The drive

I drive to Southampton at least once a week and sometimes many more times. If I count the times I drive the ambulance I would probably average at least three trips a week now, with all the meetings I'm attending. Of course I know there are people who commute every day but its not something I'm used to and I'm still adjusting. Not the best time for gas prices to go through the roof!

I'm learning to try to combine things so I can make as few trips as possible. On Tuesdays I volunteer at the hospital, so if I need anything in the village, like yarn at Hildreth's or candles at Pier 1, I make sure to do everything at once. But often I can't avoid additional trips, with committee meetings and doctor's appointments often unavoidably at other times.

I think five years ago I would never have taken on some of the responsibilities I have now that require frequent trips west, but after 2009, which required so many trips back and forth it was actually advantageous to keep track for tax purposes (tests, doctor's appointments, chemo treatments....) I've made peace with the drive. I use my time in the car to learn music, or pray, or catch up on the international news. I only listen to the local PBS station in my car (WPPB) unless I'm listening to a CD. I like to hear the BBC news because it gives me a better idea of the world's view of events, rather than the one our US stations decide to feed us. And there is a difference.

So I like to think all this road time I put in now is not in vain, but rather an opportunity to do something worthwhile. I'm glad I don't need to make the trip every day. But a few times a week has turned out to be OK.

That said, I'm dreading the summer traffic, which is right around the corner now. Every trip will need to be planned accordingly. This time of year I need to allow extra time for the afternoon commuters from 2:00 on, but in the summer I'll need to allow extra time all day. The nice twenty minute drive now will become a 40 minute one. And perhaps by then I'll start re-thinking all these meetings.

Well, life on the East End has always been defined by out ability to get on and off the island. It seems to be more and more about the ability to get anywhere on Route 27. But, we seem to adjust to the changes. I guess that's why they say you "can't go home again". I think its because everyplace changes and when you leave and come back, things are never the same. Being here for the change helps us deal with it. Even when it comes to traffic.