I woke this morning with a song stuck in my head, by the artist Pink. It's a song that I don't know the title, and really know very little of the lyrics. I am not even sure when I last heard this song. It is a mystery to me how this song came to be the first thing that popped in my head this morning. It is possible that I heard it on a radio as I passed by a car the other day, or in a store- and I didn't register at the time.
So, even more confounding then was when I got off the subway and found myself kind of quietly whistling the theme song from "I Dream of Genie." Yup, hum along if you wish... not sure where that one came from either. Apparently my brain has harnessed the ability to screw with me- that is to subliminally store things, and release them only at a time when it will feel completely random and unassociated to anything present... well, songs at this point. Who can say what I'll wake up singing tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
It's a virtue...
"Due to train traffic ahead, we will be held here momentarily..."
As subway riders, we've all heard it. It's inevitable- almost expected to happen over the course of any commute. But it's the choice of words that follow this announcement that determines my reaction to the situation.
This morning it was: "...Please be patient."
Please be patient? Are you implying that I am being impatient? I was just sitting here, quietly reading the paper- and you're telling me to be patient? I can't any get any more patient, man- this is me at my most patient! Stop telling me what to do, jerk, and start the frickin train already!
(Breath.)
Other times, and much preferably to me, the announcement is followed with: "...Thank you for your patience."
Now that's more like it. At least somebody appreciates the patience I bring to the table. I thank you for thanking me for my patience. You know what? You are very welcome. I'll just sit here and read my paper, whenever you can get the training moving again, that would be lovely.
A little appreciation goes a long way. As the subway fare goes up, maybe the MTA can use some of the extra cash to publish a list of curteous subway banter for the conductors to impart to riders on their merry way. (Okay stop laughing)... Okay, how about this- I won't tell you how to operate the train, if you don't tell me how to ride in it... deal? Or we can just go with status quo- I pay whatever you say to ride in packed, uncomfortable trains, and you can treat me however you like and I will still come back because frankly, I can't afford to take cabs everywhere!
(Breath)
Fine. I can take it. I am patient. Just don't tell me to be.
As subway riders, we've all heard it. It's inevitable- almost expected to happen over the course of any commute. But it's the choice of words that follow this announcement that determines my reaction to the situation.
This morning it was: "...Please be patient."
Please be patient? Are you implying that I am being impatient? I was just sitting here, quietly reading the paper- and you're telling me to be patient? I can't any get any more patient, man- this is me at my most patient! Stop telling me what to do, jerk, and start the frickin train already!
(Breath.)
Other times, and much preferably to me, the announcement is followed with: "...Thank you for your patience."
Now that's more like it. At least somebody appreciates the patience I bring to the table. I thank you for thanking me for my patience. You know what? You are very welcome. I'll just sit here and read my paper, whenever you can get the training moving again, that would be lovely.
A little appreciation goes a long way. As the subway fare goes up, maybe the MTA can use some of the extra cash to publish a list of curteous subway banter for the conductors to impart to riders on their merry way. (Okay stop laughing)... Okay, how about this- I won't tell you how to operate the train, if you don't tell me how to ride in it... deal? Or we can just go with status quo- I pay whatever you say to ride in packed, uncomfortable trains, and you can treat me however you like and I will still come back because frankly, I can't afford to take cabs everywhere!
(Breath)
Fine. I can take it. I am patient. Just don't tell me to be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)