This year I decided to take the train home for Christmas.  It was my first time actually on a train, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised!  Overall, I would ride it again!  The benefits are awesome.  Your seat is bigger than it would be on a plane, and there’s no seat belt to fasten.  You can get up and walk around at your leisure with NO restrictions!  You never have to sit down if you don’t want to!  There’s a dining car with restaurant like booths and tables to sit in, so if you’re traveling with others and want to play cards or games it’s no problem.  Possibly the best benefit is the electrical outlet at your seat!  I had my computer plugged in the whole trip.  You can also talk on your phone at any time...and even charge it up!

 

The  people that ride the train are definitely different that those who fly.  In general, they aren’t as good looking, and are older.  One girl had pink hair that had faded and grown out.  She obviously made a poor decision one night while watching old Cyndi Lauper videos on MTV.  

 

Christmas eve was fun at my mother’s house.  Suzy, Nikki & Keith with Brayden and Jillian, Lee & Christy with Sophie, Noreen & Jerry all were present.  The usual antics were had, but I was completely tired by 9pm.  After thinking about it, I had only been home in the US for about 36 hours or so when I had to get up at 4am to catch that train home.  12 hours later I was at mom’s house ready to eat dinner!  Christmas dinner is my favorite!!! Turkey, dressing, potatoes, turnips, fruit salad!  YUM!  However, before dinner we had to try and get her car started!  Suzy brought down a battery charger that is plugged in to a regular outlet.  That didn’t work, and later that night Keith took his truck and jumped her car.  So, by 9pm I was absolutely beat and wanted to sleep.  I did just that and woke up at 4am like it was my job, but did manage to force myself to sleep until 8!  

 

I hung out with my mother and brother on Christmas day, and then went to my sister Noreen’s house for a bit before ending up at Debbie’s brother’s house, Pat & Allison’s place.  Visiting with them was so nice.  Catching up and talking about names I hadn’t heard in over 20 years!  Thanks for the good company guys!  It’s crazy how all my friends have kids that are getting pretty big!

 

The ride home was pretty uneventful, and I arrived safe and sound.  I would definitely take the train again, and look forward to venturing off to NYC with Matthew when he comes in April!