FFF: The MTA Owns Me

I used to own a car. Seems like a million years ago, but I did. Sometimes I miss just being able to grab my keys, run out to the garage, and head out on my way to whatever errand I needed to run. Don't get me wrong, I love public transportation equally as much. In fact, I pretty much heart the MTA. But these days, I find myself making strange decisions based on the fact that I don't have a car. For example, on my way to work this week, I really wanted an iced coffee. No big deal, as I walk by a Starbucks on my way to the bus. I found myself making a deal though: If the bus is in sight, no coffee for me. No bus in sight? Yeah for a coffee morning! Not that uncommon right? I mean, we all hate to miss the last bus or train.

Sometimes I feel like I take that a step further though. For example when I take the subway, and there are several lines that get me to similar places. I'll often say to myself, "Okay, if the 2 train comes, then you can go to the mall and look at new skirts and shoes, but if the 5 train comes first? Sorry Charlie, it's off to the grocery store for you." Strange right? I let whatever train is coming or going dictate what I do next!

I guess in the grand scheme of things, I'm just making efficient use of time. I mean granted, I used to make efficient use of time in the car as well; planning my errand routes such that I didn't have to head all over town, or waiting until certain days of the week to do certain errands so that traffic wouldn't be as bad. It feels different with public transportation though. It's a level of control that I don't have anymore. I can't predict which trains will come when, so instead of trying to control them, I let them control me! A strange departure from how I used to think.