Tuesday, February 12, 2008

I <3 the bus

I'm on the bus right now, on my way home from work, and I'm feeling positively cheerful. I didn't know how much of a difference it could make, not sitting behind the wheel for an hour and a half for a change. It's true, taking the bus made the commute a little bit longer, but I think it's worth it. I don't feel exhausted right now, like I usually do making the drive home from Murray to Provo. Sitting on the bus, I get to hear the soothing bus-voice that tells you "Next stop—Lehi Park and Ride" and "Please be sure to take all personal belongings as you leave the bus." I get to be rocked gently, and sometimes not so gently, but the swaying of the bus. I get to people-watch. I get to see the scenery. I get to read all the billboards without feeling like I might go veering off the road if I look a second too long. Summing it all up, I get to do something other than drive!

This morning I saw something kind of interesting while boarding the bus in Provo. When I got on the bus, there were no completely empty seats—every two-person block of seats had just one person sitting in it. So, I just sat down next to someone—a nice Asian lady. Okay, I don't really know if she's nice because I didn't talk to her, but she sat very nicely. The guy that got on after me, though, he just looked around, saw no completely empty seats, and opted to stand. I thought that was just so typical of our culture. I don't know if we're afraid of each other, or if it's just that bubble of space we all need that makes us uncomfortable if we get near someone. I mean, even I was uncomfortable. I sat as skinny as could, trying to make myself as small as possible to avoid touching the Asian lady or any of the air around her. We Americans are weird.

I had a really pleasant day at work today—which I attribute mostly to the nature of today's commute. I didn't feel tired or antsy or bored. The other factor I'm going to acknowledge is that today I was (practice) editing multiple choice History tests. That was the most fun I've had editing so far. I like when I get to learn something along with fixing the awkward sentences and spotting the obvious answers.

So, my life is good. Today was good. And the best thing is I'm guaranteed to go home and enjoy a pleasant evening with my wonderful husband. I <3 my life. I <3 the bus.

1 comment:

Melanie and Chauncey West said...

So, you work in Murray? You should post about your new job! I am aassuming its a job you are commuting to. It is so great when you can stop and appreciate just being alive. Very important and soothing for sure.