Train Ride

I ride the train to work at least three days a week. I used to ride it everyday but I got lazy and driving seems easier until I'm in the middle of the commute home. Parking is free, it's right across the street from my health club - wake-up, go to the gym, workout, shower, dress, drive across the street and hop on the train - how much easier can it get? 


The train offers amazing scenery and the northwest has a lot to offer in that category. Traveling right next to Puget Sound there is always something beautiful to look at - eagles soaring, the Olympic Mountain range, the water, beaches - it's a virtual postcard. But, when I'm not looking outside, I read, watch TV shows on my i-pod or make-up stories about the regulars who ride everyday. 

1. The number one guy I like to look at is one I'll call Pirate Guy. I know he's a pirate because he was on match.com and I read his profile. His hair is long, blonde, curly and unruly, he wears a lot of skull and cross bone jewlerey and dresses in all black. He apparently met his match because they often make-out on the platform as we all wait for the train to arrive. 
2. The really nice man who has a nervous tick. As he reads each morning (I never see him on the return trip) he constantly raises his eyebrows, knits his brow and repeats. I can't sit by him anymore, it's too distracting.
3. The bead lady who creates beautiful jewelry. She looks like she is my age and yet she can see without glasses while creating exquisite and detailed earrings. So far she hasn't offered to make me any. 
4. The sleeping lady. Once she was a little cross with me because she could hear my music through my i-pod headphones. I wasn't really sure what to say to her so now I avoid sitting across from her. 
5. The Man Who Thinks He Can Beat Me Up The Stairs. I don't know where he sits on the train but he is always one of the first off the train. You must climb three flights of stairs to get to the street and this guy is always trying to race me up those stairs but so far I'm the winner - when is he going to realize I am always going to win that race?  
6. Only during the summer I look for the naked men at a certain secluded beach area. They seem very proud of their bodies and I think it's interesting to look - for me it's the only naked body I see beside my own. 
7. Finally, I feel like I'm doing something for the greater good when I'm using public transportation, and that's not a bad thing for any of us to try.