29 years with the MTA

I believe everyone has a story to tell...it is how you tell it that matters. I met an MTA employee that told me his story on his journey to America and how he remained in the United States. He first came to visit his father that he hasn't met for 15 years and ended up remaining with his father. Soon after, he started working for Metropolitan Transit Authority and he said he loves his job. When I ran into Ahmad, he was sweeping the platform; he was wearing a handsome smile, the years have taken a toll on his eyes and hands....you can tell he has worked many hours of hard labor. As we got into a conversation about culture and living in the United States, he mentioned his 29 years of service with the MTA and how it has great benefits. I simply nodded in agreement. Personally, working for the State/City is actually a great job/career because of the many benefits it offers. However, working that long for the City is quite beyond me. Everyone should always look on the bright side when it comes to your job; it might not be the IDEAL job, but its a start and you can pay off your loans/bills/etc. While talking to him, he mentioned how some immigrants come to the U.S and remain here. He boasted about his home country and his dreams of going back there...

He described his beautiful island of Barbados as a place he will love to return to during his retirement. He painted a very vivid picture about buying his own boat and sailing around the island. I told him that sounded like a great retirement plan! After working 29 years, he deserves every bit of it.

Love,
Jennifer

Full Course Meal on the Subway

This is the second time I'm blogging about subway passengers that bring out their food (some smell bad...the others smell OK)to eat with crumbs falling all over their lap and just bad eating habits overall. I think I was on the 1 train and this guy was eating this burrito like it was going out of style. It disgusted me. I didnt understand why he will touch the pole in the train and use the same hand to eat his food. I mean, it's his food but why eat like a scavenger and look up from his food like some1 will take it from him. Naah, I'm good.
You can always tell where you are by what people are eating. Let me explain...If you are catchn a train from Uptown, you will occassionally catch the whiff of a Jamaican dish or a Gyro or something that's less "healthy." I guess to keep up with the fast paced New York City lifestyle, New Yorkers are more prone to eat on the go and thus, the many reasons for sandwich and pizza shops. For me, the only thing I eat on the train is a twix bar, thank you very much! =)
On a serious note, if you cant eat properly (w/manners) in public, please refrain from doing so and save us all from watching you eat like a pig.


Love,
Jennifer