End of the line

Well, without much warning, this will be my last post. Tomorrow I'll be moving out of New York City, so today is my last etummoc that I know of. I'll still be riding metro north to visit on the weekends, but its not even close to being the same thing.

I don't think I'll miss the daily chaos I've endured for the past 3 years. Waking up at 6am, mad dashes to make a train, and the never-ending maze of stationary tourists; nope, won't miss those. the thing I will miss is the city though. Living here is really unlike anything else. Its unfortunate that my field is likely to exile me to suburbia or the boonies for work. I remain optimistic that I'll be back here at some point for another couple of years.

Back to gazing out the window for me. The Hudson is calm and reflective this morning, not unlike myself, and I'm taking it all in.

Safe travels.

etummoc fail

Another day of rain prompted flooding... When the shuttle was uber late I just hoped a train back to the city. Such a strange week

Enough already

Ok, i think its been a year since my last post, but something unprecidented has happened. I am in the process of beating my one way commute time. We are approaching the 4 hour mark from when I set out at 7am. The clock is still running, and I don't know if we're even going to make it into the office.

Apparently yesterdays rain has flooded the roads and has made a mess of things. roads are closed all around tarrytown. We've been on the shuttle for nearly 2 hours now circling the office in bumper to bumper traffic. I will spare you the details, mostly because I don't know road names/numbers.

Most my coworkers had problems, and I'm getting reports that one of them brought his kids to the office because he couldn't get to their daycare. Also the bus driver is blasting the heat instead of the ac.

I am in hell.

I can relate...

So after a series updates on getting a visa and a plane ticket, my friend Steph is off to India for an adventure. She just started up a blog Eat Sweat Diarrhea, which I think is an excellent title given her laugh is as infectious as that of Julia Roberts. I'm also sure there are to be many mis-adventures, and juicy details to come.

I don't really have much in the way to offer in terms of international travel advice. I do, however, have a lot of general travel experience taking the train everyday. Looking back, my original math was that i spent 2 hours a day commuting, making that 10 hours a week or 40 hours a month. Well with the changes in timetables and little delays that have crept up (additional shuttle stops), somehow that time has significantly increased. It now takes me a solid 1.5 hours each way, and more often than not an extra 30 minutes in the morning because I almost never make the express train that gets me to work early. So worst case that 3.5 hours a day spent commuting, thats 17.5 hours/week and I refuse to convert that any further.

17.5 hours is a lot of time. But when you think about it (and a quick trip to kayak.com confirmed it) I could fly to India in 17.5 hours. So, every week I fly to India... or a lot of other places, but I think India has a kind of dramatic tone to it. So Steph, while I know you are worried about the flight, it won't be bad. After all, I do it all the time. 

...the earplugs are a good idea though. Best of luck, I'll be reading.

All posts have been rerouted

Haven't posted in a while, but renewals are just around the corner. I do want to keep this alive without having to do so much management (could never get on top of customizing the look). Plan is to head back to Blogger even though playing with WordPress was fun. All my posts have been moved to etummoc.blogspot.com and soon www.etummoc.com will also point you there as well.

Hopefully this will get me back into blogging as well. Enjoy the new look.

Railwork

My regular train on the harlem line makes a stop at Fordham. I know ther is a prep school there, and when it isn't the middle of summer I do see some of the students. On multiple occasions I have tied to menally put myself in their shoes, and wonder what etummocing to school would be like.

Firstly, I kind of wonder if this train is the last train they could take without being late. In hish school I lived a mile away and, depending on the year, either my brother or I would drive to school, speeding, in 3 miutes. So I definately would be on the last train possible. There would be contingency plans to get to GC faster if I needed to, but I think I'd be running for the train 90% of the time.

Also, I am shocked that I've never seen one of them furiously doing homework on the time. Leaving homework for a morning train ride is a procrastinator's dream. Think of the extra video gam time! I see the occasional student reading a book every now and again, but as someone who would go home during a last period study hall to do assignments due by 3 that I had still not done, I expect a little more panic. As soon as I landed in my seat i'd have my calculus book out and a freshly wrinked piece of paper handy to do my work on.

Even though my adolescent lazyness could be accomodated, I just can't think of high school without the freedom of having a car. I mean, how are you going to get to the krispy kreme store in the next state over and back with 36 dozen donuts? What about driving with your friends to the away football games, using the nearest cornfield for a pitstop? What is high school without these crucial life experiences?

Its hard to get my head around, and I don't think there's much use worrying about such things. Besides, most if the time I'm running late and I have a train to catch.

Busgrade

I used to explain that my daily etummoc consisted of 2 shuttles, 1 train; however I think I'm going to have to revise that to 2 busses instead. As of today, both of my shuttles have been upgraded to charter busses. It may not seem like much but they are now probably 1/3 of the trip and makes a world of difference - like going from regular to organic milk.

The first one got upgraded from trollies with uncomfortable seating quite some time ago. It was really a no brainer. Today I stepped off the train at North White Pains to find that the daddy bus had come for us instead of the shortbus to which we were so accustomed. Most of my fellow riders looked at it with disbelief, but it was all smiles when we realized none of is would have to stand. There was also a small sense of pride or luxury in that, perhaps that we were important enough for an upgrade.

And let me just say that I appreciate the new smoothness of the ride as well. Being a gentleman, I would often give up my seat to others and brave standing though the ride. This is not an easy task, and felt like I was surfing with handlebars above me while not being able to see what was coming. I hope this bus never breaks down.

I quit!

Ha, not really. This was certainly a long break from blogging, but I haven't given up. Instead of summarizing the past 2 months, I decided to hold that material and use it as I see fit. So what you hear from now on could have happened in the past or never at all.

Night now, however, I have to report that jury duty is thrilling, when compared to a train ride. There was a low budget intro video that reminded me of educational videos from high school. As an SVU addict it would have been much better if detectives Benson and Stabler took part in this video, rather than going to the renaissance fair to depict trial by ordeal. Apparently my idea of "realistic" differs from that of the director.

It also sounds like I'm stuck here for a few days. Thank god the woman in charge has a great sense of humor and has mastered her monotone delivery. No sarcasm there, she really is quite funny.

Fingers crossed

After 2 weeks of taking the early shuttle and sometimes making it in to work a bit early, I'm giving the 730 another shot. But that's not really what I want to write about.

Last week, I got a chance to experience Penn Station. I had been there once or twice before, but was usually in a rush to get on the train. This time I really got a feel for for the place, and that feeling was creepy.

The layout, from what I could tell, was designed to be like a hamster cage. One or two large areas with lots of halls and tunnels going in every direction. Despite the confusing layout, navigating was not difficult. Every intersection has a number of signs which were easy to undestand and effective in getting you where you needed to go.

There is a whole new level of crazy at Penn Station. Grand Central-ese people are direct and always moving. Penn Station-eers tend to linger a bit more, and thus, they have waiting areas. I sat in such an area to eat a quick bite. In that time, a woman had to be removed as she felt compelled to ask (very politely I may add) for people to take the gun away from the army personnel that were patrolling the area. She had a strange inflection in her voice as she said, "PLEASE, miss. Excuse me MISS. Mam, could you PLEASE take his GUN. Do you SEE it? You HAVE to TAKE the GUN from HIM."

I think the only redeeming quality about Penn Station is that they have a krispy kreme inside. I, knowing full-well how bad they are for you, have a hard time resisting a krispy kreme. They do need to be fresh though; they just aren't right any other way. That day, I got one that was a bit dry... Yes, I'm keeping score, and they have 1 strike.

Made it to GC in time so it seems like its safe to sleep in again!

Note to self

Not posting for a long time invites spam comments for lesbian anime porn. Post more often.

Goodbye 7:30

I must retract my prior statements about the relief that a certain 7:30 shuttle has given me, mainly in the form of additional sleep. The shuttle is being run by a new company, and that means new drivers. I knew the first few days might be a little slow, but given the cyclical nature of the job, it shouldn't take long to pick up. I had been on vacation until today, and knew it would be a bit of a gamble. I lost.

No, it wasn't that I just missed the train because we were a few minutes late, I wasn't even out of my shuttle seat when the train left Grand Central. I guess this means I have to go back to getting up at 6 and taking an earlier shuttle. I'll give 7:30 another shot in a week or two.

Umbrella etiquette

I think I witnessed at least 3 near-blinding incidents on Wednesday. Standing outside the subway, I watched as time and again somebody would open their ubrella in the crowded stairwell and it would pop open into somebody else's face. So here are a few words to the wise.

Umbrellas are constructed in such a way that they have pointy protrusions in every direction. Conveniently, they are carried so said protrusions are at eye-level. Now, you may forget these facts when you are trying to avoid getting soaking wet; an honest effort would be appreciated.

If you can, try to open your umbrella in an uncrowded area, or wait for a clearing. From what I can see there are two main opening techniques:

The Overhead - this method is performed by reaching far above your head and then directing the opening action directly upward. This works extremely well for taller people, but do not attempt if you are short or in a stairway.

The Forward'n'Up - the open is initiated in the direction you are currently facing. Then you swing the umbrella above your head or to its disired position. There is more to say about this technique. It helps avoid eye injury to people standing around you. If the handle is held to the side of or close to the body, its attack range is significantly reduced. Take care to swing the opened umbrella slowly, it will help to reduce inkuries of those standing directly behind you.

Finally, while super convenient, the push-button umbrellas are usually the most likely to cause an injury. Consider muffling your open by slowing down the spring loaded action.

Oh, final word on rainy weather, keep away from street puddles! There's little chance your umbrella will help you out when a cab goes buzzing by and you are in the splash zone.

Another word on clothes

With the changing of the seasons, there is also a change in style. Goodbye heavy coats & knits, hello bright colors khakis. I do not hold any objections against khakis, and even own a few pairs. They are, however, not practical for etummocing, let alone living in New York city.

Just in case nobody has told you this: NYC is not clean. Set aside the litter, there is still probably a good few millimeters of filth coating the the streets and sidewalks of this city. While most people only get to exercise their cutesy animal voices on dogs and squirrels, New Yorkers sometimes speak to rats in the same way.

Over the course of 2 shuttles and a train it is very easy to get some signifigant markings on your pants. Clip the cuff of one pant leg with the opposite shoe - black streaks. Brush into the side or bottom of an unclean railing - a similar, yet bigger effect. Sit in a seat that appeared to be clean or forget to look altogether - jackpot! You can now audition for the role of "homeless person #3" in an upcomming episode of Law and Order.

Thus, the need for a darker NY wordrobe.

Retummocs feel an extra amount of pressure, as the khakis run wild in suburban offices. Although, recently I've been seeing people working at other companies at my building wearing jeans and even shorts to work. Jeans I am truly jealous of, but shorts? What job could you hold in this biotech campus that would allow you to wear shorts?

Tunnel vision

When getting around the city is so dependant on timetables and transfers, its easy to lose sight of what's going on around you. You focus on what may seem essential. "Did the shuttle make it past 34th street by 7:41?" "Is this train going slower than usual?" Or "Grand Central Navigation plan: pass the old lady, at hallway intersection find pocket between closet case business man and poorly dressed intern with backpack going perpendicular to me - watch out! Slow moving tourist with a stroller." So as your thought process becomes that of a Cylon Hybrid, you may forget to appreciate your surroundings.

I have been taking a course near grand central over the past few weeks, and been graced with the opportunity to eat in the food court. I haven't found anything outstanding, but once you get past the questionably sanitary conditions, it slows you down and you begin to observe again. Mostly I could overhear people discussing their itineraries for the rest of the day. Others are meeting up for a quick bite or reconnecting after spending the day apart. And then there is me, realizing how jaded I have become. The people who I usually curse for being in my way most likely came halfway around the world to come and take pictures of the ceiling like one would want at Sisteen Chapel. I am here every day, and could stand to give them their moment.

Optimistic that I have redescovered my sense of appreciation and sympathy I am now also conflicted. Do I smile politley as weave between people? Or would that be depriving them a true New York experience? I've worked hard and suffered to achieve my NY lifestyle and mentality. I should use that, right?

Either way I have been reminded that Grand Central is not just a venue for the stampede of commuters and etummocs, its a tourist hotspot, a movie set, a place of business and intersection for many walks of life. Those additional perspective make it more bareable for the time, so maybe I should stop to eat some oysters every now and again,

Revalation 7:30

Late last week I discovered something that will undoubtedly change my etummoc forever, or rather until they change the timetables. I think that comes next month, but have never been affected by such changes.

So, for the past 2 years I was under the impression that I had only one shuttle option to get to Grand Central in the morning. If I missed it, which happens a lot, I could take a cab or take a bus to the subway. Those options are either expensive or slow.

I've been riding the Harlem line more and more and have found it to be more reliable. The shuttle from north White Plains always waits (not that it ever needs to) and is much bigger. I thought that the last train that comes right before the shuttle leaves came from the north until I started to associate my fellow riders with destinations. Turns out the last train comes from Grand Central and I now have a 2nd shuttle option.

The test run went off without a hitch last week and I've taken it every day since, minus the one morning I was running SUPER late and cabbed it. Getting out the door by 7:30 is 10 times easier than leaving by 7. Don't get much extra sleep but I am at least more human than zombie. I don't think I'm even going to try for the 7am shuttle. Yeah there's a chance I could get into the office earlier but its a small time window. If I miss it my commute grows to nearly 2 hours and i'd rather sleep in the comfort of my own home over sleeping on the train.

Coincidence

Every now and then our industrial design team has hired a graphic designer, whose name I can never remember. She lives in brooklyn so we are often taking the same route during our etummoc.

(Hold on, as I'm sitting here on the train in GC a preson on the intercom just asked, "can somebody give me a break test please?" Does Toyota make trains? More imortantly, did Toyota make this train?)

So, on Monday we rode back into the city together. She gets off to catch a 4 or 5 express at 125th so she doesn't have to deal with big crowds, and she gets a seat. I always go into grand central, but always wondered if there was a time advantage for one of these options.

I made my usual charge towards the subway, and made it onto the platform to see an express just leaving. However, another express showed up one minute later. The cars that passed by me were pretty empty, so I was excited at the prospect of not having to breathe through a stranger's ear.

The train stops, and I look through the window to see my designer friend / coworker seated and waving to me. We were both amazed at the odds of us both catching the same train and selecting the same car. She also mentioned that she had not waited at all for a train. So I guess there is really no advantage in ideal conditions, but I bet it varries.

PS: We were able to stop at 125th on the way out this morning. The break test must have been fine. I may still conduct a little research though.

Bright side

Could it be true? Is spring really here? The days are getting longer and warmer, and wool coats are starting to look a little silly. I'm not going to call it quite yet, mostly because there is still snow that hasn't melted up in Tarrytown.

Maybe its me or maybe its the harlem line, but I'm having a hard time coming up with anything interesting that has happened on the train recently. Perhaps I should try a local train or two and see if there is any relationship between number of stops and entertaining situations.

I can't say the same for flying though. Coming back from my vacation, I encountered two characters that I couldn't help but notice. Prior to boarding there were numerous announcements about boarding procedure to ensure we got out in time. They really stressed the importance of not holding up others in the aisle. This got me thinking that they were trying to beat air traffic in some way or another.

My zone is called and when I get into the gate, I notice these two women in front of me moving very slowly. I don't know how I missed it before, but they are carrying 1 purse 3 shopping bags each, filled with clothes, cutting boards, and cups. Also one of them thad a large, pink stuffed bunny. They kept dropping items as they shuffled down the walkway. Then, all of a sudden I hear a loud "rrrrrrrriiiip." One of their bags busted open, spilling clothes all over the place.

I was, of course, trapped behind them, without a clear way to get around. When they get to the plane door, they got a little lecture about the number of carry-ons they had, and were each able to drop down to 1 purse and 1 shopping bag each. I tried to pass them during this exchange but there was a bit of a line to board, and they just went right back in front of me.

About 3 rows down, they realize they don't know where they are sitting and stop to check their purses. Digging and digging they don't move aside at first, but then half step into empty seats. I made my move. Dart past them and get into my seat, glad to be rid of them.

A few minutes later they shuffle towards me, and this is when I notice the two vacant seats next to me. I had a little hope when they passed me but were corrected by the flight attendant and settled in.

The plane pulls away from the gate, and I first observe them doing that catholic thing, touching their head and chest, in order to say a little prayer. We pull forward, they do another prayer. We turn onto the runway, another prayer. The engines kick in, prayer. We lift off the ground and they both instantly fall asleep - one of them snoring.

I get my noise canceling headphones on and make it through the rest of the flight without noticing them much. We land and I bolt off the plane. Somehow we got in 30 min early, after taking off a little late, so I really shouldn't complain. That whole experience just stuck out in my mind as everything not to do when boarding. At least it was more interesting than my fellow retummocs lately.

Defrost

On vacation for the rest of the week. Looks like florida isn't going to be too warm, but anything is better than this cold.

I feel spring just around the corner...

This happened...

Bored waiting for the train

Snow-M-G you guys

Etummoc goes international!!! Well, not really. I am in Canada but I am most certainly not etummocing. Its more like "5 minute rental car riding it to visit another company for 3 days." I think my business trip to Japan last year included an etummoc, but it was not very regular.

Anywho, this is my first time vising our neighbors to the north, or as some may call it "America's hat." For the most part it has been a pleasant experience. Though, coming from new york, my perspective could be a little skewed. From landing to car rental, everyone was quite friendly. I had never driven outside the US, but the switch to the metric system was easier than I thought. I lucked out the first night and found an amazing place to eat dinner. I chose ribs, having devoured a large chunk of Paula Deen's memoirs on the plane.

The weather, however, was less than stellar, meaning it snowed every day after my arrival. The naitives acted shocked exclaiming how light this winter has been, and they haven't gotten snow in a month. F*ck off I thought to myself in my best internal Kathy Griffin impression. I held back both commentar and laughter but I may have slipped the "you have to be shitting me" look. I mean, this is Canada, right? Its going to snow in the winter up here; let's be a little realistic.

Well aparently the northeast is due for some snow also. My flight was cancelled ahead of time and I got booked on an earlier flight to try to beat the storm. So here I am at 3am at the airport, no sleep, waiting in line. This won't get posted until later, but I sure hope I don't get stranded. Canada's been nice but I've had my fill of snow for now. I hope my friends don't get mad at me for not bringing back maple syrup.

*note before post: made it back. NY is taking quite a hit. I've been told I need to go into the office anyway, but I'm wearing jeans in protest.*