by Doug Radunich

STAFF WRITER

As some of you may already know from my previous columns, I currently make my home in Salt Lake and commute to Tooele for work at the Transcript-Bulletin. I know what you're all thinking, that with the insanely high price of gas, the 40-minute drive, and the unnecessary racking up of miles on my car, why would I ever want to keep commuting back and forth? If I plan on working here for a while, wouldn't I also eventually get sick of the commute and just want to find an apartment, condo or house somewhere in Tooele County?

Well, to be honest, I really don't mind the commute all that much anymore, and it actually seems to go by quicker with each morning drive. I almost look forward to getting up every morning and making the big 35-mile trek out here.

Although there are several reasons why I don't mind the long drive anymore, I'd say one of the best things about it for me is the fact that I'm able to spend 40 minutes in my car alone with absolutely no distractions. I'm by myself for the entire time, and can pretty much collect all my thoughts and reflect on life in general during the long drive. I can also crank the radio or a CD of my choice up as loud as I want and sing along until my lungs give out.

Let's just say I've been honing my hard-rock singing skills through my early morning commutes out here, and I think I'm actually starting to sound pretty good. As far as traffic goes, there's never any going westbound on I- 80 or SR-201. I can just cruise in my car the whole time without being surrounded by others that might try to tailgate me or cut me off. And also because of the lack traffic, I'm sure my commute is actually quicker than a Salt Lake County commute through the suburbs on the congested I-15.

Another reason I don't mind the commute is because for me, it's worth it to live in Salt Lake for romantic reasons. Don't get me wrong, I've really grown to love Tooele, but right now given my certain circumstances, I just feel like I'm better suited to live in a big city. Not to bring it up for the hundredth time or anything, but I'm a single guy who's soon to be in his late-20s. Therefore, in a family-friendly village like Tooele, I feel like I'd be a pretty rare bird.

Sure, when I get married, I will definitely consider moving out here to Tooele County, but right now I feel like I need to be in a place where I can spot single women my age. Tooele isn't exactly a dating haven for young single people -- at least ones who aren't still in high school.

So despite what people might think, the long commute out here isn't too bad for me. In fact, it's sometimes kind of fun. Only time will tell if I eventually tire of it and give in to moving out here for good -- even if I'm not married by then.

dougrad@tooeletranscript.com