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.