1.05.2010

What Does Not Destroy Me...

Yesterday as I got close to the Times Square subway station, I pulled out my MetroCard and on the back of it I noticed the following quote:



Train of Thought: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger. (Friedrich
Nietzsche 1844-1900).



Now, I have heard this quote a billion times before, but seeing it on the back of a Metro*Card (or as I like to call it, my train ticket to Hell) reeked of pure irony. My daily commute to and from the office on the subway is filled with enough things that's probably making me stronger. Or at the very least, a more tougher, jaded commuter. I present you a list of said things in bullet format:

· Every day, at this one station where I transfer to another train, hoards of people REFUSE to step aside and let the passengers off the train. Instead, these hoards of people try to squeeze their way onto the train before letting anyone out. A huge pet peeve of mine and a subway rider no-no. You basically have to sharpen your elbows if you want to make it out alive. What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.

· If you time it just right, you can be the only person trying to make your way down the stairs while throngs of people are stampeding up the stairs. What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.

· Things are always frenetic in and around subway stations - especially high traffic stations. Stations are filled with people whizzing by; tourists scratching their heads; and people beating on drums; playing pan flutes and break dancing all for some loose change or a dollar if they’re lucky. It's always noisy no matter what time of day. What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.

· Subway doors are unforgiving. They will close on you whether or not you, your limbs, or your personal property are on the other side of the doors. The Husband and I have been separated many times because he is able to jam himself inside while the doors snap shut in my face. The rule is, if one makes it on without the other, they get to feed Manny his Fancy Feast. What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.

· The 7 train is notorious for too small seats. Unless you’re built like a pipe cleaner, if you want a seat, you’ll have to wedge yourself in between two people. One of which is probably a guy who has to sit with his legs wide open. What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.

OK, that’s enough for now, I don’t want to scare my out-of-state readers from ever coming to the Big Apple or deter anyone from using our transit system. The MTA is already in a budget crisis, so we need all the dollars we can get. I just love how poetic my Metro*Card is this month.


I can’t wait to see what other quotes land on my $89 a month unlimited Metro*Card. . .

9 comments:

Robin said...

I would think a much bigger punishment would be cast upon the one that made the train while the other stood on the platform. I can just see me and Roy doing that. I've left him behind so many times just crossing the street! only to have him bitch at me when he catches up. "If you'd just go when I do you'd be fine." "If you'd just wait for me You'd be just fine too." And so it goes...

And isn't that one of the touristy things to do....ride the subway? See the Statue of Liberty.
See Cats. Well, I guess that one's not possible anymore.
See Empire State building.
Go to Central Park.
And ride the subway.

Ohoh and go to Time Square and see the naked cowboy.

kilax said...

Gina! I LOVE THIS POST! You need to become a regular blogger. I love looking into a day of your crazy commuter life :)

So. What is the dealio with these a-holes who insist on barging in without letting others out? I admit. I have fun pushing my way out.

So if Steve gets ahead of you, does he go all the way home or stop at the next stop and wait for you?

I hope a visit to NYC is in my future... I will in DC the entire week before Memorial Day and feel like it's so close (geographically) that I should go, but who knows! That is so far away!

Helen said...

OMG - I don't think you have to worry about scaring the out-of-towners. We have the same issues with BART in San Francisco. Maybe marginally more civil/friendly but not much. I personally love the ones who see all of us standing in lines and then sneak past up onto the train - like we didn't notice you - jerk?? sigh...having grown up on Lawng Island tho, I miss NY! stay safe for Manny :-)

courtneyl said...

WOW!!! That's all I can say... to me it sounds scary but something I would like to experience one day!! I give you a gold star for doing that every single day!!! Our public transportation here is the bus... and I have never once had the pleasure of riding it...
=^..^=

DILLIGAF said...

Where is cat?

This question has been asked on behalf of Maximus Spittimus.

Best Regards

Four Dinners
Aide de Camp to
http://maximusspittimus.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Hurray for the reinvention! Of course, I'll still look forward to the Manny stories but it's fun to see your personality and experiences in your blog as well.

SuvvyGirl said...

LOL I think that probably would kill me. I"m not clostrophobic when it comes to small spaces but I am with strangers invading my personal bubble :P You are a stronger woman for riding the subway

Christina said...

I have no experience riding the subway on a regular basis and wonder if I would have a panic attack. Having that quote is great to use in all situations.

Imogen said...

I'm not from the US -and have never been to NYC - but your post still made me laugh out loud! I guess it reminded me of the trials and tribulations of riding the Brussels' metro, everyday, for seven years...

You got a real nice blog here! And I simply adore Manny (his cute little face & cheeky attitute would be enough reason to come back ;) ).

Take care (and persevere :P )