Self Employed

If I had a notion to operate my own business, I'd seriously consider opening a liquor store in a train station.  If the liquor store at Union Station is any indication, it's a sure way to get rich.  I've noticed that especially on Fridays there is an endless line of customers stocking up on their favorite adult beverage for the evening commute.  And, I admit, I have contributed to the owner's retirement fund myself, occasionally purchasing a nice Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for the evening ride.  The clerks are always helpful, suggesting options and adding plastic glasses to your bag so you can share your purchase with a friend, which isn't surprising since that's a great way to get repeat business.  I'll have to keep that in mind, if I actually do decide to seek self employment.

Snow Bound

The winter storm advisory didn't deter Marc from making its runs this morning.  The roughly three inches of snow was no match for the train.  Still, I've noticed a lighter-than-normal passenger load this a.m.  I'm not sure whether people just couldn't get to the train stations in time or they simply decided to telework today in order to avoid the mess of trudging through the ice and snow.  I noticed though that the parking lot was cleared and the walks salted at the Aberdeen train station.  In fact, it was cleaned up enough for me to walk a few extra laps as I waited for my ride.  Sure I did it in snow boots rather than sneakers, but I did it nonetheless.  So no guilt today.

It's A New Year

Happy New Year, everyone!  Yes, I realize that it's January 5, but extended travel and bit of procrastination has prevented me from sending this annual wish to everyone until now.  Nonetheless, the wish is just as sincere as if it had arrived in a timely fashion, and here on the train people are hunkering down for the beginning of cold, long winter of riding.  In fact, if I didn't know better I would think people are using the January commute as a form of mini hibernation.  I notice more  people wrapped in blankets and scarves, nestled in for the two hour commute to the city.  Sleep, however, still eludes me so I've decided to use my January commuting time just for me.  I'm going to delve into a new book, catch up on some magazine reading and just simply enjoy the peace and quiet as we rumble along on these dark, frosty mornings.  It doesn't seem like a bad way to start the year.  I just wonder how long it will last?

Holiday Cheer

A festive atmosphere has permeated the train this week.  Riders are bringing baked goods to share (I had an awesome blueberry pound cake), candy canes are being offered and generally people seem to be in good cheer.  I've also noticed the number of people riding has decreased this week, which is probably part of the reason for the positive mood, as trains have been running on time.  I just hope this uplifting mood continues long after the new year.  Until then, however, I wish everyone Happy Holidays!

And the Winner Is . . .

According to one of my fellow riders, the winner is me.  She approached me this morning and said, "you get the award for most efficient use of your time while waiting for the train." 
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Because I see you walking laps around the train station every morning," she replied.
And it's true.  I do walk circles around the station as I wait for my morning ride.  It's just a way for me to squeeze in a bit of exercise before I head off to work. 
Another rider calls me his hero as I pass by him two, three and sometimes four times every morning.
And on a chilly morning like today (19 degrees according to my thermometer) not only did my walk in the brisk morning air wake me up, but it also kept me warm. 
So I will gladly accept the award for using my time efficiently even though it was an honor just to be nominated.

Travel Tip

I discovered two seats on the MARC train that if you're lucky enough to sit in them, you can plug in your laptop and work without exhausting your battery.  Note, however, I won't disclose the location of these prized seats, mostly because I want to save them for myself.  If you look closely though, you might be able to find them and then we'll just have to share.

Shoeless Joe

My hubby had a brilliant idea.  He suggested that I keep a few pairs of shoes at the office so I wouldn't have to lug them back and forth on my daily commute.  At first, the idea sent me into a panic.  After all, say I needed the perfect pair of pumps one weekend and I discovered the exact ones I wanted to wear were holed up in a filing cabinet in my office.  How does one recover from such a shoe crisis?  But as I thought about the idea, I began to warm up to it.

I started slowly.  The first pair of shoes I left at work was a basic black pump.  I had two pair that were very similar so it was an easy choice to keep one at the office.  Then came the navy pumps.  I don't ever recall wearing them outside of work so they too have found a place in the file cabinet.  Most recently, I've added  my brown boots to my office collection.  This was a bold move.  I don't have a good substitute for them at home but I really hated toting them back and forth on the train because they take up so much room in my bag.  And wearing them instead of my sneakers as I run to catch the train really isn't an option either because of their three inch heels.  (Running in heels is not a skill I've mastered, nor want to.)  So, they too have earned a place in my office.

And frankly, with each pair of shoes that gets added to my office collection, I've noticed a corresponding decrease in my anxiety level over not having the perfect pump to wear. . . or maybe that's just the jubilation I feel because my load has gotten lighter.  Now, I spend my time marveling at how smart I am for marrying such a brilliant man.