I had a nice mini-epiphany on my walk to the MAX this morning and here it is: I am rich.  Stinking filthy rich.

Before you get angry about a bureaucrat bragging about his salary during the "Great Recession," let me expound. 

I normally take the #35 or ride my bike to work.  As I checked Transit Tracker while reading my favorite sports blog (Blazersedge) this morning I saw that the MAX was coming at the same time as my bus.  So I had a decision: read more in-depth analysis about Rudy Fernandez or get a little exercise by walking to the MAX (which is about 3/4 of a mile from my house; the bus stop about 3 blocks).

I've been under the weather this week and haven't been exercising at all, so I closed my laptop, kissed my wife, and headed out for a little jaunt to the MAX station.  It felt great!  The morning air, the bustle of people at the Lombard Transit Center, and the cherry on top - one of the new MAX cars for the ride to work.  It might not seem like much, but the walk really brightened my mood, especially after having a head cold all week.

The luxury of transit choices this morning truly made me feel rich.  Do you ever feel wealthier because of your commute?  I hope so!