reality check
there are two types of entry turnstiles to the new york subway system. (for those who aren't familiar), the most common is the amusement park style waist-high turnstile, and the other is a revolving-door style gate. all of the turnstiles go both ways (as you must both exit and enter a station through a turnstile), but you do not always have both options. the revolving-door is much more secure, as it's impossible to jump over, or squeeze more than one average sized adult through with one "swipe" of your metrocard. for this reason, many of the smaller, less-trafficked entrances to large subway stations have only the revolving-door entrances, as they are unmanned by any attendants or security officers.
such is the case at my preferred entry and exit to the times square station. i often refer to it as a "hidden" exit, tucked in a very out-of-the-way corner behind the shuttle to grand central, there are no real signs directing anyone to it. as a bonus, it is also the closest station exit to 1515, hidden behind the police station, and just a quick stroll across military island (typically also devoid of tourists).
the station, however, is so small that there are only two revolving-door turnstiles to service whatever traffic may be passing through the entry. on occasion, such as when a large group of tourists happens to stumble upon the entry from above ground, there may be a dastardly wait to get in as they each take an average of three swipes to get their card to work, and pass through the gate. and, on less frequent occasions, i find myself trapped on the inside, waiting to get out, while another group of tourists attempts to get in.
thus, we arrive (finally) at the point of this story. this morning, as i approached my exit, i was ground to a dead stop as one turnstile had an unrelenting line of people waiting patiently to get in, and the other was occupied by a small boy, who couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. the boy's father, and slightly older sister, had passed through the turnstile, and were waiting patiently for this youngster to swipe his card and pass through the turnstile on his own (as i've attempted to establish, neither is an easy task for the inexperienced). after laughing with the child through the bars, at several failed attempts, the father finally sensed the annoyance of myself and those behind me, and directed the boy to step aside and let us through.
it wasn't until i was on the street, a solid minute later, that i was startled with a wave of regret and disappointment in my self-important reactions to the situation. i had been so utterly annoyed with the situation--the audacity of this family to interrupt my morning routine with their ignorance, and the appalling judgement of the father to pass through the turnstile first, leaving his first-grader to fend for himself--that my only immediate concern was getting past them and to starbucks as quickly as possible. i could've, should've stopped, swiped the boy through, and continued on my way. it would have only taken thirty seconds.
who am i?
such is the case at my preferred entry and exit to the times square station. i often refer to it as a "hidden" exit, tucked in a very out-of-the-way corner behind the shuttle to grand central, there are no real signs directing anyone to it. as a bonus, it is also the closest station exit to 1515, hidden behind the police station, and just a quick stroll across military island (typically also devoid of tourists).
the station, however, is so small that there are only two revolving-door turnstiles to service whatever traffic may be passing through the entry. on occasion, such as when a large group of tourists happens to stumble upon the entry from above ground, there may be a dastardly wait to get in as they each take an average of three swipes to get their card to work, and pass through the gate. and, on less frequent occasions, i find myself trapped on the inside, waiting to get out, while another group of tourists attempts to get in.
thus, we arrive (finally) at the point of this story. this morning, as i approached my exit, i was ground to a dead stop as one turnstile had an unrelenting line of people waiting patiently to get in, and the other was occupied by a small boy, who couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. the boy's father, and slightly older sister, had passed through the turnstile, and were waiting patiently for this youngster to swipe his card and pass through the turnstile on his own (as i've attempted to establish, neither is an easy task for the inexperienced). after laughing with the child through the bars, at several failed attempts, the father finally sensed the annoyance of myself and those behind me, and directed the boy to step aside and let us through.
it wasn't until i was on the street, a solid minute later, that i was startled with a wave of regret and disappointment in my self-important reactions to the situation. i had been so utterly annoyed with the situation--the audacity of this family to interrupt my morning routine with their ignorance, and the appalling judgement of the father to pass through the turnstile first, leaving his first-grader to fend for himself--that my only immediate concern was getting past them and to starbucks as quickly as possible. i could've, should've stopped, swiped the boy through, and continued on my way. it would have only taken thirty seconds.
who am i?
posted by mark at 11:28 AM
2 Comments:
the same self-centered ass you have been since you were born
Hmm.. I'm not sure that's the behavior I would have expected from you, but you -are- a new yorker now.
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