Showing posts with label Marissa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marissa. Show all posts

Thursday, February 11

Old Habits Die Hard

I'm late. Yesterday was the first time since the New Year began that I was significantly late to work, and also the first time I missed a regularly scheduled workout.  As I rush to the train I wonder if, after only five and a half weeks, I am already slipping back to my old habits. In my defense, it's been as stressful a week as any, not to mention that I am feeling sleep deprived, a bit dehydrated, and my right contact lens is itchy.

On the way to the station I call Aliza and wake her up, as she had asked me to, and wish her a happy birthday.  When I turn onto Overlook, I see Ruchama J. brushing the roof of her car, which has been snowed in and plow trapped.  A short woman whom I don't recognize is shoveling the snow around Ruchama's car.  Finding the question on my face, Ruchama shouts "this is a very nice woman" and shrugs.

On the platform, Adam F. whizzes right by me.   A few seconds later, I hear a pitched "hi Ely" and look up to find Marissa E.   I'm really glad she has moved back into the hood, even as I contemplate moving out.  The train comes; I get a seat and settle in.  Next stop: more coffee.

Wednesday, August 19

Back to Work

It barely 7 A.M. when I leave my apartment but I've been up for hours thanks to jetlag. I'm heading back to work already and not quite as refreshed as I should be following vacation. The temperature is hot and the air feels humid, particularly after having spent two weeks in what is essentially a desert. There is hardly anyone on the street yet.

I wonder if my metrocard has expired. It hasn't. I'd expect more people on the platform, even at this hour, since the 1 train is not running after the ceiling collapsed at the 181st street station. I see Marissa W. but she is engrossed in something or other so I just walk by.

At my spot I see Estie R. sitting on a bench, with a new, tiny nose ring that looks great on her. She has been away for some time, in Africa and on then on the West Coast, but I don't get to hear much about the trip or what she did there. Instead we spend most of the time discussing a new building on the Upper West Side that she's planning to move in to. She gets off at 125th and I continue on to 59th, completely unprepared to face the day ahead.