The Commute

The subway can be the most horrible experience for some people, but I refuse to let that fact overpower me. The subway is a necessity for me at this point from getting to point A and point B. I am lucky that Eug's flat is conveniently located near a station. On top of many other things I miss about San Diego, I miss my car. I mentioned that it was given to me by my father so it has a lot of sentimental value. I do miss driving but I am not fond of the idea of driving around NYC. I feel that it is more rough here and the drivers are more impatient. I noticed that drivers honk right at the second the light turns green. Come on, give the driver in the front a chance to accelerate properly! 

I've had some negative experiences in the subway. Just like everyone else who experienced commuting, the pushing and crowding is inevitable. It is frustrating especially during rush hour. There are people from all walks of life who has to use the train and people from different social status, if that is the proper term for it. There are so many stenches from expensive perfumes (the ones that would make one nauseous) to people who probably haven't showered in a month. There are also tourists who may be just confused about where to go, where to stand, where to hold on, etc.

From my personal experience based on my daily commute from point A to point B, the beginning of my ride in the morning usually starts mellow. It depends how early I get up. Before 07:45, I am guaranteed a seat most of the time. As the time gets closer to 08:00 or after, it can start as mellow and end crowded by the time I get to my stop. People are definitely grumpy as they wait for their caffeine to kick in.

On my way home, it can start crowded. I do love the fact that by the time I get to my home station, it becomes close to empty. So it can start with grumpy, tired people and end with people who finally calmed down and potentially miss their stop by falling asleep.

I can appreciate the fact that I start my day rough but could conclude my day calmly.

There are a few things I've learned to do to make my trip much more bearable on the daily. I meditate. Yes, there will be some pushing and some grumpy people around but I am thankful to be one with my thoughts for the most part. I just simply like to think. Some things that I would normally think about is food (as in what to eat for dinner or what to buy at the grocery store which leads to me updating a shared to-buy list), my family, the future with Eug, the plans I have with my friends, specific things that I want to do with my sister, Ate Cam and her family, and some other creative things pertaining to writing. Recently, I decided to have this silly goal of submitting a story for the New Yorker but hey! One can hope! I just need to start writing.

I also read, read, and read! Just like almost everyone else on the train. I just don't know how much they enjoy it or if they just do it to pass the time. I feel happy seeing people read no matter the reason. I definitely enjoy reading and it helps with the time. I try to be productive while on the subway instead of thinking negatively about the experience.

In the entirety of it, it simply feels nice to get out of my stop feeling accomplished about something -- it doesn't matter if it is just finishing a chapter of a book or being able to plan dinner -- and that I also feel grateful to be able to arrive to my destination safely.