Online Forty Niner: v8n1: Commute: creativity is the key

The thought of commuting may sound revolting to a lot of people. But, for some, the familiar excursion can be quite productive - and fun. It all depends on the approach taken. By going in with a positive attitude, all the cons associated with the drive can be overshadowed. Creativity is the key.

In a car, many different preoccupations can go on simultaneously, especially in this day and age. With the competition in the automobile industry, technology is making its way into the cars of the future. People who prefer luxury can now choose many high-tech options.

One time, I personally had the privilege of borrowing a friend's car for my 1-1/2-hour commute from my home in San Diego to Cal State Long Beach. The car I drove was far different from my 1994 Toyota Corolla. It was a brand new, top-of-the-line Mercedes. This car was infested with cell phones, a six-disc CD changer, leather seats, cruise control and, to top it off, monitors embedded in the back seat and near the driver, to watch movies. It took me twenty minutes to get settled in with my "new friends." I won't even get into accident statistics as a result of new-wave technology.

During my commute, I like to do different things the whole way up. For example, for the first 20 minutes, I listen to Social Distortion so loud that sometimes I'm afraid of getting pulled over for noise pollution. Because everything is so familiar when I pass the Oceanside Boulevard exit and the freeway is close to the shoreline, I put myself into meditation mode. After that, I catch up on unfinished phone calls as I take the pre-paid toll road.

By the end of the 14-mile stretch, traffic is inevitable. This is when I crank up techno music that goes well with all the madness on the 405 Freeway.

But let's get back to us college students who can barely afford Top Ramen. Here are some tips that will hopefully ease the seemingly long haul commuters deal with: To begin, don't forget to use the bathroom. Make sure the gas tank is full. Listen to an audiotape. There is something for everyone.

Choices include motivational speeches, recorded lectures from class, religious enlightenment, and fiction and nonfiction books on tape. For the more spiritual folks, quiet meditation with the windows closed and the temperature perfect can do wonders.

Of course, during all of this productivity in the car, not everything is going to be peachy and rosy. There's always going to be that turkey who doesn't believe in using turn signals. Just remain cool and disconnect the emotions that might cause participation in upheaval.

So, with all the right items and positive approach, commuting can be a drive full of fun. It's amazing how many things can get done during the trip.

Elaine Willey is a public relations journalism major.