5 Quick Tips for Commuters

Okay, so not everybody owns a car that they can drive to work, and even if they do, some people prefer not to drive on weekdays because of the hassle and of course, to cut costs in gas, toll and parking. The solution? Public transportation.

If you're like me who works in the country's central business district while living in one of the Metro's suburbs, you would ride either a "shuttle" (a van or fx that goes directly from its station to the designated area) or a bus-jeep combo. If you're lucky, you may also be carpooling with a friend but I think that's a rare case. So from my own personal experiences in public travel, here are a few tips that might help you to survive, endure or maybe even enjoy your daily ride.

1. Avoid hunger. - Nothing makes travel more unbearable than when you're stomach is squeezing you silly 'cos of hunger. Avoid this by either eating before you leave the house or office, or by bringing along an easy-to-hold and easy-to-eat snack. Smart snacks to bring include, a sandwich, a waffle, a regular-sized burger, biscuits or crackers. Stay away from food that has too many bits and pieces that fall off or those that require you to use two full hands or even utensils. Also, do avoid food with strong odors so as to be courteous to other passengers. It would be torture for them to smell something so delicious when they too are hungry, with nothing to eat. Equal torture would be an annoying onion stink trapped inside a vehicle. Choose wisely.

2. Drink up! - Bringing along a tumbler or bottle of water or juice is a good idea. Just be careful not to drink at times when the vehicle is passing on bumpy roads. You wouldn't want to get your clothes wet now would you?

2.1 For the first two tips, make sure that you have a plastic bag with you because that's where you will be placing your trash afterwards. PLEASE don't be a litterbug.

3. Entertain Yourself - Get used to it. Horrible traffic is the norm in this society. So to stay sane (in case dozing off is not a safe option), you must learn how to keep yourself entertained. This is where your cellphone, mp3 player, pocketbook, eavesdropping and wild imagination come in. Choose which one is available and practical for your situation then use necessary weapon accordingly.

4. DON'T OVERSLEEP - Not unless you want to spend more when you wake up, miles away from your destination or worse, end right back where you started realizing that you've just made a complete roundtrip.

5. Quiet Does Not Mean Useless - Long commutes are the perfect place for some quality alone time. Take advantage of this by letting your mind drift to a peaceful state. Say a silent prayer. Review what you have done for the day. Plan your night out. Time is precious right? So go ahead and use every bit of it.



That's it for now. More tips might probably come out soon, but let's stick with five this time.



Happy commuting,
My Pink Office



Note: Siopao is not a good commuter's option. One hand has to hold the white bread while the other has to hold the sauce. Now which hand will hold your bag, get your fare and make hi-fives?

Once upon a time...

There once lived a girl who worked in an office. After she graduated from college, (actually she was hired a week before graduation) she immediately jumped on the corporate boat to become one of the zombies of Makati City, Philippines. She was young. She was bright. She was quirky, creative and with a lot of passion. But somehow she seems to be looking for something else. This blog is her attempt at distracting herself, and maybe some other people too. Who knows, maybe it can lead to a few sparks of inspiration, laughter or some sensible thoughts at least on what one should do next.


Welcome to My Pink Office.


Here you will encounter observations, chatter, opinions, and other bits of crap from the author. Well, maybe something other than crap every now and then. Posts will be about work life, love life, social life, and heck, even life as a whole. You may find that topics may suddenly jump one after the other, but isn't that how most people think anyway?


I hope you get to find something for you here.




Much love,
My Pink Office






Note: Monday mornings are the hardest because you have to wake up from the dream that is the weekend.