Clang, clang, clang went the trolley...

The CTA has been keeping it interesting the past few days.

Well, maybe I shouldn't say the CTA, but the people riding it.

Yesterday the buses were packed, PACKED, when I grabbed one home from work (the sunshine brings out the crazies). On my very packed bus ride I got to hear the tale of a divorce. Picture it, me (practically sitting on the driver's lap) smashed in the window and only a couple of people from a giant windbag who felt the need to discuss the legal proceedings of his divorces with some friend on a very crowded bus. At least it was entertaining, if not very disturbing. Especially, when I got a look at the guy and he was overweight, balding and wearing a very large gold chain necklace. No wonder the first wives left him...

Today was equally entertaining.

Once again (in the middle of the day I might add) the buses were really crowded. To add to the crowded bus there was two people in wheel chairs and neither one of them knew where they wanted to get off, so they keep yelling at the driver "Not this stop, the next stop!" (This happened for about 4 or 5 stops) When the first guy realized where he wanted to get off he got stuck because the side walk didn't go all the way to the street. He was stuck on the bus ramp and in the grass. Eventually, some of the passengers near the doors got him out.

My final bus ride was equally entertaining when at a bus stop a passenger felt the need to yell at the bus driver for no apparent reason, telling him to call his manager. She accused him of not doing his job, which as far as I could tell he was.

I just feel bad for the drivers. The general public is crazy. Seriously, people are insane, impractical and stupid. Sorry, it's not a positive generalization, but it's true. Sometimes the truth hurts...

Buyer's Remorse

So today I decided I wanted a fish.

I researched tanks.

I picked out the kind of fish I want.

I went to the pet shop and bought everything but the fish.

Half way home I was regretting my decision. My mind began to race:



---What if I'm not allowed to have a fish in my apt?



---What if it dies?



---What am I suppose to do with it on the weekends I'm away?



But then, two stops from home, an old man fell getting on the bus. It was a big production. He couldn't get up, I was sure he was dying. So I jumped up and out the back and walked quickly home. A fish is a minor thing when old men are dying. I hate it when people decide to die around me. It really freaks me out. It seems to happen a lot. Note to the world: I am not a physician and can NOT help you, so find somewhere else to die. I will run in the other direction.

I have the tank set up. This weekend on my three days off I will go pick up the fishy!!!!!

Just a couple things...

Why is the red line always packed at 11:30pm on Monday nights? It is weird. What are all those people doing on the train at that time?

Why do random people on the train ask me who my historical boyfriend is? I guess it's a good question, one worth thinking about. I have no idea who to choose! Who's your choice?

Why do the cab drivers honk and wave at me? A serious, friendly wave! I am afraid I stared stupidly at the cab thinking "What is wrong with him? I don't know any cab drivers!

Ten Inches Tall

Today I felt very Metropolitan.

I left work fairly early.

Ran to the market and picked up the makings for a delicious dinner. (Chicken and pasta pesto with garlic biscuits and cheap wine).

I caught a bus and actually grabbed a seat.

All was going well.

Then I tried to cross the street.

And fell down.

Like a little kid.

And scraped my knees.

Luckily the bottle of wine was ok.

Now I'm getting drunk on cheap wine.

Some days, that's all you can do...

Wait a Minute Mr. Postman!

For the second time in a row I have received in my mailbox a silly little note card telling me to reschedule a drop off time for my packages, or go to the post office and pick them up myself. The first time I hopped on the little city bus and made my way to the post office and carried my package home, this time however I am hoping they will redeliver. My mother sent me two gigantic boxes of stuff I couldn't fit in my suitcase from my last visit. I think what frustrates me the most about the situation is that my apartment building has a little office where occasionally the management staff works, so I don't understand why nobody is there in the middle of the day. I am going to have to sit in the lobby all day Wednesday in hopes that the post man will give me my packages when he sees me sitting there.

Anyhow, I am feeling very motivated tonight. I have no idea why. I haven't had caffeine since 1pm! I think it's the fall. Autumn does something to me. I can't explain. It makes me sad and happy and excited all at once. I am really upset by the lack of foliage in Chicago. There really are no trees. It is so sad. Where will the crunchy leaves I like to step on come from if there are no trees?

In city related news, the CTA is talking about raising transportation fares. The monthly pass, which I use is going to be over $100. It's currently at $86. If they really raise it I will have to switch my pass to something more reasonable. There is no way I want to pay that much for a bus/"L" pass each month. They must think we are stupid in Chicago, or have lots of money to spend on the bus. But, if we had that kind of money wouldn't we spend it on our own car?

Well, bite my butt and call me an apple!

Have you noticed the nip in the air?

It is lovely. I love fall. The scarves, hats, sweaters, hot drinks, football games and changing leaves.

Aaahhhhh!!!!!!

I have had so many things happened but I have been too lazy to relay them on to you. So to make a long story short:

My Aunt and Uncle came to visit. We found a fabulous French restaurant
.

This is what I had for dessert. It's the first time I've found it here in the U.S.!!

Chicago has Nutella commercials. Crazy, right?

I am still going to be in MI this weekend.

I'll be in Grap Friday evening until late Saturday or early Sunday. I hope to see some of you.

I have a funny/awful/awkward CTA story for you all, but no gumption to type it.

Sending All My Love

Dear CTA,

I really, really hate you right now. First, I saw two of my buses fly by my stop outside of work while I walked along side the building to the bus stop. Then, I waited 20 minutes for the next bus to come and when it did it was full. So full the bus driver just drove on by not even considering to stop. So, I walked to the "L" just to fight my way down the stairs and end up in a car with a crazy man. Now, when I first got on the car and found an open seat all was nice and calm. But then, somehow, a crazy stinky man decided to sit in the seat in front on me and turn around and stare at me like I was going to steal his stuff. I wanted "What the F**k is your problem? Turn around A**hole you're the one who sat in front of me. I was here first!"

Then to top it all off, I stopped by the Seven Eleven to buy a slurpee, chips and dip, and once again I couldn't find dip. What the hell does Chicago have against dip for chips? I can't find it at Jewel or Dominicks and now at the Seven Eleven. OH and the Seven Eleven had no tops for the slurpee cups.

I think I need a vacation from all this craziness.

Minor Frustrations...

The past few days I have felt like I've been surrounded by idiots. Everyone has just been really dumb. Most of these incidents have been closely related to public transportation.

Example 1:

My bus drove past my stop because the 148 was stopped because it was too full and the driver yelling to the people in the back of the bus to move more. I then had to catch the "L" and a very creepy man stared at me and I had to run off the train at the last moment as the doors were closing so he wouldn't know were I lived.

Example 2:

I had to help a grown woman pick out slippers. Seriously, slippers. She didn't want them to be "too big" What difference does it make. They are SLIPPERS!! I had a horrible thought that if I got a running start I could have pushed her out of the window down the the street below. I know, awful, but wouldn't have even noticed. She was about as smart as a rock.

Example 3:

I had to help an older woman pick out pj's for a girl she knew was graduating from high school. When she found out that young people don't wear their pants "at their waist" she totally flipped and called it "vulgar" and acted as if I had insulted her.

I just don't know what I am going to do with all these silly people.