The 7:32 from Merrick

I'd forgotten how different the LIRR is when you are on a commuter express. The regulars know to the inch where to stand on the platform to get the opening doors. Once inside, you have exactly one second to assess the seat situation and make your move. After that, it is a case of creating your cocoon of newspaper, Ipod and coffee, take up as little space as possible and ignore all of those other people dressed in black. Unlike weekend trains, you never hear the punching of tickets when the conductor goes by, since nearly everyone has a monthly pass. I leave mine showing and then forget it's there, usually not even noticing when I'm being checked. Merrick is the last stop of three, so the miles just melt away and 45 minutes later you are getting off. The true hardcore commuter will not even stand up until the train has made it to the station platform. Then it's the subway. I'm getting partial to the downtown A - even though it's more crowded, there are only 2 stops before Canal. The other subway has 8 stops. Then I get to my office on the 7th floor and look out the window to see the very tip of the Empire State Building if it's a clear day. Then I work, but that's a different blog.