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.

I love driving. I love long drives, I love scenic drives, I even enjoy cross-country drives alone if I have a good book on CD. I don't like city driving, but who does. I have come to grips with the fact that this think I enjoy doing is both expensive and detrimental to the environment. I've started using more public transportation--which no matter what anyone tells you does take a LOT more time than driving on your own. Still I've come to understand that sometimes, I'm willing to sacrifice the extra hour or hour and half to have a little piece of mind and decrease CO2 emissions a little. (It's been an easier decision since I bought that used IPod last year and no longer feel geeky doing Sudoku on the train.)

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

I drive faster than the speed limit, but I no longer set the pace--Sometime in seminary I just stopped...I don't know why. Now I will speed, not nearly as much as I used to...As for tickets...I haven't gotten one since college in the 80's...and I got two back then, both for speeding.

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

I live in a city with one of the best public transportation systems in the country. I habitually take the El, but I'm much less likely to take public transporation if a bus is involved. I took the bus home from the airport last week and it was a completely painless process. I will surely do it again. It is my plan this fall to take the train to chorus rehearsal most Sundays....even though it means I won't get home until well after 10. I think it's the right thing to do...and the gas costs are killing me.

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

"Worst" is such a loaded term. Which is worse: stupid, utterly selfish, or needlessly aggressive. Those would be Atlanta, Houston, and Chicago respectively. The one that makes for the least pleasant driving experience? Houston....because it is so unpredictable. In Chicago, I trust no one and I'm generally not surprised.

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?

Um...10 seconds, on a bad day.

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?

Yes...I do. It's illegal now in Chicago, so I do it far less at home....and I use earphones.