Through The Mud Clearly

I am about to embark on a new adventure! No I am not traveling anywhere; I am taking an online course: Elementary Spanish 101. I had the choice of an "accelerated" or "leisure" paced course. Naturally I opted for the leisure paced one! Maybe, in the future, I will write my bus stories in Espanol. Or possibly in Spanglish...a mixture of both. Wouldn't that be interesting?!?! Anyway, I am doing this because I think it will enhance my job and; they are paying for it! Class starts September 8th and goes thru March 2009. Hey, I said it was leisure paced.

Yes...another bus story. The bus system here allows those in wheelchairs to ride for free. I think that is pretty cool. The buses are equipped with ramps and have seats that fold so a wheelchair can maneuver into that space. Well, the other day, the driver picked up a wheelchair bound individual. The person was having considerable trouble getting on board and the driver was very helpful; assisting the gentleman. When we arrived at the man's stop; again he had trouble maneuvering and again the driver assisted. Immediately after he was off the bus, the man stood up; walked around the chair and began pushing it down the sidewalk....with a big grin on his face! Obviously he was not handicapped, but was using the system for a free ride. I laughed.

Here is another bus story. I know I said I probably wouldn't write about my bus riding adventures everyday but.....I have to tell you about this one. Yesterday, I was sitting there minding my own business when I noticed this guy (outside) looking like he was about to throw something and a nano second later the bus window shattered! I and another couple were sitting in the seats next to that window! The couple and I shook off the small pieces of glass and promptly moved to seats on the other side of the bus. The driver safely stopped; called his supervisor and announced to the riders that there would be a slight delay. About 1/2 of the people got off the bus and started walking. The rest of them crowded around wanting to know what happened and if we were okay. It was kind of neat because everyone just started talking as if they had known us for years. The concern seemed genuine and friendly. The supervisor came and took pictures of the damage; duct taped the window and wrapped yellow caution tape around the seats. Both the driver and the supervisor apologized for the delay, the driver turned the "not in service" sign on and drove the remainder of us to the transfer center. The comraderie continued as we got off the bus...everyone saying goodby and telling each other to be safe. The window incident was a bit un-nerving but the end result was good. Yes, I am still riding the bus.

For the past few months; due to rising gas prices and an office move; I have been riding the bus to and from work. It has been quite interesting!! Everyday something happens. These experiences have been amusing, amazing, sometimes tragic and always different. I could write something new everyday (but probably won't). I do want to tell you about "the lingerie lady" (I have dubbed her that). Every morning she gets on the bus wearing a piece of nightwear. Fortunaltly for all of us, this is either worn over or under her "regular" clothing...but it is definitly lingerie. I am not really sure she knows it though. Oh yeah, this is the same woman who usually wears her hair in a bun. But the other day she had her hair down. I am telling you her hair must have been five feet long. Anyway; she sat down and immediatly began combing her hair with her fingers. Oblivious to the passenger sitting behind her; she began flinging her hair back and forth, finally twisting it into a bun and without aid of any clips or ties she fastened her hair into place. Amazing!! The person behind her didn't say anything and just moved over one seat...that is even more amazing. Its a fun ride.