Must. Find. Silver. Lining.

Unfortunately for you, the reader, this post is another GRIPE.  I am *extraordinarily* frustrated by the lack of gentlemanly conduct and general inconsideration on the public transportation this afternoon. 

PLEASE BEWARE - there are a few choice words that aren't typically in my public blogs! 

Scenario: Bus is late and overcrowded on a rainy, hot afternoon in GVIL.  Large number of people board the bus and are searching for a seat amongst travelers that have too much sh*t with them and are on their phones or just plain oblivious to the people looking for a place to not have to stand while the bus is in motion.

The front half of the bus is filled with international students who are seated next to each other and fill all of the spots - okay, cool.  That happens. 

I (and myriad of other public transit users) shuffle down the aisle seeking a spot to sit or grab hold before the bus "driver" (aka spazmodic person that has mysteriously been allowed access to the key to this mobile contraption) pulses and slams back and forth from brake to gas pedal.

I end up in the back of the bus which is full, save for approximately 2 seats: one next to a woman who has her bags strewn about the seat next to her as she jabbers *loudly on her cell phone (ironically, the sign posted directly in front of her states something to the effect of "Can you hear me now? Yes, we all can.  Please refrain from using your cell phone or keep your conversation to a minimum volume".  HEELLLOOOOOOO?!!??!  The other seat is along the bench in the back of the bus, in the corner, and everyone would either need to ::ahem:: slide down to make room OR I could awkwardly crawl over all of you and, considering I was probably the tallest, I could cram my legs between the seat and arm thingy. 

Alright, so I am fully capable of standing and am definitely not saying that these other people don't have the right to sit where they have parked their lazy, inconsiderate behinds.  HOWEVER.  My point (YESSsssss, I do have one!) is that the majority of the people in the back half of the bus were guys.  I want to say men, but to me, that connotates someone with a certain maturity.  And, get this: one of the "guys" was in full-dress Army ROTC uniform.  Really??? All of you are just going to sit like lumps and not offer your seat for the couple of females that just boarded?  Mr. Army Boy - hope you treat your mother, future wife, and fellow soldiers better than that! 

~~~NOTE: I am not a "feminist"; I just believe in chivalry and kindness.  I would offer my seat to someone having dificulty standing or an elderly person; that's how I was raised.  I am in neither of those two "categories", but as a woman, I also know that generosity and chivalry are very much appreciated. 

As for those other numskulls that didn't move over or move their personal items, get with the program.  This isn't your bedroom and its not your personal transportation: PUBLIC transportation.  Move your @ss or move your sh*t.  Share.  Period.

Where in heavens name did you grow up?  Oh, wait, that's right: you didn't.









--**silver lining**-- Hey, I'm strong, healthy, and totally able to stand without difficulty, let alone while in a moving vehicle.  I guess I burned a few more calories and used my stabilizer muscles to prevent myself from falling over due to aforementioned spazmodic "driver".