Top Eight Items You Need to Commute on the NYC Subway
September 18, 2013
By Brittany
0 Comments
Hi everyone! Hope you are having a great week so far! Today is Day 3 of the Mini Blog Challenge hosted by Joi over at RxFitnessLady. Before delving into today’s prompt let’s all give Joi a little love for hosting this. It’s no walk in the park and she’s doing an awesome job! Thanks Joi!
So today’s assignment is a humorous post. The thing is . . . I’m not funny. At all. Now, Charlotte over at Commitness to Fitness, she is FUNNY! I highly recommend checking out her blog if you are looking for humor. But I committed to this challenge so I’m going to give it a go. I’m hoping I can get you to crack at least a lopsided smile!
Sometimes when I’m going about my day and minding my own business, I have this total moment where I see something and think “Only in NYC.” Well, only in NYC would you need any of these items when you commute to work, but as a loyal subway rider for many years now, I can attest you need each and every one of these eight items. Keep reading to find out what they are!
1. Your purse, your gym bag, your lunch bag, your “extras” bag, and your bag for groceries you’ll get on the way home. Don’t worry about looking like a bag lady. You will get understanding nods from other women on the subway. These are your weapons against the businessman who “accidentally” nudges (cross out) smacks you with his backpack trying to make his commuter train (cross out) narcsisitically move through the crowd. They will also offer you supreme protection from the sardine phenomenon, which will inevitably happen when it is 95 degrees out with 100 percent humidity.
2. Earplugs, nose plugs, large sunglasses and a shower cap. To avoid hearing the “hail jesus” lady. To avoid smelling the homeless man. To avoid contact with anyone. To protect your head from unspecified drips coming from the subway ceiling.
3. Snacks. Yes you are only going two stops but there will be “train traffic delays” you see, from that other train that came by the station 15 minutes prior to your train. You’ll get hungry waiting for this “traffic” to move.
4. A walker, cane or fake pregnancy bump. To get a seat, obviously.
5. Steel toe boots. If you wear sandals your toes were asking to get stepped on. Plus, you clearly put your toes in the way of that other person’s shoe. Duh.
6. Money. For the taxi you will need to take when you realize your train will not be on time and when it gets to the station it will already be packed and no one will be able to get on.
7. Money in credit card form only. Because if you do actually get on the train, you don’t want to be forced to give it all away to the hip hop dancers, mariarchi band or the guy who is just begging.
8. A phone that gets cell coverage underground. A personal space bubble. A lucky leprechaun that always makes the train run on time. These items are essential to a comfortable train commute. But your more likely to take a helicopter to work and land on your building’s helipad than have any of these things.
Well, there you have it folks! Hope this helps you if you need to commute on the NYC subway!
Readers, have you ever been on the NYC’ subway system? How is public transportation in your city?
I used to take the A from Chelsea up to Washington Heights (where I worked) twice a day. An interesting group of characters to say the least….The worst was when the A wasn’t running and I was forced to take the C or the 1 and it would legit take me 3 hours to get home.
Also the hip hop dancers, jesus preachers, candy sellers are the bane of my existence!!!
I think you’re funny 🙂
Omg Britt!! I love this!! Every single word is the truth and you had me nosing and giggling throughout the whole post!! I need a pair of steel toes shoes to kick people back who kick me (especially when I am sleeping! Ugh!) I can’t with the mariachi bands or the dancers or whatever. I just can’t take the noise. I can go on and on for days about this!! Haha Great Post!!
This is hilarious. I’ve been an active rider of DC, NYC and now Chicago transportation and I have never worn a shower cap, but what an excellent idea! I’m also always weighed down with a gym bag, shoe bag, normal purse and lulu bag with my lunch. Love this and you ARE funny!
We have a few transit busses (new in the last five years or so) but no subway where I live. It’s always an adventure when we’re in a city that has one. Thanks for the advice, I’ll remember to pack my steel-toed boots on my next trip to DC 🙂
You are funny, Brittany! (Should I call you Britt or Brittany? We just met so I don’t want to be presumptuous) I have ridden the NYC subway as a visitor, and I could still relate to all your points. The subway freaks my kids out – we are suburbanites and they are not used to public transportation. I think it’s a great experience for them, so my husband and I drag them on and tell them to hold on for dear life!
Either Britt or Brittany is just fine! 🙂 The subway is not a place to mess around on, especially if you are unfamiliar because unfortunately people do target you if you don’t look like a local. Some woman tried to steal my Dad’s wallet! Yikes!
OMG YES you are funny!!! Those are hilarious. I especially love the giving your money to hip hop dancers – HA!! And all the items to keep you from hearing the “Hail Jesus” lady and unidentified drips – eewwwww!! I have never lived in NYC but the T in Boston where I spent many years, has a lot of those same hazards. Great post!!!
Ha! Wish I had this list when I went to NYC last month. Even though I live in SF (driving disaster), I still have a car and I was wondering how people carried their groceries all through Manhattan when they had to buy heavy things. I figured you just had to have a friend or SO come with you.
Oh groceries are the worst. I usually order them online and have them delivered or split it up and make smaller trips. Sometimes I go and pick everything out and have them deliver everything except the cold stuff. It’s not easy!
Omg…seriously, you need all of these. Especially a shower cap for the gross leaks. I’m just picturing the faces of people on the subway if I were to pull one out to cover myself. Lol
I was so scared to get on those when I visited NY. My friend wanted me to have the true experience. I can’t really remember all of this because it was more than a few years ago but what I do remember is NOT ENVYING the regular residents who had to take this mode of transport on a daily basis. I am just a little country girl! I am a bag lady with all my gym stuff and computer stuff! I can’t imagine carrying all of it with me on here!
Funny stuff for sure! You did great and thanks for the love!
I was so scared to get on those when I visited NY. My friend wanted me to have the true experience. I can’t really remember all of this because it was more than a few years ago but what I do remember is NOT ENVYING the regular residents who had to take this mode of transport on a daily basis. I am just a little country girl! I am a bag lady with all my gym stuff and computer stuff! I can’t imagine carrying all of it with me on here!
Funny stuff for sure! You did great and thanks for the love!
Brittany this is awesome. I have a “subway bag” that I carry in addition to my purse
Contents:
Food
Feminine products
Antibacterial gel
Wet Wipes
Yoga Pants/ Tshirt/ Socks/Panties
Book
Change of clothes for my daughter (she does not commute w/ me btw)
Brittany this is awesome. I have a “subway bag” that I carry in addition to my purse
Contents:
Food
Feminine products
Antibacterial gel
Wet Wipes
Yoga Pants/ Tshirt/ Socks/Panties
Book
Change of clothes for my daughter (she does not commute w/ me btw)
Brittany this is awesome. I have a “subway bag” that I carry in addition to my purse
Contents:
Food
Feminine products
Antibacterial gel
Wet Wipes
Yoga Pants/ Tshirt/ Socks/Panties
Book
Change of clothes for my daughter (she does not commute w/ me btw)
oh the life of a new yorker. How do we do it? i do not like getting on the train without a bottle of water and gum. i am so the bag lady on the train.. in addition to all that you mention, you forgot the shoe bag.. because god forbid you would wear your heels on the train.. love your blog. following from #MBC
FitBritt, this is on point. I used to visit NYC each summer and would marvel at the people commuting on the train. I used to tell my friend that it took a special breed of people to survive the trains in New York. The DC metro is crowded but nowhere near the drama of the NY subway. When my friend got home from work, she would say: “I need to wash the subway off of me!” Seeing your list, including the shower cap, makes me think of her and her comments.
FitBritt, this is on point. I used to visit NYC each summer and would marvel at the people commuting on the train. I used to tell my friend that it took a special breed of people to survive the trains in New York. The DC metro is crowded but nowhere near the drama of the NY subway. When my friend got home from work, she would say: “I need to wash the subway off of me!” Seeing your list, including the shower cap, makes me think of her and her comments.
FitBritt, this is on point. I used to visit NYC each summer and would marvel at the people commuting on the train. I used to tell my friend that it took a special breed of people to survive the trains in New York. The DC metro is crowded but nowhere near the drama of the NY subway. When my friend got home from work, she would say: “I need to wash the subway off of me!” Seeing your list, including the shower cap, makes me think of her and her comments.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
September 18, 2013I used to take the A from Chelsea up to Washington Heights (where I worked) twice a day. An interesting group of characters to say the least….The worst was when the A wasn’t running and I was forced to take the C or the 1 and it would legit take me 3 hours to get home.
Also the hip hop dancers, jesus preachers, candy sellers are the bane of my existence!!!
I think you’re funny 🙂
FitBritt
September 20, 2013Oh my gosh that is horrible! I really do not like the candy sellers at all!
Nellie
September 18, 2013Omg Britt!! I love this!! Every single word is the truth and you had me nosing and giggling throughout the whole post!! I need a pair of steel toes shoes to kick people back who kick me (especially when I am sleeping! Ugh!) I can’t with the mariachi bands or the dancers or whatever. I just can’t take the noise. I can go on and on for days about this!! Haha Great Post!!
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady
September 18, 2013You sleep on there with all that going on!!!??
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama
September 20, 2013YES ms Joi! Girl when you are tired, you are TIRED!
FitBritt
September 20, 2013I knew you would understand Nellie! Oh my gosh!!!
natalie @ fit.fun.femme
September 18, 2013This is hilarious. I’ve been an active rider of DC, NYC and now Chicago transportation and I have never worn a shower cap, but what an excellent idea! I’m also always weighed down with a gym bag, shoe bag, normal purse and lulu bag with my lunch. Love this and you ARE funny!
FitBritt
September 20, 2013See you know what I’m talking about!!
LydiaF
September 18, 2013We have a few transit busses (new in the last five years or so) but no subway where I live. It’s always an adventure when we’re in a city that has one. Thanks for the advice, I’ll remember to pack my steel-toed boots on my next trip to DC 🙂
FitBritt
September 20, 2013Glad I could be of service Lydia! 🙂
Dana
September 18, 2013You are funny, Brittany! (Should I call you Britt or Brittany? We just met so I don’t want to be presumptuous) I have ridden the NYC subway as a visitor, and I could still relate to all your points. The subway freaks my kids out – we are suburbanites and they are not used to public transportation. I think it’s a great experience for them, so my husband and I drag them on and tell them to hold on for dear life!
FitBritt
September 20, 2013Either Britt or Brittany is just fine! 🙂 The subway is not a place to mess around on, especially if you are unfamiliar because unfortunately people do target you if you don’t look like a local. Some woman tried to steal my Dad’s wallet! Yikes!
Allie
September 18, 2013OMG YES you are funny!!! Those are hilarious. I especially love the giving your money to hip hop dancers – HA!! And all the items to keep you from hearing the “Hail Jesus” lady and unidentified drips – eewwwww!! I have never lived in NYC but the T in Boston where I spent many years, has a lot of those same hazards. Great post!!!
FitBritt
September 20, 2013I have used the T many times in my life and I can confirm that all of the above would be relevant!
Tara
September 18, 2013Ha! Wish I had this list when I went to NYC last month. Even though I live in SF (driving disaster), I still have a car and I was wondering how people carried their groceries all through Manhattan when they had to buy heavy things. I figured you just had to have a friend or SO come with you.
FitBritt
September 20, 2013Oh groceries are the worst. I usually order them online and have them delivered or split it up and make smaller trips. Sometimes I go and pick everything out and have them deliver everything except the cold stuff. It’s not easy!
Kimberly
September 18, 2013Omg…seriously, you need all of these. Especially a shower cap for the gross leaks. I’m just picturing the faces of people on the subway if I were to pull one out to cover myself. Lol
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady
September 18, 2013I was so scared to get on those when I visited NY. My friend wanted me to have the true experience. I can’t really remember all of this because it was more than a few years ago but what I do remember is NOT ENVYING the regular residents who had to take this mode of transport on a daily basis. I am just a little country girl! I am a bag lady with all my gym stuff and computer stuff! I can’t imagine carrying all of it with me on here!
Funny stuff for sure! You did great and thanks for the love!
FitBritt
September 20, 2013It’s not easy and there are some days people make me so mad it’s all I can do to walk away calmly but it’s a necessity.
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady
September 18, 2013I was so scared to get on those when I visited NY. My friend wanted me to have the true experience. I can’t really remember all of this because it was more than a few years ago but what I do remember is NOT ENVYING the regular residents who had to take this mode of transport on a daily basis. I am just a little country girl! I am a bag lady with all my gym stuff and computer stuff! I can’t imagine carrying all of it with me on here!
Funny stuff for sure! You did great and thanks for the love!
Andrea
September 18, 2013I love number 5. Of course you put your toes in front of the steel toe boots. Nothing else makes sense. #mbc
Andrea
September 18, 2013I love number 5. Of course you put your toes in front of the steel toe boots. Nothing else makes sense. #mbc
Leah
September 18, 2013You are SO funny!! I love the pregnancy bump to get a seat!! I live in Toronto, and a lot of things rings true for our subway system here!
FitBritt
September 20, 2013I’m so glad you can related Leah! 🙂
Leah
September 18, 2013You are SO funny!! I love the pregnancy bump to get a seat!! I live in Toronto, and a lot of things rings true for our subway system here!
Leah
September 18, 2013You are SO funny!! I love the pregnancy bump to get a seat!! I live in Toronto, and a lot of things rings true for our subway system here!
Holly
September 18, 2013And . . . please remember a zippered tote bag to hold your valuable, designer bag. It is like a shower cap for your prized purse.
FitBritt
September 20, 2013You are so right!
Holly
September 18, 2013And . . . please remember a zippered tote bag to hold your valuable, designer bag. It is like a shower cap for your prized purse.
Veronica
September 19, 2013Brittany this is awesome. I have a “subway bag” that I carry in addition to my purse
Contents:
Food
Feminine products
Antibacterial gel
Wet Wipes
Yoga Pants/ Tshirt/ Socks/Panties
Book
Change of clothes for my daughter (she does not commute w/ me btw)
FitBritt
September 20, 2013You are a pack rat too! I love it!
Veronica
September 19, 2013Brittany this is awesome. I have a “subway bag” that I carry in addition to my purse
Contents:
Food
Feminine products
Antibacterial gel
Wet Wipes
Yoga Pants/ Tshirt/ Socks/Panties
Book
Change of clothes for my daughter (she does not commute w/ me btw)
Veronica
September 19, 2013Brittany this is awesome. I have a “subway bag” that I carry in addition to my purse
Contents:
Food
Feminine products
Antibacterial gel
Wet Wipes
Yoga Pants/ Tshirt/ Socks/Panties
Book
Change of clothes for my daughter (she does not commute w/ me btw)
FitBritt
September 20, 2013You are a pack rat too! I love it!
Cassandre
September 19, 2013oh the life of a new yorker. How do we do it? i do not like getting on the train without a bottle of water and gum. i am so the bag lady on the train.. in addition to all that you mention, you forgot the shoe bag.. because god forbid you would wear your heels on the train.. love your blog. following from #MBC
FitBritt
September 20, 2013Thanks Cassandra! I totally have a shoe bag but I keep it in one of my other 600 bags! 🙂
Alison Hector
September 22, 2013FitBritt, this is on point. I used to visit NYC each summer and would marvel at the people commuting on the train. I used to tell my friend that it took a special breed of people to survive the trains in New York. The DC metro is crowded but nowhere near the drama of the NY subway. When my friend got home from work, she would say: “I need to wash the subway off of me!” Seeing your list, including the shower cap, makes me think of her and her comments.
Alison Hector
September 22, 2013FitBritt, this is on point. I used to visit NYC each summer and would marvel at the people commuting on the train. I used to tell my friend that it took a special breed of people to survive the trains in New York. The DC metro is crowded but nowhere near the drama of the NY subway. When my friend got home from work, she would say: “I need to wash the subway off of me!” Seeing your list, including the shower cap, makes me think of her and her comments.
Alison Hector
September 22, 2013FitBritt, this is on point. I used to visit NYC each summer and would marvel at the people commuting on the train. I used to tell my friend that it took a special breed of people to survive the trains in New York. The DC metro is crowded but nowhere near the drama of the NY subway. When my friend got home from work, she would say: “I need to wash the subway off of me!” Seeing your list, including the shower cap, makes me think of her and her comments.