I have two blisters on my left foot -- one on my heel and one between my big toe and second toe. On my right foot I have a blister on my heel as well as a line of former blisters that turned into mildly infected oozy wounds on top from a sandal strap.

My right shoulder aches almost always from the uneven pressure of a shoulder bag that I carry on my left shoulder while walking (sometimes running if, like today, I am late) the 1.1 miles to/from the bus stop. I can feel the muscles bunched up under the skin like a knot of wood. Sitting in my work chair for several hours straight only exacerbates it. I do stretches through the day, but they're not quite enough. I try to remember to sleep on my back to relieve it, but usually I forget. I would be popping Advil, but the last time I did that I nearly gave myself an ulcer.

These aren't the only physical changes I've experienced in the 28 days that I've been car-free. While I tan easily and painfree thanks to my Mexican heritage, I usually don't get this brown until the end of a summer. Although I have finally begun using sunscreen every day, by the time I get the the bus stop in the morning, I've sweated off any trace of it, along with my makeup and deodorant.

The worst sun exposure comes while waiting for the Orange Line at Warner Center for bus home. There's very little shade along this stretch of Owensmouth at 5 p.m. in the evening. People crowd into the skinny line of shade cast by the bus shelter supports, but there's not room for everyone. I dont' even bother. Fortunately, the wait for the next bus is rarely longer than 10 minutes. By then, I am so hot and sweaty that the frosty air conditioning gets me shivering inside a minute.

This public transportation thing isn't for the weak of body. You either toughen up or give it up.