Two weeks in, and I have to say I’m becoming a pro at this commute! Keys to my success?

1.) I pod- Today was the first day I actually used my I Pod on my walk to the subway (borrowed a charger at work after leaving mine in WA) This made my commute I’d say 90% better. Not that I really mind the walk anyways, but music makes everything better. Especially when you’re a music addict like me. Pop on some Erin McCarley, One Republic and The Bird and The Bee and you feel like you’re walking through the set of a movie on a sunny morning. I have to say I definitely had a flashback to the beginning of Definitely Maybe. Aww, perfect! The only thing missing was Ryan Reynolds..

I’m actually surprised there aren’t more people on the subway that are using I pods.. just make sure to not have them on too loud so a.) you don’t bother other people and b.) you are alert and can hear for your stop

2.) Comfortable shoes- After murdering my feet last week I learned the hard way that this is key! Don’t be fooled either it isn’t only heels that kill your feet. Flats are not always your friends! Your comfy shoes don’t always go with your business attire though right? So, bring an extra pair. In my case, one of my comfy pairs of flats with a pair of wedge heels in my briefcase. Spare your feet on your walk and change your shoes at the office. I’d say about a third of the women on the subway do this. I see a lot of flip flops! I’m not sure what they do in the winter though.. Uggs are a little more bulky than flip flops. Stay tuned for the winter update in a couple of months.

3.) Reading Material- I’m old fashioned when it comes to print media. I will probably be the last one to get a Kindle for the very reason that I love having a hard copy in my hands. There are two main free daily papers that they hand out by the subway entrances each morning, AM New York and Metro New York. I’ve picked up both on different occasions, but don’t really have a preference yet. I must say that the AM New York paper lady is much more outspoken handing out papers than the Metro lady though. It doesn’t matter what you grab, but if you’re lucky enough to catch a seat reading material makes the ride go by much faster! 

4.) My last tip is a spin-off of the cover article from today’s AM New York, “Which One Are You: What Your Subway Stance Says About Your Personality.” While, I didn’t really identify with any of the options of The Door Hoverer, the Corner Seeker, The Wide Sitter, The Wanderer, The Pole Hog, or The Pole Avoider they are all definitely types I see everyday. If you’re really wondering I guess I fall somewhere inbetween the Corner Seeker or Door Hoverer, but usually because it’s really crowded in the morning and the door is the only place left to stand.

What I can say is do your best to not be a.) The Wanderer: The rider who moves around the car several times during the trip b.) The Pole Hog: The straphanger who leans against the pole, making it tough for others to hold on and c.) The Pole Avoider: The commuter who refuses to hold on to the pole, often crashing into others as the train lurches along. If you refrain from these types you are less likely to annoy the other passengers and make for a more peaceful commute! Unless you’re going for that..

So there you have it, 4 tips to a better start in the morning!