This morning as I headed for my car, I thought to myself, “I’ll be in the train within a half hour and then in the city soon after.” Well, it didn’t happen in quite that timely of a manner. I stood on the platform for an hour waiting as a voice on the loud speaker intoned, “All trains are stopped, there was a fatality at the Hamilton station.” A train eventually arrived and far too many people piled in. The train inched by slowly. I heard a businessman talking on the phone say, “We’re finally moving but a squirrel just passed us.”

This is the second suicide in two weeks. Perhaps it is a weekly occurence? I hate to even think of it.

Pedestrian killed by train in Hamilton
A pedestrian on the tracks was hit by a train and killed in an apparent suicide near the Hamilton train station during rush hour this morning, officials said.

The incident took place about 6:30 a.m. when Train 3916 hit the person under the Whitehead Road overpass near the Hamilton Station on its run from Trenton to New York City, said NJ Transit spokesman Dan Stessel.

The name of the person killed on the tracks was not immediately available and police are investigating. Initial reports indicated the victim apparently committed suicide.

The incident meant delays and overcrowded trains on NJ Transit’s busiest rail line.

About 50,000 NJ Transit passengers ride the Northeast Corridor on a typical weekday, Stessel said.

Service was suspended for about an hour while police investigated.

By 7:30 a.m., officials reopened three of the four tracks in that area and trains started running from Trenton.

There was limited service from Hamilton and Princeton Junction, with cars overcrowded and running 30 to 60 minutes behind schedule, Stessel said.

I’ve been rather verklempt. All my energy is going to this new job. When I arrive home at 7:00 I am so tired I can barely think straight. Things will start to clear up, I am sure of it.

It certainly is getting better. The one thing I don’t like is how slow the day goes. It just drags by. Maybe that’s not a bad thing.

Lisa made me a wonderful dinner this evening. It was on the table when I walked in. How lucky am I? Darnit, I should have yelled, “Hi honey! I’m home!” as I walked in the door. Next time.

I am washed and dressed and ready to go back to bed, er, I mean work. It’s getting better. I am becoming more comfortable. Next week I go to Dallas for a series of classes and seminars that should get me more knowledgeable about the product and industry. Fingers crossed.

It’s raining outside. It’s cold outside too. I can just tell. Spring, Spring! Come back, Spring!

I got a little antsy but I handled it well. I am glad the president is evil, he’s becoming interesting again. I wish I had a suit made out of the same fabric as Jack Bauer’s clothes. It repels dirt and ash and soot! Why couldn’t they have clothed him in a mock turtleneck and a leather blazer rather than a little hoodie? He looks like a little kid in the far shots.

Today wasn’t nearly as exhausting as last week. I think I am just getting used to working again.

Here we go again! I am all dressed and almost ready to go. Just need to soft boil a couple eggs and drink a couple gallons of coffee. I am looking forward to 24 tonight. Looking forward to 24 makes me miss the X-Files. Those were the days, my friends! Actually, even more than the X-Files, I loved looking forward to Saturday morning (in college) so I could watch Highlander, Time Trax and Renegade. Thursdays and Mondays were Forever Knight and Kung Fu! Enough reminiscing! Must continue to get ready!

Rob Booth makes a very good music recommendation

I never realized I am a hellbilly, cowpunk fan! (Of course, I do know all the words to There’s a Tear in my Beer)

Today went well. Lisa and I met Audra at David’s Bridal. Audra tried on her dress and the dress was pinned for alterations. We ate lunch at Ikea and then walked around the showroom and marketplace. I couldn’t believe it was 4:00 when we climbed in the car to go home. As soon as we got home, we scooped up Bo and drove to our parents’ house for Sunday dinner. My mom made stew and for dessert we had rice pudding. We rushed back home so I could get everything ready for tomorrow. I am not exactly looking forward to work but I am not dreading it either. I had planned on getting some work done during the weekend but I didn’t open up that laptop once. I have to fall back into a routine, then I will have more time.

A few months ago, Lisa bought a summer purse on sale. It’s a crazy purse. It is lime green and there is a sequined image of Kermit the Frog on the one side. She hasn’t started using it yet but she just got it out the other day and I am sure she will be switching to it shortly. Each time I see the purse, I think of the song, “Rainbow Connection.” Looking at the purse yesterday, I had a realization: It really isn’t Kermit the Frog singing that song, it’s actually Jim Henson. I have always envisioned Kermie singing it. But Kermit isn’t real… he’s just a puppet!

I wasn’t able to watch all of The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant last but I will finish it today at some point. As I sat their watching Petra moan over Karin I felt the room slowly start to spin and I realized I was Fassbindered out. I shut off the TV and DVD and went to bed. My dreams were horrendous, full of murder and piles of bodies. It was like an action/horror movie out of control.

This weekend my plan was to awake each morning at my regular time of 5:00 so when Monday comes I am not out of practice. It didn’t happen. Saturday and Sunday came and I turned off my alarm and fell back asleep. At least I awoke at 7 and not any later.

This afternoon we are meeting Audra at David’s Bridal to watch her try on her gown. I guess afterward we will get lunch or something. I really would like to go to Macy’s. In one of their circulars I saw a really pretty business dress that I think would look fabulous on me and I would love to try it on. Maybe there will be time, I’ll see what happens.