ok friends, it's time to post about something unrelated to Katrina. How about another subway story?!

Today, I got on the subway at 14th street on my way to work and was forced to ride the local train (non-NYkers: it stops at all the stops unlike the express train that skips some). There wasn't an express train in sight, so I hopped on the uptown R. I sat down on end of a 3-seat section. And there was someone on the other end, making the middle seat open.

Before I go on, I should address the no-touch issue with New Yorkers. Basically, don't touch your fellow neighbors...and I mean that in all circumstances. If someone drops something and you want to let them know, you better yell at them because if you touch them, they'll shoot you a nasty look. And on a side note, don't address anyone as "excuse me ma'am" or "pardon me sir." No one will respond to you. They are not used to being addressed in a formal fashion. Instead, try "Hey!!" or "Yo." Or like most people, you dont say anything if you see someone drop something...but I always do. Ok, so we all know to not touch...it's an unspoken rule here.

So, we are now at 23rd street and a woman about my age gets on. While sitting in the 3-seat section, on the end, with someone occupying the other end, you run the extreme risk of someone sitting in the middle. And most of the time, it's not a small framed or nice smelling person. I dont mind little kids sitting, but when you see a homeless person eying the seat, you would do the same as me and get up. That sounds really bad, but it's the truth. The doors close after 23rd street and a woman walks over and plops herself down in the middle seat...and no, she wasnt scary looking or smelly, but she broke the no-touch rule. She sat down and must have miscalculated the sit because her right hip was almost on top of my left hip. Um, gross. I felt like the skin on my left side was being squished under her. So I moved over as far as I could to the right. But she didnt budge (usually by moving a bit, you give them the sign that they are too close). Then, I could feel her arm hairs touch my left arm. Come on woman!! But because I'm a New Yorker and believe that I was there first, I stayed and settled even deeper into my seat - that'll show her. Ha! What do I know, didnt do anything for either of us. oh well.

Side note: I did a Pilates class last night at the gym. I still dont get it...I mean, the breathing is kinda backwards to me (most of the time it's opposite from Yoga)...and some of the movements are quick and jolting. Maybe it was the instructor? I dunno. I'll go back again if Christy goes, but not alone - I have to laugh with someone. I'll stick to Yoga....ohmmmmmm.