Hello all,
I’ve had this website, irenejackson.com, since 1991! And I recently considered shutting it right down. But I changed my mind and got a new webhost, and so the articles will remain for a few years longer. There may be some technical issues as I continue the transfer, so please bear with me.
And thanks for supporting this website!
Cheers,
IJ
In the last few months I’ve been chauffeuring a family member to and from work, one day a week. It’s been a real eye opener to say the least.
Granted, I haven’t commuted for a long time because I worked from home for the last 35 years of my working life. And even when I did work elsewhere before that, I often just took the bus because it was a lot easier.
I mean, I drive, obviously. But usually just to get groceries and stuff. So let’s just say I’m not used to this driving-during-rush-hour thing. At all.
It’s been a shock to say the least, and exacerbated by all of the road work going on right now. The four-lanes-down-to-two, or two-lanes-down-to-one, or complete road closures. The stops and long waits for massive dump trucks or noisy tractors to s-l-o-w-l-y pass. And then there’s the Bay Street Bridge which was only open in one direction for a period of time. It has now re-opened, but what a mess THAT was. What could be next?
I’m so grateful I don’t have to drive every day. But there are so many people who do.
I was reading a story in the paper recently which stated that this summer commuting is going to get worse in Victoria. Worse?
Well, apparently the city has gotten behind in resurfacing existing roads, which is supposed to be done every 35 years or so. Never mind the damaged roads that have to be repaired and the infrastructure that has to be replaced. That’s on top of all of the new construction happening right now. EVERYWHERE.
And there are SO many more people on the roads compared to when we first moved here. The population of Greater Victoria has ballooned, especially, it seems, over the last 5 to 10 years. Add to that the fact that we have so many bike lanes now, taking up a lot of road space.
I know, I know. Everyone complains about bike lanes. Personally, I’m grateful for them when I’m cycling. And occasionally annoyed by them when I’m driving. What’s a girl to do??
Actually, I see a lot more people cycling to and from work and/or school now. And they are definitely beating car traffic! No wonder they have those smug looks on their faces…
The biggest shock for me is how people drive these days. Sure, I can understand the frustration with everything that’s going on. But making up rules just for you isn’t how it works.
Just so you know:
Oh, sure, I can think of at least 139 more stupid driving stunts I’ve seen lately. But I don’t want to come across as one of those “nearly dead”s.
While we’re on the subject of commuting…how about taking the bus? Sure, you might have to leave home earlier and get home a little later. Okay, I can already hear you sputtering your excuses for not busing.
But it has become so convenient in so many ways.
You can pay your fare with your debit card now. And there’s an app that helps you keep track of when the buses are coming and going. How cool is that? Plus, the only person who has to worry about those other idiots on the road is the bus driver. You can chat to the guy next to you. Or watch YouTube videos all the way home. If you must.
As for my once-a-week commute, I’m definitely grateful for the polite and gracious drivers out there. They DO exist. In fact, I think I’m going to work on being more like that myself. As should we all.
Otherwise, we’re literally going to drive each other crazy!
IJ
There was a news story recently about a book that was finally returned to the Vancouver Public Library, 50 years overdue. What surprised me most was when I realized I was working there when that book was originally checked out! Yes, my connection to libraries goes back a long way.
Before computers and Google and all of that, there were card files and librarians and library assistants like me. If you wanted to do a search for something, you either called or walked up to a librarian and asked your question and she or he did the legwork.
Back then you had librarian intelligence, not the artificial kind. Well, librarians still have plenty of intelligence, don’t get me wrong. Librarians and library technicians have to go through several years of university. Did you know that?
I remember working the occasional Friday night at the library, when there would inevitably be a call from some inebriated guy sitting in a local pub, wanting to settle an argument with his buddy about which sports team won this or that in such-and-such a year.
These days, they can Google it. If they’re not too drunk to spell, that is.
When home computers came along, I remember worrying if digital technology was going to take over the usefulness of libraries.
I didn’t need to worry at all because libraries have adapted and are doing just fine.
Reading is one thing I’ve been doing a lot more of since I’ve retired. Now, don’t start picturing an old grey-haired lady in a rocking chair with a history encyclopedia, please. For your information, I dye my hair.
No, my method of reading is by e-book, either using an e-book reader or Libby, a free app that basically does the same thing. I’ve found and read entire series’ that way.
I got a library card from the Greater Victoria Public Library when I first moved to Victoria in the 80’s. But as life got busier and busier, reading a book was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Except for reading to my small children, that is.
Then a few years back I decided I should renew my library card. I still had it, but it was long, long past the renewal date. I walked in to a branch of GVPL, expecting to go up to a desk and get issued a new one. But when a clerk walked up to me and I told her what I needed to do, she pulled out a hand held device sort of like a credit card reader at a restaurant, and did it all using just that.
I hope I didn’t look too stupefied when she handed my card back.
And that was it. I could now borrow physical books, e-books, magazines, all kinds of things, to my heart’s content. Libraries have a lot more than books, even more so these days.
There are all kinds of programs for adults, kids, tweens and teens including reading groups, information sessions and community support programs. You can learn English, learn how to replace important ID cards, and go for a Summer Story Walk.
There are virtual events like BC Libraries Present where you can log in to meet and listen to award-winning authors. At the Esquimalt Branch, The Lab lets you convert photos, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and other media to digital formats.
And all of the things you can borrow! Video games (even the Nintendo Switch 2), movies, music, audio books.
I was a computer operator when I left the Vancouver Public Library, which was one of the first library systems in the country to become automated. As a parting gift, my boss, Mr. Peters, handed me a book. Of course.
It was called “Gutenberg Two”. The Gutenberg was the original printing press that revolutionized the world of information. Suddenly, people who could read could learn all kinds of things.
The second Gutenberg, according to this book, was the computer. And boy, has the computer ever changed the world.
But it hasn’t put libraries out of business!
So do yourself a favour and check out our local library some time. You might be surprised at what they have to offer.
Oh, and the family that returned that book 50 years late? The library forgave the fine, which means they can still borrow books.
Phew.