Thursday 31 March 2011

St James's Park station......one stop on the District and Circle line to Victoria station, down the steps, down the escalator turning left onto the northbound Victoria line platform to Kings Cross
I jumped on the nearest carriage but jumped off at Green Park station and walked further back and got onto the last carriage
Why?
Simply because it's easier to exit Kings Cross station without having to make
my way through the madening crowd
17:29.....Kings Cross underground and I like many others, embark
Having zig zag my way through the walking crowd, I walk up the moving escalator, through the barrier, up the steps straight towards platform eight into the bosom of my train, my carriage
"Excuse me please"
Gentleman looks up, smiles and stands up without a word
"Thank you"
I spot long tall Sally sitting with a group of familiar faces (not 'the train buddy' bunch)
Her back is to me approximately three seats away
On the southbound Victoria line train......or tube.....well it's the underground after all or am I being pedantic?
I'm actually sitting for a change, stood only up to Euston and the gentleman standing beside me who was nearer to the empty seat kindly gestured that I could have it
"Thank you" I mouthed
"It's a pleasure" he replied with a smile
I'm sst between two men, both reading a newspaper; 'The Daily Telegraph' and 'The Metro'
We have just stopped at Oxford Circus where many commuters disembark
Green Park station now
Victoria station next....... I hope it's not raining!
What's that I can hear?
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Aaahhhaaa!
A male commuter with floppy hair is tapping away in his Apple MacBook
In my world
"Stop that b***** racket and show a bit of consideration to your fellow commuters!"
"I'm ever so sorry, I got carried away"
"Well it's not the only thing that's got carried away" I said pointing at his hair
And before he could reply, a scissors was in my hand and I begin to give him a haircut
"Thank you" he said after I'd finished
"Don't mention it......it was a pleasure
I'm sat next to a middle-aged suited Englishman reading, I mean holding a paperback book titled 'HINDUISM..... A very short introduction' by Kim Knot
Why did I say 'holding' and not 'reading'
Well........ He's in Noddy land! From time to time his head jerks upright as it slowly drops
So he's either cleverly reading with his eyes closed or perhaps too tired to read
Not much of a delay as it slowly appears from a distance and stops a couple of yards away from me..........
I welcomed the interior of its gaping mouth as Mother Nature turned on the waterworks.........
Yes! She's a funny thing....... Yesterday morning, she turned in her charm, blinding me with the sun and this morning.........this morning, the waterworks!
Perhaps she's weeping for all those lost souls around the world, both present and past
08:21......... An announcement through the tannoy has informed us of a delay to the eight twenty

Wednesday 30 March 2011

I'm standing in the crowded carriage of the seventeen forty train from Kings Cross platform zero
Here's hopping it's not standing room only all the way to St Neots
I am not a happy bunny!
The train has been invaded by mobiles! Ninety five percent of commuters are fiddling with their mobiles
Last night, I went to the Cineworld cinema in Cambridge and just randomly picked a film......... Something called 'Limitless' and I thoroughly enjoyed it
I only recognised one famous face, that of Robert DeNero
Needless-to-say, my viewpoint of the film was;
Never venture into anything without researching all the pros and cons (don't worry.....no 'spoiler alert!'needed)
I am sat next to a older middle-aged woman, reading........now let me have a closer gander.......Aaah! She's engrossed in the 'Daily Mail'
She sports a short haircut, a 'bob'
She has on a fashionable reading glasses on with eyes peering above
"This train is non-stop to Kings Cross"
A reminded from the tannoy as the train picks up commuters from Stevenage
08:12............ Now passing through St Neots hub, making my way to platform four
I recognise the back of two female train buddies as they slaunter towards the tail end of platform four.........
08:17........ I spot my prodigal train buddy and rhe usual morning greeting ensued
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
"Blah! Blah! Blah!"
"Blah! Blah! Blah!"
That's lost in translation to you!
08:03.......... Said a mental goodbye to Raine (my good old faithful feista) who's off to car heaven today
We shared many memories but like all good things......today........today, we part........ Me, to work........ You, a donor, a hero........and for every feista I see from henceforth, a part of you may be shining through!
Did I hear you say 'GET A GRIP MATE!?'

Tuesday 29 March 2011

ILLEGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM!
FLASHFBACKWARD to yesterday evening.........
Felt so much better after talking to DOS man and family
And this morning?
This morning, I feel ALIVE!
New ideas, new projects ahead of me.......
My life motto of 'Carpe Diem!' has steered me back to life
And here I am.........sat on the eight twenty on this beautiful sunny Spring morning
08:20..........train has just departed from St Neots station and racing towards its next destination, Stevenage
Flashfoward to 08:16.......
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
"Well, how did it go?" queried my prodigal train buddy
"Surplus" I begun and proceeded to tell her what the future, work wise held for me
FLASHFOWARD to yesterday late morning
SURPLUS!
SURPLUS!
F****** SURPLUS!
Needless-to-say........ I felt so many emotions running through me
REJECTION?
Hell, Yes!
DEPRESSION?
B***** Yes!
TEARFUL?
F*** Yes!

Monday 28 March 2011

Stomach is churning and paranoia has set in........ It's the 'work' grim reaper that is hovering over my head
Good luck to one and all
On the southbound Victoria line train, surfing all the way
Euston station, change for rhe Northern line and the Overground
Next is Warren Street....... Northern line change only
Oxford Circus beckons and I may be lucky.......seat wise!
YES! Two vacant seats next to each other.......one for me, one for a rather rotound man who proceeded to squeeze himself in
The next station is Green Park, change for Piccadilly and Jubilee line
Victoria station is calling me as the train speeds to its call!
I'm wearing my pinstripe trouser suit today (power dressing for the inevitable)
Today is the day....... The first day of a new dawn........ when I/we find out what fate lays ahead of me/us
Today I will be drinking with my colleagues, celebrating or drowning our sorrows
Today is the beginning of the rest of my working life!!
Some may say that I'm being melodramatic.......after all it's not the end of the world, and I should stop being selfish!
The sun is shining through the glass pane and I begrudge all the lucky ones who may have the day off
I am sat next to the 'antenna man'
Why 'antenna man'?
Picture this........something he does everytime I see him on the eight twenty.......
Earphones plugged into his ears.......... Gadget held in his right hand, right arm outstretched, holding on to the top part of the window and music quietly seeping through
This commuter ALWAYS position his arm this way, Everytime I see him
I'm not sure it's Ailey to get a better reception for his gadget or he has problem with his arm......... Your guess is as good as mine
08:12.........
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
Morning greeting at St Neots' carpark between myself and our prodigal train buddy
"How was your weekend?"
I proceeded to tell her about my weekend as we walk towards the station hub
"And yours?"
She did likewise........as we pass through the barrier, up the steps, across the bridge, down more steps and towards our usual eight twenty stand on platform four
We were lost in conversation when I spotted another train buddy (seven seventeen buddy)
I waved, he waved and starts to walk towards us
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
We chatted until the train arrives and this morning......this morning, all of us managed to occupy a vacant seat albeit not together

Friday 25 March 2011

The eight twenty train has been delayed
08:49....... Train arrives at platform three with only four carriages
I have company this morning, our prodigal train buddy, several other St Neotsians and the glorious sun
The train pulls up and invites us into its corridors and here I am standing......... like the other St Neotsians......... This morning we have truly drawn the short straw
What a glorious morning!

Thursday 24 March 2011

Newsflash!
I am very sadden to hear of the passing of an icon....... Elizabeth Taylor, a true celebrity of our time
Now I ponder....... When and if she gets to the pearly gates......... Which of her many husbands will be there to meet her? And will Michael Jackson be a surprise guest!
I'm sat on the southbound Victoria line train to Brixton..........and guess what?
I bagged a seat!
The train is jam packed as we head to Warren Street station
07:00........ Alarm went off and I wake with a spring in my step........in my whole being. It's amazing the effect the weather has on us mortal being
A quick shower, office suit, make-up and hot mug of tea later, I was out into the big wide world..........Ok.....St Neots
08:20........... The train arrives on platform four..........and we're off!

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Homeward bound.......first St James's Park to Victoria station, battling through an eray of moving luggages and their owners, down the escalator, towards the southbound Victoria line platform......waiting a minute before an empty new train arrive, stopping in front of me......welcoming me into it's bosom
I.......and other commuters are spoilt for choice
Euston station already!
Kings Cross St Pancras next.
Now tube surfing in the northbound Victoria line train....... Well, I was until a seat became available at Euston station and I quickly bagged it!
'Why women get the blame for most rows' is a headline from a magazine column being read by a female commuter to my right
Now she's flicking through the fashion pages......... That looks nice.....not sure about that garment, again, not sure about that one too
Victoria station beckons and I stand waiting to be mentally booted out!
Today is Wednesday, the twenty third......... Three working days before Monday, the twenry eight.....when my fate is delivered
And again my stomach does a somersault!
Stevenage station........there are several vacant seats for some of the commuters but alas, standing room only for a few unlucky ones.........but eh!........ The sun is shining brightly outside
I'm sat in the first carriage of the Kings Cross bound train, next to a sleepy young woman
I notice the headline in the front of the Metro newspaper
'Americans bomb and shoot helpers'.......Oh! dear!
Is that what they call 'friendly fire?'
The trouble in Libya and the UN 'No fly zone' leaves a bitter taste in my mouth
'Battle for Los Angeles'........ The film I saw at Cambridge Cineworld was........well, what can I say?........ The usual American take of 'Us and them'
'Us'.....being the 'Human Race'......represented by the USA
'Them'...being 'Aliens'
Not wanting to ruin the 'plot' I only have one recommendation.........and that is......it's cheaper to watch it in DVD or even cheaper to watch it on 'terrestrial' tv.......pardon the pun!
08:04......... What a beautiful Spring morning!
08:11.......... On entering St Neots' station hub, I was greeted by a female train buddy
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
"You're late this morning!"
"Late night"
We smile........ I passed through the opened barrier and made my way towards platform four and she.......she stayed in the queue in the hub waiting to be served
Here comes the eight twenty train

Tuesday 22 March 2011

I'm at Lucky Star Chinese Buffet restaurant in Cambridge 
Whilst queuing to book our cineworld tickets I overheard a conversation that brought a smile to my face and laughter to others
"We going to watch porn!" exclaimed a Chinese young woman 
"You mean 'Paul'"
"Yes.......Porn"
And laughter was heard around
Poor woman had a puzzled look on het face
'Welcome to Hitchin' board can be seen as the train slows down before stopping at Hitchin station where many tired looking commuters disembark
I am sat next to a sleepy 'you've been tangoed' young twentysomething man
He is wearing a bright orange 'working' trousers with two White stripes in both trouser legs
His arms are folded across his chest and his legs are slightly apart
I let out a cough and my neighbour stirs without opening his eyes
17:28........... As I headed towards platform two for the seventeen forty via the crowded concourse at Kings Cross station I spotted Jim(my) Carr in front of me and moments later, he brushed pass me and like a blink of an eye he disappeared out of eyesight
It took me all of a second to recognise him but a good five minutes to put a name to his face........ It's one of those moments when....... it's on the tip of your tongue and having to go through your memory bank to find
In my world
He bumps into me
"Why did you do that for?"
"I'm so sorry...... I didn't see you there"
"Well.....you should look where you're going mate!"
My neighbour is now texting on his iPhone.......... He's now stopped and like me, waits for reception in order to continue
We are now at Stevenage and only a handful of commuters embark
The train has slowly began its journey to its final destination, Kings Cross
As I gaze out of the window, I spot several horses scattered about in the field, I see a tractor moving slowly, I now see trees without clothing (leaves) in defiant of the past season as they welcome Spring, in anticipation of what it brings (new leaves, new clothing)
08:21.......... One minute late...... no two minutes later, the eight twenty train arrives at platform four
No sight of any train buddies but I do recognise a few 'eight twenty' faces
I'm sat next to a thirtysomething facial haired gentleman reading his newspaper (I'm not quite sure which one, but it's definitely not one of the 'gossip/celebrity esq' type.
He has a huge entenna on his head, covering his ears.......... Listening to music....... quietly......the way I like it
There's a sniffer in our midst!
Use a f****** tissue mate!
After having a quick glance of BBC1 breakfast news whilst finishing my morning tea, I made my way out into the new morning
The last bit of news was on Libya and the United Nations' vote in the newly imposed 'No fly zone'
It seems as if a three hundred and sixty degrees turnaround has taken place and Libya is once again, the front-line news, putting Japan's earthquake marginally behind

Monday 21 March 2011

This week is the beginning of an end to work as I know it, Needlesstosay, this time next week will be a turning point in my working life
It's either make or break, nothing more, nothing less!
There are things in life that are beyond our control........ And for me, for me, this is one of them
My stomach has been churning since the beginning of this month.......
My work fate now out of my control as I wait for Monday the twenty eight to arrive
GOD....... I HATE THE WAITING!!!
'Dead man walking' springs to mind!
On the seventeen forty, homeward bound
I managed to spot the last seat and processed to ask the gentleman to let me pass
"Excuse me please"
"Sure"
He stands and I sat beside him
"Thank you"
I then spot long tall Sally sitting in front
A gentle tap in her shoulder made her jump
"Hello"
"Oh! Hello....... You made me jump!"
"I'm sorry"
"Lay in this morning?
"No, I had an appoitment"
We chatted a bit before settling down in our seats
There's inaudible chattering around me or was it merely because I am too tired
10:25.......just missed a northbound Victoria line train and now waiting for the next.........
And here it comes......one of the new ones
And I bag the last available seat
I'm sat between a 'pringle' cruncher and a music lover but which one is making the loudest noice?
The award goes to the...... CRUNCHER!
Now she's gobbling down a fizzy drink
BRUNCH?
Healthy indeed?!
We have just passed Finsbury Park and I am already making an excuse to get away from her
"Sorry.........excuse me please, can I pass?"
No words, just a smile
"Thank you"
I stretched for my coat and scarf and ESCAPED Ms Skunk!
Phew!
Stevenage station has put a frown on my face
Why?
A BO smelling pregnant woman has sat beside me and like a skunk, she's contaminating my space!!!!
Kings Cross can't come too soon!
Apart from Ms Skunk........ all is quiet
You can read more interviews by LaToyah Gill at ......
http://www.roomsmagazine.com/
I am reading an interview by LaToyah Gill in the 'Rooms art uncovered' magazine
The interview takes you into the mind, soul and artistic views of the Lebons, a father and son duo.
The interview is refreshing, unlike others I'd read before
Why?
Well...... The interviwer lets the father and son roll with it by asking opening questions which in turn enables the duo to converse....... A triangle of conversation which pulled me in
I soon forget that an interview is taking place........ Just three becoming one, entwining.....
A beautiful piece of artwork in itself
Well done to the Lebons for a great interview and a very well done to LaToyah Gill for a well written article
09:25.......... Waiting for the nine thirty seven train to Kings Cross
It's a beautiful Spring morning with a tinge of wind blowing in the air. There are White clouds up in the clear blue sky....... And for once this year, I am pleased to be journeying into the city they call London
09:48........ I'm sat on the 'on time' nine thirty seven and the train has already picked up commuters from Biggleswade and is now on its merry way to Stevenage

Saturday 19 March 2011

"The next station is Stevenage"
I am having to strip off!
Why?
The heating must be in it's highest........ It's like being in a f****** sauna!
Others begin to strip off too
"I thought it was just me!" exclaimed a woman
"I thought I was having a flush!
"God it's hot!
Finsbury Park brought no new travellers
Next stop beckons and the party continues
It's been a long day and the heating in the carriage is making me feel a tad sleepy........can't wait to get home
I had a great time at the English National Ballet
Black & White was in five parts, plus two five minute pauses and two fifteen minute intervals
My favourites were; Men Y Men and Suite en Blanc
21:22..........and we're off
" I was trying to hold me boobs....... I was trying to hold my bum....... I couldn't run fast enough cos I was laughing!" Another conversation heard
"They were holigans with posh accents"
"Well they must be rugby fans"
A conversation heard on the twenty-one twenty two train from platform three
"Me no know him..... Wha he a do?
A man entering the train speaking loudly on his mobile
Please don't sit next to me!
Please don't sit next to me!
And he passes by...... Phew!
21:21........ The train is alive as more travellers embark
Great!........ A conversation party has ensued
A woman sits alone reading a magazine......wearing sunglasses
A group of men talking about football........BORING!
we're now at Stevenage
It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon; fresh breezy air and sunshine. The field's greenery is so refreshing and I gaze at the sky through the window and mentally thank Mother Nature
There are a handful of weekend travellers; a 'upside down head' man is playing his 'crap' music LOUD! Either oblivious to its high level or not giving a damn!
'upside down head'....... I hear the confusion in your inquisitive mind......... It's my take of a baldheaded man with full beard!
Aaaaaah! Now I sense clarification in your minds mind
12:06.......... Sitting on the train going to London
Why?
Certainly not for work. Today, it's for pleasure........
I'm off to the English National Opera at the London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, Westminster........to watch a ballet performance 'Black & White
I am looking forward to it and will no doubt give my feedback of the performance

Friday 18 March 2011

Just leaving Hitchin....... Oh did I mention that there is one other train buddy...... Long tall Sally
An incident nearly occurred in our carriage......
Picture this....... Tall suited bald haired guy is fast asleep, one long leg stretched in front of him, the other bend. His body is tilted towards the walk way and his head is hunting low. A man opposite him brings out his pen and proceeds to write/draw on the sleepy man's head
I'm not sure if he did or nor but it sure woke him up........ And raised laughter all round!
Waited in the packed concourse at Kings Cross until the platform revealed where to go
But I was smart, if I should say so myself
Smart?
Well I saw a train pull into platform eight, the usual platform for the seventeen forty....... I decided to head towards it, getting braver with my decission as I recognise the usual suspects
"Platform eight for the seventeen forty to Peterborough"
Smart move eh!
17:11....... After zigzagging my way through allsorted commuters I managed to get on the carriage before my desired one
There are plenty of seats to choose from
"CCTV are in operation........"
And?
Do you really think it'll prevent some nutter from headbutting someone? Or a pickpocket? Or any form of abuse? I DON'T THINK SO!
Next stop is......... Kings Cross St Pancras
The train arrives at Kings Cross........
My prodigal train buddy and I were soon to be parted as we head towards the underground
"Well, have a good day and if I don't see you tonight, have a great weekend"
"You too!"
Now I'm on the northbound Victoria line station to Victoria
Having stood all of one stop, I am now seated between a woman reading the Metro and a man playing solitaire on his mobile ......... He gets off at Oxford Circus and is replaced by a grey-haired old woman who has a slight smell coming from her..........
"I'll have a 'P' Bob"...........comes to mind!!!!
Someone is actually reading a hardback book (Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy)..... Not an eReader! Wow! A dying breed eh!
We slowly pass New Barnet station......... Now the train gathers speed as it goes through a long dark tunnel
This morning, there are no laptop(ist), no loud music, no loud conversationist........ Just silent........ apart from the rustling of newspapers being turned or the odd coughing
I'm on the eight twenty train from St Neots to Kings Cross sat next to a prodigal train buddy
We chatted all the while catching up on each others life........eh! It's good to talk
The Stevenage pickup was missed by me as we continue to chat (in a whispering tone)
It's Friday and I can't wait to put the week behind me

Thursday 17 March 2011

Someone's on their iPad.........and it's not the good doctor
17:34..........Walking towards platform eight for the seventeen forty
The carriage is almost packed but I managed to bag a seat next to a thirtysomething man with a stern looking face
I spot two train buddies; first our honorary female buddy, the good doctor......
"Hel.......... He walks pass and does not see me, then my namesake.......
"Hel.......... She walks pass me as well
Now if I were paranoid, I might be forgiven for thinking I'm being ignored but since I'm not (well the jury's still out on that!) I merely think they didn't see me
17:12.......... After one stop from St James's Park station, I am now sat on the southbound Victoria line, Victoria station train to Kings Cross
I'm sat sandwiched between a smelly man on my left and two foreign speaking women........
Smeller to the left of me, chatter-boxers to the right of me....... 
Stevenage commuters now on board but alas, standing room only
08:20......... Train arrives and just as I settled down a male voice is heard on Thr tannoy
"Ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the slight delay..... I'm waiting blah! blah! blah!"
Please don't even go there!
08:24......... Train begins its journey, next stop Stevenage then Kings Cross
I'm seated beside a bespectacled, suited gentleman......reading the 'Metro' and sipping his hot tea
I can see two opened laptops, neither are known brands (not known to me anyway)
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Both laptops conversing in their own language
08:10............. Standing on platform four waiting for the eight twenty
Bit of an eager beaver eh! I really don't know why I'm here ten minutes early
Today, I decided to brave the world by not wearing a jacket
So here I am, standing alone at the edge of platform four wearing a black skirt suit and my South African colourful scarf (a Christmas gift from the in-laws a couple of years ago)

Wednesday 16 March 2011

I'm sat minding my own business when this thirtysomething sits herself besides me and like a magician starts to take out a bag of 'fries', a tub of brown sauce and a carton filled with fizzy drinks........ She's now slurping through the straw!
In my world......
"Give us some or put it away"
"Here.......take as many fries as you like"
"Thanks"
"Platform zero for the twenty one o seven First Capital Connect to Peterborough, calling at Biggleswade, St Neots, Huntingdon and Peterborough" announced the tannoy
Too late....... I and other commuters were already making our way through the open barriers towards platform zero
"Platform information....... Platform zero is located blah! blah! blah!"
19:23.......... I'm on the three nine six bus taking me to Newbury Park station
The nurses at King George Hospital were reasonably friendly tonight......... Perhaps they've taken happy pills!
One thing I noticed tonight was how young the doctor was........ barely out of nappies or am I getting old?
I'm sat on the Central line going to Newbury Park station
There are six/ seven stops between Mile End station (where I embarked) to Newbury Park station (where I disembark)
We're now at Gants Hill....... My stop is next
The train has decided to stop in the tunnel between Gants Hill and Newbury Park........ Sod's law eh!
17:11....... Tried my new season travel ticket at St James's Park station and.........it worked!
A District line train was already there and I attempted to get it and........managed to do so as the doors began to close AND I bagged a seat
The train has stopped at Westminster and Embankment and heading towards Temple station, now Mansion House
"Mind the gap"
"Ladies and gentlemen, we being held blah! blah! blah!
Ooooooh Nooooo!
But my despair was dispelt as the train begins to move to......... Cannon Street then Monument
The next station is Tower Hill. Change for Circle line, DLR.........
Please mind the gap between the platform and train
Two twentysomething female commuters are talking about trying for
babies and miscarriages
They're now competing on who knows how many friends, families even foes have had miscarriages!
Mile End is two more stop, thank goodness!
I have these urge of slitting my throat!
Oxford Circus........ Finally escaped the packed BO lovers spot and upgraded to the long aisle
Green Park....... Now I get a seat!
Victoria station comes too soon....... I'm out of here!
I remembered to get another season ticket lastnight......
My conversation with a female First Capital Connect.......
"I seem to be having problem with my ticket"
"What problem is that then?"
"Well it seems to only work here (as in St Neots) but not in London"
"Oh! There seems to be a lot of that!"
"Why's that then?"
"New machine........blah! blah! blah!
I've switched off now.....my patience is wearing thin
I don't really care......just shut the f*** up and do your job!
"There you go!"
"Thank you very much"
Only one train buddy already on the train this morning
It's a wet misty morning........
07:11.......... Now standing at platform four
"Good morning all"
"Good morning"
Long tall Sally, the good doctor and one of my adopted daughter were all chatting amongst themselves
"Good morning" greeted a male (banker or is it wanker?) train buddy
Then another male train buddy arrives just as the train arrives
We all manage to get seated in 'our' carriage

Tuesday 15 March 2011

I must remember to get a replacement season travel ticket when I get to St Neots
Why?
Because I'm f****** p***** off with having to explain to Transport for London why I need their s******** assistant all the f****** time!
I guess you can tell how I feel about this!!!
It's seventeen fifty two and daylight is still enveloping us.........a good sign eh?
17:35.............sat on the seventeen forty train at platform eight
On entering the 'usual' carriage, I was met with a couple if standing commuters and no available seat in sight so I did the next best thing.......... I hopped off one carriage and hopped on to the carriage UN front......... and bagged a seat next to a middle-aged suited gentleman attempting to multitask - he had the Evening Standard open and propped in his left lap and texting away on his iPhone four.......... Mobile now disappearing into his top left jacket pocket, specs on and newspaper brought forward to read
08:04............. I'm on the northbound Victoria line platform heading towards Victoria station, my destination
I'm standing in the long aisle away from the BO lovers
The train is quiet albeit crowded
Warren Street station arrives and only one commuter disembarks
Now onward to the next station, Oxford Circus.........."Doors will open on the........you know the rest
I bag a seat here
Green Park where you can change for the Jubilee and the Piccadilly line then Victoria and I'm off!
The Japanese earthquake and tsunami is now the subject of conversation
Blah! blah! blah!......the bridge
Blah! blah! blah!.......the idiot on the bridge
Blah! blah! blah!........all those cars
And so on and so on...... What saddens me is the way this disaster was being talked about.......like a great disaster movie; 'The Day After Tomorrow' comes to mind
And just as quickly as that, another subject takes over
"Olympic tickets are on sale from today........blah! blah! blah!
"The new iPad comes out next week..............blah! blah! blah!
Then the subjects changes and the carriage continues to buzz with chitter chatter
Stevenage has been and gone
I have a man standing next to me and my male neighbour is in noddy land
07:02.......... Mother Nature greeted me this morning all a pea souper
07:09........... Met a train buddy at the car park
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
"My ticket only works in St Neots but refuse to work on the underground.......... I need to get another one because it's a nuisance having to find a Transport for London staff"
"I've had problems with my ticket as well"
So you get the gist, we continued talking about problematic tickets as we headed towards platform four
"won't be long........need to check that I haven't left my lights on"
Her car is parked a few yards away from where we normally stand and off she went to check
"I think it's off"
One, two, three.........four more train buddies
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
We chatted until the train arrived
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
Greetings to two more train buddies

Monday 14 March 2011

I'm sat next to a man who thinks he's in his office
Why?
Pie charts all spread out on the little table top in front of him, pen poised......... And he begins to scribble on one of the sheets
'GPS Audit and Cintrols Dasboard - DRAFT..............Feburary 2011' is displayed visibly on one of the sheets
"The next station is Biggleswade" Say the tannoy
"..........and I'm allergic to bullshit!" a tail end of a conversation by a merry male commuter
20:56......... "Platform zero for the twenty one o seven to Peterborough.
I walked out of WH Smiths and made my way towards the new barrier, through and on the first carriage of the short train
I found a sit near the window, took off my coat and scarf, settling down for a slow journey home
20:47........ I'm in WH Smiths situated at Kings Cross concourse.
Why?
I'm waiting for departure display for the twenty one o seven (say it like you see it eh!)
And to while away the minutes, I decided to flick through the gossip (trash) magazines
I can't remember the last time I bought one
I flicked throughout 'Heat'....... Yaaaawwwwnnn!
A tree was sacrificed for what?
Katie Price or is it......... I can't even remember her other name........ Who f****** care!
Some more faces I didn't recognise
Met a colleague and got on the Victoria line with her, chatting all the way to Victoria station and our journey took us towards District and Circle line to St James's Park station
"Are you going to the olympics?"
"No........you?"
"No........the tickets come out tomorrow"
A random comversation heard
09: 03......... Just arriving at King's Cross, platform eleven
'Demi's killer back in jail after just six months...' A headline from a male commuter's newspaper......The Sun
Why he wasn't serving life is beggars believe!
There are a lot of sleepy heads in this carriage, some snorers, some wide open mouthers even some dribblers!
My neighbour has her coat, scarf and gloves on........ For God's sake....... It's not THAT COLD!
08:41.........blah! blah! blah!
next stop will be London's King Cross"
We are just leaving Stevenage
I'm sat next to a female commuter, who like me, is texting on her Samsung mobile
Looking out of the window, i can feel the sunray penetrating through
I can feel it's warmth on my right cheek.........pretty impressive eh!
The sight of the green field brings a smile to my face........ I truly belief Spring has (nearly) sprang!
08:09........... Standing at platform four, right at the front
I am soon joined by two male commuters
08:18........ No sight of the eight seventeen train...... A third male commuter now joins us
There's smoke bellowing from our mouths......and here comes the train, all of two minutes late
I spot an ex train buddy (ooh la la comes to mind) but she doesn't see me.......her back is to me and she's sat four seats away from me
" It's just incredible what's happen in Japan........the mountain of cars blah! blah! blah!"
Last thing I heard was another two reactors have gone blah! blah! blah!"
It seems that Libya is no longer the forefront of people's talk, something Gadhaffi and his men will love!
He can get on with the war against his people while the world's attention is focused on Japan
Two totally different form of devastation, death and destruction; one Mother Nature, the other....Man made
Once again Mother Nature was deceptive....... The sun ray shining through the window pane but on opening the front door, I was met by frost in the early morning air
Raine's (my good old reliable feista) windows were all frozen up and took several minutes to defrost

Friday 11 March 2011

We're now at Hitchin not Stevenage!
The tannoy is having an off day
So far it's announced arriving at........
Hatfield...... Liar
Welwyn North...... Liar
Nebworth........liar........ We've actually stopped at Stevenage
"We will shortly be arriving at Stevenage"
Get your f****** facts right mate.........we've already been there, bought the ticket and sat on the train!
Am I glad it's the weekend?
Hell YES!
Goodbye London!
Hello St Neots!
20:22......... Platform nine, a loser's platform
The announcement raised a smile on our faces.....
"We will shortly be arriving at Kings Cross" was heard
I don't think so!
Just spent 'forever' waiting for the 396 bus from within King George hospital ground freezing my(if I had any) balls!
Nearly everyone I see seem to be suffering with the same disability..........MOBILITIES!
Hand glued to an ear and talking loudly!
I am now sat on a 396 bus taking me to King George hospital
Loud mobile conversation persues.......like surround system......
Im being Head f****^!
I'm now on the Central line...... Stratford and Leyton station came and went and I bagged a seat at Leytonstone station
For some reason I have started itching!
There are a lot of casually dressed commuters, perhaps it's because it's Friday..........dressed down day eh!
We're just leaving Wanstead and heading towards Redbridge station
"The next station is Gants Hill.........This is Gants Hill. This is a central line to Newbury Park"
Thanks for letting me know (can you sense the sarcasm?)
Newbury Park station and I get off
St James's Park station for the District line to Mile End station then the Central line to Newbury Park station
A slight detour from my usual homeward bound journey
It's been an exhaustive week, having made this detour every other day this week
I am sat next to a young man in need of a good scrub, shave and clean clothes...... He has a musky smell omitting from the scruffy clothes he is wearing
A couple with a twin buggy are sharing a bag of MacDonald's chips......... I am not liking the smell!
A male commuter two seats away from me is reading 'To kill a Mockingbird'
An interesting book that I read during my secondary education.
Nooooooooo!
Nooooooooo!
F*** Noooo!
Why am I shrieking?
Picture this.......
Loud emergency noise is heard as I make my way towards Victoria line
"Please evacuate the station........
So myself, another train buddy and other commuters make our way out of Kings Cross station and walked to the next station, Euston
Always b***** something or other!

Thursday 10 March 2011

Stevenage brought it's commuters and off towards our final destination we goooooo!
It's unbelievably quiet in both carriages........ Oops! I spoke too soon
There are only six train buddies on the train....... Well it is FRIDAY!
It's warm inside the carriage and the sun is shining through the windows........... I'm thinking of Summer......... OK........ Spring!
One can dream!
07:13..........the sun is shining brighter buy there's a I'll wind blowing as I walk throgh the barrier, up the steps, across the bridge and down more steps towards two train buddies
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
"Guess what he won?"
And before I could reply, a brand new still in it's box, iPad was being displayed
"You won that? How? When?
"Blah! Blah! Blah!
Boy was I jealous!!!
Someone put in an offer plus a promise of a couple of bacon rolls
My eyes were fixed on the iPad
I would love to be the proud owner of an iPad 2 when it comes out

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Whilst waiting for the eight twenty and eavesdropping, a young woman was coming to join our team of three
She was smiling and waving...... I thought she was adrressing one of my male companion but as she got nearer I recognised her ('Should have gone to specsavers' comes to mind)
It was the cheerful young woman I had the pleasure to befriend on the yrai a couple of years ago
She never cease to put a smile on my face, always bubbly!
"Hiya"
"Morning stranger, didn't recognise you" I lied
"Yeah, I've had my hair chopped and I see you've done the same"
We hugged and kissed each other on both cheeks
"Mwoah!"
"Mwoah!
"So....... How come you're taking this train?"
"I had a late night out lastnight, so needed an extra hour"
"And you"
"This is early for me........I'm normally on the ten ten or thereabout"
We laughed and got lost in conversation
Until the train arrived putting a wedge between us
We were sat a couple of seats away from each other
08:11......... Now standing at platform four waiting for the eight twenty
Two male commuters are already standing at the front, exchanging pleasantries
"It looks like summer is here" says one
I don't think so..... I mentally interrupt
"Well, for this morning anyway!" replied the other
What planet are they on....... Again I mentally barged into their conversation
Here I was all wrapped up in my thick warm coat, scarf and new yellow leather gloves ( I mention the gloves because lastnight........ lastnight, I lost one of my 'best' black leather gloves....... somewhere between King Goerge's hospital in Goodmayes, Essex and Newbury Park station, Essex
08:00....... Mr frosty and Ms Sunshine greeted me this morning and after giving the sun a sympathetic smile (well I know it's going to loose it's battle with Mr Frosty), I made my way to St Neots station

Monday 7 March 2011

I have very limited battery life on my iPhone mobile so I must stop rabbiting before I'm stopped in midflow
22:20......... I am sat on the twenty-two twenty-two slow train home
It's been a very long day. It's the raggerty First Capital Connect train tonight
Come to think of it, it's these train that usually welcomes the very late commuters and a thought comes to mind.......... Is it in hindsight....... What with highly spirited commuters et al!
I can smell fast food junk....... MacDonald or Kentuky fried CHICKEN......take your pick

Sunday 6 March 2011

I met long tall Sally going through the barrier at the same time
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
"The good doctor is parking one of his many cars....."
We did the usual 'how was your weeken' as we head towards platform four
Only one train buddy seen at the platform
"Good morning"
"Good morning"
The good doctor follows seconds later, then my namesake
More greetings, more 'how's your weekend?'
"Blah! Blah! Blah! until the train arrives, on time
There were another five train buddies already on the train
We take our place beside them and.......
"Blah! Blah! Blah! all the way to Kings Cross
07:11......... Arrived at St Neots station a little annoyed with Mother Nature!
Why?
Well, I'll tell you......
I looked out of my bathroom window and was nearly blinded by the beautiful sun ray shining through the frosted window
Aaaah! Spring is finally showing, thus giving me an uplift, perking me up for my morning travel into the city that never sleeps, LONDON!
I stepped out into the big world and that 'spring in my shoes' disappeared
Why?
It was f****** freezing!!
Hence mad dash in to get my scarf

Friday 4 March 2011

DOS man picked me up from St Neots station bearing a surprise gift.........a flask full of hot coffee laced with ......... BAILEYS!
LOVE MY DOS MAN
Now I'm sat alone albeit with a handful of other late commuters, lost in my thought
DOS man and number two daughter are always there to lift my spirit whenever I'm feeling low
21:07......... Platform zero for the seven minutes past nine train to St Neots
I had a lovely meal with my number two daughter....... We ordered one fancy cocktail and one Southern comfort and lemonade followered by our starter. We chatted and caught up with our day's event
We had a taste of each others starter, chatting away whilst sipping on our individual 'poison' drink
We ordered our main meal and continued chatting until it was brought to the table
After a succulent dish washed down with peppermint tea my number two daughter paid the bill and we made our way to the coat stand for our coats and scarfs
"Is this your first time?" asked the elegant female owner
"Second......first time being straight after watching a dance performance at the nearby Sadler's Wells theatre last summer" I said
We chatted whislt putting on out coats
"Well, have a good evening and hope to see you again"
"Have a good evening too"
We walked to Angel station for the Northern line to Kings Cross before parting
We hugged, we kissed and said our goodbyes
17:17........ On the southbound Victoria line train having had to walk down a (non) moving escalators 
I should have known that something was amiss
Why?
Just as I joined the Victoria line commuters, after getting of the district and circle line...... a female commuter appeared to be coming UP the DOWN escalators, joining the crowd taking the other escalators!
I had to take double quick steps in order not to fall!
I'm taking a slight detour this evening and now heading towards the Northern line, destination..........Angel