Today, was a good day!

So... a couple of weeks ago (August 10th to be exact) I left my monthly pass on the commuter rail.  Why I ever took it out to put on the little seat 'thingy' I will never know, but I did.  I mean, I even BOUGHT a handy little Vera Bradley wristlet (exact one seen here) to help - it has a window on the other side, so I don't even NEED to take it out except when going on the subway.  But.. I did take it out and left it there, almost two weeks ago.  But, today was a good day.

The past two weeks have been an expensive pain in the rear end, to say the least.  I have driven into the city ($22 / day = yikes), paid for at least 4 rides on the commuter rail, and used about $15 on my charlie card to ride Boston's fantastic public transportation system.

But today - although dark, dreary, cold and rainy Monday, turned out to be a great day.  I went to work figuring that it was going to be a crappy day.  But.. it was NOT!  Why is it?  Let's review...

• Filene's basement allowed me to return merchandise even though it was 3 days past the "30 Day" clause ($81 back in my pocket)
• I got off the Green Line at 5:37 ... and I made the 5:40 Train to Salem
• As I got on the train, I stopped and asked the conductor if I could get on with my receipt as I left my pass on there...he asked what zone - I told him and he quickly said - here you go...and gave me my pass back! ($10 - $60 back in my pocket)
• When I got home, I noticed that the hamburger meat I bought had gone bad, despite the date being current.  I returned it, and not only got my $ back, they doubled it!  ($8 in my pocket)

So... despite being a crappy day out, all was not lost and it turned out to be a great day!

Continental airlines, shaky in-flight discussion, and an overly comfortable seat companion

So, I don't think it's just me, but I am never, ever excited to fly Continental airlines on the Boston (BOS) to Newark (EWR) route.  There is always perpetual delays, no information given and getting stuck on runways with little to no air conditioning.  Admittedly, I haven't ever flown Continental any other routes, but the BOS to EWR seems to always be particularly painful.  The flight attendants usually act like you just insulted their kid and kicked them in the stomach, the planes are small and uncomfortable, and this gets worse if you're on one of the turbo prop planes.  Ugh...

So after I got over (sort of) the situation that I was in, I settled in to some work on the laptop and some reading. I was lucky enough to not have anyone seated next to me, until a crew member they needed to move to EWR.  He was sitting across from me in the waiting area, and something about him just felt 'off'.  Couldn't pin point it, but there was something about him.  Now, none of my feelings were 'founded' at least on this flight, but he still bugged me.

Why you might ask?  Because he was all but cuddled into me (think fetal position), mouth wide open snoring, legs crossing the plane of my seat, just relaxing.  You'd think that as a crew member, he'd have some more 'etiquette'.  Gah. It's worse and more annoying since, well, like the Commuter Rail and T, you can get up and move.  On a plane you're STUCK in one seat.

Then, upon final approach, the gentlemen in front of me, decided that it was an appropriate time to talk about 9/11.  I'm not a nervous flier, but, it just seems to me like one of those topics that you don't speak about on a plane?  I'm open to discussion on this topic, but it just is in bad taste to me - we're flying over NYC after all.

We'll see how the flight home goes.

It happens on west-bound commuter rail trains too!

A friend of mine was kind enough to 'take one for the team' and recount her experience on her commute home.  Proving that timing is everything... and that you just can't make this stuff up!  Enjoy!

Usually my train rides are fairly uneventful. I believe that the most exciting thing that happened in over a year of riding the commuter rail was a medical emergency when somebody passed out. However, yesterday’s train ride was significantly more eventful than usual. As I walked through the train looking for a seat, I was stopped by a woman in the middle of the aisle who was loudly proclaiming that she was going to sit with “the most handsome man on the train.” She looked quite normal - dressed for a day at the office even – but she was decidedly, odd. We’ll call her Woman With Red Hair as I never caught her name. I took the closest seat I could find as I couldn’t get by her. I should have known I was in for a strange train ride when the man sitting next to me turned and said “I have never been so happy in my life as when you took the seat next to me.” When that’s not being used as a pick-up line, you should start to worry.

The woman had apparently found a candidate for “most handsome man on the train” as she proceeded to lean over a gentleman with blond hair a few seats away and ask him if he thought he was the most handsome man on the train. She was leaning over him so far that the man actually had to lean away from her and put his hands up to keep her away. When he did this she asked, “What, are you married or something?” and proceeded to tell him that she was okay with that. Eventually she lost interest in him and walked down the aisle to find Patrick, the man across the aisle and one row behind me. Patrick, apparently, was also a handsome man on the train. Patrick proceeded to ignore her and the older gentleman beside him started to tell Woman With Red Hair that she really ought to take a seat or the conductor would be upset with her. At this, Woman With Red Hair suggested that perhaps his lap would be the best seat available. When he, understandably, did not offer said lap, she decided to sit on the floor of the aisle and ask people if they had ever seen someone sit in the aisle of the train. Ummm….I’d safely say no.

The Conductor appeared to check tickets and was “mildly” annoyed to find a woman sitting on the floor of the train. He asked if she was all right or if she needed medical assistance to which she replied that she was just fine as long as they got her to Norfolk. Which, by the way, was about 40 minutes away at this time. With the help of a passenger they eventually got Woman With Red Hair into a seat…next to Patrick. Patrick was actually a pretty good sport about the whole thing, considering he was trapped between her and the wall. He assured the Conductor that she was fairly harmless and that he would be fine.

But Patrick spoke too soon. He, kindly, tried to offer Woman With Red Hair some help. I have no idea what sort of help she requested, but apparently Patrick decided that he could not help her with that particular request. Woman With Red Hair loudly proclaimed “What do you mean you can’t help me, you just said you could help me. Asshole. I know exactly what to do with an asshole like you” and began fishing through her purse. She pulled out a tube of lipstick, opened it, and proceeded to try to attack Patrick’s face with the tube of lipstick. Patrick, being no longer amused, restrained the woman until the Conductor could be called back in. As Patrick moved as far away from Woman With Red Hair as possible, the Conductor informed her that if she continued to harass the passengers, she would find herself escorted from the train. She informed him that this was fine as long as she was escorted off the train in Norfolk. Still, very, very far away.

The woman in front of Woman With Red Hair persuaded her to calm down a bit – pointing out that she did not want the police involved. Woman With Red Hair did quiet down a bit with her coaching and proceeded to sit quietly for about two minutes until an announcement came over the train:

“If Jane Doe is on the train, we have found your lost husband. He is in the last train car and will meet you in Walpole as planned.”

Woman With Red Hair having misunderstood “lost husband” and hearing “last husband” proceeded to cackle very loudly, much like the Wicked Witch of the West, and shout, “Why would anyone ever want to find their LAST husband.” When the Conductor showed up to remind her of his previous warning, she stated “Take me to Norfolk or DIE.” This quickly turned into a chant and she got up from her seat and started marching up and down the train screaming “Take me to Norfolk or DIE” over and over again. Needless to say, some men in blue uniforms were waiting to escort her off the train at the next stop in Norwood…with handcuffs.

After she was safely off the train a passenger was kind enough to point out that at least she had left with “the most handsome man on the train.”

Oh love - isn't it beautiful?

So, by some stroke of luck, I end up making it to the train not only on time, but early enough to pick up the last train that is running late - giving me a few extra minutes to get in town - YAY!

So I settle in and read my book till we get into the city.  It's hot - really really hot - even with the AC on.  I can barely stand it.  We stop at the next stop and a couple, expecting a child in the next 6 weeks or so and they sit down together.  They are nothing short of adorable at first glance... till momma bear is trying to get comfortable (i've been there, nothing really makes it comfortable), it's hot, adding to the discomfort, and ... you have an all too clingy husband who can't keep his hands to himself for like 10 minutes.  She kept shoo-ing him away to stop holding her hand, to stop 'carressing' her arm, to stop touching her leg, and finally to stop cuddling into her.  Like I said it was hot, and for the love of god, he wouldn't stop and get a clue.  I could tell in her face, she just wanted to be left alone to shut her eyes on the train ride into town and relax.  But this dude, wasn't having it.  She was frustrated and pushed him away, and told him no and stop like 10 times.  I wanted to stand up and yell at him.  I didnt want to be touched and I am not 7+ months preggo.

Good morning, Bad morning, but hey, it's Friday!

Good Morning:

This morning started out like most others - and by that means me, shutting off the alarm and going to sleep.  45 minutes later, I wake up - to my 20 month old alarm, realize what is going on, and jump up to get in the shower. Running this late though, I realize I am only going to make the last 'rush hour' train out of Salem.  But - aha!  I get there, and there must be 4756 people on the platform...turns out the 8:05 express was late.  Yet right on time for me.  I jumped on, got a seat amongst all of those people, and read on my 25 minute journey to North Station.

Bad Morning:

That being said, while walking out to jump on the Orange line, a younger guy (maybe late teens early 20s - MAYBE), was walking out and not looking where he was going, and kicked my foot with these crazy boot things.  OWWWWW!  It hurt so much that I swear the pain shot up into my teeth.  I literally had to close my eyes for a second and take a deep breath...it really hurt!  I only had flip flops on so I didn't have anything to buffer the kick.

I do have to say, he did apologize, which is something that most don't do when it comes to bumping into you or otherwise hurting you on public transportation.

But, it's still a good morning, because it's Friday! :)

Sweaty, Stinky, Body Odor ... Ick. Public Transportation in the Summer

I will reiterate again - taking the commuter rail and the T to work is WAAAY better than driving was.  Or even better than it was driving to Wellington to the Orange line to go to work.  Why?  Well, first and foremost, it saves me money.  Really!  Pre tax dollars pay for my pass, and I get a ride to the Train station - you know just like high school, just early in the morning.  I also like that it IS 'green'.  I am using less gas in my car and hopefully saving a little chunk of the environment.  A bigger chunk is saved with the recycling I do at my house, but I digress.

What I DON'T like are the smells on the T.  I have a sensitive nose - a very sensitive nose.  I can gag about a smell before anyone else around me smells it.  Which brings me to my complaint about public transportation.  Which is not only the issue in the summer, smells and stinky people certainly do exist in the winter, it's just shall we say, enhanced in the summer.  It's hot, everyone's sweaty, and some just don't use the appropriate deodorant or use deodorant at all.  Bleh.  This morning in fact, there was the faint smell of body odor and I couldn't figure out who was responsible, but I did have to put my nose in my shirt at one point to avoid any gagging.  

But... the point of my post is that no one needs help smelling any worse during the summer, so if you could, please don't work out till you're a sweaty mess, and then just get on the commuter rail.  You do smell, and seeing your shirt stick to you because of that sweat makes me gag.  Please, either rinse off at the gym, or stand in front of a fan for a while.  

T delayed due to police activity?

On Tuesday I was greeted at the North Station T with the PA stating that 'all trains on all lines are delayed about 15 minutes due to police activity'.  The PA further went to explain to Green Line passengers that the Green Line was delayed 'due to a police investigation'.  Always interesting... especially now when police presence has been heightened for a while.


So, I of course, wondered why.  When I got off the Green Line at Copley I still didn't find the reason, but I did find a friendly News 5 reporter getting his camera shots of the street signs and the Copley station as well.  Yesterday evening I flipped to channel 5 to see what the deal was - thanks in part to this channel 5 cameraman, I found out that they were looking for a man who had 'indecently exposed' himself on an inbound Green Line train to Copley.  Full story found on the Channel 5 Website. Kudos to the woman who reported it and to the police who arrested the guy.  People who do this on the T or anywhere for that matter are creeps!

MBTA Launches "Park Mobile" Pay by phone app

On Tuesday, the MBTA put these handy little fliers to advertise the ParkMobile Beta program.  These handy little fliers were left on your seat for you to read on your way into the city to learn more about the program and how it works - and I assume to invite you to test it out.  It's a partnership between the MBTA and ParkMobile where you download an app to your iPhone, Droid or Blackberry and are able to pay for your parking via credit card.  The program begins on July 23rd.

What do I think of this?  I think it's awesome!  No more shuffling around in the morning to find singles or change to slip in that little slot in the morning while you're rushing to make sure you get the train that is just about into the station.  Plus, if you're one of those people that just never carry cash (like me), then this is a moment where you're probably thinking "It's about time!".  Hopefully this turns turns into a program beyond a beta test soon after!  Thanks MBTA!

Almost Macho

Spotted on the Commuter rail ... Buff guy, with his white t-shirt or the non PC term (apologies in advance for anyone who is offended by this term) "Wife Beater" on.  Certainly has done some lifting... most likely wanted to be noticed... and he was.  Was it because he was the only guy on the train with a white tank on, bald head, and what looked to be greased up muscles?  Perhaps, but his macho cover was blown when you notice ... dun.. dun.. dun...............the white tank is inside out.  At least Michael Jordan would be happy he is supporting Hanes...

A little hint for next time ... check to make sure it's right side out prior to putting on the macho shirt.  It really does take away from the 'look'

Wrong season for these pants

Yikes... I am going to add an entire segment that just talks about improper attire for the weather. In this weather... it was 80 degrees out at 7 AM on a hot train in July. The cords should have been put away a couple of months back!

Not on the T... but in Commuting in the Air

So last week, instead of commuting all week, I was in California for work.  I was looking forward to a week of great meetings and fun, followed by a weekend in the city.  Not to mention some escape from public transportation.  Well, public transportation as encapsulated in the "T" or Commuter Rail.

The week was off to a great start - first and foremost, I paid (myself) to upgrade on an already phenomenal flight on Virgin.  A little bit more room could only make it better...right?

Well it depends on how you define comfort, I guess.  For me, it means, more room since there were only middle seats available, free stuff (food, movies - Couples Retreat and It's Complicated were GREAT, btw!).  It also means, hopefully sitting with a better crowd, because well, you have to pay more, a significant amount more to sit there.  I quickly learned, that I assumed incorrectly.

So by upgrading I got all sorts of great perks.  For one, I got to go through the 'express' line in security.  Basically it meant that I jumped about 3 people, since well, the gates were only for two gates.  and I got to board first.  Which just means getting settled in before everyone else.  Still, I was sold!

But the excitement of walking onto a Virgin America flight for the first time quickly waned as I slowly approached my seat.  I started to smell alcohol ... first just one whiff, then I thought I was starting to feel woozy because of it.  I quickly thought of the only three scenarios that could possibly happen:

1. Oh My God!  6+ hours, I am going to be sick before this plane lands
2. Oh My God, I am going to be drunk from fumes before this plane lands
3. Umm, where is candid camera and / or am I going to be featured on a new season of Airplane - now featuring Virgin America instead of Southwest (and if so, please give me a few more minutes to just put on some makeup!)

It got to the point that it was just seeping from his pores.  I get it, who hasn't had a day like that.  I remember one or two back in my younger days.  But this guy wasn't 'younger'...and we weren't talking a 5 or 6 AM flight... it was almost 9 AM.  Which leads me to only one conclusion ... it must have been SOME party!

And so... while I escaped the "T", I did not escape the perils of public transport.

Never thought I was so green...

So every morning on my commuter ride into work I generally read my magazine or book, or the Metro.  I find that to be a fabulous paper because the articles are short enough for my attention span (that of a gnat when it comes to newspaper), yet keep me informed.  Others on the train could be interpreted as more intellectual - reading NYT or the Journal ... or others that just have a longer attention span than me, reading the Globe or Herald.  either way, many of us finish our papers before we get to our final stop - North Station.

The Metro has graciously set up special recycle bags for you to place your newspapers in.  They are conveniently located (really, REALLY conveniently located - like a few feet from a trash barrel), yet people continue to toss their newspapers in the trash.  I find this very frustrating and annoying.  Recycling is not longer this ridiculously difficult task - in fact, especially in the city of Boston, they have made it very easy.

C'mon be a little greener!

Seriously, just smell yourself!

My goodness, normally I have a strange person or bizarre experience to report, but today, I have neither.  Instead, I am reporting on Mr. Stinkypants.

Maybe it's just that I have a sensitive nose?  Maybe its that you don't have a sensitive nose?  Either way, others are suffering.  The smell is nauseating, especially on a warm June afternoon.  So, Mr. Stinkypants, I'd like to offer you some advice so that you don't offend on another warm afternoon.

1. It's June...plaid flannel most likely (and I say most likely because we do live in New England and I understand the weather is unpredictable), but, really, not needed.
2. You are carrying a fancy backpack with many compartments.  Surely you can put some deodorant in there.
3. If either of these steps fail you, under NO UNCERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES are you to lift your arms, let along for any extended period of time.  It's just not right.

Your fellow public transportation riders will thank you!

Never so Happy to see Beachmont...

So last night, I missed the 9:30 Commuter rail...when I miss the commuter rail, it leaves me with exactly two options.
1. Wait for the next one (generally about 50 - 60 minutes away), or
2. Take the blue line

Technically the third exists - just take the orange line, but my ride, doesnt know how to get there.  Thats next on my list of things to teach, I promise, especially after last night.

So, the blue line scares me as you have noted in my previous post.  The people seem scarier, they seem to be more ' trouble' and just overall shifty.  Maybe its that, yes, at heart, I am a child of suburbia.  I am always wary about people who are shifty.  Some not warranted, I'll admit, others warranted and usually shiftiness is founded.

Anywho, last night was no different - after all, the blue line never ceases to come through on these things.  When I got to State to switch to the Blue line, I clustered myself with a nice family - and hoped to hell that they were going all the way to Wonderland.  The nice family of at least 7 (southern - very nice too) came through for me... that is till Wood Island.  At that moment, I was left with an approx 25 year old woman to my left (not shifty) an approx 32 year old professional man to my right (not shifty) and probably a 35 - 40 year old drunk guy across from me.  Till the family got off ... he was 'passed out' ... it was then the 'sleeping lion' was awakened... Seriously.

He woke up and screamed "I'm F&%*ing Tired!  I'm F&%*ing Tired!  Doesn't anybody hear me?  I'm F&%*ing tired!" (Immediately my stomach started to scrunch up and do flips...Oh god...why did I miss that train?)  The guy continued ... "I'm going home ... I'm F&%*ing TIRED.  None of you b*^@#es care.  Too good to listen to me... snobby b*^@#es!" (Oh, god, please let me get home safe... just let this train get to Wonderland.  I can run then...)

And just when I think I am just overall freaked out... it get's even better... the 'gentleman' lays down on the seat... starts saying "The LION gets no sleep... the LION is  F&%*ing tired!  Roar!  ROOOOOAAARRR!!!" (yes a real roar), complete with his hand 'pawing'.  (Oh god, PLEASE let him get off at the next stop... PUHLEASE!  I just want to get home...)

And just like that, someone was looking out for me.  He got up, stumbled past me.  Turned to the nice professional gentleman and said, "You're F&%*ing GAY man!" (Not nice at all).  So he stumbled down the other end of the car.  Thank goodness...

And then we arrived at Beachmont.  Ahhhh Beachmont.  My friends sitting on either side of me, jumped off quick... and at the last ding of the doors, my friend stumbled off.  Thank goodness.

And then, there was quiet...stomach still in my throat... but there was quiet.  And I was thanking my lucky stars that, a) I lost him and b) the nice southern family with small children didn't have to witness.  After all, Boston isn't THAT crazy.  Just the random drunk guy...

Never a dull moment...

Till tomorrow...

Another book down...

So, I also use my trips to read.  Just finished A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand.  Great book, loved it!  Quick read, drew you in with all the elements (Love, life, work, balance, etc).

Highly recommended, especially as a summer book!

Wow... this is nice

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/teen-choked-in-t-station-attempted-rape-20100611


Jeez, really?  I pass through this station on days I dont get stuck on the Blue line.  C'mon now... just not ok.

Oh Blue Line ... Never a dull moment

In my lifetime, I have taken the Blue Line many a time.  The first time I took it I was in High School.  Everything was fine until I was getting on one day, and a homeless guy had a heart attack and died in the train car in front of mine (same train). It was car #0260 - I watched for that for years.  Hated the blue line since then, try to avoid taking it at all costs, unfortunately I have to take it on days when I miss the commuter rail.

Well, yesterday I witnessed some craziness on the Orange / Blue Line.

First - I saw 80+ year old take her first escalator. Result ... Near disaster as she hung off like it was a San Fran trolley.

Next, A sweet talkin guy (STG) beggin to be taken back all while tellin her she's an idiot. Didn't look like the technique worked, Girly walked around the corner and STG walked over to some friends.  STG continued to talk in Spanish, gradually getting more and more frustrated, angry, till suddenly his friend runs over to Girly, and more yelling ensues.  Girly and STG's friend stumble back around the corner, yelling and overall pulling on her bag, swearing, etc.  Suddenly, STG, other friend, and female come running at the group.  (perspective - they are 24 inches away from me).STG starts ripping off his shirt to start fight.  Me and other (nice) random guy with iPad, scramble inside and get the police.  STG & crew run screaming yelling and shoving over the platform. 

The kicker... I walk outside whether two other innocent bystanders where the woman said "Man, that's dangerous you never know when they have a gun" (Me - gasp) guy "Yeah or a knife.  They'll Slash ya like it's nothing.  No respect these kids" (Me - grab cell phone and call my ride ... where are you... when will you be arriving?)  

Moral of the story?  Never miss the 6:40 Commuter Rail --- OR just suck it up and wait for the 7:40 one!