Bat

I learned a valuable lesson this week while taking the morning train to work. When I see something that may, in any situation, freak people out... it's best not to act casual about it.

See, on Monday I was sitting and vegging, listening to music on my phone when the Train Hottie next to me started leaning in closer. A little odd, to be sure, but I was fine with it. Until I realized she was almost sitting on my arm.

And getting closer.

OK, music is off. Earphones are down. "What's up?" I ask. The Train Hottie looks at me --still getting closer, says "I think there's a bird down the stairs." So, I lean out and over as the Train Hottie is now just about completely in my seat. Yes, indeed, there's something flying around down there.

Wait. No feathers, lightly flapping leathery wings. "That's not a bird," I say, "That's a bat." And I lean back in my seat.

OK, big lessons learned:

1. Don't point out the obvious when people freak out about bats.
   
2. Don't point out a freaky bat and then casually plan to go back to listening to music on your phone.
3. Don't say "That's a bat" as the freakin' thing flies up the stairs. People will scream.

Naturally, there was many things that could've gone better. But, the point of the story is not to act so casual. I've never seen a train empty so quickly when we finally got to the station.

I stayed behind for a bit because I didn't want to head down the stairs to early and have people think I was a pussy or something. I'm sure they think I'm a jerk, but not a pussy!

[follow-up: the bat was caught with an empty coffee cup when it came to rest on one of the lights. The conductor took the cup and brought to a local animal rescue office where the bat was eventually freed. Since I'm a jerk, I thought it would be funny to place the coffee cup on someone's desk and walk away.]

Painless

It's only a mile, but when you fall out of shape, a mile suddenly becomes much much longer than you last recall. It's even longer when your trainer says "run."

Jerk.

Not really. He set up a new "circuit" for me that includes a 1-mile run. Fortunately, as exhausting as a 1-mile run can be, it was broken down into 1/10th of a mile for each run --and it was followed by some other routine. So, I'd start running and go full-speed for 1/10th mile, then when I hit that mark, I'd get off the treadmill and do something like 20 push-ups or 20 pull-ups. As my trainer started me and I was huffing and puffing after the first tenth, he had me do 20 squats while holding 20 pound weights. It was a full day before I realized he'd doubled the weight from my last circuit.

It was a challenge to get through the mile and there were times I wanted to just collapse, other times I wanted to throw up, and even one time I was ready to give in because of the stitch in my side. But, my trainer kept me focused and I pushed through. I finished the mile and I finished my circuit. And thank God, he didn't say "OK, let's go again."

I expected after such an intensive workout that I'd be both asleep and in pain by the time the train pulled into my home station. As I showered after the circuit, I contemplated rolling down the stairs of the train car and out to the station because there was no way these legs would be functioning.

Nothing happened.

So, I was sure since nothing hurt after getting home, that by the time I woke up early the next morning I'd be feeling the burn with every step. But nothing happened.

During work, I was sure after sitting at my desk for hours at a time, something would be burning. But again, nothing.

No pain. I had a day off from the gym and headed back yesterday and never had any pain. And after yesterday's repeat: no pain again.

This is a big hurdle to get over. I'm glad I'm over it. Again.

Survive

After the odd "job recommendation" I got a few weeks back, I was quite concerned about the future of my job. I knew there were "big changes coming" at work and my fear was that those changes wouldn't include me. Even after my boss told me my contract renewal was 99.9% ensured, I had a feeling that 0.1% had compounding interest.

So, as the end of July loomed, I was pretty much convinced it was time to pack up my belongings and say goodbye to my new friends. Upon hearing that we could be losing a good percentage of the people at work as part of the "big change," I did start bringing stuff home. There were plenty of goodbye messages from other people in my inbox, people who were about to leave on holidays who felt they weren't coming back and were leaving contact information. I got the same email ready to send out as well.

Just before hitting 'send' at the end of July, my boss called me into her office. "here it is," I thought, "the end is here." Instead, she had my contract extension sitting in front of me.

I'm safe and I've survived. I worry, however, about the friends I've made. Will they last too?

Despite my survival, I did apply for the recommended job. If it happens (and I don't think it will), there'll be more "big changes" coming.... especially in my life.

Blush

This one's going back to an event that happened a few months ago, but as this is a longer post, maybe I'll be forgiven for finally mentioning it here.

I've mentioned (ad nauseum to some, I'm sure) my fixation with the Train Hotties (a.k.a. 'TH') before. There was one morning... one fine sunny morning... that I followed Train Hottie #2 (my favorite 'TH') up the stairs. Now, at first I was polite and kept my vision toward our feet... because otherwise my eyes are level with her.... anyway, at first my eyes were looking down, but eventually, as we slowed down in our hike up the steps, I looked up. It was quite the view. Thongs are good. Especially when viewed whilst walking up 72 steps at the train station.

As transfixed as I was, though, I should've been more aware of my surroundings. Like, the fact that a guy I work with was going up the escalator next to me. He was kind enough as we all reached the top step to shout out and ask me if I enjoyed the view.

Very. Embarrassed.

But she turned and smiled. That smile!!

It didn't matter if I was busted. That smile made everything better (except I'm still a total perv, but it was almost like being forgiven for my pervi-ness!). Bah.

Flash forward a few months to today and I have yet another opportunity to make an ass of myself. See, TH#2 regularly sits on the lower section of the train these days (started before my embarrassment, thanks). I still sit in the upper section with 3 other Train Hotties (majority rules, after all). As I got out of my seat to head down the stairs, who do I see?

TH#2. In a stunning black skirt.... and legs.... oh my the le--

I was walking down the stairs, remember? Probably would've been a good idea to pay attention to the stairs instead of the glimmering tanned legs in front of me.

Fortunately I only missed one step. But, it was enough to make me look the fool in front of her.

Again.

Bah.

Muh!?!

I had my semi-regular job review this week. I still love the job, despite some days when it's more stressful than I'd like. Those are the days when my lunchtime walks are a little slower... so I can take in some fresh air and not have to deal with work for an hour. But I love the job. I don't want it to end anytime soon!

My contract, sadly, expires in early August.

2 months ago, I could've written that I was 100% confident on a contract renewal. And even now, I'm still 90% confident about it. But my job review ended on a strange note.

I got a lot of stellar comments. I was told I'm great to work with, that I'm someone they can always count on. I'm dedicated. I'm a go-to guy. They love me so much, they wish they could get 5 more people just like me. They've recommended me for a new job.

At a different company.


So, while I'm getting all the compliments and responding to them all with "Oh, thank you", "Thanks", and "Wow, that's quite the compliment", I ended with "Thank y-- wait, what?!"

Yep, as assured as they can make me that I'm up for renewal in August, recommending me to another company is not exactly what I had mind.

This is turning into a very interesting year...

750

This is the 750th post in this blog. Some people post that much in a year, some in a month. Me, it's taken 5 years.

Well, it's been interesting. In some ways, I never know if I should continue with it or just give it up completely. But for some reason, every once in a while (especially these days), it's good to vent semi-anonymously and get some things out of my system.

So, there will be future posts... just don't expect post #1000 in 2008.

2009? Maaaybbbbeee!

Hired

My wife got a new job at my old office. Yes, it's one of the jobs I used to do there many many moons ago and she's quite happy to have it as it works better with her "schedule."

So, I'm happy for her.

I'm also curious to see what the future holds... I'm being a little selfish, but I'm hoping I've lost alot of weight and put myself in a new shape to really show off around Christmas. In my 8 years in the office, I only went to 2 of the mega Christmas parties and one of those times I went alone. I know my wife wants to go and if I can be there for her to "show off", I'm all for it! I want them all to see what they've been missing over the past 4 years.

I'm such a bastard.

Push

As I mentioned in 'Bruised,' I was put through some fitness tests and flexibility tests by the new personal trainer. It's been 6 weeks since I started and I'm still at it. The trainer's great, he pushes me, but because we only meet once a week and he leaves it to my motivation for the other 6 days, my climb to better shape and fitness/well-being is a gradual one that isn't killing me.

My asymmetry was... "heavier" on my right side. My flexibility exercises dealt with getting my left to match. After 6 weeks, I'm there. So, instead of taking it easy, the exercises pick up now. Where before I was doing slight motion and flex exercises, now I'm doing medium motion and weighted flex exercises. And the weighted exercises went up by 10 pounds in one week.

The big challenge right now is the fact that I have a big payment coming up at the end of July. And a big payment at this time of year isn't wanted. So, as much as I'd like to avoid it when I'm so busy at work... eBay is once again rearing it's ugly head!

I feel like I'm getting pushed in too many directions!

As a slight additional.... no, I haven't checked my weight in the past 6 weeks. I'm almost afraid to check! While I've gotten compliments from people about how I'm standing (seriously, people say I'm taller than they're used to seeing!), and about how I'm looking, a quick glance at my profile in a window today brought my confidence crashing down to Earth. For the most part, I'm feeling better, but I'm not too sure on the LOOKING better!!

Ditched

Today, July 1st, is a holiday here in Canada and it kind of sucks to have a holiday on a Tuesday. I decided a while back that I'd take the Monday off work. I'd have a nice 4-day weekend and hopefully get to relax.

It wasn't soon afterward that Dreama announced she'd be making her way through my territory at the end of June. It became a question of when exactly she'd be around... would I be in town myself for a visit?

Well, the answer was 'no' as her schedule showed her in town the same days I'd be off. So, chances are, Dreama and I would not be meeting up at the end of June.

But then some strange events fell into place. An ex-girlfriend (& Facebook friend) asked if I was in town on the 30th and maybe we could meet for breakfast. She & I work about 4 blocks from each other, so pretty much any other day would work but June 30th. But then another friend had the 30th off and wanted to catch up over coffee --in town. Seeing as how it was a Monday and I usually meet with my trainer on Mondays, I thought "y'know... I'll take the day off and just be a social butterfly, meeting up with friends for breakfast, coffee, lunch with Dreama and then a good workout in the afternoon to burn off the excess calories.

Everything came together nicely.

And then breakfast was cancelled... and the coffee friend made plans to go away for the long weekend... and Dreama decided to stay away for a couple extra days and skip town altogether.

I was totally ditched. And Dreama's a brat, for sure.

Inspired

As much of a FAIL as blogging from the train has been (seriously, for every post published, there's 3 or 4 that vanish completely!), my phone has at least given me the opportunity to quickly jot down notes when some idea gets stuck in my head.

In fact, I just looked into printing everything out to try and physically organize my thoughts and to print it out would be 30 pages of notes at a 10-point font.

Crazy.

So crazy that some people give me odd looks when I'll suddenly stop whatever I'm doing and quickly jot down a note or two on something that's struck me as interesting. I don't want to lose the thought, but keep it in the moment. I like inspiration like that.

Twelve

Twelve weeks. I have twelve weeks where there's no need for me to drive to work. There's no deadlines, no overtime, and nothing stopping me from using the train.

Thank God.

The weeks leading up to our deadline were obviously getting longer and longer. I was putting in 12-15 hour days and then finding every day longer at the office also had a longer commute to the office. By deadline day, my normally 75-minute commute was over 2 hours. I was only spending 6 hours at home. Oh, the stress...

But now, it's a simple train ride to work and a train ride back. I'm leaving the office earlier as well which means I get to see my kids for hours instead of an hour.

Sadly, those twelve weeks will go by fast.

Bruised

No, this one isn't a follow-up to the last one. I've gotten myself motivated to get back into the gym and have hired a personal trainer to get me up to speed.

I started with a metabolic typing test, which told me which foods will help with getting me back into shape.

Shapes.

Shapes. I'll be getting more physically fit and be trimming off the fat as well. Ironically, by eating more fatty foods. Good fatty foods, though.

After the test, came the measurements, form testing (there is such a thing), and then an actual fitness test. The form testing was to check on my body's flexibility (which was laughable) and he tested my body symmetry as well. Not surprised to find out I'm asymmetrical, but he showed me some minor tweaking which improved some of the physical tests immediately.

The measurements actually did a number on me. When he started measuring the body fat --in all sorts of places I normally wouldn't someone venture!-- he'd pinch some skin and measure away. I have bruises on my right arm and right leg from the measurements. Crazy, eh?

And, ah, the fitness test. I haven't had a fitness test since high school and knew some the results would be laughable. At least in this case, I wasn't being told I was failing if I couldn't do something. It's the whole point of the testing: find out where I'm at and then how to improve. So what if I could only do 19 sit-ups and a single push-up (eep), the point was I did them and now I can work on improving the results and myself at the same time.

I had big, big fears about my weight. My motivation and lack of self-esteem after school really did a number on me. I was depressed for a long time and felt that almost everything I did had been a waste. So, I wasted away. When I left the job from Hell, I weighed about 185 pounds. In school, I weighed in just shy of 220 pounds. After school... I was too scared to check. Checking my weight isn't a motivator to lose it. It just adds to the depression. My fear was that I was headed north of 250 pounds and that was very frightening. 250 pounds is morbidly obese, even more than where I was after leaving work. I'm 229 pounds now. I'm 21 pounds less than my fears, but it's still a 70-pound track I need to run.

So, from here on out, it's a series of goals. I have milestones to hit and I have motivation. It's a long and winding road and the bruises will heal along the way.

Unloved

Gah, 2 weeks go by again without a post.

Yeah, I was brooding in my last post and it has led to several questions. Honestly, I'm at a loss as to why the sudden blow up from my wife. She definitely has trust issues with me these days and who knows... it could be a myriad of things causing it. I won't go into details, but I can only assume she's been compounding issues and laid it all out on the table that day.

Or at least I hope she's laid it all out on the table!!

It's been frustrating, to be sure. There's been a roller coaster of emotions over the past 2 weeks and I much prefer the highs over the lows. The one thing that continues to nag at me, though, is the permeating thought that my wife no longer loves me and doesn't want to admit it.

Brooding

People at work today could definitely tell I was having an "off day" today. While I tried my best not to be surly, the mood would get a little gloomier as the day went on. And to think this morning I was completely fine.

See, yesterday I made a mistake. I've always been a bit of an impulse buyer as it helps my mood. For the most part this week, it hasn't been bright and cheery. It's been quite the stress test and I've used every lunch hour to escape. And yesterday I spent $20 on some CDs. When I got home last night, my wife informed that she was having car troubles. Then she announced she'd decided to go ahead with some dental that isn't covered by my work plan. It's going to cost about $400 and who knows how much the car repairs will be. Needless to say, thinking about those high cost items, I forgot about the CDs in my bag.

This morning, my wife sent me a nasty email. She found the CDs in my bag and is mad at me for not telling her about them. She went on to say she has trust issues with me now and can' comprehend how I could spend money so carelessly. She wanted me to think about what I'd done and stew about it all day.

I relied immediately to her email, apologizing for not telling her about them. I was not defensive, even though... in my defense... I didn't think it was that big a deal.

I never got a reply. All day.

So, I was left to brood and, yes, stew for the entire day. The question is: What now? I've apologized and it was an impulsive thing. I seriously think, though, that I'm missing something if she has "trust issues" with me. And that's not a good thing to have me brooding about for a day.

It's not going to be a good night.

(from the train)

Ex

In Match, my solitary post was about an ex-girlfriend who suddenly reappeared in my life and announced she was a former prostitute-slash-heroin addict.

Crazy.

I have several ex-girlfriends listed as 'friends' on Facebook and on occasion, I find myself immersed in conversation with them. And, yeah, that's even crazier.

Last June, I met up with one whom I hadn't seen since we were teenagers. Her Mom never believed I'd turn up, so there were pictures taken... proof. I found out at the party that this girl had broken up with her steady boyfriend to go out with me. We went out once and it wasn't much fun....

Another ex in my friends list has married and divorced numerous times and started up a conversation we pretty much started at our high school reunion back in 2001. She's moved halfway across the country and back since then, and dumped 2 husbands along the way. And suddenly she's talking to me again and asking for relationship advice. And, as quickly as the conversation started, it ended. I have no idea what happened, but if she switches on and off as easily as this, I'm not surprised she's gone through so many marriages.

That was mean.

But as crazy as those two are, I have one ex-girlfriend on my friends list who really tops them all. She & I knew each other for years before we started a relationship. It was my first year of college and our first night together started out as a friendly game of Super Mario Brothers on my Super Nintendo.

A first night of passion by the light of King Koopa's castle.

She's now a madam at a bordello house and has some pictures online that have turned many a head when my friends have seen them. They're also more than a little jealous when I say "been there!"

There are numerous other exes on my friends list, but these are the ones that really stand out. All this tells me is that the women in my life.... throughout my life... have a certain twist to them that just makes life more interesting.

And always leaves me guessing.

Women

Between Facebook, the commuter train, and home, women are truly a focal point in my life. I'd originally written "women are truly becoming a focal point", but I know that's not true: They ARE a focal point.

Work doesn't count. I'm in a department of 80 people and there's 2 women. Of course, maybe that's why I'm going crazy right now. Girl crazy.

I mentioned in a previous post that there's a woman on the train who drives me nuts. I've called her 'Train Hottie' in earlier posts, but there's much much more to the story.*

At least 7 months ago, I was warned a high school field trip was getting on the train and sitting in the usual car where I would sit for the beginning of my annoying morning commute. I moved to the next car and it took a few seconds before I realized there was quite the attractive blond sitting in the next seating section. Over the months I've learned a few things about her. She sits with her Mom and some friends. She's married with 2 kids. Her name (but no mention of it here). Oh, and that she has back problems. I helped her up the stairs on the train one day as she'd just had surgery the day before... Always a gentleman... :) There was also a span of about 2 weeks where I was driving in more than I was taking the train, plus I was sick for a couple days and therefore not on the train for close to 15 days. When I walked up the stairs the next morning for the pleasurable commute, she was sitting in her usual spot, said good morning to me and followed it with "You're here again. All's right with the world." Very sweet. I paid her back this week when I commented on her haircut (it was a couple inches shorter, but still fairly long). None of her friends had noticed yet. Oh yeah, good job by me.

As the first to really catch my eye, she's now known as Train Hottie... #1.

Yeah, you can see where this is going (prepare for a long, long, LONG post!).

Train Hottie #2 has been mentioned in previous posts. She falls under the 'My God Hot' category. She's stunningly beautiful, always reading (occasionally wearing glasses, other times not), and has a smile that brightens up the day. I've seen the smile on rare occasions, which kind of makes them a special treat. I have one of those smiles to talk about, but that's for another time (but worth it --I suffer for it). I've been trying to figure out who she looks like and the closest I've seen is the actress Elizabeth Mitchell. Sadly, since I started the easier commute, #2 has only sat with me a few times, although twice in the last week. Yes, you can say I have a mad-on crush on her. One day I was very excited to see her on one of my downtown lunchtime excursions. One of my co-workers was with me and confirmed to the other guys in my office that I have good taste. Of course I do!

Train Hottie #3 totally reminds me of Kari Matchett (she's a TV actress who's been in several series over the past few years: 24, Heartland, Studio 60, ER). #3 usually sits beside me on both the commute in and on the way back. She's one of three I see on both trips. We barely ever talk, but when we do, she's very amiable. A great set of legs too. :)

Train Hottie #4 totally distracted me a few weeks before Christmas last year. She sits with a group of people a few sections down, but on busier days, they've squeezed in with me. She totally reminds me of my first girlfriend and when I discovered she shared the same name, I truly wondered if it could be her. (She isn't, though). The day I first saw her, she was showing off her new blouse to her friends. Now, most people would start out by saying they bought a new blouse and then ask if anyone wanted to see it (obviously, close to Christmas, it was cold and she was wearing a winter jacket). Nope, she whipped open her jacket and said "Whaddaya think of this?" And THEN followed up by saying she bought a new blouse... She wasn't asking me what I thought, obviously, but she did turn to me when she realized I was there and smiled, "Oh, your opinion counts too," she says. My only response (besides "uh-bahh?") was "that was distracting." She's not as attractive as the other hotties, but she makes up for it with her amazing sense of humor. Yes, she makes the trip go by faster.

All 4 Train Hotties above have similar characteristics. Blond hair, blue eyes. And while Train Hottie #5 also has the blond hair, she has extremely deep brown eyes that truly drive me crazy. I first saw her earlier this year and was completely stunned with her looks. I know next to nothing about her, as I've sat with her twice. Two other times, I've given up my seat for her with good reason. She's pregnant, and as I found out this week, she's about 6 months along. And to be honest, I think she's even better looking now than she was before. Oh yes, one of my coworkers congratulated me when I commented that TH#5 was pregnant. He told me he didn't realize women could have a baby simply by having a guy ogle them.

Jerk.

This post is longer than I thought and I haven't even hit (ahem, LOL) on the other women in my life right now. So, there's a sequel and I have a name for that post already. Stay tuned tomorrow!

*I was also mistaken when I said she was the 3rd woman who'd caught my eye. If that's true, I honestly can't remember who #2 is!

Vanishing

Apparently my idea to post on here via my new "smart" phone isn't very successful.

I had a great post I wrote today in about 45 minutes.

Nope, nowhere to be seen, I'm afraid. Despite Blogger's "ability" to save drafts automatically, there's no draft saved. No is there a post published after I clicked on 'Publish Post.'

Twice.

I'll try and write something more... soon.

(not from the train *sigh*).

Balance

When I started the new job, I knew the biggest risk was the temporary status in the contract. Essentially, I was guaranteed work for 6 months, with a good chance of the contract being extended. It was extended on day 1, actually. It turned out they needed me for 7 months.

My contract expires the end of August and in some ways, I was looking forward to the end. Oh, it's a great job, but I am tired... a lot.

And now my contract is getting another extension, 99.9% guaranteed. There's a slight chance it'll end early, but if it doesn't end early, then I'm most likely on for the long haul. Or Spring of 2009, whatever. I already have a contingency plan in place, in case the job ends unexpectedly, but it'd be nice to keep it as a contingency only.

At the same time, my wife has been offered a job that really answers a lot of the gaping holes in our life right now. The timing was perfect. So, naturally, she turned it down.

Muh?

My wife has decided she doesn't want to work much anymore and after years of scraping by, we're going to continue down that road for a while longer. I am not, however, upset about it. She's worked hard for a number of years, doing more than her share of the financial contributions. So, it's my turn for a while... or forever. Unless there's lottery winnings in my future.

So, the balance remains. We'll be no further ahead, financially, but maybe our relationship will improve... that's a good balance.

(from the train.)

Point

My faith in humanity is dwindling to nothing very, very quickly.

I have to drive into work twice a week at the moment and the commute is, once again, really getting to me.

In MY opinion, I'm an above-average driver. I'm not a great driver, by any means. I'm also not a horrible driver. I speed, yes, but you're not about to see me run red lights or stop signs and speeding in playgrounds and school zones will never NEVER happen. But comparing me to other drivers out there these days.... my God...

To my American readers, these numbers are kilometers, so please don't think it's miles. Do the math if you really want to know, but understand some of these speeds are f-a-s-t fast!

I have 2 bridges to cross on my commute in. It's usually the faster route and even in Springtime, the slower route can get a little frosty in the heavily wooded, turns and add in some fog and they're not the type of road I want to be driving on before sunrise with people doing 40-50 over the speed limit of 80.

So, the freeway is my way right now.

Leading up to the first bridge is a tight, round onramp with a maximum speed of 60. The bridge itself is 80. Most people on the bridge these days travel around 110 or 120, some go even faster. On the onramp, the fastest I've seen people go on the max. 60 onramp is about 120. Until this morning, that is. This morning, I was keeping up with traffic (doing 90) when a girl passed me. I figure by the speed she passed me, she was doing 140 to 150. So, close to 3 times the legal speed limit.

Once I got on the highway (max. 100), I kept up with the morning traffic as we sped along at 110. As we approached one hill, a semi was in the fast lane and they slow down big-time when they hit this particular hill. So, we were fortunate that he pulled into the outside lane as we started up the hill. Too bad for Dude in the SUV, who thought he could pass everyone in that lane. Even worse for Dude was the fact that his lane was slowing down and the fast lane was now speeding up again and he'd have to wait for a chance to get back in.

He decided not to wait, though.

Within a couple seconds, I nearly had a hood full of black SUV as he forced me off the road. If it wasn't for the wide shoulder in that particular spot, I would've gone into the grass and down an embankment, most likely rolling my car. This particular area shows numerous "scars" along the edge of the road where cars, trucks, and semis have been pushed off by aggressive drivers. And here I was, a couple feet from the same fate. Fortunately, I hit the brakes and stayed on the pavement. As I looked up, leaning on the horn (usually a universal sign of "pay attention to me!"), I saw another universal sign: his middle finger waving at me.

Within moments I was doing 140 to catch up to him and get the licence plate number to contact the police. And, as I dialed 911, he slammed on the brakes and I nearly slammed into him before I once again saw his middle finger and he sped off.

But I had his plate number, and we were headed straight into the jurisdiction of one of my friends in the RCMP. A quick call to the RCMP had a cruiser waiting about 10 minutes' drive further down. If they didn't get him for reckless driving, he did them one better by blasting by the cruiser doing over 150 (which is the speed I was at trying to catch up to him). I'm sure he was angry because he would've lost at least 10 seconds by having to wait to get into the fast lane legally...

But these 2 crazy drivers was not the end of the day's driving adventures. In the last block before my office building, as I walked down from my parking spot, a van pulled into the intersection a stopped. He was dropping his 20-something daughter off, I'm assuming to go to the ESL school in the neighboring building. As he she got out of the van, she walked across the street towards the school...

Right into heavy traffic. How this girl did not die and how no one smacked their car in the sudden screeching of brakes and turning of wheels is unbelievable. And she never looked up to even acknowledge that she might've done something wrong. She just continued across the busy street.

So, my faith in humanity is dropping quickly. In 34 years, it's gone from the 100% everyone starts with, down to a point or two.... like 0.2%

Not more than that.

Found

I found one of the missing posts. I guess it stayed as a draft after I hit publish... The other, however, is long gone.

I'll have to figure out what went wrong.

~from the train.