I have been thinking a lot about what runs through my mind on the bus.

I have been riding the bus on a somewhat daily basis for a little over 5 months now, and one thing that I find is that I make friends with people without talking to them. Frankly without them knowing it. Its like a bond forged through the sheer fact of us occupying the same space.

I do the same thing when driving long distances too.

I explained it to my brother this past holiday season as we were making a 8 hour trip, and apparently I may be the only person in the world who does this.

Let me explain. On long stretches of road I like to recognize the fact that cars tend to clump together in groups. Especially on highways with more than 3 lanes.

I feel like we look out for each other. Let one person in when some asshole flies up behind them. Dont let the asshole over because they flashed their brights because you may have been going slower than them, etc. Also its nice to set pace with them so you aren’t constantly looking at your speedometer every 3 seconds.

I feel I make the same mental/faux relationships with people on the bus. Wether it happens to be the people who board the bus at the same time as me, the ones who exit the same stop as me, or the ones whom I just so happen to see every day. I feel that there is some sort of link that connects us. Mostly, of course, with the people that I see on a semi regular basis. I notice small things that I would with a co-worker, or an acquaintance. “Nice hair cut”, or “nice bag, is it new?” I want to say, but its kind of creepy, and I understand that.

I also like to think about what may (or may not) run through a bus drivers head. I mean, as a car-driver, buses and thier drivers do terrify me.

The vehicles themselves are large and move rather unpredictably. As far as the operator is concerned,

I muse over their attitudes over the roads the frequent, the stops they encounter, the other drivers on the road, the passengers them service and their feelings on the profession that they have chosen for themselves. Im curious about vehicle rotation. Is it “their” bus in particular, or do they just grab one as it is available for their shift? Im sure the hours must be grueling. I know that the drivers I see in the mornings on my way into work have definitely already been working for a few hours, and the ones I generally see in the evenings most likely have a very long night ahead of them.

As the time for me riding the bus everyday comes to an end (hopefully in the next few days, of not weeks) I cant help but think of anything that I may actually miss (other than reading). I cant exactly say that I will MISS any of the people on the bus, but it does make my commute a little less lonely-seeming. I am however, looking forward to a firmer ass again.

Not Having a Car and It's Cold Outside

I have sort of mentioned this in previous posts, but let me be perfectly clear:

If I didn't live in a warm sunny place like San Diego, I would have invested in another car.

Although the average temp in San Diego is 70 Degrees, December is still cold, and it also does get dark early. As much as I love riding my bike, and reaping the benefits, I also enjoy being alive, and I feel riding my bike in cold temps, in the dark, is tempting fate.

So I have been riding the bus.

Let me tell you something, I used to be EXTREMELY anti-Public Transportation. So much, in fact, that when I visited NYC on my 21st birthday (yeah, that happened) I wouldn't even go on the subway. I walked, or took a cab.

When I lived in Sacramento the Public transit system from the suburbs was relatively terrifying.

The few times that I attempted it, I was accosted, verbally abused, and almost mugged. So, I had good reason to be wary of getting in a sardine can on wheels.

I finally got over my issues, and for the last Month+ I have been riding to and from work on the San Diego MTS bus and it has actually been more fun that not. I like to keep to myself when alone and in public so I cant say that I have met a lot of interesting people, but I can say that I have observed a lot of interesting people, and the decisions that they make while EVERYONE is watching.

Like, the nice young couple, and their two toddler-aged children. Due to an event in the area traffic was pretty stop-and-go. Since the bus was moving at a slow pace than usual, I believe this couple felt safe in letting their older daughter stand and move around a bit. She was very well behaved, and not at all a nuisance, and I think that some of the other people in that area of the bus, myself included, though she was adorable. Though I should remind you, as someone should have reminded her parents that a bus is still a MOVING VEHICLE, and sure enough, the bus picked up a little more speed and then had to hit the breaks at a light, and the poor kid went flying through the air. She wasn't hurt very badly, didn't hit and steps or sharp corners, I think it probably scared her more than anything, but that did not stop her from sending out an earsplitting wail. The father picked her up immediately and was also smart enough to encourage his small family to depart at the next exit.

There was also the man who decided that rolling a joint at the back of the bus was a good idea. Now, trying not to get into the whole Legal/Political/Just Say No issue, I just want to say that regardless of stand point I feel safe in saying that rolling a doobie, in public, in front of 3 high school football players (I know this because they were wearing football jerseys that said San Diego High School on them) is probably not the best idea. Nobody really said anything, but could say the glances from the other passengers to each other that went from Shock, to Awe, and then to humor, as the bus hit the breaks and this mans magazine with its contents on the top fly through the air. The man seemed very unmoved by this. He picked up the magazine and tried rescuing his stash from his lap, the bus seat, and yes, even from the floor. At this point I exited the bus, so I am not sure who the rest of this task played itself out, but I couldn't help laughing to myself as I walked home.

Though, the most recent of events happened while I was waiting for the bus home last week. Standing at the stop with my headphones in, a lanky man walked up to me and started talking. I removed my headphones and said "Excuse me?" He repeated himself "Do you want some razors?" and then he held up a package on Mach3 disposable razors. He thanked me and then walked around to some of the other people and I watched as the all seemed startled and also turned him down. He then rounded back to me AND ASKED ME AGAIN. I didn't even take my ear buds out since I knew he was asking the same question, and holding up the razors again. I got on the bus almost dead last, and I saw the gentleman again as he was sitting in one of the front seats. He continued to ask every person that filed passed him. I completely ignored him as I walked by, though.

I wonder if those razors were any good.

It's OFFICIAL

So, I have been pouncing around San Diego these last few months in various forms, be in by bike, on foot, the bus, or accompanied by those near and dear. All this time, I have had a small nagging in the back of my brain.

I had decided that I need to get RID of my car a long time ago, but I knew that there would be humps and bumps along the way. I parked "Petunia" in what I thought was a safe spot, and she hung out there for the better part of two months. I thought it wouldn't be long, all I needed to do was 1.) Pay off my car, 2.) Receive my title, for proof of ownership, 3.) Donate the beast for nice tax write off. Easy as pie, right?

Well, it would have been that simple if there wasn't laws in place that prevented me from doing such things. Apparently leaving your car on a public street for longer than 72 hours is prohibited, and you can get your car towed at your expense (of course), which, of course happened on the exact same date that I paid my car off.

after several grueling, ulcer-inducing days of back and forth calls between the County of San Diego, My mother, The City of San Diego, The tow yard where my car was being held, and a very concerned and helpful trio of Best friend, Boyfriend, and Brother, we sprung my car from the clink with most of the damage centralized on my wallet.

That day it became clearer that my car was on its last leg. It sputtered to a parking place and for the next few weeks I would move it to a new location knowing that this may be the last time that it started, everyday checking my mail box for that title, that was sure to be coming.

well, yesterday morning, my title finally came in the mail. I immediately contacted a donation facility and as of this morning, its gone.

It's bittersweet I guess. I'm actually more glad that I didn't have it ripped away from me. I was able to grow to dislike my car, and see it as a nuisance so ultimately the only thing that feels good is having it taken away. I guess if it was easier I might have just opted to get another car. But then I would have less knowledge of my fair city.

Rainy Days, and Mondays

Sometimes, it really does suck not having a car.

Having made the decision during a gorgeous summer in San Diego, CA to voluntarily be with out a vehicle didn't seem like that big of a deal. As I have said before, the bike rides and walks have been numerous and wonderful. The exercise is welcomed and the changes to my body have been noticed. Though as November is falling in Southern California, I am reminded that it still gets cold. I am also reminded that my body is not super human.

In mid-October I had my first encounter with riding my bike home from work in the rain. ctually wasn't that bad. My hands were numb and every article of clothing I was wearing was soa

ked completely through to the skin, and honestly I found it more exhilarating than taxing. It was still humid and rather warm with the rain falling. There were no harsh winds, and it actually came as a surprise that a lot of cars were being extra cautious due to the weather, I had an easier time negotiating some of the streets.

Though as the weeks have gone on, it has become somewhat bitter cold in the mornings. I never noticed it being this bad when I had a vehicle, because I wouldn't spent much time in the elements to notice that it was at all bad. The rides into work in the mornings, though, were very rough as I started out around 730 am, but by the time my body warmed up, the ride was actually quite pleasant. Then I starte

d noticing that my muscles would get more and more cramped and sore during the day. I think the ride in the cold, with out properly warming them up was becoming an issue. My rides home in the evening were also getting rather skeptical because the sun had been setting earlier and earlier throwing a hazy twilight as I got home. I knew that daylight savings time was approaching quickly as well, which would make this even more dangerous.

At the same time, my muscles and body were getting more and more worn with the musical that I was performing in. Having rehearsals night after night, and then moving into a 4 show a week schedule, I knew that my body wouldn't be able to handle so much strain. I finally decided it was time to look into the San Diego Metro Transit system

Taking the bus has not been as bad as expected. I had so many bad experiences in Sacramento on the light rail and on the bus system, that the thought of taking the bus to work every day literally made me shudder. Vagabonds and Angry Blue Collars workers had accosted me in the past and these incidents were on my mind the day that I decided that it was now or never. I had in the few weeks leading up to it, been keeping a close eye on the bus system. I knew the line that I would need to take runs almost the exact route that I use when I ride into work on my bike. I knew how much it cost for a one way ticket, and I knew where to get on the bus, and which stop to exit.

And it was all so easy. I got on without a problem, I had exact change. then with the experiences fresh in my mind I talked with my co-workers about my morning transit commute, and then was reminded that my work would pay for a monthly bus pass. That day I made the arrangements and I got my pass. So far riding the bus almost every morning has actually been quite pleasant. I have realized that in the mornings most of the people on the bus are just like me, riding into work. I almost just recently realized that more often then not I am on the bus longer than most others, which in my own way, validates that this bus pass is perfect for my needs because of the distance that I travel.

On a related note, I started having drama regarding my vehicle which i am waiting to get rid of. apparently leaving your car unattended on the street for more than a few days (or a few months, in my case) is actually illegal, which I recently found out when I went to check on my car, and it was gone. Having sufficiently freaked out then exhausting my resources, I found that my car had in fact been towed. And after 5 days and 450$ I finagled the piece of junk back to its current resting place.

I sincerely feel that when the weather improves, I will go back to riding my bike into work most days, and i'm glad to know that i can now easily throw riding the bus into the rotation, and that riding my bike can become more of a pleasure than a necessity.

Things That I am Realizing

So I have been thinking a lot lately about what I wanted to write about. The first two posts kind of encompassed a lot of what I wanted to say ABOUT me riding my bike, and not a lot has happened since. I have realized there are things that I mull over a lot.

1. I don't miss driving. I can't say that with absolute certainty, but it isn't something that comes up very frequently. Even when I am in the car with someone, I constantly think how much I hated driving, and how nice it is to be able to close my eyes when someone rude and inconsiderate puts my life in danger while I am in a vehicle.

2. The city has very interesting smells. Its something you miss out on a lot while driving. Even with windows rolled down, it turns into just one big smell. Walking or biking long distances you really get the chance to absorb all of the surrounding smells. The Ocean, The Trees, Flowers, and even the smells coming from peoples homes(also gross stuff, but who wants to dwell on that?) are all one big scent of "Nature" when whizzing by at 45 mph.

3. Bike maintenance is just as important as car maintenance. I ignore it the same way I ignored it on my car. I am terrible. Luckily for me though, changing a pedal, or re-oiling the chain wont cost me hundreds, if not THOUSANDS of dollars. It's still something I am going to need to wrap my head around eventually, especially because my bike chain has fallen off twice while riding... Not Fun.

4. Car Insurance sucks. I'm glad that I will be getting ride of my car for good in a little over a month, because my car insurance just went up AGAIN. I wonder what bike insurance is like?

5. Pants fit tighter. Pros and Cons all around on this one.

Pedestrians

I know being a driver I hated bicyclists. I would shout the same stuff all the time, "You are NOT a car!", "You do not have a bumper, my car will win!", etc, and keeping this in mind, I try to be as courteous to drivers as I possibly can while on my bike. On the flip side, as a pedestrian, I hated bicyclists as well. I had nothing clever to yell at them because all that I could muster would be a high pitched squeal.

With these things in mind I have found that I will always feel like an asshole riding a bike. I have been made aware of the CA bike laws, read some literature on it and talked it out with friends and family and have come to this conclusion while riding.

"In the event that I get in an accident, a car will win, and a pedestrian will lose. I want to be a winner."

So as unethical or non-law-abiding as it is, I tend to ride primarily on the sidewalks. Mostly out of sheer terror. Maybe one day my feelings will change. Not to mention as I ride downtown, it is nice to ride in the opposite direction on a one way street. Another perk to not having a car.

I try to be as cautious and vocal as possible, Letting people know when I am coming upon them and such, but I find that a lot of people, when walking, lose all sense of observation. On more than one occasion I have had people walk TOWARD me as I am trying to avoid them on the sidewalk. I will keep to the right and they beeline for me, so I slow down and move to the left and then they will change direction and start coming toward me again. Once, a little old lady was doing this dance with me near a bus stop and I stopped my bike completely and she got mere inches from my front tire before she realize that SHE was going to crash into ME.

Being the morning, and rush hour, I have come to expect a certain amount of undercaffinated zombies on the streets, but what has shocked me as of late is the over-reaction to me. I once had a woman stand in the middle of the side walk and tremble as I came toward her.

I made sure to slow down, and stay very close to the side of the sidewalk closest to to the street and even smile at her as I passed her. She seemed to not trust my choices.

I have found myself being more aware as a pedestrian now, though. I try to stay to one side of a sidewalk, I try to stay clear of the ramps onto sidewalks and I try not to walk more than two deep when walking with a group. most of these are nice not just for bikes, but for people with strollers, joggers, or people who "obviously" need to get somewhere faster than you.

I have to keep telling myself that it isnt a big deal. Cars arent out to get me, pedestrians are not intentionally getting in my way to piss me off. other bicyclists are not judging me. I have never felt so insecure.

But my ass does look nicer.

Starting Out

In Mid-July of this year, me and my beloved Petunia got in our last disagreement. Petunia is my 99' Mercry Sable LS. She was a good girl, but over the past few months she has been having some problems. Maybe it was my fault, I dont know a lot about cars, and I can admit I didnt take the time or the money to give my car the kind of attention a car of that age needed. So, long story short, I parked her. She has yet to be driven since. She just sits and gets filthy dirty.

And I have NO regrets.

A good friend sold me his bike after I figured out that I live relatively close to my job (under 5 mi) and that between my wonderful boyfriend, my amazing best friend, and my brother (he is pretty cool also) I could pretty much get anywhere outside of my normal 9-5 job.

It has been a little over a month since I have been carless. I feel that I should start blogging about the adventures that I have had and will most likely continue to have now that my major form of transportation is my legs.

I will have to say that my favorite part about walking/riding through San Diego, is that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. I am constantly reminded by the ocean, the trees, the architecture, the shops and stores, and the people of the unique elegance of my home. I have never been so happy to walk 5 miles in the heat (and I use the term heat very loosely since it rarely gets above 85 degrees).

So, from getting to work, to rehearsal, and maintaining a vibrant social life, getting around is definitely not easy, but it is not impossible.

Here is my new baby.

It's called a "Skinny Benny" and my first inclination was to name it "Benny" based on that fact, but since my boyfriend is named Ben the phrase "Oh, I rode Ben into work" just seems inappropriate. I figure the name will just come to me at some point, just like all my previous vehicles (The Bat-mobile, Old Man George, and Petunia) did after a decent amount of time.

So far me and The Bike (which will be it's temporary name) have got along really well. I do need to start looking into proper maintenance on bikes, and I am really dreading my first flat tire, but I keep telling myself that its not something that I cannot handle. Plus, I am fairly certain that it cannot be any worse than a flat tire on a car, and I have totally dealt with that in the past. (I wonder if I can get Triple A for bikes?)

So there's my starting out. I will hopefully keep up with this blog as much as possible. I know I have stuff to post to this already, but I need to digest this first, haha.