Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 8:14 a.m.

I forgot to pick up the RedEye. I was dazed as I walked to the train focusing on just getting to the train and did not pick it up. I read the regular Chicago Tribune - the paper I subscribe, the paper I get delivered to me, the paper I pay money and yet still every morning pick up the RedEye and read that first.

The woman sitting next to me did not forget to pick up the RedEye and was reading it very intensely. She particularly was intense on the "Dont Ask! Dont Tell in casual sex" article.

What is the big deal?

When I left my house this morning, there was a very large man loitering in my yard. I thought I had a stalker for a moment but then I saw the largest, mangiest mutt sniffing around for a place to have a B.M. The dog barked at me when he saw me and I thought he was going to run up to me and place his muddy paws and dirty fur all over my pants.

I saw this guy who I believe is named Roger who I see every day. He and my boyfriend worked together in theatre many years ago and he turns up on my el, in my hood, at my theater and at my bar -- though neither of us have made an effort to cross the line and introduce. I was fine with this as I was very tired.

So my first el ride in two weeks -- I have been travelling and driving. I was greeted to the platform by an empty triangular sandwich container. Someone was peckish and ran to the train dropping that container as they ate their ham sandwich ... probably on white.

What is the big deal with trains? A train came, 30 minutes later I was leaving the train. They said with the construction that the delays would be agonizing. The train was also half empty and I got a seat immediately. Everyone was panicked and could not imagine the horrors. I am hoping this is not an anomaly.