Passing time whilst commuting

When I commuted into work in London, I travelled in by train. This was a 1.5 hour journey each way. I initially just sat doing nothing, but before long I started reading to pass the time. I really enjoyed reading all of the free London papers. I think newspapers are often the best to read on a train journey as you can dip in and out of them, and it doesn't matter too much if someone is distracting. It was also useful that there was a library right next to my work place, and despite being small it was the best library I have ever used, as it stocked such a range of new books. I suppose I could have bought an iPod or MP3 player, but I preferred to read. Being silent seemed to fit in with the mentality of people commuting into London; I have never been on such quiet trains.

Now I am driving to and from work everyday on a 45 minute commute either way, and this will get longer next week when the schools re-open after the holidays. At first I was driving doing nothing else, and concentrating on the driving as it was a new route, but before long I felt confident enough to start listening to music. When driving, in general I prefer listening to easy to listen to music, nothing too upbeat but rather music that relaxes me, that isn't too distracting. At the moment, I enjoy listening to albums by James Blunt, and Duffy which I bought last week. Today I bought Take That's album so I will be listening to that this week. If I am not careful I will end up buying an album every week! I don't feel too guilty, but see buying albums for my commute a bit like buying lunch, an essential part of working life.

Mercy

Mercy, the title of another Jodi Picoult book that is in my 'to-read' pile, but also a song that is currently number one in the UK singles chart. I just discovered this song yesterday, and am loving the beat and 60's style! It is nice to see something classy at number one (not that being number one seems to matter much these days).