I wrote a blog about a month back. Since then I have been trying to write every day since I find something happening every moment but I had been absorbing all that and keeping inside just to make it brim full to let it flow out. I don't know yet whether this blog is the real over flow or not but yes for sure! I cannot stay any more without writing. But do you really read what I write???? and if you do then please make a comment and /or become a member so that I feel that there is someone waiting to hear from me or looking forward to read something. I guess my blogs have the right to feel wanted... so people share your comments when you read any of my blogs.
Well, readers this is going to be a big reading because I have been looking and observing several things happening around me in the subway in the past 1 month- If you had read my previous blogs, one of them talks about a beggar couple in the Metro North Rail Road at Grand Central. I was just so angry to see the couple using a baby to beg. I now feel they are still better, about 3 weeks back I saw a teenage couple doing something similar, what makes them worse than the Metro North Rail Road couple is that, this teenage girl had pulled down her T-shirt and was exhibiting the child being breast fed...yeah agreed the child was of the age that he/she can't take anything else, yeah agreed that this is not anything vulgar but wait...the child was fast asleep and was definitely not suckling. So it was all made up...When I noticed the girl, she was wearing Nike sneakers and was well dressed with a clean, costly canvas bag hung diagonal across her waist, her male partner played a guitar that was not any song or tune but just for the sake of playing it for about a minute followed by this girl going to every one and leaning so that people can see the child. I was on my way to Jackson Heights, the teenage couple got off at the same station from the number 7 train and some thing asked me to follow and see where they go and what they do... Yeah the brain bug bit me and I strongly felt that they are not beggars rather begging is an easy way to get extra cash for something else...I followed them and as the girl was getting down the stairs she pulled her shirt up and sat at the wooden bench before. The baby was tied with the girl with a sling and had it's head backwards, the baby was sleeping!!! She pulled out her ipod and then came out the cell phone which seemed like a smart phone, at that point I decided to move on. I never saw them again in any of the Queens subway routes that I take. I really question at times...were those teenagers really beggars???
Another incident that I relate to our current life is the one that happened around the beginning of the month. I was in the Q27 bus from Holly and Kissena to Main Street Flushing. A lady around the age of 50+ boarded the bus, as she paid the fair she looked around for a place to sit...quite natural I always do that!!! now this good looking guy who was literally sleeping was patted on the shoulder by this lady. She said "Excuse me, I am going to have a hip surgery, I can't stand" this guy politely left his seat, while sitting this lady made a couple of vocal sounds that presented well that she found the sitting difficult. As we reached the Main Street the lady in focus surprised me...she was supposed to have a hip surgery...then how come she was wearing boots with heels? She stood up without the sounds explaining pain and as she walked past me I saw her normal gait and a strong urge to run to her and ask her the reason to lie kept pushing me but I pulled my control wire and did not question. As I turned my head away from the lady, the good looking guy was also walking by me and may be he also noticed what I had and he asked "did you see that?" I responded raising an eyebrow and giving a smile by saying "think twice before you sacrifice next time." Amazingly we both were together in the 7 train again but this time seated opposite to each other. After noon schedule was on and the students were packed in the compartment. Many people were standing and among them stood a man with crutches, none offered a seat to him, this time the good looking guy was not so polite. He probably took my advice..lol. Two Indian guys were sitting next to me, one of them said in Hindi (I am translating) "see poor guy he must be given a seat, you sit, I'll stand up", promptly the other one said "be quiet, they pretend a lot to get a seat...trying to sacrifice huh? They take a lot of advantage of other people's goodwill, sit hear no need to be so good." Yeah! I just smiled at myself but before I could offer my seat to him the man with crutches got off the train.
Unfortunately this is what happens in our lives too. Those who lie and are able to snatch it, win; those who really deserve, more than often loose!!!
If I think, being in a social services field I know quite well how people take advantages of others. Thinking about "well to do" parents paying more for school projects so that the "not so well to dos" can be helped. On the other hand these "not well to dos" keep expanding their families with new born children and children with special needs. People earning millions yet lying to the system to get Medicaid and other benefits while people legally earning really meager amounts are mandated to pay taxes, but those getting paid in cash get to happily lick the cream. Frustration hits more when educated people struggle to make ends meet while the others without any degree stand claiming everything for free and virtually mock at the qualification of those who have skills and passion to really work.
Yes! many reading this blog by now feel that I am extremely frustrated and irritated and becoming a hater. Some would even wonder being in the social services how can I even think like this?
When I was joining this field I was asked by someone very close to me encouraged yet warned me by saying..."many of those whom you'll help will be making a fool of you because they live by manipulating the system." I know 99% of the people who come to seek help usually are clever minds and well skilled in manipulating the system but I am there because I have been educated; I have the qualified skills to passionately help that 1% who are genuinely needy.
Don't you think something similar???
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Follow Before You Preach
It happened few days back but I did not get the chance to write....
So I was in the Uptown 4 train. The compartment was filled with tired souls some of whom were sleeping with mouths open, other busy listening to music and vigorously moving their heads to the fast rhythm and yet some were looking around to the strange world they are a part of. Amid all these strangers and queer movements of head and legs and feet, there were various sounds- obviously packed train...people are talking, some are listening to the music so loud that it makes really no sense in using a ear plug for them...Anyway...letting my ear hear more, I directed my focus on this specific voice and the following sounds.
This voice was of an African American lady and the following sounds were the silent sobs of her daughter whom she was scolding. I being professionally involved working with children and parents grew more curious to know what the issue was though it was none of my business! However, There was a group of people in front of me and I could only see the mom's face and the kids legs through the gaps. There were 2 children. The eldest was sitting next to mom and crying because she was being scolded. So the mom was saying the following (I can't write the whole stuff as it carries loads of "f"s but still...)
"So you think you are very smart huh? Why did you put this thing in your mouth? Is this what you teach your little brother to put this thing in his mouth? You could have landed all of us in trouble, how dare you do it?Tell me. You think you can get everything done your way, you go to ....house and laugh heheheheheh, and then don't listen to me when I ask you not to run, no outing for you. I work my ....off and you put that thing in you mouth and make my day hah! Is this what you teach your brother? You are setting a bad example of yourself. Why did you put that thing in your mouth?" There were many more "this thing " and "that thing."
By this time I was able to see the kids' heads, both had the African braid with beads and both looked really cute. My instant feeling was that the elder one tried to put a bead in the mouth and mom saw it on time and was angry. She has all the right too. But wait.....the beads are tightly set and neither of the kids have so long hairs to get into the mouth of either. So now I was curious to know "what is the thing?"
161st street station in the Bronx is the location for Yankee Stadium too. So a huge group of people left the train to go to the stadium, so did the group standing in front of me.Now I could see the kids clearly. I saw the young boy blankly looking at his mother while the elder daughter who is hardly 5 years in age is sitting next to her mother and crying. Just once I could hear the child for the first time saying "I saw you and wanted to eat it like candy." To which mom said"you want me to believe this, and you thought this thing to be a candy?" It was still not clear .... By now it was about 20 minutes and finally when we reached the 167th station, mom unveiled the thing. The moment she stepped out of the train she strictly instructed her daughter. She said-
"Next time you pick up my cigarette from my lap and put it in your mouth, I will not spare you." Then the child in between sobs replied "but you are having it" and mom said "I can have it.....you want to be me? You are not Mommy...............just shut up and listen to what I say."
Hah! I was surprised and then had question filling up my mind again. I am still looking for answers-
1. For about 20 minutes I had developed an impression of a caring mother who wants to keep her children safe but after knowing the "thing" and I want to insist on the "how?"
2.What right did mom has to tell her daughter about setting examples? What is she up to?
3.Shouldn't she follow before preaching?????????
So I was in the Uptown 4 train. The compartment was filled with tired souls some of whom were sleeping with mouths open, other busy listening to music and vigorously moving their heads to the fast rhythm and yet some were looking around to the strange world they are a part of. Amid all these strangers and queer movements of head and legs and feet, there were various sounds- obviously packed train...people are talking, some are listening to the music so loud that it makes really no sense in using a ear plug for them...Anyway...letting my ear hear more, I directed my focus on this specific voice and the following sounds.
This voice was of an African American lady and the following sounds were the silent sobs of her daughter whom she was scolding. I being professionally involved working with children and parents grew more curious to know what the issue was though it was none of my business! However, There was a group of people in front of me and I could only see the mom's face and the kids legs through the gaps. There were 2 children. The eldest was sitting next to mom and crying because she was being scolded. So the mom was saying the following (I can't write the whole stuff as it carries loads of "f"s but still...)
"So you think you are very smart huh? Why did you put this thing in your mouth? Is this what you teach your little brother to put this thing in his mouth? You could have landed all of us in trouble, how dare you do it?Tell me. You think you can get everything done your way, you go to ....house and laugh heheheheheh, and then don't listen to me when I ask you not to run, no outing for you. I work my ....off and you put that thing in you mouth and make my day hah! Is this what you teach your brother? You are setting a bad example of yourself. Why did you put that thing in your mouth?" There were many more "this thing " and "that thing."
By this time I was able to see the kids' heads, both had the African braid with beads and both looked really cute. My instant feeling was that the elder one tried to put a bead in the mouth and mom saw it on time and was angry. She has all the right too. But wait.....the beads are tightly set and neither of the kids have so long hairs to get into the mouth of either. So now I was curious to know "what is the thing?"
161st street station in the Bronx is the location for Yankee Stadium too. So a huge group of people left the train to go to the stadium, so did the group standing in front of me.Now I could see the kids clearly. I saw the young boy blankly looking at his mother while the elder daughter who is hardly 5 years in age is sitting next to her mother and crying. Just once I could hear the child for the first time saying "I saw you and wanted to eat it like candy." To which mom said"you want me to believe this, and you thought this thing to be a candy?" It was still not clear .... By now it was about 20 minutes and finally when we reached the 167th station, mom unveiled the thing. The moment she stepped out of the train she strictly instructed her daughter. She said-
"Next time you pick up my cigarette from my lap and put it in your mouth, I will not spare you." Then the child in between sobs replied "but you are having it" and mom said "I can have it.....you want to be me? You are not Mommy...............just shut up and listen to what I say."
Hah! I was surprised and then had question filling up my mind again. I am still looking for answers-
1. For about 20 minutes I had developed an impression of a caring mother who wants to keep her children safe but after knowing the "thing" and I want to insist on the "how?"
2.What right did mom has to tell her daughter about setting examples? What is she up to?
3.Shouldn't she follow before preaching?????????
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Restarting the thought process!
It's been really long since I last wrote about the subway... There has been a number of reasons- busy with work, fun vacation, Irene....but yeah I am back!! I might have procrastinated even tonight to write something but the red on my leg made me log on and write....I know! I know, I sound weird, how can a red on the leg make me think of subwaytalk? Well, the red happened in the subway this morning...No, no it was not a hit or a bang with anything...it was a mosquito....yeah 9:15 am A train to Far Rockaway...near the 59th street station I was bit by the miscreant...the bite was familiar. I was not really expecting it so thought that I am dreaming of trains where mosquito colonies flourish...I was half asleep...but soon near the Chambers Street station when I was wide awake I felt the bite again. This time for real it was a mosquito with a fat belly full of my sweet blood. I know my blood is full of fat since the mosquito could not move and I had the perfect opportunity to kill it in one hit.
Now the story really begins, a lady sitting next to me saw what I did and was shocked to witness it...not the killing but the mosquito. "Oh God, so now they have mosquitoes?" I said "Well....it's ok, mosquitoes can be anywhere and more so it rained so much." She seemed upset with subways but yet she said "yeah they did a good job for the storm but with mosquitoes and rats oh my God! we are in for diseases." I smiled and then recalled... On the week of August 15th I happened happened to spend a day in Chicago. I saw the trains there and was thinking about the GOODS and BADS we have in the NYC subway system.
NY Subways:
GOODS-
- Organized layout
- Underground
- Warm in snowy winter
- Airy (sometimes) in sweaty summer
- Covered protection from rain
- Covered protection from wind
- Trying to improve through expansions
- Often going off schedule especially weekends due to constructions
- Often incidents of signal failure
- Fat rats on underground tracks
- 1 mosquito bite (in my 4 years of NYC subway commuting experience)
I never got a chance to commute in the Chicago subway. I saw the trains are all running parallel with the roads and over the ground, the trains look really old and small (Pandora's) boxes attached together. Chicago, famous as windy city does not have a covered station, imagine the plight of commuters who await trains in wind, rain, sun and snow????? Our Metro North Stations are over the ground too but each station has 2-3 heated glass rooms to hold at least 15 people in snowy winter. Even the Beeline bus terminal at White Plains feels marginally comfortable with those ceiling heaters on when it is bone cracking cold. To add on Chicago stations look deserted, creepy and scary and not once did I see a cop patrolling to assure that commuters are safe. I could have probably changed my opinion but I did not have the time to do so. I would love to go back and try to change my perception. Friends in Chicago who may end up reading this ....I do not mean any offense. I loved being there!
Back in the A train this morning, I do not know where the lady got off as I was lost in my thoughts but one thing is for sure Earthquake or Irene, rodents or insects, what ever, the NYC subway still provides some warmth and a level of protection to its commuters...it's our city's pride.
Phew!Though I physically reached New York much later but my thought traveled instantly from Chicago to NYC. I realized that I had developed a queer feeling towards my travel which often adds up to 4-5 hours every day. The feeling was not of love or even liking for sure until I started to search a reason to look forward to my travels and started writing this blog. Then my travel to Chicago and by just looking at the stations their made me feel proud of the subway system we have. I saw the trains, the stations and the tracks....I still compare-
Comparing is bad but sometimes it is important for restarting one's thinking process, it's like rebooting your system and reorganizing your favorites!!!!
Phew!Though I physically reached New York much later but my thought traveled instantly from Chicago to NYC. I realized that I had developed a queer feeling towards my travel which often adds up to 4-5 hours every day. The feeling was not of love or even liking for sure until I started to search a reason to look forward to my travels and started writing this blog. Then my travel to Chicago and by just looking at the stations their made me feel proud of the subway system we have. I saw the trains, the stations and the tracks....I still compare-
Comparing is bad but sometimes it is important for restarting one's thinking process, it's like rebooting your system and reorganizing your favorites!!!!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Just like that...!
I had suddenly realized that traveling in the subway had become more meaningful than before but I also have a risk of getting obsessed about it and may end up writing unnecessary stuff but few brief incidents happened in the past few days and I witnessed them. I found them funny and interesting but pardon me if you were expecting more than what you got through this post .... :)
This is in the Metro North train at Grand Central Station filled with Wall Street Execs and finance professionals. A couple boards a coach with a baby in a stroller. The mom (most probably) picks up the baby and dad (may be) turns to the people and declares "we have a ticket and we do not have the money to buy a second ticket, please help us buy another ticket by raising that amount. I'll buy the ticket in front of you upstairs." With generosity, people pulled out $1 bills from their pockets and gave him with a smile. He thanked every one and moved on. Those who did not give anything (including me) either kept looking down or looked around and saw the "generous"people saying "poor man he should be helped, they have a baby and can't get a second ticket." The person next to me had been generous too and looked at me as if I missed a great opportunity to wash off my sin collected since the past 3 decades. Soon enough one of them noticed the couple in the next coach and asking for money. A sudden realization hit the generous group as a lightening. One of the ladies exclaimed "Oh My God, he was begging?!" "He is asking for money in each compartment to other people. He is cheating!" The person next to me looked at me again and said "his story seemed so real, man he is a beggar!" now I looked at him as if I had never seen such a creation of God... and wanted to ask him since when did people stop recognizing beggars and who stands being inconsiderate now??
This is in the Metro North train at Grand Central Station filled with Wall Street Execs and finance professionals. A couple boards a coach with a baby in a stroller. The mom (most probably) picks up the baby and dad (may be) turns to the people and declares "we have a ticket and we do not have the money to buy a second ticket, please help us buy another ticket by raising that amount. I'll buy the ticket in front of you upstairs." With generosity, people pulled out $1 bills from their pockets and gave him with a smile. He thanked every one and moved on. Those who did not give anything (including me) either kept looking down or looked around and saw the "generous"people saying "poor man he should be helped, they have a baby and can't get a second ticket." The person next to me had been generous too and looked at me as if I missed a great opportunity to wash off my sin collected since the past 3 decades. Soon enough one of them noticed the couple in the next coach and asking for money. A sudden realization hit the generous group as a lightening. One of the ladies exclaimed "Oh My God, he was begging?!" "He is asking for money in each compartment to other people. He is cheating!" The person next to me looked at me again and said "his story seemed so real, man he is a beggar!" now I looked at him as if I had never seen such a creation of God... and wanted to ask him since when did people stop recognizing beggars and who stands being inconsiderate now??
Friday, August 5, 2011
A Comparable Aspect
Sometimes I try to absorb and compare the experienc in a subway with our professional lives...like being in the competition to grab a job especially in the current economic situation. Thinking what am I talking about? Have I really gone insane with the professional (over) work-load??? Na!!! I'll help you think for a while like me...
Take One: A subway coach, packed with people...easy to imagine a rush hour scene in an express train. I am part of that crowd and somehow managed to squeeze myself in to get a leg space. Then through staring pairs of eyes, chuckles filled with frustration and "uffs" and "ohs"...of course me reapeating "excuse me" and "sorry" I reach a spot in the middle of the train to ensure that when it stops at different stations I don't have to move in and out. I don't know what but I could move no further and stood in front of an old lady who was sleeping with her mouth open. It is difficult to get into a comfortable position but better than stepping in and out of a crowded coach with a risk that you might miss it and have to wait for the next one; who knows whether it would be manageable in there or not? Well, back to the comfortable position: now I am standing in front of this old lady who suddenly wakes up, looks at me and obviously she has a questionable look in her eyes. Being me I ask her, "did my bag hit you?"; She replied "No, no, I am waiting for my stop...I don't know if I missed it?" "I can help you when it comes, where do you need to get off?" I asked with concern and she said "59th Street."
A sudden rush of excitement and happiness started flowing within in. Something whispered in my ear..."wow, so after 59th Street, you can relax." No the lady was not stinking, she was not bothering me by her snores. It was the fact that she was getting off at 59th Street. Happily I informed her "oh, it's the next stop!" She smiled back, thanked me, stood up and made move towards the door. I without wasting a moment made myself comfortable on her spot, sat back and exhaled a sigh. I could feel my legs relax and my back flex on the smoothness of the backrest. The next 90 minutes of traveling in the same train were relaxed and I reached my destination the way I wanted to.
Take Two: Replace the subway coach with any professional field packed with eligible candidates. Some through hardships manage a footing and manuever their way through barriers and difficulties to reach a space where they can momentarily relax. Then like the old lady (aforementioned) luck looks at "YOU" and using your natural skills you respond back, appropriately. As a result opportunity develops and immediately "YOU" grab it, appropriately thus making sure that the job is "YOURS." The next few years in that job will help "YOU" in acquiring financial security, some relaxation etc. etc like the last 90 minutes I spent in the train.
Prevailing Thought: When I sat on the spot in the train I looked up and felt sorry for many who were standing around that spot. Probably they had been standing longer than me...they were so close and could have easily made it. I kept sitting because I REALLY NEEDED IT!!!
Isn't it the same with those lucky achievers who happen to get a professional position while the others who had been trying for years yet eagerly await the next suitable opportunity???
Take One: A subway coach, packed with people...easy to imagine a rush hour scene in an express train. I am part of that crowd and somehow managed to squeeze myself in to get a leg space. Then through staring pairs of eyes, chuckles filled with frustration and "uffs" and "ohs"...of course me reapeating "excuse me" and "sorry" I reach a spot in the middle of the train to ensure that when it stops at different stations I don't have to move in and out. I don't know what but I could move no further and stood in front of an old lady who was sleeping with her mouth open. It is difficult to get into a comfortable position but better than stepping in and out of a crowded coach with a risk that you might miss it and have to wait for the next one; who knows whether it would be manageable in there or not? Well, back to the comfortable position: now I am standing in front of this old lady who suddenly wakes up, looks at me and obviously she has a questionable look in her eyes. Being me I ask her, "did my bag hit you?"; She replied "No, no, I am waiting for my stop...I don't know if I missed it?" "I can help you when it comes, where do you need to get off?" I asked with concern and she said "59th Street."
A sudden rush of excitement and happiness started flowing within in. Something whispered in my ear..."wow, so after 59th Street, you can relax." No the lady was not stinking, she was not bothering me by her snores. It was the fact that she was getting off at 59th Street. Happily I informed her "oh, it's the next stop!" She smiled back, thanked me, stood up and made move towards the door. I without wasting a moment made myself comfortable on her spot, sat back and exhaled a sigh. I could feel my legs relax and my back flex on the smoothness of the backrest. The next 90 minutes of traveling in the same train were relaxed and I reached my destination the way I wanted to.
Take Two: Replace the subway coach with any professional field packed with eligible candidates. Some through hardships manage a footing and manuever their way through barriers and difficulties to reach a space where they can momentarily relax. Then like the old lady (aforementioned) luck looks at "YOU" and using your natural skills you respond back, appropriately. As a result opportunity develops and immediately "YOU" grab it, appropriately thus making sure that the job is "YOURS." The next few years in that job will help "YOU" in acquiring financial security, some relaxation etc. etc like the last 90 minutes I spent in the train.
Prevailing Thought: When I sat on the spot in the train I looked up and felt sorry for many who were standing around that spot. Probably they had been standing longer than me...they were so close and could have easily made it. I kept sitting because I REALLY NEEDED IT!!!
Isn't it the same with those lucky achievers who happen to get a professional position while the others who had been trying for years yet eagerly await the next suitable opportunity???
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Introducing my blog!!!
Hi Readers!
I'll be posting stories from my experience traveling in the subway every day and you are welcome to share your opinion, comments and experience too.
This blog is exclusively for readers who enjoy the experience of the NYC- MTA subway. Those who do not enjoy commuting are welcome too.
I'll be posting stories from my experience traveling in the subway every day and you are welcome to share your opinion, comments and experience too.
This blog is exclusively for readers who enjoy the experience of the NYC- MTA subway. Those who do not enjoy commuting are welcome too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)