It’s a beautiful crisp fall morning in Manhattan. The sun is shining, the skyscrapers are glistening, the smell of fresh brewed coffee and breakfast is is in the air and it’s my birthday!
I simply cannot explain how enchanting it is to be living here, finally, at the age of 33.
I woke up this morning feeling like I haven’t since I was, oh, I don’t know, 25? 26 maybe? As years become monotonous and environments static there becomes less and less reason to jump out of bed invigorated each year.
Well, I have found my impetus for such behavior once again. And oh, it is delightful.
On behalf of this special day I’ve decided to implement a new feature to my blog, something I think most of you will enjoy. I know I do, and well, since I’m a female in my 30′s – according to marketers everywhere I am quite the decision maker. The trailblazer. Or maybe I’m just a little self centered… but hey, back to the issue at hand, lists.
Yes, lists. I’m going to try to incorporate a list around once a week and post it for your reading pleasure. I’ll also try to include pics to accompany these lists so everyone, even the non literate, or those too hung over, tired or wrought with some random ailment to be bothered, can still enjoy.
So with no further ado…
List #1
Things That Make Me Love The Train (in no particular order)
- The constant rumble of the city, everywhere you go. There is no way to describe this until you experience it. Sitting in a deli, standing on a sidewalk, laying in bed. Everywhere you go the world vibrates for 30 seconds, here and there, and then is silent. It is calming, ritual in its recurrence and absolutely wonderful.
- The conductor. This is actually the middle car of the train, all my life I though this was in the front. Apparently the train operator sits in the front, the conductor – right in the middle. The best part about the conductor car is when you have to catch a train at 5 in the morning, after a night out. He’s a city employee, he’s sober, and he is always right there. Great for a feeling of much needed safety, I try to say hello to these kind people whenever I can.
- The lighted circle in the front of the train with YOUR letter/number in it. Oh yes, this can be a big one. Particularly late at night when all you want to do is get on the train, turn on the iPod and chill. The wonderful feeling that finally, it is your train pulling up to carry you safely home.
- The guy that gives up his seat. As an able bodied 30-something, this hasn’t happened for me, and I don’t want/expect it to. But the other day I did see a young guy, probably 25ish give his seat up for a woman holding a young child. Not only was it the right thing to do, but it was amazing how infectious his behavior became. The entire train immediately became a kinder, gentler, more civilized place. People smiled, made eye contact, it was amazing. I’m certain sociological studies have been done on this. I am so inspired now to read them!
- The guy/gal at the entrance to the train who hands out the free paper. Depending on where you get on, it’s either Metro or amNY (I prefer amNY), this is a perk I absolutely love. While I lived (briefly) in Queens I would purchase a Daily News each morning to peruse during the marathon hour and a half trek. It was nice, and I got a lot of guilty pleasure from the 5th grade level of writing and the sophomoric content. Now though, with a 30 min or less train time I need no such diversions (plus, I watch episodes of Dexter, and The Wire, and … oh, yes, I’ll admit it, even Gossip Girl on my iPhone). However, the quick 30 or so page overview of the latest and greatest in this fine city, for free? Gotta love it.
- My favorite song, set to the perfect background. There is nothing quite like listening to your favorite music while carefully people watching on a crowded train. As of today, my favorite song for this activity is Gravity by Coldplay. If you haven’t checked it out, do, I bet you’d like it.
Well, that’s it for now. Off to start my day. My birthday!! Ciao!
What a brilliant list! I love your newbie fascinations/ descriptions of the sights and sounds of the city. Thanks for the eye opener. Nice that you didn’t mention the rats and stuff below the platforms.
I will check out Gravity. Thanks for the tip. I recommend any song by Bon Iver. But lately I have needed to listen to PJ Harvey wail because I am emo over a boy.
I downloaded Bon Iver and listened to him on the commute this morning. I love this! Thanks so much for the tip, he’ll def be going into regular rotation.