Commuting

Starting my career in NYC I always dreamed of commuting out in the "real world". Fresh coffee in the console, choice of news/live radio stations, moments of solitude as you drive to work and get ready for your day....  

WELP.  I was 30% right.  

I still don't have time to make coffee in the morning as I am typically running out the door hoping I remembered to apply mascara.  (the outfits have certainly changed from my previous employer) Moments of solitude? Yes. Although fleeting with the constant battle on the road as Oregonians are by far the worst drivers.  

My most favorite part of commuting on the road is the music. I forgot how much I love the 80's.  I mean.  Who doesn't love the 80's?!  Don't You by Simple Minds came on the other morning and you would have thought I was at a Karoeke bar and winning.  (Do you win at Karoeke?  Is that the right terminology?)  Brought me back to the Breakfast Club and the last scene of Pitch Perfect....you know the scene I'm talking about (don't pretend like you never saw Pitch Perfect). If my shoulder wasn't still "out of order" I would be holding my fist high...."I say: LA, LA, LA, LA...".  

I also have re-engaged with one of my favorites from High School as an homage to Phife Dawg (RIP). I hope everyone has been listening to Tribe the last few weeks and enjoying it as much as I have. I honestly don't know what else I listened to between the ages of 15 and 18. Just picture an awkward Irish catholic white girl rapping in her room to the cassette player.  I can only imagine what my parents thought...."Does she know who she is?"  I do have to give a shout out to my HS BF because he was the one that introduced me to Tribe and set me up to win brownie points the first weekend of my freshman year in college. Knowing every word to the Midnight Marauders album gave me mad props (yes, I'm old) at the boys soccer after party (don't judge...I was being a good wing woman...wink wink...ear muffs Mom).  

Even though any type of commuting can be a challenge; i would have to say that driving is my favorite way thus far.  Blaring my music and singing aloud cannot be done on the subway.  Unless you are a street performer...

Can I kick it? (Yes, YOU CAN!)

Point for Portland.

Drivers Ed

Either I have always been a horrible driver or Portland has made me into one.  Stop signs and cross walks are optional, right?  This became apparent when I picked up my parents at the airport and was one turn away from home when my mom said from the back seat..."Um sweetie, I think there is a cop behind you".  Yup, sure enough there was.  Dad in the front seat and me looking like a deer in headlights.  I politely asked what I did and the nice man said I ran a red light.  WHOOPS.  Mid 30's getting pulled over with your parents in the car. Check.     

Now one would think that since I have been pulled over before I would know what to do next. Nope. I had no clue where my registration was OR what it looked like.  Point for me.  As my Dad is scrambling to help, I awkwardly start conversing with the policeman thinking he wouldn't chat back.  I was wrong.  Everyone in Portland talks...even the cops.  I explained that I recently moved to Portland and had just picked up my parents at the airport...while handing him my New York license (that I have to change...ergh). I can only imagine what this guy was thinking at this point. Upon his return, he hands back my license and tells me to watch where I'm going next time. As the window is still open, Mom yells from the back seat...."good thing you are cute." Thanks Mom.  SO this is my Friday night.

It is LITERALLY night and day when comparing PDX vs NYC drivers.  I have found myself having road rage amongst the Subarus every morning on my way to work.  Is this how life is outside of NYC?  I would like to think that it's just here...

New York Drivers: Horn always used, Fast lane is for racing, Stop signs are optional, Crosswalks are a crapshoot, Bike lanes are a suicide mission, and Always in a hurry.

Portland Drivers: Horn is never used, Fast lane is the slow lane (this is the most frustrating), Stop signs are mandatory (then it becomes a game of who goes first), Crosswalks are real (you must stop for everyone), Bike lanes are NOT to be driven in, and NO ONE is ever in a hurry.  

Welp, I guess I will forever be a New Yorker when it comes to driving. 

Beep, Beep.