Subway Wars

There is a scary culture in New York when it comes to subways. They are magical metal monsters that have a way of transforming the nicest people into NFL linebackers.

In my usual morning commute, I grab the free Metro New York paper and head down the flight of stairs to the 2/3 train. This morning seemed to be unusually crowded which made me immediately think that my timing was way off this morning and instead of it being 8:15 it was somehow 8:30.

Checking the clock in the newsstand, I realized I was right on time, but something just didn't feel right about today's commute, the fact that there was an ominous police officer the size of Andre the Giant didn't help either. Once I entered the station, the 3 train came roaring into the station and immediately the stampede erupted. Out of nowhere, children, teens, people dressed in scrubs, and bums came bounding towards the door eagerly awaiting for the train to stop. Scared I clutched my purse and newspaper and waited for madness to begin.

Like a flood, people came spilling out of the doors while we were simultaneously jamming ourselves into the train. Everyone was looking for the coveted early morning seat! This is like finding the golden egg on the Easter egg hunt. There is a feeling of satisfaction to anyone who grabs this seat and can catch a quick nap before their departure to Workland.

Today, however, the seating options were terrible. There was the usual teenager that was asleep and taking up two seats, the mother with two children spanning four seats, the overweight man who spanned three seats and the rude Wall Street man who grabs the seat you are making a B-line for. The fun part is the random outbursts that occur because of these seating arrangements.

The Wall Streeters are always the ones shouting "move the middle of the train" while simultaneously bowling over the shorter people standing in the entrance of the door. I guess that in preparations for the work they have to do throughout the day. The "backpackers" are always standing in the most awkward position, but aren't aware of what their bags are doing because their i-pods are way too loud. Finally, the "strippers" are the women that wrap their bodies on the poll, forcing you to do a balancing act since there is no way you can reasonably hold the poll without inappropriately touching her.

Luckily, today I got a seat and was able to watch the drama unfold, while browsing through the morning gossip.

After settling down to work, I noticed that Rhonda had an unusual day on the subway too. She proclaimed, "Girl, I almost got arrested on the train for telling a man off!" Anyone who knows Rhonda knows she doesn't play that! Though she is a sweet as pie, she can be as nasty as a snake when necessary. She proceeded to tell me how he tried to jump her in the Metro Card line and then asked if she was gonna yell at him if he took her seat. She then expressed how she declined from making a comment about his wife.

I guess this is expected in the Subway Wars. Some days you win and some days you lose, but today, I won and got a front row seat for the best drama in NYC.

Sunday Night Football

When they say that Monday is the worst day of the week, I now know what that means. In college, Monday meant a light day of classes, a reunion with friends and sharing of albums on Facebook about the crazy weekend you had, but for us working stiffs, Monday means the dreaded work monster has reared its ugly head.

It's that feeling the kids get when the last day of summer is upon them and they have to return to school the next day. Luckily, I have fun-loving friends who live at home with their parents and can afford to be late to work! So Sundays have gained a whole new meaning for me.

After my usual Sunday worship service, I leave feeling like I just met with my therapist and had a great session. Therapy is good despite what everyone tells you. It's not just for the rich people that have drinking/drug problems; it's for us regulars too.

Here in my semi-decorated, studio aparment in Harlem, while enjoying my amazing baked ziti and salad, I get a call from Sean, my social life coach. His main concern is to have enough stories to tell his children once he finally decides to settle down and make something of his life. He is by far one of my greatest friends from school and always convinces me to live recklessly even if it's only for a few hours.

This Sunday, his adventure is football. Since leaving the South, I have yet to have an experience like I had in high school. The band, the bleechers the cheering have all been replaced with flashy tv effects and annoying sports announcers.

However, today was fun; the chicken wings, the beer, the humongous flat-screen tvs made for an amazing experience. I felt like I was in school again, not worried about tomorrow, but focused on today's fun. It felt like an arena; people were yelling, waiters were running and everyone was glued to the game! For a few hours, I forgot about Monday, and enjoyed Sunday.

That's all it's about for us young, working professionals. Finding the fun in life despite the coming of a new work week!