I spend a lot of time in the car. Not only do I drive fifty minutes to get to the school where I’m currently working, but I also drive during the day, between schools. Not to mention driving home and then any extra that happens in the evenings. (Though I must admit, once home, it’s a tough sell to get me to leave again!) So why not capture a slice of life in my car?
- I’m still surprised, sometimes, to be driving a minivan. It’s been nearly a year and I still can’t get used to it. Although it doesn’t have the distinct look of a minivan — it is still a minivan. Am I really old enough to drive a minivan?
- I often turn off the radio and relish the sweet serenity. I spend a lot of time in prayer, when I’m in the car.
- I reflect on teaching writing quite a bit while in the car. Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about helping kids develop a vision for their writing, as well as for their writing lives.
- I make phone calls, catching up with family and friends or scheduling appointments.
- I enjoy the sky.
- I’m still trying to figure out how to do strength training in the car.
- I drink the hot tea my mom makes for me each morning and pours into a mug.
- I transition from home to school and school to home.
Although at times the drive seems overwhelming and I can think of a million things I’d rather be doing that driving, looking over this list, I’m thankful for the things I do get to do while driving (except when I get stuck behind the person driving below the speed limit! Argh!)
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I think most of us try to ‘make something’ out of our commute time. It’s easier some days than others, though, isn’t it? You really make wonderful use of your drive time. I love: “I enjoy the sky.” And I’ll bet there’s a way to do some kind of isometric exercise in the driver’s seat!
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I so connected with your blog today! I only drive about 35-45 minutes a day to work and that is long enough. I, too, move around during the day many days. I love it because it is never dull, but I do still feel guilty not being in one building all day. I also spend much time praying…a quiet time to connect with Him! Thanks for making me think of that special time.
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When I lived in New York I spent two hours a day in my car, so I too learned to multi task.
As for the strength training, I kept two five pound hand weights under the front seat. I got my bicept curls done at stop lights and in stop-and-go traffic.
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I just traded in my minivan after driving one for the last 12 years!! I still miss what it means at times — kids with me, one-on-one conversations with my daughters, packing up for a big family vacation. I hope you’ll enjoy yours as much as I did mine.
Here’s my slice for today:
http://literatelives.blogspot.com/2009/03/slice-of-life_13.html
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This post reminded me of an article I read in The Sun Magazine called “Proust at Rush Hour.” I could not find the article through the website, but found it here:
http://www.fieldreport.com/articles/2803
I hope you enjoy the article and keep up the great work! I love reading this blog as it is so inspiring to my work.
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Reading about your time in the car makes me rethink mine. I’m always listening to the radio, trying to keep up with current events to stay a step ahead of my college-aged students, trying to keep possible topics for research papers just in front of me.
That’s one reason I like long drives: my mind can be free of the grinding LA commute, more open to inspiration and wandering thoughts. I’ll be thinking about this post as I drive today.
Elizabeth
http://peninkpaper.blogspot.com/
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I, too, enjoy the sky. Always look up!
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