Tuesday's Orts--bits and scraps of thoughts and events that land here semi-regularly.
- Last Thursday was a very long day. It started at 6:00 a.m. with getting up and ready for my first day on my new job. The drive up wasn't too bad. I was introduced to at least 25 people, led around the maze of the office, then upstairs to the very close quarters transcriptionists and other clerks occupied, given a desk, and spent time listening to different doctor/assistant's dictation.
- Electronic Medical Record programs are many and most of them are not set up for transcription. So there are a lot of glitches and not many shortcuts. However, the work is right up my alley of Workers' Comp and orthopedics/pain management.
- It was nice to clock out and be done with the workday, unlike my last job, where as manager I had to worry about employees, the computer systems, supplies, patient load, billing, etc.
- Traffic Rant: The drive home was long and I was getting off the freeway one mile from my house, tired but eager to get home and ready to play Bunco with the group. A highway patrolman saw me turn from the offramp into the right side of the two lane road where I immediately turned onto the frontage road. He turned on his lights and pulled me over. Yep, on my very first day of commuting I got a ticket.
- The officer claimed I failed to stop at the top of the offramp (I disagreed but was smart enough not to say so). He claimed I had pulled out in front of another car. I thought it was in the other lane and said so. He claimed I was "driving on the shoulder" and that was the reason he pulled me over, stating it was highway patrolmans' pet peeve when people drive on the shoulder. I had no idea that it was the shoulder; it should be a right turn lane anyway. In the end he only cited me for failing to stop at the onramp's stoplight. Then he asked me if I had ever had a ticket and I told him I got a speeding ticket on my honeymoon; the first time I signed my married name was on the ticket 28 years ago. He said that was a pretty good record.
- So today I took the commuter bus on a trial basis. Tomorrow I'm buying a monthly pass.
The bus drops off/picks up in front of this gorgeous building, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Above is the clock tower which is about 85 feet tall (look closely at the right side of the railing, there is a person standing there, to give an idea of scale).
It is only a few blocks away from the office, an easy walk. I think I'm going to like letting someone else do the driving!
14 comments:
Sounds the the policeman had nothing better to do that day! I love the SB Courthouse building. I've been to it...as a visitor. :o) Perhaps you can stitch while someone else does the driving?
Does the bus add much to your commute time? Even so, if it relieves frustration it would be worth it. : )
I think taking the commuter bus is a very good plan. Much less frustration and no fear of the man with the ticket book. :-)
Wow! what a jerk! I think the bus will work for you as long as it doesn't add much more time to your commute and then you can make productive use of your time like handwork or reading.
If i could do it, I would!!
Enjoy the commuter bus - time to read, do handwork or just enjoy the beautiful ride. Thanks for the pic of the courthouse. My birth is recorded there *woo hoo* for Santa Barbara county!
I can relate to electronic medical records frustration. They're the future, of course, but not always incorporated into hospitals and clinic systems very smoothly.
I like the idea of mass transit for going to work. Keep us posted on how that goes for you.
Such an impressive building! It's a beauty. Nothing like that around here. My drive to work? Think snow piles and grain elevators. :(
You reckless law breaker ! Just kidding of course. Sounds like the police officer was being little pedantic.
If I had a longer commute to work I'd probably catch public transport too...think of the time you'll have to hand sew!
I used to commute and loved the bus ride. I found it relaxing, but I can read in motion.
Best wishes on your new adventure!
Wow...that was a day you'll never forget!
Definitely take the commuter bus...you'll get a lot of stitching done!
I take a commuter bus also...LOVE IT! It took a bit getting used to, but I catnap during the drive in and read on the way home...no traffic, no parking fees, pass is the same price every month even if gas goes up...wonderful.
At least you will be able to hand sew while you are on the bus, and it will be a lot less stressful. What a bummer about the police officer.
If by shoulder he means a lane that's not really a lane but right turners always use as such, I'm guilty all the time!! You'd think they'd be going after peeps doing 90 in a 65!! I always thought a commuter train or same type transportation would be nice but I always wondered what you'd do if you got an emergency phone call?
Oh my gosh how frustrating! I'm the medical records director for a mid sized practice. The EMR has been so hard for us to get going but it is worth it. I've done transcription for so many years, it is kind of nice to be doing much less.
Definitely not a fun drive home your first day. Hopefully you'll have some time to stitch or at least read during your ride to and from work.
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