So, after a few weeks of eschewing the train and trying an earlier schedule, I've returned to the Amtrak way, at least 2 or 3 days a week, because though it takes longer, I've forgotten how much I enjoy the time I spend on the train, writing stories, blog entries, or just listening to music and looking out the window for inspiration. These are moments you don't get nursing the gas and brake for three hours a day.

For those curious on the traffic front (and knowledgeable about Bay Area freeways), I found out that the primary reason for the increased traffic is because they've closed down 237 between 680 and 880 while they finish the 237/880 interchange. This means that a lot of people who normally go 680-237-880/237 are now going 680-580-238-880 to 880/237 or 680-Mission-880 to 880/237. Phew! What that means in English is that a whole lot more cars are coming in to 880 South, right at the point when it narrows from 5 lanes to 3, which makes a gridlock that cascades back thirty miles, and isn't likely to get any better for at least a month or two. Amtrak and/or driving at 6am is my friend.

One other think I like about my train is that every day I pass within about 200 yards of Kisa and Emily as I pass through Hayward. I always wave, either literally or in my head, and try to picture what Kisa is doing right then. She's usually sleeping.

Wow: The conductor just came on and announced that starting next week they're adding another train to the schedule down to Santa Clara, so I can catch the 8:05 train out of Emeryville and get to Santa Clara around 9:15. Not something I'd do all the time, but it's a great alternative to driving when I miss the train, or absolutely need that extra hour. Now I just have to figure out how to get from the Santa Clara station to Yahoo!, considering the Y! shuttle will probably only meet the first train. Maybe it's time to get that motorcycle after all...