1/5/2005

“How was work, honey?” I asked.

“It was like a vacation” she said. 

It’s a sad, but real nonetheless, commentary of this moment in the time-space continuum when we both see work as our escape, our vacation destination of choice.  We both feel guilty about it too.  Aren’t we supposed to love to spend time with our kid and can’t wait to have a day off so we can have “quality time” with him.  Uh huh.  $500/mo is a small price to pay for some R&R, even if it is at my desk with my view of Dodger Stadium if I stand up look across the hall.  I suspect every couple begins to feel this way after a while.  Perhaps this is why many marriages break up within the first year after the birth of the first child.  Diana and I are getting used to and tired of the responsibility, but we’re in it together…and that makes all the difference.

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 As I boarded the train to Union Station this morning, I was tired, dead tired.  Ryan had a screamfest in the middle of the night last night.  I couldn’t get back to sleep.  *yawn*  The train was filled with people, all different.  I normally don’t take this train so I missed the “Goood morning.  Goood morning.  Goood morning.  Welcome to the Metro Redline.  It’s a great day to be alive.  Work as a team.  Make a difference out there” pep talk of my regular driver.  I tried to read but my tired eyes and tired brain were not quite in sync yet.  My mind wandered as I observed the other patrons of public transportation this fine morning.  What brought them here today?  The man with the Mexican rancher look…Wrangler jeans, big belt with buckle and the white cowboy hat.  Where was he going?  Would his wife and kids miss him?  Did he even have a wife?  The black guy with the pleather jacket, the cubic zirconium bling bling, the black cap and the silver new testament chain he wore around his neck…where was he going?  He left at the blue line transfer point so I suspect he could be headed to Long Beach or Compton or…perhaps LAX.  What would he do there?  A friend left with him so perhaps they were heading home together or maybe off to work.  The Asian man next to me who kept rubbing his sweater across his face in a creepy, I’m a serial killer sorta way…I’m glad he left after 2 stops.  The heavyset woman with the luggage carrier…I’ve seen her several times before.  She seems to struggle.  As the train passes her stop, I wonder where she goes every day.  The young kid (he was probably in his early 20s) in a suit…was he headed to an interview?  He looked nervous and tired.  I suspect he was.  I hope he gets the job.  As I exited the train, I wondered if the other passengers wondered what I was doing after I left the train.  Me, in my khaki pants, plaid shirt and green coat, name badge hanging from my neck.  I suspect at least someone was.  I hope they thought good thoughts.  I could use some good thoughts today.