Car Pool Log: 2006 08-17

White Toyota Tacoma pick-up (see CPL: 2006 08-02, 15). Driver was listening to KMEL 106.1, Hip-Hop and R&B. Got into the back once more and Driver moved the seat back for, left the passenger-side door open. Took a while to acquire a Second Passenger, sat there in silence listening to Chuy Gomez, whom I like.

Once Second Passenger arrived Driver took off for the freeway and changed stations to KJZY 93.7. Same items as in previous rides; blue folder including some others, cellphone on the pad, Penguin Classics book. Driver swerved and changed lanes a number of times. After the toll plaza he moved all the way over to the right and then back again to the left before the lanes finished merging into each other. I was marginally concerned about his driving and choice in speed. Driver changed the station to KQED and we listened to a report on the suspect they arrested in Bangkok in relation to the JobBenet Ramsey case.

When we reached the intersection of Howard and Fremont it appeared that we almost got into a few accidents while he tried to find a place to pull over. Getting out of the car I noticed that Second Passenger didn’t say anything to the Driver. Usually someone will say thank you or have a good day but she remained silent. I don’t think she was too pleased with the way he drove either.

Car Pool Log: 2006 08-16

Light blue, Honda Civic SRS. Driver pulled up with Second Passenger already occupying the front seat. There was the undeniable smell of French fries or cooked potatoes, it immediately made me hungry.

“We were expecting a line,” Second Passenger said. “I haven’t even finished my breakfast.”

I smiled and laughed, acknowledging my understanding of her predicament but not fully comprehending her embarrassment.

“Apparently he hasn’t either,” Driver said, pointing to my coffee cup, chuckling. I was unsure whether or not he was commenting on my bringing the cup into his car itself.


I didn’t know what to say to their comments about the lack of a line waiting to pick up passengers. “It’s hit or miss,” I said.

Driver was leaning in to the right, his arm resting on the space inbetween the two front seats, driving with his left hand. It was a protective stance that made me think that they were a possible couple. Second Passenger flipped through a brochure or a newsletter. A crack in the windshield. Listened to KQED; a political race in Indiana.

Car Pool Log: 2006 08-15

White Toyota Tacoma pick-up (see CPL: 2006 08-02). Driver again had the seat already pushed forward. I said good morning and got into the back. He put the seat back and readjusted to accommodate my height. Again, I was perched on the little bench in the back, a booklet of maps in the pouch in front of me. A book of Bay Area roads, 2002 edition underneath the driver’s seat. Driver was listening to AM 680 KNBR sports radio. They were discussing a captain choosing his golf team for the season. Second Passenger arrived joyfully and asked if he should move his chair up. I said I was fine, thank you. Driver again drove a consistent 70 mph on the freeway to the toll. A blue folder that may have read “Requisitions," the cell phone on the traction pad, and a Penguin Classics book all on the dashboard. A Turbo Tea beverage in the cubby between the driver’s and the passenger’s seat.

Car Pool Log: 2006 08-14

Dark green Lexus sedan, tan leather interiors (see CPL: 2006 08-09). Aluminum sun reflector in the backseat, two empty plastic bottles labeled as water underneath the Driver’s chair, a tie on the seat next to me, a jacket on a hanger. The car still had the remnant smells of marijuana.

I noticed more this time the various markings and stains with the automobile. A worn ring of black by underneath the ignition, stains on the carpet that bring to mind possible lascivious activities. There was an apparent cigarette burn mark on the back of the passenger’s side headrest, like someone put their arms back and brushed them forward, hit the headrest with the lit end of the cigarette and pulled away. Also, there was the possibility of a nail clawing mark on the passenger seat as if someone repeated the same motion but with their nails.

Listened to NPR for the first portion of the trip. Driver changed the station to Adam Carolla’s new radio show. After that he flipped the station to KFOG and left it on Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love.”