Outer:
Our
train was scheduled to leave at 10:34 pm on January 2. I was warned by many
people to expect the train to be running late. Even with this warning, I was
still surprised when I finally boarded the train at 1:33 am. My excitement for
being on the train and riding the train for the first time was gone. Actually,
it left when the train pulled up. Once the train pulled into the station, we
were so excited we went outside to stand in line as it was coming to a stop.
The temperature was below zero and to say it was freezing would be an
understatement. The train came to a screeching stop as it pushed frigid air
into my face and my cold hair brushed around my face. The conductor stepped off
the train with the look of defeat on his face. He instructed us all to go back
inside, the train needed more work before we could board. An angry crowed did
as instructed because the alternative was standing outside in the freezing
cold. With tired eyes and fatigued bodies, we stood in line and waited. I knew
the crew had a rough night and they were just doing their job and try to keep
us safe, but I was tired for waiting and ready for bed. After seeing the look
of defeat on the conductor’s face, I realized their job can be compared to
nursing. He probably wants nothing more
than for this train to run smoothly. He and his crew have probably poured their
blood sweat and tears into the train tonight, and we just complain. I didn’t
want to be that person for this crew. Just as I would like to receive as a
nurse from a patient or their family, I wanted to show this crew patience.
There were a lot of people in the line that were outwardly showing their
disapproval of the situation and let the crew know that they were unhappy.
“Seriously?!”, “Are you kidding me?!”, “Well how long will THAT take?!” were
just a few things I heard people shouting at him. One person getting off the
train said to us “don’t get on that janky-ass train!” Although this was funny,
at least he arrived to his destination safely. I simply decided to take the
(what seemed like) devastating news with a grain of salt, turn around, and at
least be grateful that I was able to wait inside in the warmth of the lobby. At
least I wasn’t out in the freezing cold working on the train.
Finally,
we boarded the train and I found my seat. I settled down with my blanket and
neck pillow. The passenger before me left a McDonalds bag and cup in front of
me. I was simply too tired to care even the slightest about this, I needed
sleep. As I sat down, I was surprised and delighted to see that our seats were
bigger and had more room than an airplane. I was grateful for this. Sitting
next to the window provided me with cool air and what felt like a slight
breeze. I was thankful for this because to me, it felt like I was getting fresh
air. Once the train started rolling, I began to sway side to side. I
immediately took some nausea medicine and was out like a light.
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| Liz and Ebonnie trying to get some sleep |
Inner:
The
physical act of leaving home was not hard for me. Once I got to the train
station I realized how far out of my comfort zone I was. I never realized
before how quiet of a person I am. I feel like people have to talk just talk,
and I am not like that at all. I found myself getting frustrated when people
were not talking and quite frankly ignoring the Amtrak associate when she was
making announcements to keep us updated. I realized that with just Lance and I
living in our home, we are quiet. Although I will not let this ruin my trip, it
was interesting that I never knew that about myself.
Being
on the train is going to be a complete out of comfort zone experience. Each
sway the train car makes, each rough curve, and each sudden jerk makes me more
and more nauseous. Even as I sit here and write this blog, I am battling my
stomach. It feels like I’m playing a mental game with myself. I keep telling
myself: “don’t get sick, you feel fine, the bracelets are working, just get
some sleep and you will feel better.” The stop at Memphis is helping calm me
down. Remember when I was a kid my mom would always tell me that I will “grow
out of motion sickness.” I wish my mom was here to see that no, that will never
happen.
Apart
from battling motion sickness, it is quite another experience to be a new group
of people. Everyone smells different, has a different sense of humor, and a
different routine. Even though its early in our journey, I am appreciating home
more and more. I already miss my routine at home. Even just getting ready for
bed. Simple things like washing my face in a normal sink, brushing my teeth,
going to a bathroom where my knees don’t touch the door. Most of all, I miss
sleeping in a normal size bed.
I
also find myself missing Lance and Bruno more than I thought I would. That dog
gets me up every day at 6am. Usually I get so mad when I have to get up and let
him outside at that time. Today, I was up and 6am and was a little sad that I
wasn’t going to be letting him out. I find my mind wondering back home and
wondering what Lance and Bruno are up to. It’s probably good that I’m gone for
a week so that Lance actually learns where stuff is in the kitchen.
I
am lucky in the fact that I get to go on this trip with my three best friends.
However, I am a little nervous spending all this time with them. For the first
time, they will be sleeping in the same room as me, eating every meal with me,
and see me without makeup. Worst of all, they will see the real me, the
pre-coffee me. If that doesn’t scare them off, then nothing will.
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| If this doesn't scar them, nothing will |
I
have already learned to just be patient. Other people have jobs that they have
to do just like me as a future nurse. The crew has put in a long night of hard
and frustrating work. They can’t prepare for everything that could possibly
happen, much like I can’t prepare for every situation that my patient might
face in their hospital stay.
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| Glad to get some fresh air in Memphis |
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