I’ve worked at my job for about two and a half years. And I’ve only driven to work once, and that was two Christmas Eves ago. My boss and I ended up having to move our car for other people at least three or four times. And that takes about a good 15 to 20 minutes to move our cars. It was truly annoying.

So today, I had to drive to work. I would never do this unless I absolutely had to, and today I had to. So I got up and left my house around 6:45 (I live in Rockville). Traffic was not too bad. I left early enough that it wasn’t too slow, and I was only on 270/495 for about 5 minutes before I had to take the Cabin John Parkway.

That, to me, is the easiest way to get into DC. It really is. I was never at a standstill. And yes, there were a couple of curse words used during the drive, which I think was a record for me. The only problem I came across was trying to make a left turn from K Street onto either 18th, 17th, or Connecticut Ave and I couldn’t. Then I had to make a right turn to go around in a square to be able to get onto either 18th or 17th, only to find out I can’t make a right turn during certain hours. The funny thing was I didn’t even see the sign until after I made the right turn and it said “No Turns From 7 AM To 7 PM.” Awwwwww….man. I hope I don’t get a ticket.

I don’t think I’ve ever been as relieved to be at work, ever! I really would much rather take the metro any day. I honestly do not think I take the metro for granted. I’m glad I live within walking distance (half a mile) of the metro. My work is about two blocks away from the Dupont Circle metro. My commute takes about 45 minutes each way (that includes the walk). Once on the metro, I can turn my ipod on, read my Express and just chill (even if I have to stand). It’s that much better than getting that anxious feeling of having to drive to work every single day.

I’m not a nervous driver at all. I dislike the idea of being stuck in traffic (EVERY SINGLE DAY) and making sure you don’t run any red lights or make any illegal right or left turns. And being very aware of everything that goes on around you and being cautious with braking because god knows what the driver in front of you is thinking. Not only that, but hoping you get to work on time. Then you have to do it all over again on your drive home. It’s really a stressful thing! No wonder MD/DC/VA drivers are stressed out.

I’m going to put it out there. If you can, take advantage of the metro, because it’s a good thing (now that sounded too much like Martha Stewart).