On the Road Again
It seemed like a fine idea to sign on for Field Education at a vibrant parish that's a distance away, but the 2 1/2 hour drive each time I go (on a weekday) turns out to be more complicated than I'd thought. By the time I've avoided close calls due to speeders or drivers talking on cell phones, then gotten into school bus and rush hour traffic, I'm too tense to be of much use to anyone. So, I sit in the church parking lot doing deep breathing exercises and fretting over the hours that might have been used for reading assignments, hours that I cannot get back. Envy comes in too, uninvited, as I think of my friends at parishes in town. I've heard that some of them actually read books lately.
Surely someone has a coping mechanism to share. ?
Surely someone has a coping mechanism to share. ?
posted by Raisin at
7:14 PM
2 Comments:
Having spent a year going out to Bartlett (not far from where you are going), I feel your pain. It seems that the drive to my new job in Libertyville is easier, and not just due to it being slightly closer. It feels as if the drivers in the western suburbs and Northwest Tollway appear more aggressive than than in the northern suburbs. The drive did make for a stressful time which I never completely overcame. Here are some thoughts though:
1. NPR and All Things Considered. Not only does it keep the mind off the stress but their reporting style is rather calming.
2. Leave earlier if possible, thus reducing possible, "I running late" stress.
3. Stop and eat in route. Helps to break up the drive.
4. Sometimes avoid the NW Tollway. I found Golf Road much calmer than the tollway on Sunday trips back to Evanston, even with the traffic lights.
I realize this is a short list as I never really overcame the annoyance. My best method was to get a job in Libertyville. Sorry.
audio books, audio books, audio books. I think you can get them from Evanston Public... or you can get some online. Ask AKMA :)
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