Monday, June 12, 2006 - 8:12 a.m.

It has been so long since I rode the el. Being out of town last week then driving the remaining days has caused an el absence in my life.

I never understand when the train just slows down. No reason given. No warning. We got to our first five stops relatively fast then just sat there between Addison and Belmont. Once the train started again, we would go about half speed all the way to downtown.

The first man I sat next to was really twitchy and very focused on the RedEye 1-star Soduku. He got off at Belmont and I noticed he had a briefcase, lunchbox and fanny pack (he also had some phone/blackberry attached to his belt which I always have issue with). How much crap does one person need just to go to work? Wouldn't you get just one big bag?

The woman sitting in front of me in the parellel seat was wearing her full McDonalds uniform. She got on at Addison. I wondered why she would work all the way downtown rather than the McDonalds a block from the Addison stop. I realize that you take jobs available to you and all ...

The man across from her was reading this very sensitive looking book, like he was getting in touch with his emotional side. He was also wearing a green-striped necktie as his belt.