Tammi's World

I Can Sooo Relate...

Ok - y'all know I drive a few miles to work and back. I do think I've mentioned that before.

Anyway, the most frustrating, dangerous part is once I actually get OFF the damned highway and into town. Well that and the Ohare exit.

Yesterday must have been the day for Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Chicago style.

I work in the 'Burbs. Just outside of Chicago. The airport exit is about 10 mins (in normal rush hour) from my exit. So yesterday as I sit, waiting my turn to move 3" I look up. And honest to goodness thought this plane was going to land on Maggie May. I've NEVER had one so close. THAT woke me up - for sure.

Then I get to the MOST treacherous part of the drive. I'm in town. Now...it's a small town, compared to actual Chicago, but still. Lots of traffic. We're all tryin' to get some place now.

There's a train track where, on a normal day, I'll wait as two commuter trains pass each other. It's the same every day. So I expect it.

Yesterday morning - I get up to the track and realize it's just about that time. Of course the city planners just HAD to put 3, yes THREE lights right there by those tracks. You have to really pay attention so you don't end up sitting either ON the tracks or in the way of the safety arm. I've had a couple of close calls with the arm, simply because I couldn't see what was ahead of me (due to being surrounded by REALLY big trucks) so I'm extra EXTRA careful.

As I approach the tracks I have at least 2 car lengths on the other side so I attempt to cross. I see the train at the intersection 2 stops down. Yikes. Cuttin' this kinda close.

As I get to the center of the tracks a gentleman (and I use that tone DRIPPING with sarcasm) decided he wanted to be 10" closer to the light and IN my lane. So he cuts me off. With inches to spare. Then the SOB doesn't even pull up close to the car in front of him. Takes up WAY more than one car length. And leaves me sitting on the tracks.

I cannot tell you how my heart was pounding. I cannot tell you the cursing that was comin' out of one side of my mouth while the other side was busy prayin' for a miracle.

The guy just turned around, looked at me and SMILED. Yes, I said smiled.

Well, obviously it all turned out fine. I got off the track with no major problems and managed to NOT kill the idiot that put me in that position.

Seriously Leslie - was there something in that rain water yesterday????

Posted by Tammi at August 30, 2006 05:54 AM | TrackBack