Music

A few months back I shared the songs that typically put me in a great mood - some have been top picks forever, some just the flavor of the day. Now I'm in a rut and I can't seem to find any new artists/songs that I really like. If you know me, you know I'm a big Springsteen fan. Well, I was pretty excited for the January 27 release of his new album, Working on a Dream. Needless to say, "Queen of the Supermarket" didn't rock my socks off.

Does anyone have new music to share? All genres are welcome.

The Morning Commute

If you read this blog, I'm sure you have an idea of how much I hate taking public transportation to work. I went to my parents' house for dinner on Wednesday and I tried painting the picture of the morning commute. I've also tried describing it to N on several occassions and I guess you can't fully grasp the concept until it becomes part of your daily routine.

Here it goes.

First, the train has a distinct odor. Not a nice odor. The odor of burning brake pads and sweat. Boston temps are usually in the teens during the Winter, so the heat on the train is blasting to keep passengers warm. This is awesome ONLY for the few minutes it takes to defrost because on most days when people are dripping wet from snow or rain, the heat/wet combo makes for for a swampy mess. Not to mention I'm usually bundled up with a hat, scarf, gloves and the shiniest, puffiest jacket you will ever see - this does not equal hottness.

Now, finding a seat. It is every man for himself. During dinner, my mom asked, "do men usually give up their seats for women or the elderly," HELL NO, MOM if you find a seat you hold on to it for dear life. The trains are set up to have seating for two people on one side of the aisle and seating for three people on the other side. In my opinion the two-person seat is ideal because there is less of a chance to touch the other person. This is a big deal. Once you spot a seat and make the big attempt to sit down, you have to slide, ever so slightly into the seat, careful not to touch the person beside you. If you do, even by accident, there is no doubt that person will give you a dirty look for invading their personal space.

People do not speak on the train. Even if you are mid-conversation with someone you know waiting at the T stop (this has happened to me on several occassions), the conversation MUST be abruptly cut short because the glares you will get if you continue to chit-chat on the train will most likely be fatal. Same goes with talking on a cell phone. I always keep my phone on vibrate, but if you don't, you better pray it doesn't ring on the train. For the poor soul fumbling to find a ringing cell phone in his pocket, briefcase or at the bottom of a backpack, I feel for you. You will be the brunt of passengers' gasps as this is the mac-daddy of commuter no-nos. N doesn't understand the cell phone rule because he feels this would be a great opportunity for people to be "sealing deals and making moves." I agree, but I'm not going to be the first one to break from the norm.

A day in the life...oh how glamorous!

Dreams

I've been waking up crying - a lot. Not just a tear running down my face, but sobs. I keep telling myself it is because my body wants to wake me up from a nightmare (not sure why I'd be having nightmares), but today I did a little research and I've decided it is a problem.

DreamMoods.com

Cry

"To wake up crying, represents some suppressed hurt or previous trauma that is coming up to the surface. You can no longer suppress these emotions. They need to be dealt with head on."

Interesting, eh? I can't say that I was all that shocked by the explanation, but I wish it also included something like this, "Jena, this is how you should deal with your suppressed hurt..." because at this point I'm at a serious loss.