Cherokee County resident Debra Cunningham works at Resurgens Orthopaedics in Roswell. Though it's only about a 20 mile drive, the commute can be daunting some days. Here is a little about her daily drive.

Canton-Sixes Patch: What is your title? What do you do?

Cunningham: I'm a front desk patient specialist. I take care of the patient before and after their doctor visit--whatever they need. We check in the patients, make appointments, make sure paperwork is filled out, take their co-pay, answer questions, that sort of thing and so much more.

Canton-Sixes Patch: How long have you lived in Cherokee County?

Cunningham: I've lived here for four years.

Canton-Sixes Patch: How long have you commuted from Cherokee to Roswell?

Cunningham: About a month.

Canton-Sixes Patch: What kind of car do you drive?

Cunningham: BMW Z4 Roadster.

Canton-Sixes Patch: How many miles were on the car when you bought the car?

Cunningham: I bought the car in 2005, and there were around 19,000 miles on it.

Canton-Sixes Patch: How many are on the car now?

Cunningham: Now, there are just above 65,000.

Canton-Sixes Patch: What time do you leave home for work?

Cunningham: 7 a.m.

Canton-Sixes Patch: How much time do you spend in the car in the mornings?

Cunningham: 40 to 45 minutes, usually.

Canton-Sixes Patch: What time do you leave work?

Cunningham: Between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m.

Canton-Sixes Patch: How much time do you spend in the car in the evenings?

Cunningham: I beat rush hour by just a few minutes, so it usually only takes me around 30 to 35 minutes to make it home.

Canton-Sixes Patch: What do you do to pass the time?

Cunningham: In the morning, I drink my coffee and listen CDs. In my car, I have uplifting, contemporary Christian music. In the evenings, I meditate a lot. Just breathe, relax and let the day melt away.

Canton-Sixes Patch: Why do you work outside of Cherokee County? Did you look inside the county first?

Cunningham: I applied at three Resurgens locations, Kennesaw being the closest. The Roswell office had the first opening. I also applied for other jobs in Cherokee, but no one here seemed to be hiring in my field. 

Canton-Sixes Patch: How often do you wish you lived closer to your job? How often do you think about what it would be like to live closer to your job?

Cunningham: Occasionally. I mean, of course I'd love to live closer. I've worked close to home before, and it was great. But on the other hand, I really love my office, the people, the atmosphere and so much about it. I wouldn't want to change now. 

Canton-Sixes Patch: What’s your worst commuter story/memory?

Cunningham: Driving to my new job earlier this month in the ice storm. I was worried about getting hit in my tiny little car, worried I'd be late to my new job. It was very hectic.

Canton-Sixes Patch: If a job in your specialty opened up in your neighborhood, would you take it?

Cunningham: Only if it were a good bit more money. I really like where I am working now. My daughter and grandchildren live between home and my office. It allows me to see them more often. They're sort of on my beaten path.