How do I love thee, Tampa traffic? Let me count the ways

It is a little over three months since I took on my driving journal, as I often refer to it.

It's hard to believe it has been that long. I have written 12 columns, but really, who is counting?

When I initially followed the boss' order, I couldn't even conceive of what I would write for the first one, let alone the 13th.

Looking back, I have mostly been griping, which is never healthy. Therefore, in honor of my column's three-month anniversary (I know, I am a hopeless romantic) I want to look at traffic as if the cup is half full. So here are some positive traffic-related issues.

No. 1: I want to show some appreciation for one minor - but annoying - pothole that was recently filled. It was on Spring Pine Drive off Northdale Boulevard in front of the Northdale Recreation Center.

I am sure many parents and parkgoers shared my agony during the summer of having to avoid the hole. But low and behold, it has been filled. I really can't complain, though, when it comes to potholes. Trust me, I don't enjoy them but I have noticed the turnaround time from when I notice them to when they get fixed is not bad.

No. 2: During my vacation, I had one reader mention the traffic light cycle at Hillsborough Avenue and Memorial Highway.

The reader wrote, "I know it is a very busy intersection, but recently, traffic going north on Memorial heading to Sheldon Road has to sit through the light phase six to eight times at rush hour. I've always had to sit through two to three light phases at 5 p.m., but now it backs up to Webb Road and on Friday, it backed up to Normandy."

The next day, the reader wrote again, saying the issue seemed to have been corrected. Less traffic is always a plus in my book.

No. 3: This one may be a temporary positive but worth mentioning because it has brightened my afternoon commute. Heading north from Clearwater to Tampa, I usually hop on the Veterans Expressway and gracefully attempt to cross the five lanes in less than a quarter-mile so I can take the Eisenhower Boulevard exit.

This past week, however, I was extremely excited to only have to get myself safely across three lanes in that quarter-mile span.

We all know that mish-mash south of Tampa International Airport - where Interstate 275 connects with the Veterans and Memorial Highway and State Road 60. It has been a mess for the longest time, and I don't foresee it clearing up anytime soon. This one was an extreme positive because it has caused many headaches.

Those are the three most positive outcomes I can think of. I am hoping to add to the list, but as always, I need your help. Send me your thoughts, and I will post the list on our Web site to serve as our reminder that sometimes good things do happen in traffic.