wanna split a cab?

Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 7:35 a.m.

They were cleaning the station this morning. I was annoyed by all the wetness and the chemical smell. I had to sidestep the misting spray getting the graffiti off the walls. Then i realized that I am wrongly being annoyed. The station is getting clean and I should be grateful it is not my job.

I decided to read the Tribune this morning. Every morning, I get the Trbiune delivered to my door and pick up the RedEye. I have been reading the RedEye and skipping the tribune many mornings. My grandfather was a pressman. I was taught when you became an adult, you had the paper delivered to your door and you read it. This was your responsibility. This morning, I felt the need to stop ignoring the Tribune for its watered-down baby brother.

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 6:45 p.m.

The trains were not running north. I entered the Grand station and this woman tells me the train is not running north. My immediate internal response is "but I need to go north." Like this is some affront on me and why would the CTA fail me but not providing the cheapest and fastest way home.

I get on the street on overhear this man talking on his cell phone to his boyfriend (I am making a general assumption, yes, but I would place a monetary wager on his situation). He describes what needs to happen. When he hangs up with his BF, I ask him what we are supposed to do. He shrugs there is some bus on Michigan Avenue. He asks me where do I want to go which I reply "Andersonville" and he says me too. We exchange the address to our destination and it is only four blocks apart - both on Clark.

Seeing an opportunity, I ask him to split a cab. He agrees but needs to stop at an ATM.

On the way to mysterty ATM, he sees some friend who he hugs and chit-chats. I stand a distance to give him privacy but waiting for my cabmate to end his conversation so we could continue with our quest. This man comes back and says "um, I am going to visit my friend at this restaurant so see ya." I mumble "thanks anyway" not really meaning it.

1 - HOW RUDE - you have wasted my time and plans.
2 - You have all these friends you stop to chit-chat and visit yet are rude to strangers?
3 - INCONSIDERATE - I do not like strangers and sharing a cab was scary enough to be brushed off like that.

I fie upon the stranger man from last night.

As I was fuming, the Broadway bus came up. I settled into a seat and rode it from downtown to Berwyn. I had my crossword puzzle to keep me company.

On the bus, I was strangely paranoid about someone stealing my bag since when I got my paper out, my laptop was easily on display. I clutched my bag like Ruth Buzzi did when she portrayed that old lady who hit everyone with her bag. The bus emptied around Irving park enough for me to quell my fears.