My old routine has gone out of the window since my last ramble which was sometime in the dim and distant past.
Since I posted those instantly forgettable words a great deal has changed, both personally and in the world in general.
It wasn't an accident that I used the word routine, see, this isn't just thrown together! As routine is something I have had a whole new insight into.
I have become a commuter and though I have driven to work for years this is the first time I have let the train take the strain every day. That is a new routine in itself, same train same times etc etc. But I have been surprised at how much routine there is out there and whether people realise their own routines.
Some examples.
Obviously people catch the train at the same station each day, duh talk about the bleeding obvious, but, the same seat? Each day? And the look of horror and total confusion on their face when someone else has sat there.
You can read what they are thinking.
Oh no! My seat? It's taken? What do I do? How about this one? No , it's facing the back of the train, this one? No, it's a three seater, two strangers next to me later! It'll have to be this one! No! It's got a damp patch on it, probably rain but you never know! What do I do!?!? By the time they have chosen, the next station is on the horizon and any seat will do. Their heads, beaded with sweat are constantly on a swivel.
One chap last week, a gent probably in his 60s, probably legal as he is scruffily smart with hair the same colour and shape as a judges wig, actually asked a lady to move so he could sit where he normally sits.
But it is not just the train routine.
In between observing the habits of my fellow travellers I, naturally, look out of the window.
As it has been dark, house lights have been on and you see people at the same place in their houses and gardens every day at the same time, at a sink, at a table, at the back door having a drag, on the piece of grass with Fido and a stick, running or walking fast to catch the train.
I find this intriguing.
Also a little thought provoking.
I have seen this just because I happen to be passing at the same time each day and I'm observant as that was my job, but what if someone was purposefully watching? Seeing when it was the best time to burgle for instance?
Now I am not a paranoid person but why make it easy for them?
In my first retail job many years ago, hang on, some years ago, that sounds better! One of the first things I was taught was always change your routes when walking around the store, if you go the same way every time shoplifters will soon pick up on this, it's something that has always stuck with me.
The other thing that makes me think about all this routine is, surely we can be a little more imaginative.
Timetables and hours of work dictate to an extent I accept that and have to work to that myself, but everything else? The thing is I am sure that it isn't just the early mornings that these people have their routines, whatever happened to a change is as good as a rest? Spontinaiety?difference?
Is there a darker side to all the routine? does society like us to do the same things at the same time all the time?
I am not intelligent enough to go deep into that but I have been surprised by the level of routine I have witnessed.
The routine doesn't stop there.
My commute destination is Manchester.
A city I only flirted with in the sense of in and out quick visits that kind of thing.
You would think there that routine would be a little less obvious, but no! The same people in the same places each day, and not all of them are going to work, some of them are just there because they are there, each day.
Some of the people I pass would love to have a different routine though, but can't.
Manchester does appear to have a lot of unfortunate people living rough, sad to see.
What is sadder to see is also looking at these same people routinely every morning, afternoon and evening are the people I call the God Squad.
Groups of men and women immaculately dressed in clothes only they can afford also wearing cheesy grins and inanely holding out leaflets giving advice on how to be a caring sharing person.
This all happening whilst within ear shot of a leaflet rustle men and women huddle in doorways or alcoves sheltering.
Maybe a change of routine is needed from the God Squad, maybe some tea or coffees or a blanket? Maybe that isn't in their leaflet?
Since my last ramble we have lost a lot of celebrities and two spring to mind to mention finally here.
Sir Terry
A genius who observed day to day life and gently mocked it and rode along with it. A master of his craft who changed without never changing.
And David Bowie.
I admit I was never what you might call a massive fan but like all icons he never stood still, always different and always trying to set a trend rather than follow.
Two fine examples of non routine, we should all try it.
