May I scoot in?

Monday, April 17, 2006 - 6:15 p.m.

I took the gamble. There were many people waiting on the platform at Grand and I assumed the trains were running behind. A train pulled up and it was packed. People were anxiously trying to squeeze into the jammed cars. I decided, surely another train will pull up any second with all the patient people who will be rewarded with seats. Sure enough, 2 minutes went by and such a train pulled up letting me be seated the entire way home.

There were three opens, all by the window. This young girl was sitting on the aisle seat and I asked really politely, "May I scoot in?" She is put out by this. What is that? I am put out by her attitude and her absolute ned to sit on an aisle seat. I like sitting too. At least she got out at the next stop so I would not have to sense her bad energy my entire ride home.

Scowling

Monday, April 17, 2006 - 8:07 a.m.

Going through the turnstile, I had an uneasy feeling. There was a woman behind me, very close to my personal space. She was scowling and she was a head taller than I am. I found myself rushing to put some distance in between us.

I got on the platform and there was another scowler. He looked up at me while listening to his headphones and slowly looked away. I know it is a Monday morning but it ain't that bad and my presence is not causing any duress.

There was a very short man in sweat pants. He had two subway sandwiches and two homemade sandwiches. He ate the home sandwiches both at the same time on the train. This is illegal and there was a recent article about a woman being fined for having a soda on the train. Why would this man need so much food? Is he training for an overeater competition?

I was texting my friend Michael during the ride. He was bemoaning that there were no RedEye's. He cuts across the parking lot of Jewel and relies on the stands by the station, which are usually out. I pick up my RedEye at the corner of Berwyn and Broadway where they are plentiful usually.

Friday, April 14, 2006 - 8:29 a.m.

After four days of driving to the office, I was looking forward to my "el" ride. Getting to read my RedEye again and spend some time with my paper and magazines. Let someone else take care of the driving for me. Plus, it would give me fodder for my ignored blog.

The train ride could no have been more normal. No interesting characters, no rude behavior. It was strangely quiet. Not many people either but it is Good Friday and many people go out of town this weekend. The only person remotely of interest was this punk rocker-esque guy with spiky blonde hair and tweezed eyebrows.

The most compelling thing in my commute was the construction guy in front of our building telling his buddy, "Hey can you believe all the people buying those iPods? $300 for a fucking walkman!"

I have been driving the past few days so my el ride has been limited.

On Tuesday night, I did ride the el home. I sat near two actors - a male and a female - both in a show but not the same one. They were doing the usual actor thing which is akin to comparing resumes. The male kept his sunglasses and headphones on during the entire conversation.

I admit that when I drive in, I listen to Eric and Kathy. For those not in Chicago, Eric and Kathy are the Seinfeld version on radio - they blather about nothing endlessly and yet it is extrememly fascinating. The other day was a whole discussion on sympathy sex - where you meet someone not attractive but sleep with them anyway. This was the same day they quoted a fact in the paper about a donkey being the best companion.

While driving this morning, I had to manevuer through downtown more than usual. Crossing the street was a woman in a faux fur coat, wildly long red hair and pink kitty earmuffs.

Monday, April 2, 2006 - 8:17 a.m.

It was raining and very windy. Why do some people seem to be very composed like the storm is not affecting them. People walking with their umbrellas perfectly uprigth and calm. They arrive at work looking perfectly pressed. I am not that person. I am wind blown, wet and clutching my umbrella before it turns inside out.

The woman across the aisle was reading the One-Year Bible which divides the bible into themes and by the end of the year - you have read the whole thing. The ratings on Amazon were all 5-stars because what amazon.com critic is going to give the bible a 2-star rating.