Boston

I'm back.

Traveling

7pm, Boston Express bus, Slightly North of Boston.
"Argh!"
I'm on the bus, sitting next to Kyle, who has informed me that there is a power outlet next to us. awesome! Kyle is going to boston to the symphony, I'm going to catch a train. The fact that I'm on the bus is important, as I missed the first bus.

Here's the story: I packed a bit before karate, but clearly not enough. I ate and practiced cello before my lesson, and Mr. Beiniek offered to let me stay late but I had a bus to catch. Drat!

I raced home, and by raced I mean -the speed limit- I packed quickly, literally throwing stuff into my bag. I grabbed my garment bag and -ran- to the bus station. I have 15 minutes to get there, and it's 1.5 miles. It's 80F, I'm sweating abundantly, I have 2 minutes to spare, and the nice lady behind the counter says the bus already left.

Oops. Without shouting at anyone, I left. My anger showed on my face and my pace out the door. Mom came to the rescue but there was no way we could make the train, it would simply take too long. We ate and I called amtrak, who were angels and simply moved my reservation later. Yes! We picked up some food and water (because I didn't have time to pack them the first time) and Mom dropped me off at the bus station and continued on her day. I owe you Big Time, Thanks Mom.

Neil Gaiman's second(?) book of short stories: Fragile Things will be my primary source of entertainment until my train (Amtrak #169) arrives in NYC at 10:50pm. I have an hour layover in South Station where I hope to buy another book. I brought three but the other two are comic books (flight, volumes 1 and 2).

8:35pm, 'The Quiet Cabin', Amtrak train 169 in Some Part of Conn.
"Things Forgotten"
I ate my dinner in South Station without napkins. One other item I've forgotten: iPod power/connection cable. Hopefully my NYC friend, Dana, will have some way to charge it. If I had a digital camera worth taking, I would have brought it. The sunset alone would have been worth it.

This is The Quiet Cabin, no cell phones please. Please be courteous to those around you. Please keep all conversation hushed and to a minimum. Please turn off all electronic equipment that beeps or makes noise of any kind. I've been listening to my iPod for several hours, now I'm listening to my laptop because it's plugged in. There is a power outlet in plain sight right next to me. Mom, you would also like to know that this cabin is clean, even the windows have recently been washed. The cabin lights and AC are on. There is plenty of room for both of my carry on items, though I had to take my bicycle helmet out of my backpack and put it up overhead wih my garment bag. When I put the bag up there, I was very afraid I would forget it. I was also afraid I'd fall asleep and miss my stop (the train goes to Washington DC), as I was a zombie for the first 2 hours in the train; consequently I have been remixing my naptime playlist with quiet music I can sleep to. Infrequently the power will go out in the cabin, as I'm sure it happens with all cabins and subway cars. I do not see this as a problem. Since the AC and lights go out, the cabin becomes even more peaceful. This never happens for more than a minute or two, but those trying to read probably do not enjoy it as much as I do =)

It's just now getting dark outside. Soon there won't be enough light for me to see out the windows. I should have tried to talk to the girl behind me. I didn't want to interrupt, and this *is* the quiet cabin....

With nearly 2 hours left in this leg of my commute, I'm going to try to take a nap, though I am curious what I could find in the snack car...
*listening to Satie: Gymnopédies - 1. Lent Et Douloureux

2:21am, The Couch, Dana's apartment, NYC
After a seemingly endless subway ride, fried chicken (for Dana), and hours of Rock Band, I'm finally calling it a night.

What a day!

Sushi, wine, and the internet

My network is broken. I will need to replace my router, as it is malfunctioning.

I took my mother out for sushi and we ordered all our favorite maki. Thank you Gift Check!*

I learned to stop on my longboard today. I spent hours walking up this small hill and riding back down, then turning as sharply as possible, eventually sliding the wheels out into a skid, and stopping abruptly. Usually I would propel myself into the air. I didn't leave until I had injured myself doing a toe-side skid, I landed on my thumb. Ow.

Now, after re-loading the firmware on my router 3 times, and resetting the factory defaults 4 times, I am able to access the internet. My roommate, wireless, cannot. I will call Linksys tomorrow.

Also tomorrow: The Peabody Essex Museum

*My co-workers in Boston brought me cake and a gift check and a laptop bag. They are sweet and I miss them already. I must go back to Boston soon.

Adventure!

Last night, I worked the late shift. My train was to leave North Station at 7:35pm. My shift ended at 6:55pm. That means I had to FLY from 200 Seaport to North Station, about 2 miles, in less than 40 minutes. The Subway takes about that much time, and the next train is an hour later. In short, I had to move.

I travelled light, jumped on my longboard, and pushed hard. I arrived at 7:08, feeling like I'd conquered the streets of Boston!

Wednesday night I only did half my workout because I felt ill. Only 100 pushups and 100 crunches.

Today is my last day in Boston. I feel sad to leave, like I've failed. I had this image of moving to Boston and somehow still maintaining active Kenpo training in Manchester. It's a dream that nobody seems to think I can accomplish. I feel at home in Boston. I feel empty without Kenpo.

Beautiful Day

It is a beautiful day and I have a date this evening.
Next week I'll be back in Manchester teaching, making up the classes I've missed while in Boston.
I love this city, but I love Kenpo more.