1.8.21 - Joy status: I love my commute

It's amazing to me how what was once one of the worst parts of my week--my ridiculous 80 mile commute to and from work--has become one of the best parts thanks mostly* to technology. I've come to really enjoy the time to myself as I either "read" audiobooks of interest or catch up with friends (live or through video messaging).

The child-free time of my commute has directly resulted in more substantial connections to some of my closest friends. I have a pretty great weekly and monthly rotation of "commute contacts." I think I would enjoy this in any case, but the added socialization has been especially helpful in the last year when in-person interactions are more difficult.

*I say "mostly" because another factor was my schedule change--I now commute only at times when there isn't any horrendous traffic, so that makes it a lot more peaceful.