Wednesday, November 21, 2007

I am an Amtrak employee

I'm really not an Amtrak employee but I must look like one because every time I buy a ticket at their automated machine I get questions from strangers like how do I buy a ticket or how do I use this automatic ticket machine? But today I was asked the best question from a stranger I have ever heard: Which train do I get on to go to BWI?

Mind you, I am standing in line in the middle of the terminal with a purse, two duffel bags and wearing my winter coat, hat and scarf waiting to purchase a ticket. I am not wearing the little red vest the Amtrak employees wear nor am I standing by a sign that says Ask Me for Directions.

Okay. I do NOT work for Amtrak. This is what I do:

I make hats and I sell them on Etsy. I have no idea how to get to Baltimore Washington International Airport on an Amtrak train from Washington DC's Union Station. I am more than willing to show anyone that asks how to use the ticket machines to purchase a ticket regardless of the fact that the machine walks you right through the process, but I really can't help you if you can't even get it together enough to know which train line you need to board to get to the airport!

I mean really? You bought a plane ticket, left your house, got yourself to the train station and your next step is to ask a complete and total stranger, where to now?

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Peace

I heard tonight the first Christmas song I've heard yet this season. Luckily, not being a big fan of Christmas music, it was my favorite, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Happy Xmas (War is Over).

I remember the first time I heard this song. I was young and I had no real idea of who John Lennon was or even The Beatles really. My father was driving us home from the YMCA, just he and I and there was a sense of peace and calmness in the car.

As I listened to the refrain, the children singing war is over if you want it, I believed.

I believed the children and the man singing and I believed this man could end all wars if we all wanted it enough. I though peace could be as simple as that. I couldn't fathom then and I still forget now that there are people in this world who clamor for war.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Hair

I love my new haircut; some people do not. Like my parents. And my boyfriend.
I think it looks awesome though. I love it, love it, love it. This is one of those haircuts that gives you a new perspective on your day. Every morning seemed dull and slightly gray and definitely boring but now it's fresh and fun cause my hair is brand new.