Of all the different dating services there are today speed dating is still my top pick. I always have fun and usually meet someone I end up dating. People often say speed dating isn't for them because "how can you tell anything in six minutes"? From my experience, you can spend hours sorting through on line applicants, have several email exchanges, agree to meet, and within six minutes of meeting face to face you know if you're going to pursue this any further. So I cut out all that "prep-work" and just go straight to the six minute date.
I haven't met "Mr. Right", but really the point is just to date, sort and have fun while on the journey to Mr. Right. And maybe there is no Mr. Right for me. That's okay too, but I'm certainly going to continue dating.
During my last speeding dating episode in mid-Dec (I've only done this three times, so I'm no expert really), I met one interesting guy. Turns out, he was #8 on the docket, the very last contestant. Some of you may recall, my last speed dater was #8, and we dated for, yes, 8 months. My New #8 took me out on what I'd have to say was the best first date I've had in a very long time. We went to the Seattle Art Museum to see the Michelangelo Exhibit, and then had dinner afterwards. He asked me if I would object if he invited another couple along. Of course I didn't object, but I found it rather odd. Inviting another couple on our first date? Shouldn't we try to get to know each other better first before dragging our friends into it? As it turned out, I loved his friends! Furthermore, a good way to get to know someone is by observing them with their friends. I'd never really thought about this before. The entire evening was fun with lively conversation, great banter and I definitely would like to see this guy again.
In the meantime, I've also been seeing this hot hot bus driver who drives me to church every Sunday (okay, not every Sunday because I don't actually attend church every Sunday, but I sure stepped up my attendance after meeting my new chauffeur). I met him a couple months ago and my mouth literally fell open upon climbing aboard the Number 2 bus. This totally Rasta looking dude with the dreads, beautiful smile and knee buckling accent got my full attention. I lived in Europe for over three years, I'm not all that taken in with accents in general, but this one is sexy. I rode to the end of the line with him and we chatted a bit. This went on for a few weeks and I finally formally introduced myself and he asked me to coffee. He's actually not Rasta dude at all, he's from Venezuela. Meow. A coffee date turned into a drink date and I learn more about this fella. He is younger than me, but I don't actually know how old he is. I think I really do not care.
Our last date involved him coming over to mine and cooking for me. While I was a little nervous about the final outcome...eh hem...it's always dangerous to have a sexy man alone in my apartment, I agreed to let him in. Wearing my best jeans, candles lit all over the apt, Marvin Gaye on the Panasonic, what did I honestly expect to happen? Seriously, could it go any other way?
Meanwhile, up in Snohomish County, my New #8 is currently purchasing restaurant coupons and planning events for our next date.
Oh, I haven't perfected the art of dating two men at once. I may need to call in reinforcements for juggling advice in the near future. However, the fact that they live in separate counties is helpful. I am not going to feel bad about it. I'm dating. Getting to know these men. At some point, I'll determine which one, if either one, is a keeper. Honestly, I think my Venezuelan Bus Driver won't last. But like a little Marvin Gaye, he is certainly good for a girl's soul.
Showing posts with label bus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bus. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friday, May 16, 2008
Vespa Hog
Apparently, I'm now in the 'cool' crowd. Last winter my boss bought a Vespa for the office. The company vehicle. Well, he and I are the office...and he already has a vehicle and I don't see him, a 57 year old, over weight man, zipping around on a bright yellow scooter. Actually, I have seen him and it's entertaining. Yeah, of all the colors lined up outside the Vespa dealer, he chooses bright yellow? He must have gotten a great deal.
So basically he bought the thing for me to ride. He hates that I take the bus. What's wrong with the bus? He insists that it doesn't go anywhere and only crazies ride the bus. He has never ridden the bus in his life. True it's a challenge, but it's workable with some patience and practice. It took me about six months to really get it figured out with all the routes, rules, fare requirements and schedules. But I've got it down. And as for the crazies, it's what makes life interesting.
I do love riding the Vespa. It's a 150cc so slightly heavier than what I rode while in Europe and noticeably a nicer ride! Gas is minimal, I can park it anywhere and it's fun. What I've noticed recently is that other riders wave at me. I was unaware of two wheeler etiquette. At first when another scooter would go past and wave, I wasn't sure they were waving at me. Maybe they saw someone they knew in the car near me? But after a few more waves I realized that they were actually waving at me. I thought "Oh, we wave at fellow scooter riders. How cute."
Then yesterday while riding home from work, I noticed a lot more bikers on the road. Such a gorgeous day and all, everyone was out riding. And ALL the bikers were waving at me! Even those on the 'big boy bikes.' Some dude on a Harley rides past me and gives me one of those index finger/trigger pulling kind of waves. I could only laugh! I'm like the cool chick on my little yellow "hog". I'm now part of an elite group: Motorcycle Mamas. My dream for some time has been to learn to ride a Harley and tour around the states. I'm working my way up slowly. But at least I've been accepted into the club.
Monday, July 23, 2007
I Am a Bus Person
I hear people saying all the time "naw, I'm not a bus person." What does that mean exactly? You're too environmentally hogish to ride the bus? You're too attached to your car? You'd rather sit in traffic, clench your teeth, drive around the block umpteen times looking for expensive parking and spend a ton on gas than ride the bus and get dropped off within a block (if not right in front) of your destination? (http://www.transit.metrokc.gov/)
I have a new friend who just moved here from California. She is 'not a bus person.' She says it's easier to walk. Well, that is commendable and I can appreciate that. Often it IS easier...as well as faster...to just walk. However, sometimes walking is just impractical. You're wearing your sexy new high heels for a night on the town...the bus saves your heels AND your feet. It's pissing rain and blowing sideways. The bus is definitely a better option than walking if you need to look presentable upon arrival. You're pressed for time...again...the bus is fairly speedy.
I'll cut my new friend a bit of slack, because she is at least making an attempt to avoid the unnecessary use of her car. But what about all those other non-bus people who are using their cars when the bus is just as easy, cheaper, relaxing (really, it is....the bus provides that time to catch up on reading, zzzz's, chat with a new person, or just veg staring out the window contemplating life.) No, these people don't see it that way at all. I think they actually have 'bus fear.'
Yes, fear of the bus. They don't know how to take the bus. It is complicated in Seattle, admittedly. It takes a good six months of using the system before one is an accomplished rider. There's the issue of paying. You pay when getting on when entering the city but when you get off when leaving the city. Free ride area (basically just downtown) is from 7 am - 7pm. After 7 pm the back doors don't open...enter and exit from front door only. Peak hours the fare is $1.50, off hours fare is $1.25...what are peak hours? There's a sign on the paybox...you'll figure it out. Some buses change number partway into the route. Yes, it's complicated business alright, but worth getting acquainted with.
Then there is the issue of the 'bus freaks.' There's always the sleeper whose head bobs like one of those bobble head dolls until it's on your shoulder. There's the drunk, the incessant talker about nothing (no, that is NOT me!), the political activist, the lady with the Great Dane and the other one with the dog in a bag. Sure you will observe many interesting folks (and smells) on the bus...especially through the free ride zone. But that's one of the perks of riding the bus. I could probably write a 'bus stories' blog and be busy writing every day of the week! I grew up in a family who supported bus travel (I think that makes a difference as well. It's in my genes.) I come from a long lineage of bus people. My dad used to come home every night from work and tell an unusual and interesting bus story at the dinner table. After college, when I landed my first job downtown, I too was able to join in on the dinner table bus story talk.
Now I didn't just go cold turkey with this whole bus riding transition. I sold my car before going to Europe. While there I had to learn the public transit systems. I became quite apt...in foreign lands mind you. When I returned to Seattle...jobless and homeless...I decided to find an apartment in a part of town with good bus service. I was going to attempt to bring a bit of my European lifestyle back into my American life. I did not want to race out a plunk down money I didn't really have on a car. No siree. I didn't know how long I could make this last, though. I mean, Seattle isn't known to have the best public transit in the world. But it's been over a year and I'm quite comfortable and happy with my bus riding lifestyle. There are very few instances when I feel I need a car. In those cases, I borrow from a friend or use flexcar (http://www.flexcar.com/) or if really in a jam, I take a cab. The amount I've spent on those other options over the last year is miniscule compared to owning a vehicle (the car, car maintenance, parking, the time spent looking for parking, gas, insurance).
So, again, what makes a person 'not a bus person?' I think everyone should at least give it a chance. There's just nothing like a day of good bus karma when you get to the bus stop seconds before the bus arrives, you make all your connections, always get a seat and get where you need to be on time. And if you ARE late...you just blame the bus. Everyone seems to accept this as a valid excuse for tardiness.
I have a new friend who just moved here from California. She is 'not a bus person.' She says it's easier to walk. Well, that is commendable and I can appreciate that. Often it IS easier...as well as faster...to just walk. However, sometimes walking is just impractical. You're wearing your sexy new high heels for a night on the town...the bus saves your heels AND your feet. It's pissing rain and blowing sideways. The bus is definitely a better option than walking if you need to look presentable upon arrival. You're pressed for time...again...the bus is fairly speedy.
I'll cut my new friend a bit of slack, because she is at least making an attempt to avoid the unnecessary use of her car. But what about all those other non-bus people who are using their cars when the bus is just as easy, cheaper, relaxing (really, it is....the bus provides that time to catch up on reading, zzzz's, chat with a new person, or just veg staring out the window contemplating life.) No, these people don't see it that way at all. I think they actually have 'bus fear.'
Yes, fear of the bus. They don't know how to take the bus. It is complicated in Seattle, admittedly. It takes a good six months of using the system before one is an accomplished rider. There's the issue of paying. You pay when getting on when entering the city but when you get off when leaving the city. Free ride area (basically just downtown) is from 7 am - 7pm. After 7 pm the back doors don't open...enter and exit from front door only. Peak hours the fare is $1.50, off hours fare is $1.25...what are peak hours? There's a sign on the paybox...you'll figure it out. Some buses change number partway into the route. Yes, it's complicated business alright, but worth getting acquainted with.
Then there is the issue of the 'bus freaks.' There's always the sleeper whose head bobs like one of those bobble head dolls until it's on your shoulder. There's the drunk, the incessant talker about nothing (no, that is NOT me!), the political activist, the lady with the Great Dane and the other one with the dog in a bag. Sure you will observe many interesting folks (and smells) on the bus...especially through the free ride zone. But that's one of the perks of riding the bus. I could probably write a 'bus stories' blog and be busy writing every day of the week! I grew up in a family who supported bus travel (I think that makes a difference as well. It's in my genes.) I come from a long lineage of bus people. My dad used to come home every night from work and tell an unusual and interesting bus story at the dinner table. After college, when I landed my first job downtown, I too was able to join in on the dinner table bus story talk.
Now I didn't just go cold turkey with this whole bus riding transition. I sold my car before going to Europe. While there I had to learn the public transit systems. I became quite apt...in foreign lands mind you. When I returned to Seattle...jobless and homeless...I decided to find an apartment in a part of town with good bus service. I was going to attempt to bring a bit of my European lifestyle back into my American life. I did not want to race out a plunk down money I didn't really have on a car. No siree. I didn't know how long I could make this last, though. I mean, Seattle isn't known to have the best public transit in the world. But it's been over a year and I'm quite comfortable and happy with my bus riding lifestyle. There are very few instances when I feel I need a car. In those cases, I borrow from a friend or use flexcar (http://www.flexcar.com/) or if really in a jam, I take a cab. The amount I've spent on those other options over the last year is miniscule compared to owning a vehicle (the car, car maintenance, parking, the time spent looking for parking, gas, insurance).
So, again, what makes a person 'not a bus person?' I think everyone should at least give it a chance. There's just nothing like a day of good bus karma when you get to the bus stop seconds before the bus arrives, you make all your connections, always get a seat and get where you need to be on time. And if you ARE late...you just blame the bus. Everyone seems to accept this as a valid excuse for tardiness.
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