My life on a train

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Matt

Note: I've substituted the word "train" in place of "chain" in the song lyrics below:

I live on a train and you share the same last name, as a joke,
I sent a bottle of whiskey, as you choked,
I knew it made you feel dirty,

And I was waiting over here for life to begin,
I was looking for the new thing,
And you were THE sunshine heading my front-line,
I was alone, you were just around the corner from me.

Time alone is good, I spend my days in the city,
Dirty neighborhood, you know you’ll never convince me,
So I sold the town away, I couldn’t wait to forget you,
I was killed in half a day, I hadn’t time to regret you,

And I was waiting over here for life to begin,
I was looking for the new thing
And you were the sunshine heading my front line,
I was alone you were just around the corner from me.

I, I'm still on the train, and you, had the same last name,
As a joke I sent a bottle of whiskey
As you choked you said it made you feel dirty...

Waiting over here, for life to begin,
Still looking for the new thing,
And you were the sunshine heading my front-line,
I was alone, you were just around the corner from me

This is Pete Yorn - Life On A Chain, but I'd prefer it be called "Life On A Train," because the lyrics kind of fit my life right now.

In April of 2008, I decided to "test the waters" and see what jobs were available in my field. I was slightly irritated at my current job at the time, so I figured it couldn't hurt to see what was out there. I was lucky - I chose to start looking for a new job right before the economy tanked. If I had waited just another month or two, I may not have been hired at the new place, and would have had to hold onto my current job at the time just to maintain income.

Luck... has been the story of my life over the past year. I was hired at my current job after one interview, but leading up to that interview was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety.

I'd be commuting to and from work via train, and walking the remainder of the way. Never in my 28 years in this world had I commuted to work/school/etc solely via public transportation. Sure, I've always taken public transportation for entertainment purposes, such as going to baseball games, or visiting friends. But never for a consistent, Monday-through-Friday commute.

I'd also be working in downtown Chicago. The big city. Again, I've visited the city a lot, but never on a consistent basis, specifically for work.

Both aspects would be a huge culture shock for me. I'd have to get used to riding the train next to people every day, and not having my car for privacy, or to immediately "up and leave" whenever I wanted. I'd have to get used to walking outside during inclement weather, as Chicago can be pretty nasty 10 months out of the year. Most importantly, I'd have to get used to working in the big city, but this was more of an enjoyable adjustment than anything.

Even after my very first week on the job, I was loving every second. I loved not having to drive my car to and from work, and sit in traffic. Those who know me realize my dislike for driving altogether. I call it "stress in a bottle." I loved being able to multi-task while commuting; something that's common with smartphones these days, but very dangerous when you're behind the wheel. I loved working downtown - where there's always something going on, and always a "vibe" in the air.

I was closer to social network friends from Twitter, Brightkite, and Facebook. I could more easily meet up with people for lunch, happy hour, than I ever could sitting in some isolated suburban complex, where it takes hours to walk to the nearest Walgreens or Jamba Juice.

I like walking. It's exercise and it clears the mind. I also work at a computer for a living, so I sit all day. Just the little walking I do in the mornings and evenings every workday has made me feel a lot better. I get home feeling looser than I would had I sat cramped behind the wheel for an hour or more.

I'm now much more comfortable with public transporation, as a whole. So much that I bought a new townhome right near a Metra station. I am now easily convinced to visit friends in the city on weekends by taking trains, busses - whatever I can, and avoid driving unless it's absolutely necessary.

I am also safer taking public transportation, in regards to "drinking and driving." I can meet friends in the city after work, or on weekends, and get as tipsy as I please - all I have to do is walk to the bus or train, and they get me home safe.

Every day I get up, I look forward to the train. Even on the days where I feel lousy or lifeless, the train always picks me up (literally and figuratively). I love riding it, and looking out the window as we cruise past the fields, homes, and buildings. It feels enlivening, exciting, and awesome to be living or working in Chicago. Every day I ride into the city is like a mini-vacation. Sure, I'm just going to work, but it's an instant "pick me up."

This is the world I now live in, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Comments

# Carissa at 7/4/2009 9:34 am cst

Am I the only one that comments on your posts?

# Matt at 7/4/2009 11:48 am cst

Well I wouldn't really count that as a comment regarding the post, but yes, you are the first! :-)

# Mike at 7/8/2009 9:25 am cst

Sounds like life IS good, I always thought the train would be the way to go, if possible. Have you walked across the lot for a Flyers game yet??

# Matt at 7/8/2009 5:02 pm cst

Yep, went once so far. Might have to visit again! We should meet up there as a group sometime.

# Beverly J Haynes at 7/10/2009 8:53 am cst

Matt Mike sent this to me so that I could read it. This was pretty good and I am glad you are happy with your train ride, job, marriage and everything else. After we come back from seeing Laura & Mike and the pool party we will have to get together. Love Aunt Bev

# Matt at 7/10/2009 9:18 am cst

Thanks! We will definitely get together soon. See you at the pool party!

# Mom at 7/15/2009 9:58 pm cst

Hi Great insight and your dad has taken the train for almost 25 years plus - he did try a job at one point where he did drive - he hated it. When I left Res and went to work in Evanston - I thought the drive would be the end of me...I made it though and now in the almost perfect world - no driving at all!