things i have learned because i ride the bus:

1. it is possible for me to be not only punctual, but early.

except for yesterday when i made the bus simply on merit of having ungodly long legs and a merciful bus driver who put his foot back on the brake and reopened the doors for me. he got a big smile and gracious thankyouthankyou. snooze buttons are always extra seductive monday mornings. particularly following a saturday night/sunday morning of good conversation and little sleep.

2. people (read: men) do need an excuse to talk to you, but only a little one. like knitting.

i participated in a bit of banter with several commuters last friday that i could tell started simply on merit of being female and being engaged in a less than ordinary activity. and then there was yesterday's entire bus ride long (45 minute?) conversation with the freelance writer/photographer who slid right up to me and boldly introduced me to his handmade knit scarf and hat. we spoke of politics, art, beauty, cameras, travel, plays, the pursuit of bizarre adventures, and his brief and unjustified jail time. i can picture his face and demeanor (including several small marks on his right cheek, peeking from beneath his hat). recall the faded black/grey of his skinny jeans and the shock of suddenly seeing his hair when he took off his knit hat rather late in the ride. but i never learned his name.

3. i should not sit anywhere near the mid point of the double buses {the ones that hinge}. blech.

my stomach is still a little jumbled from this morning. having my body experience one movement and my eyes sense another is really disorienting while trying to knit. still not sure why i didn't get up and switch seats.

4. this girl needs winter shoes.

ballet flats are stylish and tall girl friendly, but do not provide adequate coverage for anything longer than a quick walk to and from my car and certainly not for the walks to and from the bus stop. i get home and have to soak my feet until they revive from a state of being violently numb. thank goodness for the almost boiling hot water my building delivers.

currently listening to: ipod on shuffle - plasticities - andrew bird.