My Traffic Life

I am Mae German. 34 years old. Born in Mangatarem, province of Pangasinan. I was taught and trained by Juan Dela Cruz, and I am currently being trained for more by Uncle Sam. Writing since the age of 12. Blogging since 2001. I keep a notebook and a pen in my bag, on my bedside table, and inside the bathroom. Misses a lot. Sometimes even my own voice. Loves to laugh. Sometimes even at myself. I am a work in progress. My ultimate dream is to be a SAHM. That is, if I am bound to have that chance in this lifetime... and I am.

My Traffic Rules

Don't take my words personally. At times, not even literally. This is my journal. You're my reader. My spectator. Applaud. Yawp. Yawn. Smile. Frown. Rave. Rant. Or not. Neither can I see you from where I am standing nor can I hear you.

This is not my life. Maybe just a part of it. But this is me meandering through life. My emotions fluctuate. My opinion varies. If it's too hot in here and you can't take it, leave. If it's dull and too cold, go somewhere else for warmth. I won't wipe the frown on your brow.

My stories, unless stated otherwise, are mostly fictional. Fiction could be based on reality. Still, they are fiction. Don't own it. Don't live in it. It is what it is. Leave it.

Watch out for the traffic light. Follow the rules. Cruise.

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Nothing can suppress my excitement whenever I see, hear, or think of the word Amtrak. It may not be the only ride that I haven't tried yet here in the east coast, as I still have the AirTrain to try, but Amtrak is the only ride that I haven't tried at the NY Pennsylvania Station.

You see, I frequent the NY Penn station and I can't help but be amazed by the many rail tracks the station has. NJ Transit, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Amtrak, and Subways A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 converge here. Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH), on the other hand, is just a few blocks away from the station.

NJ Transit provides train service from multiple points in NJ to NY Penn Station.^* It's been my ride from Metuchen going to Jersey City and Manhattan.
LIRR provides train service from multiple points in Long Island to NY Penn Station.^* This is my recent joy ride since I am in Long Island, NY for a few weeks now.
PATH provides transit link between Manhattan and neighboring NJ urban communities and suburban railroads.^* This is my ride from Newark Penn Station to Journal Square in Jersey City.
Subways can bring you to a lot of places in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. You can go from one end to another with your $2 Metrocard.
Amtrak provides train service all over the US and Canada to NY Penn Station.^* This could take me from this coast to the other. And Canada via Amtrak? Hmmm... let me get settled first.

For someone who loves to write, take photos, and for someone who loves train rides (Ehemm... Me?), not to mention the adventure of traveling, Amtrak is a dream! I am telling you, ever since I set foot here in the US, for no apparent reason at all (except that it's my dream), I visit their website once in a while and play with the schedule and fare finder (as if I have the fund to plunge in, noh?!). Boy! Airfare is much cheaper and it's more than a hundred percent! But have you seen Amtrak's amenities? One time I took a peek on an Amtrak train at the NY Penn and saw its dining car. Interesting! Which leads me to the question, why would you not consider it when you haven't really tried it? If you have the time and the money, why not try it? Found this good site (vacations by rail), although my plan is to stop over at any state where I have friends to visit. Uh-huh! That'll be fun and kewl!

Well, there are things in this world that we ought to try at least once, right? And traveling via Amtrak is on my list (while I still have ample of time) whether I take a stop on some state or go straight to the other end. (Kanya-kanyang trip lang yan eh. hehe)

One-way on Amtrak is all I wish for but since I can't afford it, let me just stick to the saying, beggars can't be choosers, for now. Another Dream-on-Mae moment here. I know I will have my chance soon (if not someday). All in His time, remember? So instead of feeling frustrated, I've thought of something else to try. Something cheaper-- the trolleybus! But of course I have to get to the west coast to try the real ones.

Wait 'till I get there via any ride. For me, any ride is a joy ride, anyway.