A couple of annoyances to start the day

So - I really think that the warmer lights are for show. I have never been "warmed" by them. At the Berwyn station, it does not even seem to block the wind effectively. Also, Berwyn-ites are not very generous with the space around them as they stand under the lights.

The train announcement was very loud the entire ride - it gave the speakers a buzzing quality. I realized how often I can tune out that announcement while riding the train. Not today. Every stop would startle me out of my normal morning commute stupor to hear "This is Grand and State"

And i miss the days when it was just "This is Grand".

But there is my temper

Wednesday, January 16 - 8:12 a.m.

Walking to the train was a man louding talking on his cell who desperately wants to be a mover and shaker. His trench coat matched the coat I bought as a freshman in college at a thrift shop for $15. He is growing his hair long despite a balding spot and wears Ralph Lauren Polo glases circa '92.

He obviously was annoying by presence and even though there were many of us entering the station, he snaked his way to the front of the line.

What got me about his conversation was the quote "I have enjoyed my collaboration but there is my temper to consider."

Despite my best avoidance efforts, as I entered the train - he appeared at my door.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - 8:17 a.m.

There was a well-dressed man in his 30s who was reading a comic book. He was intensely reading it making sure to catch every word and oblivious to the people around him.

Although, if he did look up, he would have seen this man with the largest wedding rign I have seen. It looked like the kinf of ring the pope would wear and require you to kiss.

Has anyone else thought the new Rambo movie ads look like an artists rendition of Steve Van Zandt of E Street Band and Sopranos fame?

I need to reach down and realize I have a couple

Thursday, January 3, 2008 - 5:14 p.m.

I waited for 3 trains b/c I had a big holiday present I was lugging home. I really wanted a seat and thought the third train would have it.

There was only one seat which was covered in two large bags with a dirty old white guy sitting in the seat by the window. I decided it was not worth the headache to confront and took my place in the aisle beginning my new book, Eat Pray Love.

A woman got on at the Grand stop here is the exchange:

"Excuse me, may I sit down"

"My bags are heavy" sats the old man.

"You cant hog a seat like that"

"Where will I put the bags?"

"You can put them on the floor or your lap"

"Ok, the bags are really heavy"

"That's ok take your time getting them in your lap"

She was very nice and the moment the train emptied at Fullerton she moved. Susbsequently, the train filled up again and a new younger man sat there. The older man again said that he wanted to put his heavy bags on the seat. The younger man responded "Isn't the train a little crowded for you to have two seats?"

New Years Resolution to blog - so here's a guest blog entry

New year, new commitment to blogging of my "el" adventures especially going to my job at America's Second Harvest.

My friend Dan yesterday asked if I still had my blog - I said I had lapsed but was hoping to kick start it again. He gave me my first story for 2008.

Dan was on the train listening to his iPod and sitting next to him was a man and his wife. The man was spending a great deal of time clipping his fingernails.

The man all of the sudden got a sheepish look on his face and gingerly gave his wife back the fingernail clippers.

Dan realized - something that happens to many of us - that what he thought in his head, was spoken aloud. He just didnt realize it being in his iPod world (actually he has an iPhone). How many times while connected to the ear buds have you said something really only meant for your brain.

Dan had just uttered aloud to the man "That's disgusting!"

Happy New Year and Thanks for the story Dan!