Hopefully minus the insane
Where to begin? I ride the 4 just about everyday to and from work. Generally during the week, the bus is filled with people on their way to their jobs downtown. However, on occasion, you get that random, chatty person who is legally insane.
I was standing at the bus stop this morning, waiting patiently for the 4 to arrive. As I was standing I noticed an older gentleman crossing Lyndale Avenue. He was crossing on the “do not walk” symbol and was nearly hit 3 times by vehicles making their way down the street. They honked, he just kept going and amazingly, safely made it to the stop. I had a feeling that this fellow was going to chat it up. My feeling was right.
He begins by asking me about my lip piercing. He wanted to know if I had gotten it as a political stance or to make a statement. Of course the only reason I got it was because I thought it would be cool. I have no reason other than that. I explain this to him… he seems to get it but proceeds on with telling me about his stint in rehab. Apparently he met a homosexual male in rehab that he experimented with. He had always been into women but decided to give men a whirl for a while. Wow. Of course this conversation leads to him asking me if I live an “alternative” lifestyle. No, I’m straight. He figured I was but had to ask. Nice.
The conversation, which is basically him talking at me while I stare longingly down the street praying for the bus to arrive, proceeds with him talking about living in Georgia, how he considers himself a parasite in the world because he is unemployed, and how he thinks I look like a Spanish Princess. WTF? I am not even close to looking Spanish… I mean, yes, I have dark hair, but other than that, my features are very Minnesotan. The other bus patron waiting at the stop gave me “I feel really sorry for you” looks. I retorted with a “HELP ME” look. It was magic. In any case… once I stepped on the bus I found a seat far enough away that he didn’t keep the convo going. Thank goodness for that… now I am safely at my desk awaiting 5 p.m. when I can roll out and do it all over again… hopefully minus the insane.
Feb 23rd, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Give the bus driver the “helllppppp meeeeee” signal as you get aboard in front of banana head next time. As soon as the driver has the picture (and if you sense a cooperative sympathetic nature). say something like: “Oh, HI Baby, how’s your day going?? You won’t be late again tonight, will you??” Stay right there with him (or her) whilst the nutcase slinks on past you and your “partner/husband/boyfriend/significant other/etc”. Certainly worked last week on Route 6! Hehehe!!