Hi, everyone! Happy (almost) Friday!! Is it just me, or has this week felt strange to anyone? I can't quite put my finger on it, but something was just off this week. I've stopped caring to try and figure it out though, and right now I'm just focusing on the weekend.

That said, I have some very exciting news!! You ready? Ok, are you sitting down? . . .
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SUBWAY GAL IS MOVING!!!

YES! You heard correctly. "Thoughts On a Subway" is moving to a new and improved home! Ya see, I've joined a new blog featuring a group of four other fabulous twenty-something year-old lady bloggers like this one, and that one. All of our blogs now live on separate pages on one site. Make sense?

So by now you are probably asking yourself, "So, what does this mean to me?"

Well, it means that you will not only have access to my blog posts, but you will also have the option to check out theirs too. Trust me, you will love it. Starting Monday, when you visit subwaygal.blogspot.com, you will be automatically re-directed to the new site. Soooooooo, make sure you update your blog rolls! I'm really excited about the new site, and eager to hear what you think too, so be sure to leave me some feedback.

Until then . . . HAVE A HAPPY FRIDAY AND A FABULOUS WEEKEND!

Yesterday, I stumbled upon this article announcing that the MTA has a budget crisis (like everyone and every company lately - Thanks, Mr. Bush!) and to help amend it, the MTA is planning to not only cut jobs, but also subway lines, thereby making the already crowded trains and slow service, even more crowded and slower.

Ride the M, Z, G or W line? Well, your SOL because the MTA is expected to get rid of the W and Z lines, and cut service on the G and M lines. However, I'm sure you are all happy to know that this does not affect me personally, but still, it sucks.

They haven't announced it yet, but I'm sure we will be getting another fare hike soon too - Crowded trains? Slow service? Of course it makes sense to raise prices!! Sigh . . .

An update on what exactly will be happening is expected tomorrow. Stay tuned! (and hope for the best)

Happy Humpday!

Imagine my delight when my I was flipping through the TV stations with my boyfriend and our friend this weekend and we stumbled upon "Chappelle's Show." Well, imagine my even greater delight upon realizing that it was the Rick James/Charlie Murphy episode!

For those of you not familiar with "Chappelle's Show" (I got on the fan base a little too late too - actually, his show was long over by the time I started watching), or those who haven't seen this video, it is hands-down one of the funniest things you will ever see. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the whole episode, but I was able to find this hysterical scene.

Happy Tuesday! Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who took my last poll. Not surprisingly, half of you (though, I'm not sure why not all of you), would like the opportunity for personal space. Half of you also wanted a buffet breakfast on the subway. I would like that too, though I'm not sure I could ever really trust food cooked on the subway, where homeless people sleep.

Anyway, I've posted a new poll, so please take it!

In other news, I'm pretty sure I have an online shopping addiction. In the past 48 hours I have made purchases on Victoria's Secret's site, some online bookstore site so I could buy a new college sweatshirt, and ohnuts.com because I'm addicted to gourmet jelly beans.

Last night, my boyfriend and I went out with some of his friends to celebrate one of his college friend's birthdays at a place in Brooklyn called Barcadia. The way my boyfriend described this place I expected to be in a casino-like place lined with video games and waiters taking your drink order. Well, imagine my surprise when instead I was surrounded by boys wearing beanies, and shirts that are small and faded, and skinny jeans that were tighter than my skinny jeans. It was a mix of your average nerds, hippies and skaters. As you might imagine, I was very much out of my element. What's worse, there was one, sometimes two, bartenders, which made getting a drink nearly impossible. In fact, every time I tried to order a drink, it seemed like the bartender was serving everyone except me. When I finally was able to get the bartender's attention, I ordered a white zinfandel. "A zinfan who?," the bartender asked. "What kind of white wine do you have?," I asked. "Chardonnay, and, uhhhh," he began. "Chardonnay! A chardonnay is fine," I said. But as it turns out, the chardonnay was not fine. It tasted like rubbing alcohol. This place was supposedly known for its beer, so I ditched the chardonnay and ordered a Raspberry stout, expecting a light, sweet beer. What I got was vomit-inducing. The beer was dark and disgusting. I tried to give the beer to several others, but they all had one sip and passed. So I ditched that beer and got a merlot. That merlot also tasted like rubbing alcohol. At this point we ditched the bar and walked to the diner where I just had coffee.

How was your weekend?

Kevin McKidd. New doc on Grey's Anatomy. And my new obsession. What can I say, I have a thing for red heads ;)

Today I realized that my favorite part of the weekday, aside from finally coming home at the end of it and seeing boyfriend and my super-cute kitties, is the 35 minutes I have to myself to read in the morning on my way in to work on the subway, in a seat because I'm one of the first stops, and the 35 minutes I have to myself to read on the ride home. I find this realization a bit sad. Call me crazy, but is the rest of my day so awful that the best part of it is reading. By myself? Work isn't awful, it's just that I'm filled with anxiety throughout most of it, especially today. I was afraid of going into cardiac arrest all day. Is this not normal? Someone tell me they know what I mean and that this has happened to you before? Ok, so maybe I'm a little crazy, but what do you think the best and worst parts of the day are??

The votes have all been tallied, and survey says . . .

50 percent of you would like to see prostitutes on the subways. You sick f*cks! What is wrong with you?? Haven't you thought of the children that ride the subway? THE CHILDREN! Has anybody thought of the children???

Anyway, this "improvement" to the subways was followed closely by faster and cleaner service, which was not surprising. What was surprising however, was that 25 percent of you would like to hear "The Best of Bette Midler" playing in the background in the subway cars. I'm not quite sure I understand this one. Don't get me wrong, I love love love "Wind Beneath My Wings" and all because it reminds me of "Beaches," which is a great movie, but there isn't much more I love of hers besides that song.

Anyway, I'm posting a new poll, so make sure you take it and force all your friends to take it too! ;)

Happy Friday, everyone! I feel like the week flew by, which is probably due to all the excitement over the election. I don't really care how it happened; I'm just glad that it did and now we can prepare for the weekend!! And, to make things even better, I had a pretty drama-free subway commute to and from work this week. There was almost an incident on the subway this morning when the girl seated next to me kept bumping into me and invading what little personal space I had when the train stopped or started. But, it was early, I was sedated, and so I kept my cool. Progress? I certainly think so.

I'm going to see "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" tonight because boyfriend and I are big fans of comedies, especially ones that feature Seth Rogen. Has anyone seen this movie yet? Thoughts?

What are your plans for the weekend?

a beautiful daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!

Obama was projected the winner of the election and MSNBC is showing shots across the country of tons of people gathering in the streets celebrating. It reminds me of New Years Eve. In fact, I keep expecting my phone to ring and for it to be my mom with her usual Happy New Years! call. Today is not New Years Eve, but today is HISTORIC. We are going to look at our grandkids' textbooks one day and be all like, "I was just a lad when the first black president was elected," because you've recently acquired a Scottish accent, and by this point there have been like 5 other black presidents since then. Anyway, this is big. HUGE. Rachel Maddow is tearing up. This is truly a beautiful day.

Happy (not really) Monday!! Is everyone fully recovered from Halloween weekend and ready to get back to work?! Me neither.

So, how was your Halloween? What did you dress up as? Call me the Halloween scrooge, but I, myself, am not much of a fan of the "holiday," but every year someone has a party, and this year was no different. I don't have the desire to go that extra mile and come up with really cool costume, so, instead, I buy, and this year my boyfriend and I were prisoners. Not very original, but I assure you we looked very good. By far, the best looking convicts I've ever seen. Not that I've seen any, except for on TV.

On the train out to the party we were headed to on Long Island, it was dead quiet. That is, until the end of the train ride when a rather loud, and, I'm assuming, very drunk man starting talking into his cell phone and kept using different variations of the sentence, "You know I respect you and your woman." For hims look and tone of voice, I had a feeling he was involved in some type of mafia work. I was thinking of saying something rude when we got off the train until he muttered something amusing about our costumes to me and my boyfriend as we got off the train and I thought, since he is being nice, why be mean? Progressive thinking on my part? I certainly think so.

The night was fun and we got to see our friends in their way-more exciting costumes, except for one friend of ours who simply threw on a ski mask or two and called himself a rapist, but I was exhausted and decided to take the 12:30 a.m. train home. I guess I must have been a bit more tipsy than I thought because I also got into a totally-unnecessary fight with my boyfriend where I started yelling like an escaped mental patient and even tested some of my cardio-kickboxing skills, leaving him with a black-and-blue on his thigh (sorry, boyfriend!). Some of you might be reading this in absolute horror right now, but for those of you who know me, this is typical Subway Gal behavior ;)

Imagine my horror when I happened to look up from the book I was reading this morning on the subway and discovered a very tall, kinda young (early 20s) girl standing by the door wearing a very tight, bright, lime-green shirt that just covered the flabby belly that was hanging over the waistline of the too-tight jeans. Unfortunately, the fabric wasn't spandexy (yes, I know that's not a real word) enough to cover the love handles pouring out from the sides of the shirt. All of this was topped off by a short, fuschia jacket that just covered below this girl's boobs. A bright-yellow belt was complimented by bright-yellow earrings and the entire ensemble was completed by silver ballet flats.

Now, I'm all for being creative and daring to set a new fashion trend, but no. Just no. This outfit was in no way shape or form a good idea. Especially so early in the morning.

Re: the picture - it's one of the first things that came up when I typed in "hot mess" into google images and I really liked it.

The polls are closed and the verdict is!! . . . predictably, the majority of you think I'm sick in the head for considering licking a subway poll made of candy. Though I'm glad that some of you were brave enough to admit that you would consider if it you were drunk.

NEW POLL!!!

That's right, there's a new poll in the hizouse, so ch-ch-ch-check it ouuuuuuut!

Okay, so I guess I've been kinda lazy this week, considering I haven't posted anything new since Monday, and allllllllllll (10-15) of you loyal readers must be dying for some new material. Well, I don't have any, which is why I thought I would blog about this article I saw on Newsday's Web site today.

Apparently, the MTA installed computer screens at one Brooklyn subway station showing where the next trains are on the L line. Then, if this new technology works, more screens may be installed in other stations along the L line. How nice for the L line! But WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER LINES?!?! Why does the L get all the love while the rest of the lines suffer?

I had always heard the the L train was the worst, but then I had to ride it one day this past summer and discovered that it is actually the best. The exact reasons why escape me now because, well, it's been a few months and, stuff . . . but I do remember being really impressed and awestruck. I'm glad that efforts have been made to improve the L train, but ENOUGH ALREADY! We get it, MTA. The L train is awesome, and it's obviously your favorite, but it would be nice if some of these fancy improvements were made on other lines like the R and the V that could use some serious help.

I'm just sayin . . .

This morning, after I got out of the subway and was headed to my office, I was offered an environmentally-friendly tote bag from a young girl. Instead of saying, "thanks!" and walking away, I paused for a moment and looked at the girl quizzically, and then looked down at the bag she was offering, and then back at the girl. Sensing my confusion, she explained that "it's just a bag." So I smiled, took the bag, muttered "thank you" and walked away. And indeed it was just a bag. In fact, it was a free bag from Lucky magazine, advertising its "Ultimate Shopping Party."

I could always use an extra tote bag to help save the word, so why was I so skeptical of accepting this small gift from this seemingly non-threatening young girl? I'll tell you why. It's because we, as New Yorkers, are skeptical of "free" gifts. We are so used to trying to dodge those people throwing fliers and coupons at us every day and being offer "free" samples that really aren't free, that we don't know how to react when we are offered something that is useful, and actually free.

Or, maybe it's not all New Yorkers who act this way and maybe it's just me being sleepy and paranoid on a Monday morning.

So, I'm sitting here at 10:30 on Saturday night watching "Ugly Betty" on my DVR (because I'm super-cool like that) and I'm starting to wonder about Ugly Betty and why she always looks . . . the same. I mean, having worked at a fashion magazine for a few seasons, you would think she would have picked up some tips by now and started to dress better, and get a fashionable haircut, and wax her eyebrows, and get some contacts. But no. She stays exactly the same. I mean, look at Anne Hathaway in "The Devil Wears Prada." She went from a chunky, dumpy, college grad to a sexy, glamorous magazine assistant. I'm just sayin . . .

And what about her job? Ugly Betty is supposed to be the assistant to the editor of a huge fashion magazine and yet, I don't think I've ever seen her do any work.

And finally, let's give some credit to Judith Light. That woman, I think, just gets better with age. Seriously, who would have thought that Angela from, "Who's the Boss" would ever go on to get another job when that show ended? And now look at her! She's on a hit show and has made recurring guest appearances on such awesome shows as "Law and Order: SVU." I salute you, Judith Light. I hope one day to age as gracefully as you.

BREAKING NEWS! Well, actually it's not exactly breaking because I heard a bout it hours ago, and the news doesn't really warrant a breaking news bulletin, but whatever. Remember when I blogged
about how James Van der Beek was a has-been but was set to do some upcoming movies? Well, today I learned from Perez that he is also joining the cast of the shiteous "One Tree Hill." Remember when I blogged about my conflicted feelings on that show because it was so terribly unrealistic, yet I continued to watch it out of a misplaced sense of loyalty?

Anyway, this is a recipe for disaster. A D-list actor joining a sinking ship of a show? For poor "OTH," this is the equivalent of getting a pink slip.

By the way, am I still the only one out there even still watching "OTH"??

Ok, I know you're thinking, what the hell does a Madonna video have to do with you hating Tuesdays? Well, it actually has nothing to do with it, but I'm kinda obsessed with this song since I saw Madonna in concert this past weekend (yes, that's right. MADONNA. IN CONCERT. Be jealous) and she put on a great performance to this song. Well, she put on a great performance the whole show! But I digress . . .

So, you might be thinking, Why hate Tuesdays? Why not Mondays? Everyone hates Mondays. Yes, Mondays are awful. But that's a given. Everyone expects Mondays to be awful days. Anyway, Tuesdays are just a long, and, usually for me because I'm overly dramatic, stressful and upsetting day. Today was one of those days. It seemed like I was drowning in work and I got myself all upset for nothing because when I really looked at it, it wasn't all that bad. Then, on my way to the gym, I got on a subway with no seats. I take the local R home and there is always a seat when I get on at 49th. The only two free seats on the subway car this evening were covered in water. How this happened is beyond me. How do only two seats get wet? And why are there no signs of a flood? And why aren't there any paper towel dispensers on the subway?!

Once at the gym, I had the unfortunate experience of hopping on the only free eliptical machine next to a girl on her cell phone. I hate this. Like, I really hate this. You are at the gym. To work out. Go home and talk on the phone. I get that some people are insecure when they are alone in public. Hell, during my silly college days I once talked to my boyfriend-at-the-time while I was eating in a Burger King because I was way too self-conscious to be seen eating alone. But this is a gym. Most people are alone. In fact, it's ok to be alone. We know you have friends and you are popular and stuff, so you don't need to prove it by talking on the phone while you are working out. But, despite the nasty looks I kept throwing this girl's way, she chattered on. Fed up, I hopped off my eliptical to check the sign hanging on the mirror and sure enough, it said that cell phone use was prohibited. So, I said something along the lines of, "Excuse me, but the sign says cell phone use is prohibited in this area and it's really annoying." She looked at me in shock, probably not believing I was being that girl, and mumbled something to her friend on the other line, which I'm assuming was something along the lines of, "Some skinny bitch next to me is complaining about my cell phone use. I'll call you when she leaves." I know that may have been obnoxious of me to say something to her, but I had no headphones on and I wanted to relax and listen to the music playing in the gym. I pay way too much money to be a member of my gym and I expect to be able to have an enjoyable workout.

Anyway, the rest of the day ended nicely because when I went upstairs to my abs class, this nice guy in my class who talked to me once before, sparked up another conversation with me. I was really happy about this because I was afraid I had offended him the last time we spoke and he said he loves taking the spin class before our abs class, and I told him that I always wanted to try spinning, but since my old coworker used to swear by it and she was always fat, I wasn't convinced the class worked.

And finally, as a reward for making it to the end the long-ass day (I didn't get home until almost 9:30 p.m.!), I was rewarded with my fave, chicken quesidillas, for dinner :)

And that is why I hate Tuesdays. What's your least favorite day of the week?

Okay, I get it. No one really liked my last poll because no one really knew, or cared who Lisa Bonet was. I apologize and I'll try not to let a sh*tty poll like that happen again. Anyway, I've posted a new poll so let's let bygones be bygones and try it again. I think you'll find this poll more to your liking.

Happy Friday, everyone!!! We've finally made it to the end of the week with our sanity, hopefully, still intact. Congratulations.

I would like to dedicate today's post to the people who help me start my day off on a good note. Coffee cart workers.

I don't know about you, but in the morning I want a large cup of regular coffee that costs $1.25, as opposed to a desert-like coffee drink from Starbucks that costs $4, and after my initial hesitancy to buy coffee from a mobile cart in the middle of the sidewalk, I now only buy my morning coffee from coffee carts. In fact, when I left my last job, I was most upset about that I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to my coffee cart guy (because I was laid off one day and never went back), and to this day I still feel bad about leaving him without so much as a goodbye . . .

Anyway, there is one middle-aged couple who serves me my coffee every morning on the corner of 6th Ave. and 52nd St., that I particularly enjoy. We have history you see, because when I first worked at my current company about a year ago (I left, went to two other firms and then came back) they used to serve me my coffee and when I came back, they still remembered me! It was like greeting a distant relative you haven't seen in awhile. What's great about them is that they are super-friendly and the wife often compliments me, usually on how thin I am, which of course, always makes me smile because with me, flattery gets you everywhere. Anyway, what I really love about this couple is that they have my order down pat! My coffee is already done and waiting for me by the time I get to the front of the line, and you really can't beat service like that.

So, today, take a minute and thank your favorite coffee cart worker for his/her great service. And, if you don't utilized the services of a coffee cart, I highly suggest you find one today. You won't be disappointed.

As some of you know through experience, the worst seats on the subway are the ones next to the door. You know, the one with the bar shielding you from the flock of people entering or exiting the train. The bar that people, annoying people, like to lean on. I usually try to avoid this seat, but for some really crazy reason, I chose this seat on the subway this morning, although there were plenty others to choose from. I thoughtI'd be adventurous and give it another try. Big mistake. I immediately regretted my decision when what I assume was a teenager (I refuse to look up and make eye contact with people sitting or standing next to me on the subway) leaned against the bar with his elbows out so that I had the pleasure of one right next to my head. It was uncomfortably too close for my liking and I kept waiting to get elbowed in the head and have to cause a great big scene when I cried out in exaggerated pain. So, to avoid this situation, I kept playing with my hair, hoping my movement would deter him, but it did not. Finally, I put rested my arm on the bar so that he would have to move. It worked! But then my arm got tired and I moved it, and the annoying teenager moved back into position. I was relieved when he got off the subway, but that was short-lived when another guy took his place. And this guy had a backpack. These are the worst kinds of people because they treat their backpacks as if they are parts of their body - like a hump on their back that has every right to be there invading your personal space. Had it been later in the day when I was more awake and alert, I probably would have taken out my keys and started poking Backpack boy, but I controlled myself and kept quite. Kudos to me.

Thanks to everyone for taking my latest poll. It's good to know that most of you have ever been so hard up for cash that you had to resort to begging for it on the subway. However, for the one person who actually begs for cash once a month, please tell us about it. Did you make a lot of money? Did you use it to pay rent, or buy smack?

Anyway, I've just posted a new poll, so please check it out! It's actually quite random, but take it anyway, please.

So, as you all remember because you read my blog religiously, I mentioned that I was going to Irish Fest in Long Beach, LI Saturday. I did. I also mentioned that I was probably going to be wasted and may or may not get into some fights. I did not. Here's what happened . . .

The train ride to Long Beach was painful. Thankfully, I had a hilarious book to distract me from the recent college grads sitting near us drinking from a paper bag (classy!) and getting increasily louder by the gulp. They were discussing things like how hungover they are from the night before when they puked all over their boyfriend's car. And they were saying things like, "When I was in college I wanted to either do PR in LA or work in an orphanage in Africa." I guessed that they lived in Murray Hill. Or the Upper East Side. But probably Murray Hill. You get the point. They were stupid. And drunk. A bad combination.

Next was the cab ride over to our friends' house. My boyfriend and I were crammed in a taxi van with me riding shotgun and him in the back. After we were all in, I pulled down the passenger-side mirror to make sure there wasn't anything embarrasing going on like some hairs out of place or lipstick on my teeth, when the cabdriver snapped, "Hey! Did I say you could use that!?" I stared, my mouth apage, and as I was deciding whether to spit in his face or apologize, he burst out laughing and then the rest of the passengers, clearly afraid by this mentaly unstable man, began laughing too. He was a comedian. Lucky us. He then proceeded to challenge every other cab driver he was stopped next to at a stop light, to a drag race in an effort, no doubt, to impress us. I was not impressed. And I don't think the old woman in the back remarking that she hoped our driver would be able to get us to our destination safely, was either.

Anyway, we got to our friends' house in one piece and were informed the party was across the street, so we chilled in some of their neighbors' apartments where I had a fascinating conversation with a guy who recently threw one of his tenants down a few flights of stairs resulting in over 100 stitches, and told me about the time he stabbed a man seven times in the back. I know, it doesn't sound charming, but I actually enjoyed talking to this man. I think it was his constant smile and his pretty baby blues.

I only had one beer when we all decided to check out the festival. All right!! Who doesn't love being drunk and eating greasy food while shopping for things like tee-shirts and silk flowers and homemade magnets that you definitely don't need but buy anyway? Especially if you're drunk! Well, imagine my disappointment when I discovered that laws were put into place prohibiting people from drinking in festivals. What the f*ck kind of stupid law is that? Probably some drunk guys (I'm assuming they were men) got too drunk one year, did some stupid sh*t and ruined it for all of us. What's worse is that all the beer was gone by the time we got back to the apartments. And on top of that, Auburn lost. And, on top of that, Taco Bell was closed by the time we got back home.

We've made it!! It's finally Friday. WOO HOO!!

Tomorrow is Irish Fest on Long Beach, LI and I will be in attendance. During Irish Fests and St. Patrick's Day, everyone goes out partying, claiming to have some Irish in them. Well, not me! I'm certainly not Irish, but I like to think I can drink like them. The reason I'm telling you this is because it's almost inevitable (sorry, boyfriend) that tomorrow is going to be filled with some type of drama because me + alcohol = embarrassment for me and laughter/pity from others. Given the last time I went out (last Friday) I threw my drink, and my friend's (sorry Jen!) , at a pompous troll man who wasn't even from NY (he had the nerve to throw one back at me!), I can only imagine what tomorrow will hold. Hopefully I've learned from my mistakes and tomorrow will be fun. Only time will tell . . .

Have a great weekend and stay tuned for stories on my drunken antics!
- SG

Dear, RCN.

Let me begin by saying that I hate you. My boyfriend and I were very excited about the Ravens playing the Steelers last night on Monday Night Football. We, my boyfriend especially, have been looking forward to this game for about a week. Come game time, we sat poised in front of the TV, football food (wings, mozzarella sticks, chicken poppers - alllllllll the healthy stuff) in hand only to discover that the TV WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. The picture and sound were choppy causing us to miss plays and commentary. We checked other channels and discovered that this was happening on EVERY channel. I immediately called your technicians to find out what the problem was, but I never got to speak with anyone. In fact, you had me on hold for OVER AN HOUR!!!!! telling me again and again how much you appreciate my patience, which I was quickly running out of, until you finally played an automated message informing me that NY and DC customers are experiencing problems and you are working to fix them, blah blah blah. Still, I waited on the line to discuss this problem with you further and find out why in god's name you kept me on hold for so long.

However, as we headed into halftime, I realized you were never going to answer my call, so, defeated, I hung up. The TV never returned to normal and the Ravens lost. I blame this on you too.

This morning, I turned on the TV to hear what "Mike & Mike" had to say about the game on ESPN, only to discover that the TV was still not fixed!

So, after I arrived at work this morning, I called you to complain. I was issued a measly $6 + change credit for my interrupted TV service, but when I asked to be compensated for my wasted phone minutes and my wasted time on the phone last night, I was refused. I was even transfered to a manger who was RUDE and kept calling me "ma'am," though I repeatedly told him I was far from a ma'am and that he should address me as "miss." Not surprisingly, this "manager" was anything but helpful and apparently someone higher-up at RCN will call me to discuss this problem further, though I doubt that will get me anywhere.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that if it weren't for the management of my building forcing me to use RCN, I would switch to Time Warner in a flash. Your customer service sucks, RCN, and so does your technical service for that matter. I think it's time to throw in the towel and sell-out to a bigger, and better company.

All the best,
Subway Gal

Thanks to everyone for taking my last poll! While most of you have had the good fortune of not having to see a man's peen while riding public transportation, four of you said you have, including one person who claims to have punched said peen to teach the guy a lesson. Whoever you four, unfortunate people are, please share you stories with us in the comments below. We (I) are verrrrry curious.

Anyway, I've posted a new poll, so please take it. Thanks!

As I was walking to the subway this evening, I heard a man call out, "Hey Carrot Top!" I looked around expecting to see some poor red-headed kid with major insecurity issues from being the butt of everyone's red-headed jokes all his life, but I didn't see one. Instead, I saw, walking in front of me, a skinny man in, coincidentally, in a red ski cap, looking down and holding hands with a thin blond. Hmmmm, I wondered. Was this actually the Carrot Top in front of me? I quickened my step in order to get a better look at him and saw that it indeed, it was, the red-headed Z-list AT&T freak. What the hell was he doing with a thin, pretty blond? My guess is that she was a struggling "actress" trying to get her "in" into Hollywood by starting at the very bottom. Could she be that desperate? Couldn't she have a little self-respect? I don't know, I can only speculate. But, if I was a wannabe actress I could totally see myself trying to be Carrot Top's girlfriend in hopes of one day being the next Angelina. By the way, did you know Carrot Top is 43?!?! I thought he was in the ballpark of 28-33 years old. I just looked him up online and found that out. Who knew?

Now, as you know, I'm not big on talking politics, but did you see Katie Couric's interview with Sarah Palin? Are you kidding? I mean, the McCain-Palin campaign is actually asking the American people to let this woman be VP?

I've been debating whether I should do this, but I think it's time to come clean. I have something embarrassing to share with you all and I'd appreciate if, after hearing my embarrassing confession, you will keep an open mind and not judge me too harshly.

Last night, I watched the shitastic "One Tree Hill." And cried. I mean, tears streaming, nose sniffling, I went through five tissues, crying. Q died!! He was reformed!! And the cute little kid on the show adored him!! So, you get the point. It was all very sad and tragic and it moved me to tears. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?! I'm human for chrissakes! Yes, I know the actors are terrible and the storylines are incredibly unrealistic, but they sure do know how to do tragedy on that show.

I'm sure you can appreciate how embarrassing this little confession has been and you are probably wondering why I am still watching this show, or maybe even started watching it in the first place. I don't know. I started watching it in college with my roommate and we loved it. And after I graduated, the show began to spiral downward. Especially after we were expected to believe that a bunch of 22 year olds can run their own empires, get full-time teaching jobs in a great school district, run a record company and be famous writer. And, all these super 22 year olds just happen to be friends. Were the show's writers high when creating these storylines? Who knows. But I digress. I've continued to watch this shiteous show out of a sense of loyalty. I feel bad abandoning it after I've stuck with it for this long. But, if the CW unwisely decides to pickup this show for another season, I am done.

New poll. It's a doozy. TAKE IT!!! Thanks :)

Does that headline even make sense? I thought it did in my head, but looking at it on the screen now I'm not so sure. Hmmm. Oh well. Anyway, today my coworker told me that on her way home yesterday she grabbed a salad before getting on the subway, and once on the subway began to eat her salad. She said she thought the people next to her were pissed but she insisted that she was starving, so it was a special circumstance. She asked me my thoughts on the situation and I told her that if I saw someone eating on the subway I would most definitely be giving them evil looks. It especially pisses me off when someone brings Chinese food on the subway and it stinks up the whole car. Know what I'm talking about? It's disgusting. Anyway, I also told her that if I saw her eating on the subway I wouldn't care, and, in fact, I would be giving nasty looks to the people giving her nasty looks. Double standard? Most definitely, but I won't apologize for it. You know you would do the same thing.

So, after all this talk about eating on the subway, you ask, "Subwaygal, why do you have an 'after' photo of Jared the Subway guy attached do this post?" Well, when I typed "eating on a subway" into Google Images I got a bunch of images of this guy, and some of which were his "before" picture. I forgot what he looked like before he went on the Subway diet and he was faaaaaaaaaaat.

BTW, just saw a commercial for the season premier of "Grey's Anatomy" and it looks AMAZING!!! I am sooooooooo excited! The drama is going to be in-tense. I heard that pathetic nurse that Derek hooked up with a few times is pregnant with his child. But fear not! Shonda gave us her word already that Meredith and Derek will be together. Finally!!!

On the way to my apartment this evening, I passed a man passed out on the sidewalk. He didn't appear to be homeless, though who am I to judge, so I'm not sure what he was up to. Was he dead? Was he passed out drunk? I don't know, and apparently no one cares because everyone, including me, just walked passed him. And I live in Queens remember, so strange looking men sleeping on sidewalks is definitely not an every day occurrence. I considered calling the cops, but what would I say? A man is possibly dead or just passed out on the sidewalk? What if I'm jumping to conclusions and he simply wanted to take a nap outside under the stars. I guess we'll never know, but if he's still there in the morning I'm calling the cops.

On the way to my apartment yesterday evening, I passed two large men yelling at each other in front of the new doughnut store in my neighborhood in a language I didn't recognize and punching each other in the head. I'd never seen a real-life brawl before (except the one I was engaged in at a bar my senior year in college over a guy - long story) and I was kinda excited. These two men had drawn quite the crowd when one hit the other and he went down and the other guy went running down the block. With one shoe on. Gotta love the free entertainment.

In an effort to get home faster today after a long day at work, I hopped on the E train across the street from my office. Big mistake. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the E train sucks! I loathe it.

I knew it was gonna be a battle to get home as soon as I walked into the station and saw the platform backed up with several rows of people waiting for the train to arrive. If there were this many people waiting here at the 7th Ave. stop, imagine how many people were waiting at all the stations before us, I wondered. Well, imagine my delight when the train finally arrived and I saw it was packed with people. I just knew that good times were ahead!

Somehow I managed to get on the train and immediately wished I'd had walked the three blocks and one avenue like I usually do and hop on the R train. I was smushed in a sea of dirty New Yorkers. The young man behind me was waaaaaaay too up close and personal with my ass and the woman in front of me kept brushing me in the face, or my outstretched arm, which was desperately reaching for a spot on the germ-infested pole, with her frizzy hair. And to make awful matters worse, I didn't even have room to take out my book and read. All I could do was stare at the roof in grand annoyance.

I was never so happy to see the shady Roosevelet Ave station where I was finally able to leave that hell hole to transfer to the local train. I huffed and puffed and pushed my way out in dramatic fashion, complete with a loud, "UGH!" as I looked back at the train in disgust.

Take the E train? Never again.

I'm not trying to turn this into a fashion blog, but I spotted another fashion disaster this morning on the V train on my way into work that needs to be addressed.

A young Asian woman was wearing a soft, peach-colored sheer blouse, adorned with sequins, which is a problem in and of itself because you should NEVER wear sequins, but we'll save that discussion for another day; a red sweater vest over that heinous blouse; and a pair of black pin-striped pants. To complete the disastrous look, she was carrying a purple-colored bag.

Now I understand that it's not unusual to see different cultures rocking out in odd outfits, but I'm pretty sure this young lady was on her way to work and that is not an appropriate outfit to wear. In public. I'm still baffled as to what made this chick think her outfit matched and looked good. Who knows? Maybe she was going for the "fashion victim" look. . .

Every Tuesday evening I attend my fave abs class at my gym. Before my class is a cardio dance class. The teacher (who also teaches my abs class) is an amaaaaaaaazing dancer. Like I mean really good. I used to be a dancer, cheerleader and gymnast and I couldn't keep up with her routines. I tried on three separate occasions. I actually stopped even attempting to take the class because I was so embarrassed with myself and my poor performance. Annnnnnnyway, if I get to my abs class early, which I did today, I watch the end of the dance class and I noticed that all the participants in today's class (the regulars) were really good. They had the routine down and they were all pretty good dancers. Except for one hot mess.

This one woman is particularly awful. I actually noticed her in last week's class and thought that it must have been her first time taking the class and once she realized how awful she really is, she won't come back. But she did. And, I think she got even worse!

Before I tell you about this woman's awful dancing, let me paint a picture for you so you know what you're dealing with. . .
Age: 40-55
Body Type: Tall and flabby with a big ole fat stomach
Outfit: black SPANDEX leggings and a short, black tee shirt that did not, I repeat, did not cover her big ole fat stomach AT ALL when she lifted her arms.

I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she doesn't own any mirrors; and is partially blind; and has no husband, kids or close friends, or maybe just mean friends, because no one who likes you would let you leave the house looking like that. Now on to the dancing, or, lack thereof . . .

Bottom line, this chick did not know the routine at all. Yes, the class is tough, but if all the other participants could do it, then you should be able to as well. But what made her dancing attempts even worse was that I think she thought she knew the dance because she was flailing her arms around and spinning in the wrong direction and flexing her toes instead of pointing them and bending her arms when they should be straight. I could go on and on, but you get the picture. She was just awful! I wanted to laugh, but it just made me so angry instead. "WHY are you being like this?!," I wanted to scream in her face as I grabbed both her shoulders and shook her. But instead I just watched in horror with my mouth open, forming a small o as if saying, "noooooooooooo."

Anyway, Crazy Lady, if you're reading this. Dancing is not for you. Stop coming to this class and find a new hobby before I have you arrested for public indecency.

Song of the moment: Obviously, "She's a Maniac" from Flashdance, which leads me to the reasoning behind the picture. I typed Flashdance into Google Images, fully intending to use a photo of that chick in the movie doing her crazy dances in her leg warmers, but, I saw this picture and just couldn't resist. I mean, come on. Can you blame me? It's great. Words can't even describe.

HAPPY FRIDAY, EVERYONE!!

I know it's only my first week back at work after a nice, long vacation (layoff), and I technically only had to work three days this week, so I haven't exactly been dying all week waiting for Friday to arrive, but its' exciting nonetheless.

Anyway, I have exciting news! . . .
I reached my goal of more than 20 people taking my latest poll!!! As you may remember, I have been unable to reach that over 20 mark so far, always just coming in under, and now that I've made it, this is quite the milestone. I think I'll celebrate by getting drunk tonight! After my boyfriend and I have dinner with his grandparents. I try to keep up the appearance of mature, sophisticated young woman around them.

In case you are wondering about the poll results, apparently the vast majority of you claim that you would gladly give up your seat on the subway to an old or pregnant person. I think you are lying. I'm going to post a new poll soon, so please take that one too. Let's try to hit the 25 mark this time!

Have a good weekend,
SG

. . . those people stuck in the middle seats on subways who don't move over once one of the people next to them has gotten up. I know that sometimes it's a waste because if the train is packed, there is a damn good chance that two people will be engaged in a brawl fighting for that seat before it's previous owner is even off the subway car. But sometimes the car is pretty empty and you can move over knowing that no one else needs a seat. I was faced with one such situation on my way home this evening. This sorta-old woman, who was getting on my nerves to begin with because she was sitting with her elbows out and invading my personal space, sitting in the middle seat next to me refused to move over when the person on her other side got up. And what's worse is that the seats across from us were completely empty. She had plenty of places to go. Now, I know you're thinking, "Why the hell didn't you get up you lazy shi*t?" Well, I'll tell you why. Because I WAS THERE FIRST. I wasn't going to budge based on principle. And because I wasn't really that bothered by the woman. I was just confused as to why she wouldn't move. Anyway, don't get distracted. That is not the point of this post. The point is that she should have moved! Maybe she had a crush on me and was enjoying being so close to me while working up the courage to ask me for my number. Or maybe she was just oblivious. Probably the latter.

Song of the moment: "After Tonight" by Justin Nozuka. Love love love this song. So good. If you haven't heard it yet, check it out!

Today was my first day back riding the subway with all the disgusting NY rush-hour commuters. I was a bit disappointed when I entered the station this morning and instead of greeting me with balloons, low-fat muffins and a large cup of iced coffee (skim milk, two sugars), the subway attendant didn't even glance up at me when I walked by. However, I did receive a nice gift of a drama-free commute to work this morning, and that is certainly something to be thankful for.

Now, on the way home? Not so peaceful. Well, for once, I won't exaggerate. It wasn't awful. It was decent. Except for this annoyingly gangly, what I assume was a teen boy, (I refused to look up from my book) who took the middle seat next to me. He sat with his long, skinny legs unnecessarily spread apart and his head in his hands looking all "I'm so exhausted from skateboarding all day." Why do I assume he was skateboarding? Because he smelled. It was gross and I was worried it would stick to me (can that actually happen???). Anyway, I was all minding my own business and squishing myself against the end of the bench because this gross young man kept bumping me with his legs and once even with his head. So unnecessary! I mean, I know this isn't a huge deal, but it never needed to happen in the first place. This kid should have been courteous and noticed his space limitations and sat accordingly; know what I'm saying?

Totally unrelated, but I'm thinking of changing the names of my kitties from Titan and Zeus to Jack Daniels and Grey Goose. One is all black and the other his grey and white. Get it? Whaddya think? I know my boyfriend (the kitties' father) will never go for this change, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

Song of the moment: "Dust in the Wind" by Will Ferrell. Yea, you heard me. Will Ferrell. Not Knasas and not The Eagles. Will Ferrell in "Old School." One of the BEST. MOVIES. EVER. You're my boy Blue!

This morning, I journeyed home on the LIRR to spend some quality time (Quality time meaning my mom the hairdresser dying my hair and then shopping with my mom and sis before I allowed my dad to drive me all the way back to Queens later in the day.) with the fam on LI. I waited in the Forest Hills LIRR station and when the train finally arrived, a few minutes late, only one door would open. Everyone was looking around all confused and I ran up to the one open door and got aboard, because even though the rest of the doors would eventually open, I didn't want to risk it. I guess around this point the conductors started noticing a problem and I saw two of them starting to manually open and close the doors. They were actually taking way too long and at this point I thought I might miss my train that I need to transfer to at Jamaica. So, as the large, balding, pale conductor was walking towards me, I asked if the other trains will wait for us at Jamaica if we are late, because I was in serious danger of missing my transfer. "We aren't transferring," he gruffly replied. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? I checked the schedule the night before and I was sure that I could pick up the Ronkonkoma train in Jamaica eight minutes after my train was scheduled to arrive. At this point I started to panic because I have no idea where this train would take me or how I would get home because when I tried to call my family, no one answered the phone. But then I heard the same conductor announce to the train, "Next stop Jamaica!" WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? Didn't the same a**hole just rudely tell me that this train wasn't making a transfer at Jamaica? When I spotted him again I thought I'd try to clear up the situation. "Hi," I said. "I just heard the announcement that we are going to Jamaica, but you told me the train wouldn't be stopping there to transfer." "Yes, I made the announcement," he said, "and we aren't connecting with any trains at Jamaica." "But," I tried again, "I checked the schedule and it said I could catch the Ronkonkoma train at Jamaica." He replied rudely saying something along the lines of, "too bad." To this, I shouted out, "Thanks for you help. I'm calling your supervisor!!!!" "Go ahead," the fat, bald moron called back at me, with a stupid smirk on his face and his arms wide open in what I assume was supposed to be a threatening manner. I was flabbergasted (isn't that a fun word?). I couldn't believe this was happening.

When we arrived at Jamaica I ran up to a station manager and asked when the next train to Ronkonkoma was. She replied, "Next on this track." "WHAT?!?!?!," I asked in shocked annoyance. "NEXT ON THIS TRACK!," a very annoyed young man standing behind me shouted back at me.

Anyway, as you can imagine, I was livid at this point and asked not one, but two LIRR workers for the LIRR main phone number, so I could call and complain of course, and wouldn't you know, neither one knew. Lucky for me, a nearby passenger had the number and gave it to me. I called, but unfortunately I must wait until morning to complain, and complain I will. Justice will be served!

LIRR = Completely Incompetent

So, in case you haven't noticed, Subway Gal has been without work for the past few weeks and finally she has found a great new job! Surely you don't care, so why am I telling you this? Because it means great, new subway stories coming soon! When I was without work, I didn't venture out too much during the day because I was busy doing the out-of-work-and-super-lazy thing, but starting mid-next week I'll be riding the subway again during those horrible rush hours with all the other tired, sweaty New Yorkers. yay.

Song of the moment: "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" by Sir Elton John. I f*cking love this song!!! Although, I do think the version he does with my favorite Billy Joel is even more kick ass!

Totally unrelated to the subway, I know, but the new "90210" premiere last night has been getting a lot of buzz lately and I think it's only fair that we devote one day to discussing it.

Overall, I liked it, but didn't love it. Why didn't I love it, you ask? For a few reasons, I think. Such as - the kids are so young!!!! Maybe I'm just getting old, but I remember the original "90210" and I thought those guys all looked super old for high school (turns out they all were!). This cast looks almost appropriate for high school kids, but it also puts me a little out of touch with them. Also, some of the writing and acting was a bit over-the-top and unrealistic. For instance, Dixon (who I loved as a bad-ass survivor with a heart of gold on "The Wire") is super-cheesy! He's so polite to his parents, even after his dad punished him! I don't know about you, but when I was younger and used to fight with my parents, it was usually an all-out war ending me with me storming out of the house and driving around the block until I got bored.

That being said, I think the show has potential. I mean, there are a lot of stories out there that need to be developed and will turn into big storylines down the road, such as the deal with Dixon's adoption and Rob Estes' (a.k.a. the new Mr. Walsh) bastard child with an ex that was given up for adoption years ago, unbeknkownst to him. Also, the show began with "Viva La Vida" playing in the background and you all know that I love that song, so that gives the show some extra points too.

In conclusion, I am going to continue tuning in for now and see how the show develops. Your thoughts???

The other day in the subway station I saw a poster for Joshua Jackson's (a.k.a Pacey) new show on Fox and I'm really happy for him because he is extremely good looking and a face like his needs to be on a screen and adored my millions nationwide.

Anyway, seeing that poster got me thinking about 10 years ago and a great little show called, "Dawson's Creek" and the "star of the show" curse that followed Dawson himself, James Van Der Beek, after the show. Everyone got big except him. Sure, he did that movie "Varsity Blues" but what was he really known for after that? Nothing. Katie Holmes is doing her "married to Tom Curise" thing and Michelle Williams is doing the "Heath Ledger widow" thing and now Joshua Jackson is trying to break back onto the TV scene. And poor James VDB is doing nothing. Well, actually, according to IMDb, he has two movies coming up, but they don't have any big names in them, so they are sure to bomb. This same thing happened with "Blossom," though I don't think anyone from that show got big afterwards. Anyway, there are more examples out there, but I can't think of them right now because my brain has shut down for the evening.

I'm not big into talking/debating politics because those who like to usually yell a lot and scare me and, frankly, I don't know enough about what is going on to intelligently debate a hardcore political nut.

That being said, can you guys believe the news that broke this weekend? Republican VP nominee Sarah' Palin's daughter is preggers?!?!? I swear, this election is turning out to be better than an episode of "One Life to Live" or "General Hospital!"

Song of the moment: "In Love With a Girl" by Gavin Degraw because I happen to love this song. And because I think Gavin Degraw is extremely sexy.

Late Friday evening, my boyfriend and I were strolling home from the movie theater in our neighborhood in Queens when we noticed a young man in an all-white suit. Odd, we thought. But then we passed another man in a white suit. And then another. WTF??, we wondered. Well, since our neighborhood is mostly populated by Eastern European Jews, my boyfriend figured it might be religious-related. Maybe, but I've got a little Jewish blood in me and I can't recall any Jewish tradition requiring all men to wear all-white suits on Fridays. But then again, I'm certainly no Jewish religion expert, so what do I know?

Anyway, I figured it might just be some big, all-white themed family party (similar to the party Diddy hosts in the Hamptons each year) that one of our neighbors was having. Either way, can my Jewish friends out there help me out and explain this white suit situation to me. And while we are on the topic, WHY WHITE SUITS??? So cliche, doncha think? I mean, I don't know about you, but there's something about seeing a man in an all-white suit that makes me want to jump up screaming, "STAYING ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE" and start strutting down the street while pointing and winking at people.

Song of the moment. Duh. "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees.