Thought it might work well anyhow... coming off my last blog about sleeping. Since the valley's so spread out, unless you're lucky enough to work where you live, commuting is probably a big part of your day. It sure is for me. I live in Gilbert and commute about half an hour, twice a day (in the snow, uphill, both ways) when there's no traffic. For anyone who doesn't know, our station's the big building you can see off the Southwest corner of Black Canyon Highway at the Indian School exit (the one with all the big saucer satellite dishes- you can't miss it). Since we start by 3:30 every morning, I often hit the downside of my caffeine morning highs by quittin' time, which can be anywhere from noon to... much later, depending on whether I'm working a story. I know I can't be alone when I buckle- in dreading the long drive home... fighting the urge to not just unwind, but to darn near fall asleep! Here's what I've come up with- and maybe you have a suggestion, I'd love to hear it.

Sunflower seeds and loud music.

Don't just crack the windows to let- in fresh air, crank up the music & keep a bag of sunflower seeds (BBQ's the best!) in the console. The music keeps my feet tapping and sometimes, I'll sing along. No, I can't sing like Mike, but in the confines of my own car- I'm only torturing myself. The sunflower seeds take me back to my college days, pulling all-nighters to cram for a test or finish a paper. They work like a charm to keep you busy and awake as you head home. I'm also a fan of the hands- free phones, catching up on phone calls to family and friends you never seem to have time for once you get home and have to start thinking about dinner and laundry, maybe the kids and cleaning...

If you have a trick to make the most of your commute- send me an email- I'd love to hear from you! ncrites@kpho.com