The Return Of Mechasmack

Lately it seems there have been more people getting all up in my space on the train. I know what you're thinking, "It's not your space. You're on public transportation. It gets crowded." Yes, that is true, but that doesn't mean you have to sit next to me when there are 18 empty seats over there.

I'm not sure what has triggered this in me, but until the train or bus reaches a certain level of capacity, it really bugs me when someone sits next to me. I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way. Otherwise, people would already be sitting next to each other. I think most people have a sense of personal space unless the situation does not allow for it.

It's weird to me that it bothers me so much, but it just disrupts my morning commute. I need those few moments of time where I can have the seat to myself before dealing with some stranger potentially touching me for the next 30 minutes. I suppose that's what really bothers me - the touching. Just this morning some guy sat next to me and was pretty much leaning on me for 20 minutes. And it reminded me of the guy who last week sat next to me when there were plenty of empty seats in the car and his elbow keep touching my arm. My recent trip to NYC was just another reminder of how much I prefer the benches on the trains there. The seats here in Chicago are just not wide enough for two adults to sit next to each other without touching, especially in a "fat" city like Chicago.

I know I probably sound neurotic, but the four of you who read this blog should know that about me already. Maybe I can get one of the carpool dummies to take on the train with me.

Today is a sad day.

After lunch I saw the document in my inbox I've been dreading for months: The requisition letter for my Blackberry.

I've been avoiding it as long as I possibly could, I suppose. As much as I love gadgets like this, the thought of being tied to work any more than I already am was the last thing I wanted. I've often teased people I know who have them attached to their hips all the time, constantly buzzing and checking email. My goal for 2007 was to increase my free time. Oh, well.

I will try to be optimistic about this. One good thing is I'll be able to check email while not at the computer, which is the only reason I drag my laptop home at times. And since we have a team in India that I need to be in touch with, it will help facilitate communication. And at least now I have a way to keep in touch if I'm out of the country. If I can just find a version of Galaga that runs on it then I'm set.