Commuting
Commuting to work or school is a chore for most of us. It can be boring as well as stressful. As a result, some people engage in various activities if they are driving that are downright dangerous, and talking or texting on the cell phone is at the top of the list. Don't do it! Your odds of getting into an accident go up dramatically. Why not check out the other commuters instead?
As long as you are alert and pay attention to the task at hand, it can be fun to observe how other people are acting. You get all types, the oblivious driver who exist in their own world. They aren't doing anything in particular, they just act as if they are the only ones out there and change lanes at will, use the breakdown lane if they so desire, and Mr. Magoo appears to be their idol. They leave carnage in their wake, and probably cause more accidents than most drunk drivers. Stay away from them, they can be trouble.
Another winner is the driver who appears to be consuming a 7-course meal at the wheel. Scenario: You are sitting in stop-and-go traffic and this gourmand next to you is brushing some sort of topping on his or her bread. Then out comes a jar of something, and the contents are added to that. All of a sudden they disappear, and resurface with a large bag of what appears to be everything in their kitchen, packed up for their commute! You're getting hungry yourself, and you entertain the thought of getting invited over to their car for breakfast!
It can be amusing and to observe other people if you are in heavy, stop and go traffic. But when the traffic is moving, other activities can be productive during your commute. The old standby of the talk radio can be educational and amusing at times. Of course, it can be irritating as well. The last thing you need during your commute is aggravation, and if you find your blood boiling, turn the station off. Music can always help, whatever your tastes. Or you can always catch up on your reading with books on tape.
You can think of things you might need to do and create a recorded list. This can be a productive task, and help organize your day while at the wheel. And if someone else is doing the driving, more options are open to you. Just be courteous if using your phone as no one wants to know who you're happy or mad at. You could end up being the target of an irritated commuter!
