing me that things aren't always easy, but with the help of others, it usually all works out.

Thankful for Service

Last night on the bus I watched an interesting exchange between two former Marines. One had on a cap with the Marine symbol and lettering on it; he was an older white gentleman who served in the Vietnam war between 1967-1971. The other gentleman was a bit younger, a black man who served in the early eighties and recalled his time in the Marines as 'one of the better things' he had done with his life.

What captured my attention was the way they greeted each other when the younger man boarded the bus. He said, 'Semper Fi' to which the older man automatically responded,'Do or die!' As they clasped hands, it was obvious that whatever paths their separate lives had taken since their time in the Marines, they shared a brotherhood that spans time, color and age.

They went on to recount their experiences, travels and memories in the 5 to 10 minutes we all rode together, while another passenger and I listened respectfully. As the younger man exited the bus, he said to the older, 'Once a Marine...' to which the older man promptly replied, 'Always a Marine!' They again clasped hands and arms quickly. The older man then turned to me and said,'It's like a fraternity, a brotherhood.' I replied how nice it was to see people come together in peace, and we both agreed how ironic that the very thing that brought them together was their shared experiences of war.

I couldn't help but think that whether or not we agree with the politics or issues that sent both of these young men to fight for a cause that may or may not have been their own, we can be thankful for people like them. As very young men, they made a decision to serve others, and despite their difference in age and background, they have their service in common and that service still gives them hope, courage, and a brotherhood many years later. Although I will always prefer peace over war and choose to serve in other ways, I was very thankful to witness that scene and for their willingness to share it with me. And as I exited the bus, I told him so.

Private/Public Phone Conversations

When I started this blog, I wanted to share my discoveries and adventures from riding the bus. My goal was to show the bright side of public transportation, hoping that more people in Nashville would appreciate the benefits. I wanted to share only the positive, thinking the not so positive perception is what most people have already.

But I'm appreciating that it is the people that ride the bus that makes the stories, the good, bad and indifferent, not just the positive experiences. So, I'm going to be sharing more stories that I find interesting in the hopes that you will, too. I don’t want to offend, but when dealing with the public, things are not always so pleasant.

Often on the bus everyone gets the chance to hear even the most private phone conversations of less discreet riders, whether you want to or not. This morning, one woman didn't mind everyone on the bus hearing about her drug treatment program. And she also didn't mind that we overheard her re-assuring her current lover about their contraceptive choices! Finally, she told him that she couldn't go into any further detail (thank goodness!) because there were children on the bus. Even the adults on the bus were embarrassed for her and collectively said a silent 'Thank you!' when she finally ended the phone conversation. I thought that her conversation would be a great public service announcement about the dangers of drug use; hopefully, the children and adults riding this morning took note.

Otherwise, the ride in was uneventful, and I actually made it to work earlier than my co-workers who drove and got caught in traffic. But, I bet their commute wasn't as eventful as mine! Enjoy your day.

Balance

Today on my way into work, I ran into my friend who I mentioned in a post over a year ago (Sacrifices Parents Make). He came from Ethiopia and worked very hard to make sure his children received the very best education possible so they would have opportunities available to him that he didn't have. He has worked without complaint for many years, and now his children are all doing well at various universities.

This morning I saw him, and to my delight, he told me that he is now in school! He changed his work schedule to work nights so he can attend Vanderbilt University during the day. I felt like a proud parent myself! I am so excited for him, that now after making sure his children can pursue their dreams, he can now pursue his own. Behind his almond colored skin and pure white hair were bright sparkling eyes as he got on the bus with his laptop bag in one hand and his lunch bag in the other. I am so happy for him.

The lesson I learned on my very full bus today is that is never too late to pursue your goals, even when you've spent many years supporting or helping others. Take time out for yourself. Generosity is vital to a happy life,  but a very wise man once said, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'; the balance of those two loves is what my friend has found. I'm working toward that balance, too.

Walk, Bike or Bus

I have found my self walking more lately than ever. I still love the freedom and convenience of riding the bus, but if the distance to travel is less than a mile or two, I just start out on foot. I've found that walking or biking takes my mind off current worries or concerns, gets the heart and blood pumping, and gets me to my destination often faster than by car or even bus.
Yesterday, while walking a couple of blocks from work to grab a bite to eat, I met the owner and director of sales at Green Fleet Messengers. Really nice guys who have taken the concept of biking as functional and enjoyable and turned it into a bike courier business. They have set up shop in a really cool spot in Edgehill Village and will soon also have for sale those practical, functional accessories those of us who rely on our bikes as transportation can use. I'm looking forward to checking out their merchandise once they get it set up. Check out their website or stop by the shop when in the area.
And last but not least, MTA in conjunction with Miller Brewing company provided free and extended service yesterday on Oct. 29 to encourage holiday celebrators to not drink and drive. I've posted in the past how nice it is after an evening on the town to have MTA as a 'designated driver'. Many people chose to call a cab, but with a little planning and even less money, the bus is another great alternative. 
So, whether you choose to walk, bike, or bus as an alternative to driving your car, give either option a try if not long term, possibly just once or twice a week. You will be surprised at the amount of time and money you save, and the mental and physical health advantages you will enjoy.  More tips and ideas coming your way next time. And I promise not to let so much time lag between postings.

New Schedules and Other Exciting Stuff

I recently met my 'bus soul sister'. She had been sitting next to me in class at Belmont for about a month, and one day last week we realized that we have the bus in common. The amazing thing is that she is just as excited as I am about riding the bus! Imagine that. She started riding the bus recently for the same reasons as I did:   her car broke down, she chose not to fix it and realized that she could take advantage of the Belmont benefit of free bus rides. What began out of necessity for her has become an adventure; sound familiar? We laughed and squealed like little girls do over new dolls about our mutual feelings of freedom and convenience the bus provides. We both marveled how our well meaning friends and family are baffled at our bravery, always offering us rides and rescue. We reminded each other to graciously accept and appreciate their kindness, despite the desire to stomp our feet and scream like toddlers, 'I can do it myself!'

My new friend then screamed with excitement and gratitude when I told her of the new bus schedules that began today that includes a new, frequent Belmont/West End route! This bus will pick up at Belmont and continue from Wedgewood/Blakemore to West End to downtown and back at least every hour everyday. My son and I rode it for the first time today (I couldn't get the driver to fib to me a little and let me think I was his first passenger). I felt like a new rider seeing the view on Blakemore from Hillsboro Rd. to West End for the first time ever. This extended West End route also includes regular service to and from Bellevue! It's hard for me to contain my excitement (can you tell?) and I would like to think my involvement in the market studies and this blog may have had a small part in bringing this plan to fruition.

Thank you to all who had a part in this development; there are many students and residents along these new routes who will greatly benefit from having convenient bus service. And people who previously didn't ride will hopefully give it a try. The more ridership increases, the more options become available, and I'm thrilled to see the progress public transportation in Nashville has made.

Reflections

It seems like forever since I've posted, but it's only been a month. So many wonderful and sobering events have happened, too many to recount. So, I will suffice to say that I am still walking, biking or riding the bus to all of my destinations, with the exception of an occasional ride from a friend. Lately, I've been walking more when I have the opportunity; walking helps to clear my mind and lift my spirits and gets me closer to my destination. If I walk in the direction I'm heading, I can either walk the entire way, or catch the bus as it catches up with me. Either way, I feel as if I'm moving in the right direction and not just waiting; it works that way in life, too. We must keep moving toward our goals and aspirations, even if we make mistakes or take detours along the way, we need to keep moving and not waiting for someone or something to carry us.

In the time I've not posted, I've realized that this blog isn't just about being car-less or riding the bus. This journey started out as a way to help people see the alternatives to driving, but for me it has become so much more. Being without a car has helped me to realize my priorities and the ways I can navigate around challenges. It has also helped me to appreciate the value of simplicity and gratitude for the seemingly small things. I've realized that as my mother used to say, 'There's more than one way to skin a cat' meaning that with a little creativity and ingenuity, we can accomplish much more than originally thought.

So, here I am over a year without a car and I'm richer in many ways: financially I've saved money, I'm healthier because of walking and biking, and my mind is clear and focused on my priorities. For these things and more, I am grateful.

Healthy Choices

I heard an interesting report on NPR this morning about the economy (of course) and its impact on health issues. The report lamented the sad state of health care options, especially for those in need or the unemployed.  In these uncertain times, a simple and healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. Being aware and proactive about the way we use our time, money and resources, including what we eat and expose ourselves and environment to is crucial. And, contrary to popular belief, making conscious and healthy choices doesn't have to be expensive.
The irony of not thinking through our routines is highlighted by a humorous statement made by a dear coworker of mine. While a group of us were walking to a common destination a few blocks from work, he stated, 'No, I need to drive because I am going to work out afterwards.' Even he had to laugh at the contradiction in his statement; if he walked the few blocks and back with the rest of us, he would have had his workout completed and enjoyed the camaraderie on the way.
Everyone may not give up their car, or plant a garden, or compost, but we can all find little ways in our lives to be more healthy, more active and engaged in improving our lives and environment. Here in Nashville we have a wonderful Farmer's Market that features local goods at a low cost with easy accessibility (of course, close to bus routes). And Nashville's MTA has a new initiative to make healthy, affordable food even more accessible to low income residents by creating new routes that provide direct grocery store access in 'food desert' communities.
Most of us are trying to make choices that positively impact our lives and environment. If we continue to make the effort and set the pace, hopefully, we can make a difference in our lives and those of others.

Reflections

It seems like forever since I've posted; it has been a busy couple of weeks with work and school. And I must admit, I've been a little discouraged. I posted this past spring that my husband purchased a car, without my knowledge or consent. I am still riding the bus or my bike to frequent destinations, but now my son, my little bus buddy confessed that he 'hates' riding the bus. What's happening to our little 'bus family'? I thought we were all having so much fun. Well, I guess I'm the only one that thinks not having to pay a car note, auto insurance and the ever rising cost of gasoline is cool! And the irony is the money I save from not having the above mentioned expenses pays for his private school tuition, the little brat! (smile)
Anyway, as I reminded him, I didn't start of riding the bus because I was on an environmental crusade or even considered the money we would save. I started riding out of convenience when we had just one car, and it kinda grew on me. Once I learned the schedule and the routes, I was challenged and thrilled that I could get just about anywhere in the city by myself and meet so many interesting people along the way. It dawned on me that while riding the bus was an adventure for me, it was a reality and the only option for many people, and they fared (no pun intended) just fine. Why not me? Now that I've been car-less for almost 2 years, I can't imagine having the hassle of paying for and maintaining a vehicle. The time may come, but I don't envision it.
Each time I have occasion to reach out and assist someone I've met on the bus, I ask myself, would I have had this chance if I were cruising along in my personal vehicle? Would I have cared, or known enough about this person's story to realize they are genuinely in need? Like the time a woman I've seen on the bus for 2 years who came to me tearfully because she didn't have the co-pay for her son's desperately needed doctor appointment the next day. Or the young woman I met today who lost her bus pass and just needed the $1.05 fare to get home. I can't save the world, and the little I help the environment by riding the bus won't fix the hole in the ozone layer. But if I can help or encourage someone I meet by riding the bus, it makes it all worthwhile. I'm sad that my family doesn't share my enthusiasm, but hopefully they will find ways of helping others that brings them as much satisfaction.

3 Posts in One

It has been an exceptionally busy week, so I'm going to combine 3 posts into one; humor me, it's a long one. First of all, we did it! My son and I rode our bikes to school and work during the week. It worked out great! The ride only took about 10 minutes more than our bus commute would have. And we found a route that is less hilly and safer than the one we took on our trial run a couple of weeks ago. Since we started out early, we didn't encounter a lot of traffic. And by the time we arrived at our destination, we were energized by our accomplishment. The ride home was a little more of a challenge because of the heat of the day, but we made it in good time. Needless to say, we slept well that night.
Actually that evening, we left Bible Study and were heading home on the bus when I had another 'mid-life moment' (not ready for senior moments just yet). We had arrived at the depot in plenty of time to make our connection, and my son started heading downstairs to catch the bus home. I was thinking the time was later when our bus home leaves from upstairs instead of downstairs, so we went to the upstairs location. Well, I was tired from our bike adventure, and started reading to pass the time. Ten minutes later (after all the buses had left the depot) I realized that we were in the wrong spot to catch our bus and that we had missed it! The next bus wouldn't come for another hour and it was already after 9:00 p.m. I was exhausted and devastated that I had made such a silly mistake. I told a supervisor about our problem and he confirmed that our bus had indeed left. So we boarded a bus that would take us close to home, but we would have to walk about 5 blocks to get there. Even though it was late and I wasn't comfortable walking that far in the dark, we both agreed we didn't want to wait for the next bus. As we sat on the bus waiting for it to depart, the supervisor who had listened to our dilemma motioned for us to get off the bus. He had a MTA vehicle that he could use to transport passengers in need (like us) and he was willing to take us home. We both were so grateful and relieved to not have to walk home in the dark! His name is GaMarr Gordon, Supervisor 57, and he was our angel that night. We couldn't thank him enough, and when I asked what we could do to repay his kindness, he just turned to my son and I and replied, 'Take good care of each other.' What a beautiful experience.
And last, but not least this week, I ran into a foreign student who is studying at Vanderbilt University this summer. He was sitting on the bench at the bus stop near Vanderbilt looking at the  MTA bus system map; he looked rather perplexed, so I couldn't help but ask if he needed assistance. He was trying to get to the depot to connect to another bus to reach his destination, and wanted to make sure the bus coming our way would take him there. I assured him that all (or at least most) buses head to or from the depot; he was on the right track. But, I also noticed that he had money in his hand to pay for bus fare, but he had mentioned that he was a student at Vanderbilt. So I asked him if he had a student ID badge, to which he replied he did. Then, I told him that very ID badge was also his bus pass. He was skeptical at first, but when the bus arrived moments later, we confirmed with the driver, and he swiped his badge and put his money away. I told him that he could give me the money he was going to use for bus fare (kidding!) but he was very grateful for this information. Later in the evening, I saw this same passenger riding a different bus and he was still excited that he could ride wherever he needed to on the bus at no cost. Thank you to all of the institutions and universities that make it possible for their employees and students to take advantage of public transportation at little or no cost. It really makes a difference for many of us.
So, that's my week in a nutshell when it comes to being Car-less and Carefree. Thanks for reading and sharing. Let me know some of your experiences, too.

Another Bike Adventure

My son and I have been planning to ride our bikes from East Nashville to the Vanderbilt area. We have wanted to do it for awhile, but haven't had the time or opportunity to chart our course. This past Saturday we finally did a trail run, and it worked out great! We had a little trouble downtown where there is construction, but now that we have found the route that is safest (and has the least amount of hills), we are planning to do it for real (with morning traffic) this Friday.
The great thing about riding our bikes is the time we get to spend together, and the sights we see along the way that we might not notice even when riding the bus. And if the weather becomes bad or we have a problem with our bikes, we don't venture far from the bus lines, so we can put our bikes on the front of the bus if we need to. I'm looking forward to our adventure on Friday; can't wait to let you know how it goes!

Connections

One of the things that makes riding the bus so much fun is running into other commuters when we are not on the bus. Yesterday, I ran into two different bus riders, one at my work and the other at hers. It was nice to recall how we knew each other, which routes we take and to get to know each other 'outside the bus'. Just being able to connect with other people on a daily basis that I might not otherwise know or even notice is rewarding. We live in a world where we are more 'connected' than ever before in history, via cell phones, the Internet and other technological advances. But even with all of the ways to 'connect' how often do we have the opportunity to  really have meaningful interactions with the people around us? Riding the bus and meeting people in our community give me the opportunity to do that, and along the way meet some really interesting folks.
While meeting people and talking with them, it also gives us the opportunity to possibly make a difference in their day, which in turn makes a difference in ours. Often while riding the bus, I have occasion to talk to vendors of the homeless paper The Contributor. One vendor in particular we see and support regularly, and yesterday she was unusually burdened. Most of the time, she is upbeat and positive about her situation, but lately, things have been more difficult than usual. I didn't have any extra cash to share, but I did have something that would be of value to her. Earlier in the day, a co-worker gave me the bus pass that was a gift from our employer last year. She wasn't going to use it and wanted me to pass it on to someone who would need it. When my vendor friend told me of her stresses this week, I was able to give her that bus pass that will at least relieve the cost of commuting to work for one day. It wasn't much, but her gratitude made me thankful to have the opportunity to share.
So, it's a give and take that we enjoy while riding from one point to another; something I can't recall enjoying or even thinking about when I was able to hop in my car and speed to my destinations. The opportunity for human connection, interaction and assistance is what it's all about for me.

Driver With a Sweet Tooth

€Most bus drivers are courteous and prompt, sometimes even ahead of schedule. This morning, however, the driver was not. We had walked briskly to make the connection for the bus to my son's summer camp. Upon arriving, there was a line of people waiting to board because the driver was not there. Sometimes, drivers will run to the restroom or something between routes, but are usually back in enough time to allow passengers to board and stay on schedule. Well, as the scheduled departure time came and went, we all started to wonder what could be keeping our driver. We were all shocked and more than a little perturbed to see him strolling up to the bus with food and drink from the Dunkin Doughnuts upstairs! He is putting all of us behind schedule for a sweet treat?! One passenger remarked that he at least could have brought enough for all of us! As I said, this is the exception, not the rule. But it was a funny story I thought you might enjoy.

A Little Too Carefree

I have had two of the funniest experiences this week, and the joke has been on me! First, early in the week when my son and I were on our way to work and summer camp. After reaching the depot, we had been taking a different bus than normal to reach his summer camp instead of the one we take during the school year. But this day, on our bus close to home, we ran into a dear bus friend we hadn't seen in awhile, and I became engrossed in catching up with her. When we all reached the depot to change buses, she was getting on the bus we would normally ride to go to school/work, so we joined her out of habit (and still enjoying our conversation). After we boarded the bus, our usual morning bus friends greeted us with such enthusiasm (they hadn't seen us in a couple of weeks), I thought to myself, 'How nice to have such a nice group of people to ride with in the morning! What a blessing to get to wish a good morning/day to several people before even arriving at work!' It wasn't until we were almost at our usual stop near work/school that I realized we were not going to school! We needed to be on the other bus that takes us to camp. We had gotten on the wrong bus! Me, the 'bus blogger' and self-proclaimed bus expert took the bus going the other way! Then when I sent a text to my workmates telling them I would be a little late because I took the wrong bus, they both said, 'Sure you did!' as if they couldn't believe I would do such a thing! That gave us all quite a laugh, although it was not as funny once we got started walking in the direction we needed to go. Both of us arrived at our respective destinations, a little humbled by the experience.
The next 'too carefree' moment came while I was out of town visiting family this weekend. My son and I again had taken the bus to the airport area to rent a vehicle to drive out of town. While out of town, we were driving the rented vehicle to the grocery store with our family in tow. When we first arrived at the store, we were not all going in, but then it was decided we needed more than originally thought. So we all went in the store, purchased our items, looked for a movie to rent and headed to the car; all of this took about 20-30 minutes. While I was searching my purse for the keys to the rental car, I noticed that my son and nephew had already jumped in the back seat. I thought that was odd because I presumed that I locked the car upon exiting. Well then I became concerned that I had left the keys in the car, but was mortified to learn that I had left the keys in the ignition and left the car RUNNING! A woman in the car next to us commented how fortunate we were that no one had taken advantage of the situation. After we all agreed and settled down from the laughter (again at my expense) all I could say in my defense was, 'Well, on the bus all I have to do is exit at my stop! I don't have to worry about turning off the vehicle, locking it or keeping up with more keys!' As my sister-in-law came up from her laughter for air, she said to me, 'You need to blog about this!'
Both experiences help me to see in a humorous way that I am becoming more 'carefree' about the things in life you can do little about. I just need to remember to not be 'careless' about those things I need to be mindful of. Oops.

I wish I could explain the tremendous freedom I feel riding the bus. You might think that it is limiting having to operate within the confines of the bus lines and schedules. But for me, it is just the opposite. Today, I took my little 'granny cart' to Whole Body and Trader Joe's and felt so free. The weather had cooled after the rain, so it was pleasant to be outdoors. And I had just enough time before the bus came back (and just enough room in my cart) to buy the things on my list. Nothing more, nothing less and staying within my budget. I don't have the time or space to overspend! Riding the bus saves me time and money. Maybe being car-less isn't the path to financial freedom, but it sure helps along the way.

Another advantage of not driving is an evening out with friends. Maybe a company party or sports event when, of course, you haven't over indulged, but you may not feel confident enough to drive. Nights out like that are when having the bus as a 'designated driver' comes in handy! And, I might add, you may find yourself in pleasant company with others who had the same idea!

Well, I had a great trip visiting friends and family, but there is no place like home. It is good to be back in Nashville and to be serenaded by the cicadas! I am also excited to wrap up my journey by taking the bus home from the airport. After I picked up my luggage, I walked outside and the Tennessee humidity smacked me right in the face! How pleasantly surprised I was to find the waiting room air conditioned! By the time I had sent texts to everyone to let them know I had arrived home safe, the bus was here and I am on my way home. It's nice to be back.

I am on my way to the airport to catch a flight, and my commute to the airport couldn't have been easier. I caught my local bus near my home, and came to the depot to catch the express bus to the airport. From my bus stop to the airport in 35 minutes, with no hassle and no worries about airport parking! There is only one other passenger riding on this airport express, and so I asked the driver why so few passengers. He replied that people just don't know about this service. Thus the need for this blog so I can share firsthand how simple and convenient this is! Traveling has its own set of worries and hassles; getting to the airport doesn't have to be one of them when you take the bus. Happy travels!

Our Story in the MTA Newletter

Well, I've been out of the loop for awhile now. I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post! Not to worry, though, I'm still car-less, but a little less carefree. I had final exams at Belmont (all A's though) and I caught whatever bug was going around at the same time! Needless to say, I'm back in the saddle (or should I say bus seat) again, and ready to share my experiences.
One of the highlights of the last month has been the release of the MTA Spring Newsletter which featured my son and I in the 'Rider Profile' section. I posted back in the fall that we were interviewed by our friend Amber with MTA while en-route to school/work. The story finally published in the latest edition, and we were thrilled to see it. All of drivers who know us saved copies to make sure we didn't miss our story. We had already received several copies from MTA, but appreciated the gesture all the same.
As I read the article about our reasons for going car-less, I realized the sentiments haven't changed. I enjoy being car-free as much now as I did then, and have learned so much about myself and my surroundings. We have now been featured on the news, in other blogs and now in print. I'm excited to see what the future holds. Thank you for your patience to everyone reading and sharing my blog. I will try not to stay away so long.

Marathon Grace

We rode our bikes to LP field to catch some of the excitement from the Music City marathon. Along the way, we met lots of cool people and soaked up the healthy energy from the runners and their supporters. It is amazing how great you feel when encouraging others! As we stood there shouting out to the runners as they passed and listening to the great local bands at Five Points in East Nashville, I felt so vibrant! What a beautiful morning to be out; the thought that these runners had all trained for a long time for this moment made me wish them success.

Standing there with us dancing and clapping was the prettiest, happiest older woman I've seen in a long time! She was running in place on the sidelines and said, 'I should be out there with them! Next time I will be!' When I (respectfully, of course) asked her age, she replied with a big beautiful smile, 'I will be 80 next week!' I was so blown away, all I could do was hug her. She works out at the community center every morning, and was walking back home when we met her. Her name is Ms. Swift, which we thought was very appropriate for this spry, youthful lady. We felt so blessed to have met her, and she was kind enough to let us take her proud picture. What a lady; we could all learn from her positive energy and grace.

What a difference a couple of blocks make! When I leave school some evenings, I will walk the 4-5 blocks to Hillsboro Rd. The last couple of nights I realized that the walk is shorter and I can get home quicker by walking just 2 blocks to 12th Ave. What amazes me is the difference in atmosphere between the two destinations! Near Hilsboro people are out everywhere and the walkway is well lit. Closer to 12th, the path is darker and more deserted. If it were not for the constant car traffic, I wouldn't even attempt it. It makes me wonder if the element of danger is created by the lack of lighting, then would better lighting make the area safer? Something for city planners and those of us walking in the area need to pursue.

What a difference a day makes! I'm @ the bus stop on West End across from Centennial Park after celebrating Earth Day with friends and family. It was a blast! My son and I started the day at the Downtown Public Library, had a bite at Provence and headed to the park. At the park were our partners in public transit, MTA, Transit Nashville, RTA and a host of bike riders and others concerned about sustainability. My goal in being car-less is to increase the financial, environmental and health benefits for myself, my family and any who will join us. How cool to be able to share the love enjoying the beautiful outdoors on Earth day!

A little frustrated because the bus we are waiting to catch is already 30 minutes late! It happens rarely for me, but frustrating all the same. It doesn't help that we've seen several people bike past us while we wait. Makes us wish for our bikes as well. Glad to see people out on bikes during this week when people are thinking of ways to be environmentally friendly. Also grateful that the weather is great. Nice evening to be out, even if we are just waiting for the bus.

The Blessing of Sharing

Well, after literally dragging all of that fresh food home by myself, in the rain, I received the added blessing of sharing. I had purchased as much fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts as I could because my son has been sick, and I wanted to pump him full of fresh things to help him heal. Well, over the next couple of days, we've been taking some of our fresh things with us to work and school so we could 'graze' during the day. Along the way, we've also had occasions to share.
The morning after I brought the groceries home, we were on the bus talking to a young mother with two small daughters. The mother is working very hard to complete a medical assistant certification program, and she is so diligent to make sure her children are well behaved and cared for. I had a couple of extra oranges and offered them to the girls, and they were pleasantly surprised and delighted to have them. The following morning we also had some extra fruit with us when we encountered a homeless woman standing near a trash can. I could tell she was not looking forward to having to rummage through the trash to find leftover food, so I offered her an apple. Again, she was a grateful recipient of an unexpected blessing, but the smile on her face became my blessing. A truly wise teacher once said, 'There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.' I often tell my son that the reason we prosper is to share. The blessing of sharing and giving is what makes the struggle of receiving worthwhile, even if it means dragging several bags of groceries on the bus in the rain.

There are days when being carless is not so glamorous. Tonight is one of those days. After I waited out the tornado warning at work (really not pretty to get caught in a windstorm while waiting for the bus) I headed to the grocery store. It was still wet and rainy, but bearable. I ended up with more groceries than usual and I didn't have my little helper (my son) with me. Usually when I tell the cashier that I'm on the bus, they pack it tight and just right. But tonight things just didn't come together well, so here I am in the rain juggling my backpack, my bag with wheels and two other bags, one on each shoulder. Not glamorous at all! Thankfully, when I finally stumbled onto the bus, the driver was courteous and wearing a warm smile. His kindness warmed even my cold, wet feet and I knew all would be fine. I'm on my way home now, thankful to have several bags full of groceries, even if they are heavy. There are many people who would be happy to carry them if they could. I am grateful.

I am so excited to use my new mobile to stay mobile. What I mean is I am thrilled to be able to check bus schedules, routes and time and even plan my bus route using my mobile phone. Previously, I used to carry at least 20 different schedules in my backpack so I could check the routes and times of just about any bus in any area. Now with my smartphone, I can bookmark the MTA website, and the schedules I use frequently are available right at my fingertips. And if I need to plan a trip using a route I'm not familiar with or need an alternate route, I can check the trip planner feature on their website and see what buses will get me there sooner. I feel so urban and tech savvy when I'm standing at the bus stop and whip out my phone to check the schedule! Definitely cooler than unfolding a bus schedule while waiting. I already feel carefree being carfree and now I'm also staying mobile by using my mobile. So cool!

Convenient Carryall

Anyone who knows me also knows how much I love to have bags to compartmentalize my things. I appreciate functional carrying devices. If you know me well, you also know that I love Trader Joe's because of their mix of nutritious yet affordable food. So, imagine my delight when I found a large reusable bag at TJ's with wheels! I could fit my groceries for the entire week in it and roll on to the bus stop! Then when the bag is empty, I can fold it for easy carrying. Even better than my granny cart! Once again, proving that the little things in life make all the difference sometimes.

New Drivers

Today is the day we say goodbye to our regular drivers and look forward to new driver and route changes. Every end of March and September there are route and driver changes. So this is a bitter sweet time for regular bus riders. Bitter because we get attached to our regular drivers (and they to us) but sweet anticipation of incraesed routes and timelier schedules. For instance, even though one of my favorite drivers is leaving the bus route I take to work and school, they are adding a bus to the route which will mean more opportunities to ride and less wait time between buses.

Bike and Ride

Our spring break finale was a 10 mile bike ride my son and I took today. We wanted to ride and needed to meet friends in Donelson, so we decided to take the greenway from Shelby Bottoms to the Stones River greenway. My son was such a trooper, going from initial doubt that we could do it to being my leader and motivator when I began to doubt. Along the way we met several people who guided and encouraged us. I can't describe the feeling of triumph when we realized we made it; I think I heard the theme song from Chariots of Fire!
After we met our friends and visited for awhile, we headed to the other side of Lebanon Rd. to catch the bus home. We put our bikes in the racks on the front of the bus, and visited with the driver while heading back toward town. Did I tell you my son is a beast on his bike? He didn't want to ride the bus back to the depot, so when we got close to the Shelby St. walking bridge, we exited the bus and rode our bikes home! We are tired, but rejuvenated, and convinced that what we put our minds to, we can do. Our spring break included a focus group and television interview about the bus. A round trip bike and bus adventure just seems like a great wrap up to an eventful week!

MTA Has New Buses

MTA has purchased several new buses recently. Many are to replace buses lost in last year's flood. We have noticed them on routes that are frequently traveled and really needed the upgrade. They even have that 'new bus smell'. Anyway, the improvement in comfort and overall experience is remarkable. It seems that people who might otherwise take riding the bus as matter of fact ride with greater pride. I know we do.

We Made the News!

Well, in case you missed our news story, here's the link to the video footage: http://www.wsmv.com/local-video/index.html?grabnetworks_video_id=4592158 What a fun experience and opportunity to share what we are passionate about. Hopefully, we will inspire other Nashville residents to 'think outside their cars' as the reporter aptly put it. As I have mentioned several times throughout this blog, we have gained more than we have given up. Just the fact that we have made this connection and many others is testament that we are not the only ones who benefit. Thanks for reading and sharing this journey with us.

Mayor Dean Rides the Shelby Bus

That's my bus! We didn't happen to be on the bus at the same time as the Mayor, but here's the link: http://www.tennessean.com/videonetwork/820010770001/Mayor-Dean-rides-the-bus
What a nice confirmation of the safety, affordability and convenience of bus service in Nashville.

Focus on Improvement

I just finished participating in a focus group discussing ways to improve public transportation in Nashville. Finally, someone is willing to pay me to do something I do unsolicited all the time: give my opinion! Also, it is nice to know that for all the ways public transportation is great, there is still room for improvement. Looking for ways to make life better is what makes life interesting, right? The focus group ranged in experience from frequent bus riders to those who never ride. I think we all walked away with some good ideas and new perspectives; who knows, maybe our ideas will become initiatives. Hopefully, those who participated will consider riding more often. Either way, it was a great experience, and a chance to share my blog with some really interesting folks.

Good News

In the light of some negative press about the safety of the bus, I wanted to share some encouraging news. In case you haven't heard, a female bus driver was robbed one evening last week. Unfortunately, this happened on the route near our home. Thankfully, the driver is fine and the robber was caught and her items returned. And in all fairness, any of us could have the same experience in our car, home or while shopping.
But despite the reality that there are those out there with harmful intentions, we must believe that there are also people around with good motives. The same week as the robbery and on the exact same route, my son lost his cell phone. We searched high and low, and then one evening while my husband was riding home another passenger overheard him talking about the lost phone. The passenger told my husband he had found the phone, recognized our son's picture, and turned it in to the MTA office! In spite of the not so positive events, we are comforted to know that there are still good people out there, and some of them happen to ride the bus.

More Riders on MTA and RTA

MTA announces ridership is increased over this time last year! Please see attached link.

Confession Time

OK, I finally confessed to the ladies in my office (they're the ones who encouraged me to blog) and so now have mustered up the courage to put it out there: my husband bought a car. Gasp! I know! This without my knowledge or consent, and what am I to do? Admittedly, what I find fun and adventurous about being car free, he found laborious and demeaning. And I understand that this has become 'my thing', the unique challenge of figuring out how to get from point A to point B. I get it!
But, now I am forced to re-evaluate my status. Am I really car free if my husband has a car? My son even asked me if I would still take the bus everywhere since, 'Daddy has a car?' I decided Yes, I am car free and loving it; the freedom, convenience, and friendships I have gained far outweigh any discomfort. I enjoy saving money by not paying the ever increasing cost of gas, insurance, car payments and repairs. I respect my husband's decision, and he will be responsible to finance it, but in my heart and activities, I am still car-less and carefree. Cha ching!

Who's Crazy?

This morning I noticed a man quietly amused by a conversation he was having with himself. He had obviously been told that it is impolite to talk to yourself out loud, so he whispered and chuckled quietly to himself. He would even turn his head away from the crowd so as not to disturb others. For all I know, he could have been so amused at my expense! At any rate, I couldn't help but notice how happy and self entertained he seemed to be. He could care less what we thought of his musings, he was having a blast! How often do those of us do the healthy things that bring us joy despite how others may react? That's what I thought about as I watched him enjoy his moment. We may call him crazy or simple, but he was happy. What would he say about the rest of us suppressing such joy trying not to look crazy? Interesting...

PUBLIC Transportation

It is so easy to judge or make assumptions about others before we really know the facts. Today on the bus, a young couple with a small child boarded. The young woman was also very pregnant, to which an older woman remarked under her breath, 'Our tax dollars at work!' making the presumption that the young mother was on welfare. How are we to know whether this young woman works or is a student? We don't. The same woman sighed and frowned unapprovingly when another family boarded having a young son with obvious respiratory issues. He coughed every few minutes with the type of cough that is not contagious, but chronic. Instead of compassion for his pain, she was bothered by the possibility of his germs affecting her. Valid concern, but one look at the child confirms he has more than the common cold. To be fair, I don't want to judge her harshly and impatiently either. But the basic truth of public transportation is that it is PUBLIC! If we don't want to be bothered by or with others who may be different from us in many ways, stay in your car, or better yet, stay home. Just saying...

Charity Begins @ Home

My son and I have often remarked about the need for 'somebody' to clean the area near and around our bus stop at home. Well he has a community service project assignment for school, and we decided to become that 'somebody' who begins charity at home. Our bus stop is also right in front of a day care center, so we decided to include their parking area in our cleanup efforts. Before we knew it, we had covered our whole block and filled two garbage bags. Our goal is to continue for the next 8 weeks to complete his project, but hopefully we will start a trend in our neighborhood and create a good habit for our family. Either way, the area sure looked much better as we waited to catch the bus this afternoon! Hopefully, our neighbors will appreciate our efforts as well.

Through the Eyes of a Child

I had the chance to see through a child's eyes what it is like to ride the city bus for the first time. We have a dear family friend who is 6 years old and agreed to come with me to the grocery store, on the bus of course. So we grabbed our 'granny cart' and headed toward the bus stop with our bus passes in hand. She was a little unsure of how to swipe her pass correctly the first time, but by the end of our trip she was a pro!

At first, she was more intrigued by the other passengers than the actual ride. As we rode through downtown, she enjoyed looking out of the window at the buildings that we could see up close. As we passed the Andrew Jackson state building downtown, she asked, 'Is that the Hermitage?' because she had been to the Hermitage and associated it with Andrew Jackson; so smart!  I pointed out other landmarks as we rode along, and a man sitting behind us remarked that we reminded him of when he took his little girl on the city bus for the first time. He reflected on what seems like a routine commute for us (he was headed to work), but seems so fascinating to children. Seeing it through their eyes gives the route a new perspective; he stated that hearing her excitement made his day.

I loved hearing her remarks on our situation: as we walked to the bus stop with our cart full of groceries, she said, 'People might think we are homeless!' After I assured her that no one would try to take us home or offer us money, she felt better. Then we saw a woman, also waiting for the bus, having a very animated conversation with herself. The look on my little friend's face was priceless! Again I explained that we meet some very interesting people on the bus, that's what makes riding such an adventure. I knew she became comfortable when she fell fast asleep on the way home. Later she asked me, 'Why don't you have a car again?' I started to explain the details of the money we save, the implications to the environment and health; instead I just asked, 'Did you have fun?' Her affirmative answer was all the convincing we both needed that being carless has its perks.

Encouragement

What is there these days that encourages us? There are many discouraging events that occur in our daily lives and conversations, plenty of unpleasant news events and happenings that can rob us of joy and contentment. But if we look hard enough, there are also glimmers of light and encouragement all around us every day if we take the time to acknowledge them as such.
Even on the bus, there are plenty of things that one could complain about: overcrowding sometimes, loud conversations that you don't really care to overhear, and that occasional unpleasant odor that makes everyone look around and wonder (or open a window). But there are also those events that make you smile and feel lighter and hopeful for the world, or at least your city.
Like yesterday morning, when I made my son give up his seat for a lady to be able to sit, hoping to teach a lesson that he and others would take note of. To my pleasant surprise, another young man about the same age was paying attention, so when another seat became available and a different young man started to sit down, the attentive young man told him to offer it to another older woman who was standing. Although she declined the seat (the second boy promptly sat in it), the adults warmly commended the first boy for his mannerly offering.
And this morning, an older friend on the bus encouraged me by telling me of the ways she is taking better care of her health and weight, ways she is saving money and planning for the future; she is close to 70 years old! She gives us all something to look forward to. And this evening, I ran into my friend who appreciates peace; she has found such peace in her heart and home and is happy to share it with all she meets. I was encouraged. But, the icing on the cake for me was to meet another friend who we have watched work hard and attend classes to obtain her high school diploma. She told us before that she struggles with math, and I offered to help. She hasn't taken me up on it in for a long time; tonight she asked me for help. On the way home we reviewed her homework and came up with strategies that will help her remember and understand the material. Before I reached my stop, she asked me if I would come to her graduation and watch her get her diploma. I told her I would be honored. The opportunity to encourage and be encouraged made my day. All in a day's commute...

Just met a neat guy at the bus stop. He is almost 71 years old, but looks more like 51. He is a native of Nashville who is in the music business. When I asked him the secret to his longevity, youthful energy and good looks, he replied that he walks everyday, sings a lot, and a little whiskey doesn't hurt either! Just sharing what the man told me.

Well, the snow last week caught everyone off gaurd. Traffic all over the city was at a virtual standstill, and the snow fell fast and furious. Even the buses couldn't get from one stop to the next. So we walked, thinking we could move faster on foot than the traffic was moving. A young man who had been on a bus that hadn't moved for 20 minutes started walking toward downtown from the Vanderbilt area and we decided to go with him. We had a little caravan of pedestrians weaving our way through traffic on foot. Our initial thought was to find a bus moving faster than we were, but after we crossed the overpass on Broadway and saw the bus he had exited still stuck in traffic, we knew we had made the better choice. We made it to the bus depot within an hour, and were at dinner near home by 6:00 p.m. Our friends in cars were still less than halfway home! I did feel a little guilty sipping on my glass of wine while they were out battling traffic...just a little.

Well, we found another fascinating place that is easy to get to on the bus...the Green Hills library! It is a beautiful place to read and study and a short walk (even in the snow) from the bus stop. Of course, we plugged the address of the library into Google maps using the public transportation feature, and found out a couple of different buses we could take, and how far we would have to walk from the stop depending on the time of day we are traveling.What an adventure! I am feeling like the Dr. Suess book that says, 'Oh, the places you will go!'

Simplicity

Simplicity at its best...that is how my friend described riding the bus and urban living. We both agreed that the places and events we want to attend, downtown and otherwise are so easy to get to on the bus. And for those of us who live on the bus line, we have curb side service! For instance, this past weekend, I went to hear the Jazz Workshop's tribute to Sarah Vaughn at the Frist Center. It was spectacular! There was free entrance to the exhibits and the jazz show, all accessible on the bus. Afterward, I wasn't worried about getting my parking validated or fighting traffic out of the parking lot. I just walked out right out front and caught the next bus heading my direction. Simple pleasure is what I would add to my friend's definition of urban living, including riding the bus.
So maybe you could think of ways you could simplify your life, even if it doesn't mean giving up your car. Maybe driving less, exercising more, spending less time consuming and more time with friends and family...whatever you decide will make your life less complicated. A great prophet once said, 'If your eye (life) is simple (clear, focused), your whole body will be be bright.' I never realized being without a vehicle would help me find simplicity, but it really has.

The bus drivers make all the difference. Most are courteous and helpful, knowing where riders board and exit. We have had drivers slow in anticipation of picking us up at a certain location and time, because good drivers know their routes and 'their passengers' as they affectionately call the regular riders. This morning I was talking to a rider who has grown children, and has been riding the bus since she was a child. She even knows and remembers fondly drivers who have since retired, which shows how drivers and passengers become part of the fabric of one-another's lives, much like coworkers do. As one of my favorite drivers said, an effective driver understands their main objective is not driving the bus, but transporting passengers safely. If that objective is not met, they will not have a job; no passengers, no need for drivers. Thankfully, most drivers clearly understand their mission and even manage to add something pleasant to my day.

What can you really count on these days? Your health, family, friends or your job? As we waited longer than usual to catch the bus to meet friends, I realized how much faith I have that the bus will arrive. Even if the bus is running behind schedule, the fact that it will eventually come is something I truly count on. When others at the stop express doubt or my family wonders if we have missed it, there is something inside that tells me to wait a bit longer and it will come. My gut feeling is right more often than not. It is reassuring in this world of uncertainty to feel confident that if we are patient and have faith, the thing desired will come. I believe that principle applies to waiting for the bus and most other areas of life as well.

Increased Ridership

The buses lately have been fuller than usual. I would like the reason is because everyone has been reading my blog and they agree that public transportation is the way to go! I also have a theory that the local economy is picking up and people have more places to go and people to see. I am sure that many bus riders refuse or are unable to pay the ever increasing gas prices and find the bus much more economical. In fact, I overheard one rider recently remark that she is only filling up her gas tank once every couple of weeks now that she rides the bus to work! Whatever the reasons, I am thrilled to see the increased ridership, even if it means my morning commute is more crowded than usual.
This morning, our bus to downtown was so full that we were running behind because the driver had to stop more often to pick up passengers. We made it downtown, but had to jump off the bus (not literally) before we arrived at the depot so we could walk a couple of blocks up to catch our connecting bus after it leaves the depot. If we had ridden all the way to the depot, we would have missed it; we made it. After dropping my son off at school, I walked another couple of block to catch a different bus that will take me to my class at Belmont. After class, I walk a couple of blocks back in the same direction to catch my forth bus of the morning to work. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't once you learn the routes and arrival times. Actually, it's a nice challenge to figure it all out, and a great way to get where you need to go and stay in shape at the same time! Judging from how crowded the buses are lately, it seems that more people in Nashville agree.

What an eventful MLK weekend! After seeing Bill Cosby on Saturday and the symphony on Sunday, we went to TSU and Vanderbilt University on Monday, all destinations reached by bus. That was our challenge and goal: to attend the functions planned, to be taught and inspired, and to get there on the bus. Mission accomplished! At TSU we heard the legendary jazz artist Kirk Wallum use words and music to remind us to dream and of the importance of acting on our own and Dr. King's dream. He spoke of his own family legacy and helped us reflect on the value of knowing the past to be able to direct the future. Later at Vanderbilt, we listened while civil rights activist and educator Julian Bond shared his experiences and life lessons. The message I carried away was that no matter what has been accomplished, there is always more to do. Keep striving, keep trying to improve. On the way home on the bus, we had time to reflect on the weekend's activities, busy but well worth it.

'Let Freedom Ring' Symphony Performance...Another wonderful event attended tonight, transportation provided by MTA. We found out which bus passes by the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and got on board. The bus let us off virtually at the front door and we arrived early and relaxed. The music and message was a beautiful commemoration of the life of MLK. On the way back, we ran into a fellow bus rider who is an usher for symphony performances. He overflowed with excitement as he shared all he has seen, heard and learned about music from all over the world by working there. Another great evening and simple commute as we reflect on the life and legacy of MLK.

Dinner and A Show

This afternoon we went to TPAC to see Bill Cosby. To get there was a quick bus commute, and the theater is within two blocks of the bus depot. While we were waiting in the theater lobby, we watched as drivers were looking for parking in a busy downtown area. We were glad to have saved the time, money and hassle. After the show and another quick walk we found a dinner spot just a couple of blocks away. After dinner and dessert, we timed our walk back to the depot and arrived in time for the bus home. My son remarked, 'That was great!' I agree.

Snow Days

Another great thing about ridding the bus...snow days! No worries about driving in the snow or vehicle damage due to someone else not knowing how to drive in it. The last snow storm we had, we watched cars and SUVs struggle to make it up the hill without sliding. The weight of the bus helped it make the hill with no trouble.And unless the weather is horrible, the buses never stop running and are running pretty close to schedule! Can't beat the bus for traveling in the snow.

Inspiration

This morning on the bus I saw my friend whose daughter lost her battle against terminal brain cancer. She was sad but bolstered by her found memories of her daughter, the fact that the family was there with her when she passed and that she is no longer suffering. As usual, my friend was an inspiration to me, even as they were on the way to a doctor's appointment to follow up on another daughter's brain tumor, to confirm that it is not cancerous as well. To look at the light in the mother's eyes and the beauty of her daughter, you would never know that they are dealing with such illness and sadness. Yet their resiliency reminds me to focus on the things we all have to be thankful for, despite our current circumstances or any challenges we may face. This family has certainly inspired me. If I were not riding the bus, I may have never met them, and for that I am thankful.

Always Learning

When you are carless and carefree, it doesn't mean that you must be an island. In addition to the wonderful support of family, friends and coworkers, we have had much assistance along the way. Especially when it comes to our other modes of transportation (biking and walking) we have made friends that have helped us probably more than they realize.
For instance, this past summer we were biking to many destinations throughout the neighborhood; we would bike for pleasure and purpose to the store, library and to the park. When we started out, our bikes were not in the best shape, so thanks to our friend Dan at the Nashville Bicycle Lounge we were able to get on the road safely. He helped to assess our bikes, made the needed repairs and offered advice to help us get the most out of this alternate form of transportation. By the way, Dan told us he hasn't owned a car for years; he bikes or walks virtually everywhere he needs or wants to be. He gets it!
Then last week in my quest for the best walking shoe, I ventured into The Walking Company in the Green Hills Mall. Joshua, the manager there was as enthusiastic about great walking shoes as I am about walking! I received an education about the history of clogs and the difference between the Dansko shoes I went in looking for and the original clogs called Sanita. As it turns out, the original Danish clogs (since 1907) are Sanitas; Dansko simply imported them to the USA under the Dansko name brand. Then, for many years Sanita manufactured clogs for Dansko. The Sanita and Dansko relationship ended in the Fall 2007. Since then, all Sanita manufactured products sold in the USA have been sold exclusively under the Sanita brand. Who knew? Thanks to Joshua, now I do and thought you would like to know, also! I tried on both shoes and must admit, the Sanita story and fit suited me better than Dansko. I was most impressed that Joshua not only helped me understand why these shoes would improve my gait, but taught me the history of each shoe company that helped me align my purchase with my priorities. Again, someone who 'gets it'!
Last but not least, a huge thank you to all of our friends, family and coworkers who have offered us a lift as we walk by. We are learning that although we can thrive and not drive, when offered a ride it's okay to graciously accept. I must admit, there have been occasions where I resented being offered a ride, seeing it as pity instead of compassion. But I am learning to appreciate the kindness of others without imputing motives. So, whether you have offered us a ride and we accepted or declined, we thank you. This has been and will continue to be a learning process.