1. Driving: an enjoyable way to clear the mind? a means to an end? a chance to be quiet with one's thoughts? a necessary evil? the downfall of our planet and its fossil fuels? Discuss.

Pretty much necessary to get anything done in a reasonable amount of time in Los Angeles. So I guess that makes it means to an end.

I hope to get a new car soon-mine's 10+ years old and luckily holding out for me, for now. But I really want a hybrid minivan-just wish they'd come out with them already.

2. Do you drive the speed limit? A little faster? Slower? Have you ever gotten a ticket?

I generally drive at or slightly above the speed limit, usually not FAR above it, especially on surface streets, on the freeway I go with the flow of the faster traffic, but not the idiot speed where they're going fast enough to leave everyone in the dust.

I've gotten two tickets, I think, one on the road between Cleveland, Ohio and Ithaca, New York. And the other, I don't remember where, but somewhere local.

3. Do you take public transportation? When? What's your opinion of the experience?

Sadly, in LA it's crappy at best, so I don't use it. I did some as a teenager, and have occasionally done so, but mostly to appease the bus and train loving little boy. If it didn't suck so much, I'd probably be more willing to use it, but it doesn't go where I need to go and isn't very fast about it either. I have used it elsewhere and love it, when it's efficient.

4. Complete this sentence: _____________ has the worst drivers I've ever experienced.

I don't know as I've not really driven that many places.

5. According to the Census Bureau, reverendmother's fair city has the 6th longest average commute in the United States at 29 minutes each way. How does your personal commute rate?

Am I dropping the little one off at pre-school too? If not, it's about 15 minutes. If so, it's about 30 from home to work including the stop at preschool to toss him out of the car. (Ha ha, just kidding-I walk him in and everything)

Bonus for the brutally honest: It has been said, and the MythBusters have confirmed, that cell phones can impede driving ability almost as much as drinking. Do you talk on a cell phone while driving?

I do, but rarely and when I do it's ALWAYS on a hands free headset. I automatically put it in one ear when I get in the car, just as I put on my seatbelt. If someone is in the car with me, I don't put it on, but do make them answer my phone if it rings (except if it's just the little one, then I use the headset).