My train experiences..and lessons learned

ok, so I have been riding the train now for three weeks and let me tell you I have made my share of mistakes and have learned some new things as well.

1. After two days of riding the train, I should have know this, but getting up at 5am = a non-functioning brain. So, I push the button for a round trip ticket and it won't take my money. Try another machine, same thing, and another one. WTH! Mean while my train leaves as I can't figure it out and the nice lady next to me helps me get it.
Lesson learned: always push "P" after you select your ticket so you can pay.

2. After my bus was running a little late and getting to the train station to go home last Friday I get to the train station, get on the train and then realize that my surroundings just don't look right. Um, I'm on the wrong train and in Garland. so I get off (luckly only have to go back one station) get on the train going back to then get on the RED train to get to Plano.
Lesson learned: Always look and make sure it is the RED line not the Blue.
(oh and Rodney got off early that day so he was at least able to get the girls)

3. Relying on the bus scares me. Yesterday for some reason the bus was running really late and I started to wonder if it was coming at all. After all I HAD to pick up the girls by 6 pm and if I had to walk it would take 15 mins. At a quarter after I just couldn't wait any longer and started to walk (in the HEAT!) As soon as I cross over the freeway, I look back and my bus shows up. Of course. UGH! and now I still have 10 mins to walk and really pissed off.

4. Downtown smells really bad in the morning when it has been raining. (observation from this morning)

5. the travel time to and from is soooo much longer than driving, but I keep telling myself I'm saving money right? and now because of the travel time there is no time at all after work anymore to run a quick errand without the girls like I used to do on my way home. Finding the time to do those errands is now a challange.

Anyway, hope you have enjoyed reading my experiences from the train and have taken notes to not make the same mistakes as me.