One Step Ahead (Good Morning)

Photo By Unsplash

Originally written 10/20/2019

Good morning. Today’s a coffee day, no question about it. It’s a Sunday. But it’s a (rare) early morning Sunday. I’m on the LIRR heading to a distant event for work. Ready to get it over with... but also relishing the uniqueness of this moment.

Most of you bozos are tucked away in bed asleep. Or... if you’re unfortunate enough to work the night shift... you’re counting down the final hours before heading back home. 6am is a strange hour... for a Sunday. I can only recall a few spare moments in my life when I was up at this hour on a Sunday. At least two occasions I can think of were when I partied to the crack of dawn in the city... and was forced to catch a late night/drunk train home on the LIRR. Never a pleasant experience. Everyone is absolutely wrecked and in desperate need of sleep.

Anyway, this morning, I’m equipped with sleep, purpose, and just enough coffee to mask the exhaustion without making me feel sick. While you’re likely back at home recharging your batteries. I’m one step ahead, revved up and ready to go.

This trip is three hours. One way. Internet access on my phone is near nonexistent. I wonder if I can accomplish something special today during my commute? I refuse to sit here like a zombie. My mind will wander... and I aim to apply my thoughts to something, starting with what I’m writing now.

If I were home all day today, I’d be a couch potato, wary of the low step count recorded on my FitBit.... playing too much Fortnite on my PlayStation 4, tormented by “encouraging” reminders that I need to walk more. But I’m not. I’m out in the world - well, trapped on a train. Isolated from my couch and bedroom. Glancing out the window at my shifting surroundings as my train moves forward. There’s a tiny slither of orange creeping up on the horizon. Otherwise, it’s still completely dark outside. I don’t mind it. I feel as though I’ve gotten one up on the day to come. I’m one step ahead.

I’m one step ahead, less concerned about where I’m headed, much more concerned about how I’ll occupy my time along the way. My decision is to stay grounded and write. We’ll see what magic this conjures up...

The clouds in the sky now look pink. Reminds me of cotton candy. Strange, but beautiful. That’s an accurate way to describe my entire morning, maybe my entire life...

I’ve transferred to my second train, this one on the NJ Transit. Smooth travels, thus far. I have to use the bathroom pretty badly - I blame it on the coffee. But I don’t want to risk losing my seat... and really don’t feel like lugging my backpack along with me. Patience is key. As is having a strong bladder. Wiser words have never been spoken.

I’m halfway there? Just about, I’d say, assuming we don’t hit train traffic along the way. I’ll be catching an Uber when I arrive at my stop. Around a 15 minute ride from there to my final destination. Like a boss, two trains and an Uber all before 8:30am on a Sunday.

Good morning.