Yesterday's etummoc home included a familiar face that I need to discuss. Last spring I often passed by a person in the subway, who held a cup and a sign that read "NO HEALTH INSURANCE." His eyes, were red and swollen at the bottom lid like he had a really bad infection of sorts. They appeared as if they were on the verge of falling out, and even a slight glance was hard to bare because it looked so painful.
One day I happened to arrive before him, and saw him approaching on the platform. He was wearing some cheap sunglasses, for protection I suppose. I caught a glance from the side, and was able to see that his eyes were perfectly fine... he naturally was a bit bug eyed, but there was definately no red, swelling grossness. I figure he must be doing that eyelid flipping thing that they do at the eye doctor, or that weird kid in grade school whose sole purpose was to scare girls.
I hadn't really seen him since the discovery, but now he's back. There's got to be a good way to call him out. I'm not one for confrontation, so this may prove difficult. I guess ishouldn't feel bad about staring, but what if I'm wrong? Still needs some thought.
I'll try to snap a pic if a can.
12.16.2009
12.15.2009
Boring express
I think I am hitting a little writers block or something because i'm having a really hard time coming up with what to write about. It kinda coincides with when I finished the last book I read. Pehaps my brain needs a little literary exercise to get the juices flowing. I should find a new book, fast. Suggestions?
12.11.2009
Etummoc Etiquette Part 1
Its no big secret that most New Yorkers aren't as classy as the Countess de Lesseps. Don't get me wrong, I've run for my fair share of trains, and when crowds are big enogh, a Darwin mentality can get you far. However I think there are some common courtesies that could make for a safer, less hostile travel environment.
Lesson 1 don't dally in dorways. Along with turnstiles, doors are the bottleneck of mass transportation. People don't follow fluid mechanics and the eqution of continuity does not apply. Blockages can really slow things down, and some people aren't so nice about it. I won't defend them, and this really is no crime against humanity. All I'm saying is, if you can't find your metro card, or your not sure if you want to get on the train, try to step to the side.
Doors are also imprtant for protecing people from the elements, especially this time of year. The heated rooms at trian stations offer shelter to the underweight and underdressed. They are not effective if the doors are propped open. Now you will never hear me complain about somebody holding the door open for another person. I do take issue with those who think an open doorway is the perfect spot for conversations.
More lessons to come.
Lesson 1 don't dally in dorways. Along with turnstiles, doors are the bottleneck of mass transportation. People don't follow fluid mechanics and the eqution of continuity does not apply. Blockages can really slow things down, and some people aren't so nice about it. I won't defend them, and this really is no crime against humanity. All I'm saying is, if you can't find your metro card, or your not sure if you want to get on the train, try to step to the side.
Doors are also imprtant for protecing people from the elements, especially this time of year. The heated rooms at trian stations offer shelter to the underweight and underdressed. They are not effective if the doors are propped open. Now you will never hear me complain about somebody holding the door open for another person. I do take issue with those who think an open doorway is the perfect spot for conversations.
More lessons to come.
12.10.2009
Sleeper car
I've been a little lax about the postings since thanksgiving. I started working on some background stuff that's kept me up later than I should be. That, along with the toasty train environment, has me sleeping on the train more. You might start noticing some changes pretty soon though.
time to give in to these heavy eyelids
time to give in to these heavy eyelids
12.07.2009
General Odors
You may not think it, but all of your senses will be stimulated during an etummoc. Well, maybe not taste, unless you REALLY want to get into the experience and start licking the seat next to you. Not going to reccomend you do this, but if you have something to share on this topic, by all means feel free to add a comment. I digress...
Smell on the other hand has a powerful influence on your mind. It can distract you with the most random reactions. Example: I was just on the shuttle, conumed with my latest app download, Google Goggles. Suddenly, as we approached the train station, the distinct stench of skunk creeped into my nose. This immediately caused everything to halt in my mind and triggered the "I need to make sure the dog is inside!!!" alarm. (P.S. I don't have a dog)
It doesn't always work that way. You get to wander down memory lane quite a lot, which good or bad is a way to forget how far you have to go. Overall, I think its pretty nice to be able to slow down and reflect. Its not easy to stop and smell the roses with the timetables and transfers, but if you know how to look, you'll find flower shops just about everywhere.
Just ask Tucan Sam.
Smell on the other hand has a powerful influence on your mind. It can distract you with the most random reactions. Example: I was just on the shuttle, conumed with my latest app download, Google Goggles. Suddenly, as we approached the train station, the distinct stench of skunk creeped into my nose. This immediately caused everything to halt in my mind and triggered the "I need to make sure the dog is inside!!!" alarm. (P.S. I don't have a dog)
It doesn't always work that way. You get to wander down memory lane quite a lot, which good or bad is a way to forget how far you have to go. Overall, I think its pretty nice to be able to slow down and reflect. Its not easy to stop and smell the roses with the timetables and transfers, but if you know how to look, you'll find flower shops just about everywhere.
Just ask Tucan Sam.
12.03.2009
Home 4 the Holidays
Last year I completely missed out on the Holiday season in New York. Was in Japan at the time and they just weren't into it as much. Sure the Starbucks was stocked with red cups and special drinks, but they did not have train tickets like this! Their idea of decorations was a bit lacking as well. I'm glad to be around for the winter splendor this time around, not to mention SantaCon.
12.02.2009
Music is a dish best served LOUD
Not much of an opportunity to post the past two days. No, my vacation didn't last until yesterday. Monday was as busy as ever and required an unexpected overnight trip upstate. Nohing really to report about the extended etummoc.
It did give me a chance to make up for all the driving I haven't been doing. I was reminded about how nice the privacy was. Blasting music you would be embarrassed to have somebody ovehear, singing (poorly) at the top of your lungs is rather therapeutic. There's also nothing quite like driving at night when you have the right tune to guide you, or rediscovering a song that has a newfound meaning.
It made me rethink about the times I was annoyed with somebody I was sure doing permanent damage to their ears on the subway. They might not have the opportunity to release their highway rockstar/diva. I think sometimes we need those moments where life feels like a movie with a great soudtrack. So next time I'll make sure to just let them have their moment and smile because I'll be having my own.
It did give me a chance to make up for all the driving I haven't been doing. I was reminded about how nice the privacy was. Blasting music you would be embarrassed to have somebody ovehear, singing (poorly) at the top of your lungs is rather therapeutic. There's also nothing quite like driving at night when you have the right tune to guide you, or rediscovering a song that has a newfound meaning.
It made me rethink about the times I was annoyed with somebody I was sure doing permanent damage to their ears on the subway. They might not have the opportunity to release their highway rockstar/diva. I think sometimes we need those moments where life feels like a movie with a great soudtrack. So next time I'll make sure to just let them have their moment and smile because I'll be having my own.
11.23.2009
Gravy Train
Only need to make the etummoc today, then have the rest of the week off. Things will be on hold, unless something really absurd happens duing my holiday travel.
Happy Thanksgiving, and in the words of a former boss at a daycamp, "safety first, fun a close second." Keep in mind that you can have alcohol on Metro North; so this holiday season don't drink and drive, drink and ride instead!
Happy Thanksgiving, and in the words of a former boss at a daycamp, "safety first, fun a close second." Keep in mind that you can have alcohol on Metro North; so this holiday season don't drink and drive, drink and ride instead!
11.20.2009
Luck favors the prepared, darling
Retummocs (like superheros) need to make sure they are properly dressed for their adventures. Living in a region that actually experiences 4 seasons, it is important for your wardrobe to have range. Be wary that weather conditions can differ greatly between your origin and destination. This usually isn't so bad in the spring and fall, but a light jacket can make a world of difference.
When winter approaches its easy to notice the temperature difference between Manhattan and Tarrytown. The warm coat that prevents you from freezing in Tarrytwon, keeps you comfortable on the train, and is unbareable in a crowded shuttle or subway car. Snow is far worse. A few flurries downtown means mega inches all over Westchester. You'll regret not taking your computer home with you every day, when you look back at the first tracks you just made on the platform. My advice is to go for layers so there's some control over your insulation.
Little can be done during the summer when there is a dress code to consider. This means suffering, plain and simple. Some days aren't meant for pants, and "I will be working from home today because the hot weather is causing me to sweat profusely and I'm not a strong swimmer" isn't easy to sell. Polo shirts offer some relief (if allowed), but that's all I got.
Ok, not a lot of advice this time around. The best thing you can do is invest in a sturdy, compact umbrella, and always remember: no capes!
When winter approaches its easy to notice the temperature difference between Manhattan and Tarrytown. The warm coat that prevents you from freezing in Tarrytwon, keeps you comfortable on the train, and is unbareable in a crowded shuttle or subway car. Snow is far worse. A few flurries downtown means mega inches all over Westchester. You'll regret not taking your computer home with you every day, when you look back at the first tracks you just made on the platform. My advice is to go for layers so there's some control over your insulation.
Little can be done during the summer when there is a dress code to consider. This means suffering, plain and simple. Some days aren't meant for pants, and "I will be working from home today because the hot weather is causing me to sweat profusely and I'm not a strong swimmer" isn't easy to sell. Polo shirts offer some relief (if allowed), but that's all I got.
Ok, not a lot of advice this time around. The best thing you can do is invest in a sturdy, compact umbrella, and always remember: no capes!
11.18.2009
Shuttle trouble
For those of you that missed my tweet: ended up missing the shuttle with about 10 others. We group cabbed it to the office and stopped to talk to the front desk about the shuttle schedule being inconsistent. (Probably worth noting that the builing is leased to multiple companies and this isn't intenal to my company) Apparently they had to make changes because the complaints to the driver were getting out of hand and she felt threatened.
I bet I know who THAT was... just can't believe it got that bad. Totally out of line. However, I am deciding to take the high road and forgo my promised rant & rave. I'm just glad building managment chose the drver's safety above all else.
Plus they already filed a complaint with that bitch's employer.
I bet I know who THAT was... just can't believe it got that bad. Totally out of line. However, I am deciding to take the high road and forgo my promised rant & rave. I'm just glad building managment chose the drver's safety above all else.
Plus they already filed a complaint with that bitch's employer.
Back-tracking
After leaving my apartment I made a mad dash for the bus and just made it. I sat down, took a breath, and remembared that I left my work laptop in my apartment. fml. Had to get off at the next stop and run back to my apartment to go get it. Took a taxi to GC and made the last train that I could in hopes to make the Tarrytown shuttle. Keep your fingers crossed, that is, if you're awake at this hour.
This train happens to be a local, which means it makes a stop at my favorite spot, Glenwood. Between the train and the Hudson there is this big old brick factory. I'm not exactly sure what draws me to it, but I am obsessed with this builing. There are many brick buildings along the Hudson line that look like they've been turned into offices. Yet, this one remains untouched. The overgrown ivy and warped windows give it characterand I always look for it when I pass by.
I secretly aspire to clear out all the old asbestos and turn it into a green community. Solar panels, rooftow garden, even a watermill. Its a really a silly idea but I feel like this old factory should get a little attention. It probably has a wonderful history and cerianly has a lot more appeal than the facility next door (last picture).
Sorry if these aren't rotated right.
This train happens to be a local, which means it makes a stop at my favorite spot, Glenwood. Between the train and the Hudson there is this big old brick factory. I'm not exactly sure what draws me to it, but I am obsessed with this builing. There are many brick buildings along the Hudson line that look like they've been turned into offices. Yet, this one remains untouched. The overgrown ivy and warped windows give it characterand I always look for it when I pass by.
I secretly aspire to clear out all the old asbestos and turn it into a green community. Solar panels, rooftow garden, even a watermill. Its a really a silly idea but I feel like this old factory should get a little attention. It probably has a wonderful history and cerianly has a lot more appeal than the facility next door (last picture).
Sorry if these aren't rotated right.
11.16.2009
Arriving on Track NULL
I still need some spy classes because I failed to get a clear pic of a fellow passenger I need to talk about. At least I didn't get caught, and I know he'll be back.
The Tarrytown station construction is more intensive than I thought. I arrived this morning to find that a third of one of the platforms had gone missing. This is a good sign that they are replacing the rusty old walkways above the track. Fingers crossed. Photos from this morning:
The Tarrytown station construction is more intensive than I thought. I arrived this morning to find that a third of one of the platforms had gone missing. This is a good sign that they are replacing the rusty old walkways above the track. Fingers crossed. Photos from this morning:
11.15.2009
Relocation
I've decided to take the blog over to www.etummoc.com from here on out. After repeated attempts, I finally got WordPress up and running. I brought over all previous posts and hope to start customizing soon. Need some rest before the morning haul...
11.13.2009
Transfer is Available to:
Going to start the twitter thing for spottings and quick comments.
Note to self: spend some time this weekend getting more organized.
11.12.2009
Bow hunting and such
Sleeping, at times, is a highly developed skill. One of my college roommates was "trained" to be able to sleep while standing. I know (for a fact) that my friend Grace could out-nap anyone. As for me, I've got the ability to lose consciousness within 5 minutes of hitting the pillow.
A train nap, however, requires a differnt skill set. Sure anyone can pass out on their way to Grand Central, but only a true retummoc learns to sleep in both directions. Okay, regular commuters can have this skill too, but in their numbers somebody is bound to wake you at your stop. I've never slept through my stop on a nothbound train (knock on cushion) and have attributed this to three vital assets:
1. Good internal clock - being able to wake up and know how much time has passed is very important. Admittedly, I have woken to a panic of not knowing where I am.
2. Knowing your route - to alleviate panic its good to build up visual references between stops.
3. Focused response to stimuli - your body needes to respond to movements and sounds of the train, and ignore nearby chatter.
These skills should be refined through practice before attempting to use them on a northbound train. I suggest training and testing yourself on the way to Grand Central. Or you could always take the easy route and befriend a reliable insomniac.
11.11.2009
Subway lovin'
Missed the shuttle to Grand Central so I had to take the subway. Rolled into the station to find two people making out just outside the door. Not just kissing but there were rapid arm movements that straddled the line between caressing and groping. Cracked a smile as I walked by and got to thinking... I wondered if, at any given time, there is some couple (or more I guess) kissing in the subway. With all the hello's and goodbye's that must happen in this city everyday, is gotta be close.
Something for you to ponder on the way to work.
11.10.2009
in traNSiT
finally, i've joined the modern age of smartphones. having a full keyboard is nice but takes some getting used to. had a good post going and then got distracted by my new toy. will get that up soon. i just can't wait to put up some pictures, especially of some of the crazies. need to practice taking photos discreetly.
11.06.2009
I Spy
Things I spotted on the way to work today:
1. Yankees fans on the way to the ticker-tape parade
2. A giant inflatable rat
3. Guy wearing black dress pants and a white undershirt with no coat of any kind. Also, there were remnants of blue marker all over his face.
1. Yankees fans on the way to the ticker-tape parade
2. A giant inflatable rat
3. Guy wearing black dress pants and a white undershirt with no coat of any kind. Also, there were remnants of blue marker all over his face.
11.05.2009
Service Advisory
Tonight's etummoc is going to be interrupted by a business dinner in Yonkers. The best thing about taking the train is you don't need a designated driver...
11.04.2009
Thank god the stadium express is also going to grand central today. Getting hungry before getting on the train is torture. I start having food fantasies like i'm at hogwarts or one of the lost boys in the movie hook. On second thought: robin williams + green tights = lost appetite... problem solved!
Hungry!
Thank god the stadium express is also going to grand central today. Getting hungry before getting on the train is torture. I start having food fantasies like i'm at hogwarts or one of the lost boys in the movie hook. On second thought: robin williams + green tights = lost appetite... problem solved!
So i was OBOB on the game day. Shows how much I know about sporting events. I guess yesterday was just some advance notice on the rules. Getting really confused about the work at tarrytown station. The building renovations are nearly complete but now they are putting up wooden platforms. Hopefully it has something to do with replacing the walkways.
Don't know jack about baseball
So i was OBOB on the game day. Shows how much I know about sporting events. I guess yesterday was just some advance notice on the rules. Getting really confused about the work at tarrytown station. The building renovations are nearly complete but now they are putting up wooden platforms. Hopefully it has something to do with replacing the walkways.
11.03.2009
Yankee Stadium Express
It just occurred to me that with the Yankees up 3 games to 2 in the World Series, tonight could be the last trip with the decked-out fanatics that take Metro-north to the stadium (at least for this season anyway). So in their honor, I thought I'd share a few rules that I've adopted for traveling on the Hudson Line on a game day:
1. Pick the right train car - Any seasoned subway rider, commuter, or retummoc will know that picking a train car for the speediest exit at your destination is key to saving time. However, this does not hold true on a game day. You need to survey the surroundings to avoid being stuck near bro-deo's, sor-RAWR-ity girs, and cougars. It is possible to score bonus points by looking for people who have taken booze with them on the train. If you see a low key group with beer or a Styrofoam cooler, sit near them. If they overestimated the amount they could drink on the train, they'll probably try to pass off the rest. Hey, its happened before...
2. Do not sit in a 4 or 6 seater - Its usually easier to spread out by taking the seats that face each other, but on on a game day these seats are in high demand. If traveling alone, you will be joined by others, and be caught in an awkward position. Having grown up in PA and now living NY, I've abandoned any allegiance to sports teams. Given that I'm not the biggest sports fan to begin with, being polite and friendly never relieves those "I'm sitting at the wrong lunchtable" feelings.
3. Do not try to be productive - The environment is far busier than usual, and its nearly impossible to concentrate on work or reading. Your best shot is to escape with electronics. If you happen to be trained to sleep even while standing, you still may get to take a train nap. But that's about as likely as falling asleep at a Foo Fighters concert.
4. If all else fails: eavesdrop, hard - A pretty good rule to remember in general; you have a front row seat to some pretty entertaining stories. People tend to forget they are taking PUBLIC transportation, so take advantage of the free material. If nothing good comes up, feel free to embellish or make up your own stories. Don't feel bad, there's far worse on television.
Cynical though they may sound, the rules are all about avoiding worst case scenarios and trying to have fun.
1. Pick the right train car - Any seasoned subway rider, commuter, or retummoc will know that picking a train car for the speediest exit at your destination is key to saving time. However, this does not hold true on a game day. You need to survey the surroundings to avoid being stuck near bro-deo's, sor-RAWR-ity girs, and cougars. It is possible to score bonus points by looking for people who have taken booze with them on the train. If you see a low key group with beer or a Styrofoam cooler, sit near them. If they overestimated the amount they could drink on the train, they'll probably try to pass off the rest. Hey, its happened before...
2. Do not sit in a 4 or 6 seater - Its usually easier to spread out by taking the seats that face each other, but on on a game day these seats are in high demand. If traveling alone, you will be joined by others, and be caught in an awkward position. Having grown up in PA and now living NY, I've abandoned any allegiance to sports teams. Given that I'm not the biggest sports fan to begin with, being polite and friendly never relieves those "I'm sitting at the wrong lunchtable" feelings.
3. Do not try to be productive - The environment is far busier than usual, and its nearly impossible to concentrate on work or reading. Your best shot is to escape with electronics. If you happen to be trained to sleep even while standing, you still may get to take a train nap. But that's about as likely as falling asleep at a Foo Fighters concert.
4. If all else fails: eavesdrop, hard - A pretty good rule to remember in general; you have a front row seat to some pretty entertaining stories. People tend to forget they are taking PUBLIC transportation, so take advantage of the free material. If nothing good comes up, feel free to embellish or make up your own stories. Don't feel bad, there's far worse on television.
Cynical though they may sound, the rules are all about avoiding worst case scenarios and trying to have fun.
11.02.2009
Fall Back
Appreciated the daylight and feeling of sleeping in that daylight savings alotted me, but now its pitch black and i wish both my gloves were done. Hudson was busy with tugboats in the am. Right now, on the shuttle hearing how this mary might have gotten something slipped in his drink on halloween. Apparently she "doesn't remember a thing" but the details that are still there are being relayed far too loudly for this confined space. Train nap time
10.30.2009
Text Test
I really need a new phone because t9 is not going to cut it for mobile posts. Goal is to update while on the road, or rather the rail. Going to work on that over the weekend. Happy halloween!
Departures
Okay, first post.
Every weekday I travel a minimum of 2 hours total to get to and from work. Home is in the East Village in Manhattan; work is in Tarrytown, NY. This requires getting up at 6am, a shuttle, a train ride, another shuttle, and numerous forms of entertainment. I've been doing this for over a year now and it wasn't until an episode of Mad Men that I realized how much time that is:
2 hours a day * 5 days a week * 4 weeks a month = 40 hours a month
That's an extra work week every month in traveling (thanks Peggy). I figure with that kind of time I could and should find something better to do with this daily journey. So my intention is to put the random stories and wandering thoughts to use, before I turn into a full blown waffle-talker. I guess I want to make the mundane more memorable, and see what else I can learn in the process.
Every weekday I travel a minimum of 2 hours total to get to and from work. Home is in the East Village in Manhattan; work is in Tarrytown, NY. This requires getting up at 6am, a shuttle, a train ride, another shuttle, and numerous forms of entertainment. I've been doing this for over a year now and it wasn't until an episode of Mad Men that I realized how much time that is:
2 hours a day * 5 days a week * 4 weeks a month = 40 hours a month
That's an extra work week every month in traveling (thanks Peggy). I figure with that kind of time I could and should find something better to do with this daily journey. So my intention is to put the random stories and wandering thoughts to use, before I turn into a full blown waffle-talker. I guess I want to make the mundane more memorable, and see what else I can learn in the process.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)