“Amtrak adventures…”

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 Shared by Breanne Smedley

I’m on the train, on my way to Seattle to visit Kristina and spend part of the weekend planning, brainstorming, and creating for Mindfluent Leadership.

I’ve been looking forward to this quick trip since we decided on it a few weeks ago.

Kristina gave me the idea to take the train up.

“It’s just as much as the cost of gas, and you can get some work done on your way!”

I loved the sound of that.

Three hours of uninterrupted time, while gazing at the beautiful PNW water, mountains, and trees on the way was going to be awesome.

This morning, I rushed around getting ready. Completing GRIT, getting packed, hanging out with Charlee and Brett between activities.

They dropped me off at the train station and I waited anxiously for the train to arrive.

Ready to claim my window seat with a table and get to work.

It had been a while since I had taken the train.

I used to do it every once and a while in college coming home from Bellingham for breaks.

The train pulled up, and I immediately saw through the windows that it was a tad full.

I lugged my stuff on my shoulders (somehow it feels like I packed for a week trip, not a 24 hour one) and stepped on, scanning for the window table seat that I was envisioning.

The first car of seats were full.

I kept walking.

Second car, open seats here and there.

Third car, same situation.

No open rows. No table seats by a window.

At this point, the train is now moving and I’m the only one without a seat.

Holding strong to the image I had created about the train experience I wanted to have, I kept walking, trying not to spill my coffee along the way.

I didn’t plan for this.

I went onto the train with no strategy other than the idea I had in my head.

“Just pick one” I told myself.

I sat down at the next open seat I saw, next to a woman.

And directly facing a man with a mullet.

Who is now talking loudly on the phone with his friend trying to diagnose an STD he might have contracted.

I’m a health teacher, should I offer what I think it is?

A double reminder to always have a plan.

Should be a fun trip!

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#MindfullyEvolving

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