Do you remember that Seinfeld episode where Jerry was dating a woman that had extraordinarily masculine hands? Large and muscular?
Well, I saw a woman with man-hands today. I was standing behind her, facing her back. It was very crowded on the Pittsburgh/BayPoint train today around quitting time, so I was probably standing just 6 inches behind her. From the back, it was clear that she was female. Her slacks, her purse, her medium-length wavy hair, and her shoes. After about half way through my ride, I looked up on the vertical safety bar. I saw my right hand, another older woman's hand, and two pairs of male hands.
I knew who the older woman's hand belonged to.....there was an elderly woman standing next to me. I also knew there was a man standing in front of the woman whose back I faced. I was very puzzled at this point.....who did that second male hand belonged to? There is no way that this large, meaty, hairy hand with 5 overly clipped, wide and short nails belonged to a woman! This was the hand of a masculine plumber or lumberjack. The fist around the pole was strong and large....larger than the size of a softball (not baseball). And as that Seinfeld episode described, this hand certainly can break open a lobster, without tools.
I cautiously eyed the hand to match the arm and body. I was in shock that the hand belonged to the woman standing in front of me!! I've never seen a woman with such masculine and HAIRY hands!
Only Seinfeld will think of these random things! Gosh I miss that show. As much as I still enjoy the re-runs no matter how many times I've seen them, there really hasn't been, and probably will never be a new sitcom that is as witty and funny as Seinfeld.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
a rare feeling of community on bart
I actually left the morning BART train today feeling good, feeling that there are decent people left in this world.
In a semi-crowded train today, an elderly couple walked in. About 4 seated passengers jumped up to give them the seat. Then 2 other passengers gave up their seat to the 2 people who surrendered their seats to the elderly couple. I was standing in the back of the train, but observed this rare moment of good citizenship and community with a smile.
I walked off the train feeling positive and hopeful today. This type of consideration really doesn't happen often on BART. I'm not sure if it's because it's a sunny day (after 4 or 5 days of consecutive rain), or this train just happened to be filled with good people, but it was a pleasant display of selflessness.
In a semi-crowded train today, an elderly couple walked in. About 4 seated passengers jumped up to give them the seat. Then 2 other passengers gave up their seat to the 2 people who surrendered their seats to the elderly couple. I was standing in the back of the train, but observed this rare moment of good citizenship and community with a smile.
I walked off the train feeling positive and hopeful today. This type of consideration really doesn't happen often on BART. I'm not sure if it's because it's a sunny day (after 4 or 5 days of consecutive rain), or this train just happened to be filled with good people, but it was a pleasant display of selflessness.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
time for some acknowledgements
Thought I would dedicate today's entry to a couple special recognitions.
There are many dark days on BART, but it is very refreshing when you have a train operator who is cheerful, eloquent, speaks clearly and audibly, updates you whenever the train suddenly comes to a complete stop, and actually knows which station is coming up next! My appreciation goes to the the female train operator for the 8:00am train this morning.
Now, I'd like to make a different type of acknowledgement. My coworker, A.V., shares my sentiments towards BART and public transportation in general. But his recent experiences top any of mine! Poor A.V. was on a BART train with urine on a seat, and just yesterday, while on MUNI (SF public transportation system), he was in the middle (literally, inside the subway train) of a police chase and lost his designer sunglasses through the ordeal.
Lastly, special thanks for reading my rants on BART musings. Writing these entries have been therapeutic!
There are many dark days on BART, but it is very refreshing when you have a train operator who is cheerful, eloquent, speaks clearly and audibly, updates you whenever the train suddenly comes to a complete stop, and actually knows which station is coming up next! My appreciation goes to the the female train operator for the 8:00am train this morning.
Now, I'd like to make a different type of acknowledgement. My coworker, A.V., shares my sentiments towards BART and public transportation in general. But his recent experiences top any of mine! Poor A.V. was on a BART train with urine on a seat, and just yesterday, while on MUNI (SF public transportation system), he was in the middle (literally, inside the subway train) of a police chase and lost his designer sunglasses through the ordeal.
Lastly, special thanks for reading my rants on BART musings. Writing these entries have been therapeutic!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
A real class act
If you are familiar with my blogs, you probably guessed correctly that I was being sarcastic.
Ride home today was very crowded, no surprise. But what did surprise me was that a man, probably in his 30s, decided to take BART, topless. He had tennis shoes with loose, untied laces, dragging white sweat pants, a matching white beret tilted sideways, and no shirt on! In his hands, was a crumbled up, oily KFC paper take-out bag. Very classy, as you can imagine.
I don't know why anyone would go out in public topless, especially on a cold day. Sure, the sun is finally back out again, but we're still talking about the mid to high-50s! It's not 85 degrees out there?? But even if it is, at least cover yourself up in public, especially in an overcrowded BART train.
The funny thing was, he left at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station, and many standing passengers, including myself, were eyeing the empty seat. But knowing that his semi-hairy, body touched the seats without clothing in between, no one sat down. Finally, an unknowning rider who just entered the train happily took the seat.
What can I say....BART is full of surprises.
Ride home today was very crowded, no surprise. But what did surprise me was that a man, probably in his 30s, decided to take BART, topless. He had tennis shoes with loose, untied laces, dragging white sweat pants, a matching white beret tilted sideways, and no shirt on! In his hands, was a crumbled up, oily KFC paper take-out bag. Very classy, as you can imagine.
I don't know why anyone would go out in public topless, especially on a cold day. Sure, the sun is finally back out again, but we're still talking about the mid to high-50s! It's not 85 degrees out there?? But even if it is, at least cover yourself up in public, especially in an overcrowded BART train.
The funny thing was, he left at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station, and many standing passengers, including myself, were eyeing the empty seat. But knowing that his semi-hairy, body touched the seats without clothing in between, no one sat down. Finally, an unknowning rider who just entered the train happily took the seat.
What can I say....BART is full of surprises.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
what happens when there is a 40 to 60 minute bart delay?
That was what happened today. At 6:12pm, I got into the Embarcadero station and walked straight into a sea of people waiting in what used to be lines. I found out that there hasn't been a Dublin or Pittsburgh Baypoint train in over 20 minutes. Then, the announcer gave us the dreadful news: Pittwburgh Baypoint train was still 0ver 20 minutes away, and Dublin train was over 30 minutes away.
Embarcadero is the last stop before the transbay tube connecting to the East Bay. Being the last stop, the train is usually at full capacity by the time it reaches Embarcadero. With the 40 minute Pittsburgh Baypoint train delay, I was very fortunate to be the first one in line to take the last square foot of standing room left on the train. However, with about 25+ people behind me still, and no 2nd train in sight, they had no choice but to squeeze in. The train was so packed that the woman (thank goodness, she is a woman) was leaning against my chest and her purse between my legs. The vertical safety pole was filled with hands that I couldn't even see the black rubber strip anymore. I couldn't breath because there really was no oxygen left on the train. I was plastered between the bart door and a female passenger with ZERO centimeter between us. Her hair was all over my face, and her jacket was lined against my body, literally.
Everyone was getting on my nerves, to say the least. A man who yawned openly without covering his mouth-- exhaling into my face. A woman who chewed her fingers throughout the entire ride and made visible wounds with her teeth. A girl who stared at my face as entertainment- so closely that she can count my pores. A man who had a suitcase blocking the entry/exit door, but refused to move it to let people get off the train.
It was just a very very bad ride home today. The entire experience took me over an hour!
Embarcadero is the last stop before the transbay tube connecting to the East Bay. Being the last stop, the train is usually at full capacity by the time it reaches Embarcadero. With the 40 minute Pittsburgh Baypoint train delay, I was very fortunate to be the first one in line to take the last square foot of standing room left on the train. However, with about 25+ people behind me still, and no 2nd train in sight, they had no choice but to squeeze in. The train was so packed that the woman (thank goodness, she is a woman) was leaning against my chest and her purse between my legs. The vertical safety pole was filled with hands that I couldn't even see the black rubber strip anymore. I couldn't breath because there really was no oxygen left on the train. I was plastered between the bart door and a female passenger with ZERO centimeter between us. Her hair was all over my face, and her jacket was lined against my body, literally.
Everyone was getting on my nerves, to say the least. A man who yawned openly without covering his mouth-- exhaling into my face. A woman who chewed her fingers throughout the entire ride and made visible wounds with her teeth. A girl who stared at my face as entertainment- so closely that she can count my pores. A man who had a suitcase blocking the entry/exit door, but refused to move it to let people get off the train.
It was just a very very bad ride home today. The entire experience took me over an hour!
Friday, January 13, 2006
campaigning on BART
Check out this San Francisco Chronicle article on anti-abortion ads on BART enraging passengers.
I don't find any political/social banners on BART offensive, and even if one day, there is a political ad with a message that is totally against my personal beliefs, I would just ignore it and not express my disagreement, not to BART, and not by defacing the ads. Americans forget how fortunate we are to live in a country where speech and expression are protected under law. Why shouldn't pro-lifers and religious groups have the right to communicate their message? Why should BART get reprimanded for allowing these ads? Why can't pro-choice activists contain their emotions and bring their debate to an appropriate forum instead of tearing off these ads like unreasonable children?
Taking an objective stance on this, I thought the outrage was unnecessary. We are all entitled to our own beliefs and opinions, so why not let others exercise their right to speak and express?
More practically, BART advertising revenues probably in some way have slowed additional fee hikes. So why not just allow all point of views the right to communicate their message?
I don't find any political/social banners on BART offensive, and even if one day, there is a political ad with a message that is totally against my personal beliefs, I would just ignore it and not express my disagreement, not to BART, and not by defacing the ads. Americans forget how fortunate we are to live in a country where speech and expression are protected under law. Why shouldn't pro-lifers and religious groups have the right to communicate their message? Why should BART get reprimanded for allowing these ads? Why can't pro-choice activists contain their emotions and bring their debate to an appropriate forum instead of tearing off these ads like unreasonable children?
Taking an objective stance on this, I thought the outrage was unnecessary. We are all entitled to our own beliefs and opinions, so why not let others exercise their right to speak and express?
More practically, BART advertising revenues probably in some way have slowed additional fee hikes. So why not just allow all point of views the right to communicate their message?
Thursday, January 12, 2006
innocent until proven guilty
Very interesting observation today on BART ride home today. I am not going to make any judgments because one is innocent until proven guilty, right?
On a very crowded train this evening, two people caught my attention. No one ever talks on BART- people are usually sleeping, reading, listening to music, checking their treos/blackberries, or just staring into space. So, whenever people talk to each other (or on the phone), they have to just assume that the entire train is listening.
A man who appear to be in his late 30s and a woman in her late 20s perhaps, both sharpy dressed in a suit, each carrying a leather brief case, were talking to each other. In my first glance, I instantly assumed they are a couple, whether dating, engaged, or married, because of the way they were talking to one another. They were standing very closely, with arms touching, leaning towards each other, laughing, flirting, and seemed very comfortable. In a couple instances, she dusted lint off his jacket, and he held her purse while she took off her coat. Cool, I thought, they are lucky...I wish I can ride BART with my husband too since that would make the ride a lot more tolerable.
But then, I started listening to their conversation. (No, I wasn't being nosey! No one else was talking on BART so their conversation stood out. Besides, they were standing next to my seat.)The man was speaking loud enough that I could clearly hear what he was saying. I kept on hearing, "well, my mother in-law would probably...." and a few more times about "my mother in-law" and "my family over the holidays." I thought that was very strange. Why would he refer to his mother in-law in such way if he's talking to the woman he is married to? Wouldn't his mother in-law be her mom?
I then started looking for wedding bands. He had one, she didn't. It doens't mean that they are not married but it sure is fishy. Out of boredom, I started over-analyzing. Maybe he's her boss and they just got off work (since they were talking about work too), hence the age difference. Maybe she's one of those "younger women" who like to go after her boss? She did look like she was very much in love and in admiration, with her puppy eyes gazing into his and leaning close to him.
Whatever their relationship was, it was suspicious. The "mother in-law" and "my family" comments really threw me off. I do very much look down on those who cheat, but I hope in this case (for the real wife's sake), that was not the case and he remains devoted to his wife, if that woman is not her.
On a very crowded train this evening, two people caught my attention. No one ever talks on BART- people are usually sleeping, reading, listening to music, checking their treos/blackberries, or just staring into space. So, whenever people talk to each other (or on the phone), they have to just assume that the entire train is listening.
A man who appear to be in his late 30s and a woman in her late 20s perhaps, both sharpy dressed in a suit, each carrying a leather brief case, were talking to each other. In my first glance, I instantly assumed they are a couple, whether dating, engaged, or married, because of the way they were talking to one another. They were standing very closely, with arms touching, leaning towards each other, laughing, flirting, and seemed very comfortable. In a couple instances, she dusted lint off his jacket, and he held her purse while she took off her coat. Cool, I thought, they are lucky...I wish I can ride BART with my husband too since that would make the ride a lot more tolerable.
But then, I started listening to their conversation. (No, I wasn't being nosey! No one else was talking on BART so their conversation stood out. Besides, they were standing next to my seat.)The man was speaking loud enough that I could clearly hear what he was saying. I kept on hearing, "well, my mother in-law would probably...." and a few more times about "my mother in-law" and "my family over the holidays." I thought that was very strange. Why would he refer to his mother in-law in such way if he's talking to the woman he is married to? Wouldn't his mother in-law be her mom?
I then started looking for wedding bands. He had one, she didn't. It doens't mean that they are not married but it sure is fishy. Out of boredom, I started over-analyzing. Maybe he's her boss and they just got off work (since they were talking about work too), hence the age difference. Maybe she's one of those "younger women" who like to go after her boss? She did look like she was very much in love and in admiration, with her puppy eyes gazing into his and leaning close to him.
Whatever their relationship was, it was suspicious. The "mother in-law" and "my family" comments really threw me off. I do very much look down on those who cheat, but I hope in this case (for the real wife's sake), that was not the case and he remains devoted to his wife, if that woman is not her.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
thank you, young woman in the beige jacket, brown bag, and pony tail
I sprained my ankle over the weekend and had to come into the work yesterday with a cane to shift the weight off my left ankle. I am normally a very fast walker and one of those people who run up the escalators instead of standing along for the ride. It was very frustrating and very tiring to be hobbling around with a cane. It took me 10 minutes to walk a distance that usually takes me 3.
On my way to work, the train was crowded. I knew instantly that there weren't any seats left for me to rest my legs, but yet, I was too proud to look like I needed one or ask someone if I can take their seat. I do have one good leg left and I definitely could stand. But as the train started moving and stopping, it was evident that I had some trouble balancing. Still, I made every attempt to look like I can handle it. But inside, I was just wondering how could it be that no one has even asked me if I'd like to sit down? If I had a seat and saw someone noticeably hobbling, I would have definitely asked them to take my seat. So this was a litle disconcerting. Was it because I am young (or at least not an elderly?) Was it because i didn't have a cast on? (I only had ace bandage wrapped around my foot and ankle.) Anyhow, I stood and managed to balance the 30 minute ride into the city.
On the way home, the train was yet again crowded. But a nice woman in a beige jacket, brown bag, and long pony tail instantly offered me her seat. I asked her if she's sure, and expressed my appreciation. I was grateful- I was pretty tired from swinging left and right to take a tiny step. Glad to know that there are still considerate people left in this world.
On my way to work, the train was crowded. I knew instantly that there weren't any seats left for me to rest my legs, but yet, I was too proud to look like I needed one or ask someone if I can take their seat. I do have one good leg left and I definitely could stand. But as the train started moving and stopping, it was evident that I had some trouble balancing. Still, I made every attempt to look like I can handle it. But inside, I was just wondering how could it be that no one has even asked me if I'd like to sit down? If I had a seat and saw someone noticeably hobbling, I would have definitely asked them to take my seat. So this was a litle disconcerting. Was it because I am young (or at least not an elderly?) Was it because i didn't have a cast on? (I only had ace bandage wrapped around my foot and ankle.) Anyhow, I stood and managed to balance the 30 minute ride into the city.
On the way home, the train was yet again crowded. But a nice woman in a beige jacket, brown bag, and long pony tail instantly offered me her seat. I asked her if she's sure, and expressed my appreciation. I was grateful- I was pretty tired from swinging left and right to take a tiny step. Glad to know that there are still considerate people left in this world.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
there's just something about a nice shopping bag
I observed an interesting behavior on bart yesterday. A woman got extremely pissed off at a man for stepping on and crushing her Saks Fifth Avenue shopping bag. The man yelled back, "lady, it's just a shopping bag."
Believe it or not, I understand both sides. The train was crowded, it was late, and the man, standing, was being pushed around by other passengers getting onto the packed train. It wasn't his fault that his foot went over the formerly-perfect, glossy and thick Saks shopping bag. And he's right, it is JUST a shopping bag.
On the other hand, there really is just something special about a nice shopping bag, from a nice store, whether the merchandise itself carries a lot of value or not. If it's just a brown Macy's bag, or a white Banana Republic bag, one may not protect it as carefully...since they're a dime a dozen. Nice bags from nice stores carry a certain special sense of aura-- like a blue Tiffany's bag. How many times do you see someone saving those, or even use it later to carry their lunch or whatever it is in there that is obviously not jewelry? I don't know why, but I save nice thick bags too. Coach shopping bags, Tiffany's, Barney's, TSE, Prada (no, I don't go there much at all, I just saved the only 2 bags that I had from there.)
This woman was protecting her Saks bag between her feet, but still, it got crushed. Maybe the bag (and the content) was a gift, maybe she bought something expensive, or maybe she just wants no creases or wrinkles at all on that glossy bag, but whatever the reason, she was absolutely OUTRAGED that the right side of the bag was crushed.
Funny, the little things that make us upset. I suppose if I had just made a proud purchase at Burberry inside a beautifully designed and glossy Burberry shopping bag, I would be a little annoyed that a stranger smashed it, although I don't think I would yell at him. Afterall, it's just a bag!
Believe it or not, I understand both sides. The train was crowded, it was late, and the man, standing, was being pushed around by other passengers getting onto the packed train. It wasn't his fault that his foot went over the formerly-perfect, glossy and thick Saks shopping bag. And he's right, it is JUST a shopping bag.
On the other hand, there really is just something special about a nice shopping bag, from a nice store, whether the merchandise itself carries a lot of value or not. If it's just a brown Macy's bag, or a white Banana Republic bag, one may not protect it as carefully...since they're a dime a dozen. Nice bags from nice stores carry a certain special sense of aura-- like a blue Tiffany's bag. How many times do you see someone saving those, or even use it later to carry their lunch or whatever it is in there that is obviously not jewelry? I don't know why, but I save nice thick bags too. Coach shopping bags, Tiffany's, Barney's, TSE, Prada (no, I don't go there much at all, I just saved the only 2 bags that I had from there.)
This woman was protecting her Saks bag between her feet, but still, it got crushed. Maybe the bag (and the content) was a gift, maybe she bought something expensive, or maybe she just wants no creases or wrinkles at all on that glossy bag, but whatever the reason, she was absolutely OUTRAGED that the right side of the bag was crushed.
Funny, the little things that make us upset. I suppose if I had just made a proud purchase at Burberry inside a beautifully designed and glossy Burberry shopping bag, I would be a little annoyed that a stranger smashed it, although I don't think I would yell at him. Afterall, it's just a bag!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
back to work it is
I've been on vacation in Spain the past 11 days, so it's really been nice to get a little break from BART and the daily grind. We took BART from SFO back to Lafayette last night, and it was surprisingly smooth. We had seats, the connection to our train was seamless, and it proved to be much better than driving back from a long trip. My opinion of BART rose a bit, and I was ready to start the new year with a good attitude about my commute.
Today started out a bit rough. I was running a little late, so I ran with heels from the parking lot to the station. As I got closer to the ticketing machine, I looked at my watch....I had one minute to get on the train. I thought I was home free until I looked up and saw over 50 high school students blocking the ticket entryway as they slowly made their way through. I was so irritated, as were all the other daily commuters. Commuters know to have their ticket ready, push through the ticket and walk through swiftly. These kids were socializing, laughing, didn't have the right amount on their ticket, tried to sneak food in...etc. Needless to say, I didn't make it to the train in time...it took them about 2-3 minutes to get past the ticketing machine.
I took the later train, but one advantage was that I got a seat since it was less crowded. I was pleased until 2 stops later when a masculine woman stood next to me and my chair. I had a strange feeling about her from the start. She didn't hold on to the overhead pole with one hand like most people, instead, she hung her two arms over the overhead pole (she's very tall), wide apart, kind of like a gorilla. Then, I felt her heavy breath blowing down on me.....bad breath too. Bad mix of coffee, morning breath, and phlegm. I had to turn my head away from her to get some fresh air.
Just when I thought it was bad enough, she started coughing hard. Since her arms were hanging over the safety pole (like a gorilla, may I remind you,) she wasn't able to cover her mouth when she coughed (at least I'll make that excuse for her.) So, she coughed, again and again, over my head. I actually saw my hairs move due to her coughs.
It gets worse!!! Never on BART have I heard someone fart outloud. I smell farts and burps from other passengers constantly on BART, but no one had the audacity to do it aloud. Well, this woman did. She let out 2 loud farts...next to me. Try to picture this in your head....I was seated, and she was standing. Because she was tall, her butt came to about where my face was. The farts stunk....I was disgusted, so was the passenger seated next to me. I looked up at gorilla woman to see if she is embarrassed at all by this...but not at all. She seemed like this was the normal thing to do.
Very gross ride today. Not to mention, BART fares rose to $4.00 each way!!!!
Today started out a bit rough. I was running a little late, so I ran with heels from the parking lot to the station. As I got closer to the ticketing machine, I looked at my watch....I had one minute to get on the train. I thought I was home free until I looked up and saw over 50 high school students blocking the ticket entryway as they slowly made their way through. I was so irritated, as were all the other daily commuters. Commuters know to have their ticket ready, push through the ticket and walk through swiftly. These kids were socializing, laughing, didn't have the right amount on their ticket, tried to sneak food in...etc. Needless to say, I didn't make it to the train in time...it took them about 2-3 minutes to get past the ticketing machine.
I took the later train, but one advantage was that I got a seat since it was less crowded. I was pleased until 2 stops later when a masculine woman stood next to me and my chair. I had a strange feeling about her from the start. She didn't hold on to the overhead pole with one hand like most people, instead, she hung her two arms over the overhead pole (she's very tall), wide apart, kind of like a gorilla. Then, I felt her heavy breath blowing down on me.....bad breath too. Bad mix of coffee, morning breath, and phlegm. I had to turn my head away from her to get some fresh air.
Just when I thought it was bad enough, she started coughing hard. Since her arms were hanging over the safety pole (like a gorilla, may I remind you,) she wasn't able to cover her mouth when she coughed (at least I'll make that excuse for her.) So, she coughed, again and again, over my head. I actually saw my hairs move due to her coughs.
It gets worse!!! Never on BART have I heard someone fart outloud. I smell farts and burps from other passengers constantly on BART, but no one had the audacity to do it aloud. Well, this woman did. She let out 2 loud farts...next to me. Try to picture this in your head....I was seated, and she was standing. Because she was tall, her butt came to about where my face was. The farts stunk....I was disgusted, so was the passenger seated next to me. I looked up at gorilla woman to see if she is embarrassed at all by this...but not at all. She seemed like this was the normal thing to do.
Very gross ride today. Not to mention, BART fares rose to $4.00 each way!!!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Any day now!!!!
I love the holidays for so many reasons. The one reason related to BART is that during the holidays, especially starting this week, the trains begin to get emptier because more and more people go on vacation. It's now 12/20 and the passenger volume has not declined at all yet! Maybe since Xmas day is Sunday, people are not taking as many days off!
I haven't gotten a seat yet this week. I'm hoping tomorrow will be the day when empty seats are not as hard to come by.
I haven't gotten a seat yet this week. I'm hoping tomorrow will be the day when empty seats are not as hard to come by.
Friday, December 16, 2005
seat fight
No, I didn't personally get into a seat fight, but I observed one yesterday. I was too tired to get in the middle of the argument, but I should have. Let me describe the situation to you first.
Lining up for the train back to East Bay from SF were (in this order): a woman in her 40s, a man in his 40s, and me. Before the train even stopped, I noticed from the line that there is only one more seat left. I think the man in front of me saw it too. However, the woman slowly walks into the train, and turns the opposite direction from the empty seat. The man sets his backpack on the empty seat, and positions himself to sit down.
Suddenly, the woman yells, "That is my seat!! I was in front of you in line, I am going to sit there, not you!"
The man says, "You can have the seat, but how is it your seat?"
Woman screams, "I was standing in front of you in line."
Man yells back, "But you walked the opposite direction, and I took the seat after."
Woman says, "it doesn't matter, I was in front of you in line outside, so that is supposed to be my seat."
Man concludes, "Hey, you can have the seat, but it doens't have your name on it."
I was listening to the entire altercation. I should have jumped in to tell the woman, no, it's NOT your seat, you walked the other way as you entered the train, and he saw the seat first! But alas, the work day completely drained me so I wasn't in an argumentative mood. That woman made NO sense whatsoever. She walked away from the seat! She never made eye contact with the empty chair until the man sat down! How could she have been so self-righteous? On BART, you lose your place in line once you enter the train and start wondering around for a seat or standing space.
See what happens to people when they depend on public transportation? Grouchy, self-righteous, petty...you name it! If that woman had told ME to get out of a seat that I was entitled to, I probably would have caused a little more of a scene than the man did.
Lining up for the train back to East Bay from SF were (in this order): a woman in her 40s, a man in his 40s, and me. Before the train even stopped, I noticed from the line that there is only one more seat left. I think the man in front of me saw it too. However, the woman slowly walks into the train, and turns the opposite direction from the empty seat. The man sets his backpack on the empty seat, and positions himself to sit down.
Suddenly, the woman yells, "That is my seat!! I was in front of you in line, I am going to sit there, not you!"
The man says, "You can have the seat, but how is it your seat?"
Woman screams, "I was standing in front of you in line."
Man yells back, "But you walked the opposite direction, and I took the seat after."
Woman says, "it doesn't matter, I was in front of you in line outside, so that is supposed to be my seat."
Man concludes, "Hey, you can have the seat, but it doens't have your name on it."
I was listening to the entire altercation. I should have jumped in to tell the woman, no, it's NOT your seat, you walked the other way as you entered the train, and he saw the seat first! But alas, the work day completely drained me so I wasn't in an argumentative mood. That woman made NO sense whatsoever. She walked away from the seat! She never made eye contact with the empty chair until the man sat down! How could she have been so self-righteous? On BART, you lose your place in line once you enter the train and start wondering around for a seat or standing space.
See what happens to people when they depend on public transportation? Grouchy, self-righteous, petty...you name it! If that woman had told ME to get out of a seat that I was entitled to, I probably would have caused a little more of a scene than the man did.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Horrible delays today
Today is one of those days that I ask myself....is taking BART really a better option than braving the Bay Bridge traffic??
It was 43 degrees in Lafayette at 8:15am, and I was standing out there in the cold (and very windy conditions) waiting for the BART train to arrive. NO train came by for 25 minutes! And we got NO explanation why there's such a delay.
Then, a train zipped by..and the monitors said "TRAIN WON'T STOP" while ther are probably over 250 of us waiting to get to work (about 25 people waiting per cart line.) Finally, 25 minutes late, a completely packed train arrives. Only 3 of us could fit in there. I had to get to work, so I squeezed in despite other people's grumblings to fit another body in the train.
The entire ride, I stared right into another man's face. It was beyond crowded. I was practically holding hands with another passenger on the safety pole because there were too many hands that needed to hold on to the pole.
There is a happy ending, however. I happened to be standing in front of a seated passenger who got up at downtown Oakland. I sat down as soon as she got up and enjoyed reading my new US Weekly the rest of the way.
It was 43 degrees in Lafayette at 8:15am, and I was standing out there in the cold (and very windy conditions) waiting for the BART train to arrive. NO train came by for 25 minutes! And we got NO explanation why there's such a delay.
Then, a train zipped by..and the monitors said "TRAIN WON'T STOP" while ther are probably over 250 of us waiting to get to work (about 25 people waiting per cart line.) Finally, 25 minutes late, a completely packed train arrives. Only 3 of us could fit in there. I had to get to work, so I squeezed in despite other people's grumblings to fit another body in the train.
The entire ride, I stared right into another man's face. It was beyond crowded. I was practically holding hands with another passenger on the safety pole because there were too many hands that needed to hold on to the pole.
There is a happy ending, however. I happened to be standing in front of a seated passenger who got up at downtown Oakland. I sat down as soon as she got up and enjoyed reading my new US Weekly the rest of the way.
Monday, December 12, 2005
love is blind
wow, shocking observation today. first, to those of you who are quick to judge, i know this entry may sound bad, but believe me, i know and respect that appearance is not the reason why couples get together and live happily ever after!
now, on to my story. ever since my new job, i've been enjoying bart a little tiny bit more. the ride is 5 minutes shorter now each way, and i don't have to run up 4 flights of stairs to try to catch a connecting shuttle. this morning, i caught a peculiar sight while i was taking a break from my reading. i saw an above-avereage looking man, well-groomed, slender, tall, holding an expensive briefcase, and nicely dressed in a suit walk into the train. then, i saw a grungy, messy-haired, multi-layered sox over birkinstocks and hole-filled sweater wearing, not to mention below-average looking woman holding on to his back. my first thought was, whoa, poor man, who is that weird-looking stranger grasping on to him? what is he going to do to get rid of her?
then...i saw him holding on to her back, and letting her take the last seat! the whole time, he had one hand on her shoulder and they whispered to each other. cute couple interactions...i must say, but i certainly was surprised by the pairing. of course, being an observer, that is all i can go by. sure, they looked like an odd match (a very very odd one), but i am sure there is much more to their pairing than just looks.
it's really refreshing that there still are people in this world who can look beyond appearances and fall in love for what's inside.
now, on to my story. ever since my new job, i've been enjoying bart a little tiny bit more. the ride is 5 minutes shorter now each way, and i don't have to run up 4 flights of stairs to try to catch a connecting shuttle. this morning, i caught a peculiar sight while i was taking a break from my reading. i saw an above-avereage looking man, well-groomed, slender, tall, holding an expensive briefcase, and nicely dressed in a suit walk into the train. then, i saw a grungy, messy-haired, multi-layered sox over birkinstocks and hole-filled sweater wearing, not to mention below-average looking woman holding on to his back. my first thought was, whoa, poor man, who is that weird-looking stranger grasping on to him? what is he going to do to get rid of her?
then...i saw him holding on to her back, and letting her take the last seat! the whole time, he had one hand on her shoulder and they whispered to each other. cute couple interactions...i must say, but i certainly was surprised by the pairing. of course, being an observer, that is all i can go by. sure, they looked like an odd match (a very very odd one), but i am sure there is much more to their pairing than just looks.
it's really refreshing that there still are people in this world who can look beyond appearances and fall in love for what's inside.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
getting the last seat in a crowded train is like...
finding a $20 on the street! Yes, it feels that good!! When you are the 8th person out of 15 people lining up in front of one train car, and as the train approaches, you spot just a few empty seats so you assume that you won't be one of the lucky 3 or 4 who enter the train first. This was me today! There were at least 7 people lining up in front of me today to get in to the train car. Instantly, I thought, crap, another standing trip to SF for me with people breathing on me. However, 4 people inmy line just happened to turn to the side of the train without empty seats (they don't have the eagle eyes that I have when it comes to spotting empty seats), and another in front of me just happened to walk inside too slowly and lost his "place" in line. I saw the last seat there, and without making any eye contact with other passengers around me, I sat down! I felt so lucky and so grateful...like I won some kind of small jackpot.
Quickly, the train filled up! Every square foot was occupied! But there I was...SITTING, not standing, and reading a book.
I felt lucky, happy, relieved, and proud to get that last seat. Why proud you ask? Well, for me to get that last empty seat, it meant that I left the house at the right time, I parked fast enough, and jogged up the escalators quickly enough to be the 8th, not 9th person in line!
See the little things that make you foolishly happy when you ride BART?
Quickly, the train filled up! Every square foot was occupied! But there I was...SITTING, not standing, and reading a book.
I felt lucky, happy, relieved, and proud to get that last seat. Why proud you ask? Well, for me to get that last empty seat, it meant that I left the house at the right time, I parked fast enough, and jogged up the escalators quickly enough to be the 8th, not 9th person in line!
See the little things that make you foolishly happy when you ride BART?
Saturday, December 03, 2005
I'm a good BART "citizen"...I think?
Since I spend so many entries writing about others and how they irk me, I figured it is only fair that I evaluate myself as a BART passenger.
1) Cleanliness
I definitely give myself a 10 out of 10 here. I shower 3 times a day, including mornings. I always wear clean clothes, and I never smell or sweat BART.
2) Size
Another 10 here I suppose. I weigh a little over 100 pounds. I take about 2/3 of a seat, so people always like to sit next to me when there are only 2 seats left because I make it a roomy and comfy ride for them.
3) Consideration
This is a tricky one. I am usually very considerate on BART, but I don't ever let others take advantage of me. I warrant a 7 out of 10 here. I get out of the way for people to enter/exit, I never let my belongings take more room than necessary, I don't take off my shoes, I don't eat on the train, I don't swing my umbrella in people's faces, and I ALWAYS cover my nose or mouth when I cough or sneeze...those are the good things.
On the other hand, if I get a good seat that is in the general seating area (non-handicapped), I stay in it. I don't want to give my seat up to any older person, unless they have a cane or look like they are limping. If it's just a gray-haired person who looks perfectly able to stand for 15 minutes, I am going to let my tired feet rest. I mentioned in one of the first blog entries that an older (not senior citizen) person can't just feel entitled to take anyone's seat- some have the guts to ask, but I don't think that makes it right.
Another slightly inconsiderate thing that I do is not give up my standing room next to a vertical pole because I need something to grab on without tiptoeing. There are bars on the top of the train that I cannot comfortably reach, so I am pretty stubborn about standing next to the vertical poles in the front. Hey, it's a matter of survival at this point. I don't want to fall on the ground when the train jerks!
4) Behavior
Again, I am 7 out of 10 here. I am a very normal person- I don't blabber to strangers, I don't read over people's reading materials, and I don't over-blast my iPod. However, I am guilty of looking at the "weirdos" a little too long and sometimes I even flash a look of disgust or annoyance when things get pretty bad (meaning when they specifically encroach on my comfort zone). But I am just a silent observer...I'm harmless.
Others who observe me, however, may think I'm a little anal. I have Purell to clean my hands as I exit the train. I also don't ever encircle the safety poles with my hands/palms. In fact, this is probably the weirdest thing about me, I hold the pole with 2 fingers: my index finger and my thumb, while the other 3 fingers flare out erectly to stay away from the germ-filled pole. Sometimes, when the pole is really sweaty and dirty (that you can see sweat left on there), my thumb takes the burden of balancing my entire weight during the ride. I press my thumb against the pole and swing my body back and forth to the motion of the train in a delicate manner...it's a tough balancing act that I've mastered. So yeah, I am a freak too....but I don't like the thought of transplanting someone's elses germs right into my palm.
Overall, I do think I'm a good BART "citizen"...10, 10, 7, 7 makes a nice 8.5 average.
1) Cleanliness
I definitely give myself a 10 out of 10 here. I shower 3 times a day, including mornings. I always wear clean clothes, and I never smell or sweat BART.
2) Size
Another 10 here I suppose. I weigh a little over 100 pounds. I take about 2/3 of a seat, so people always like to sit next to me when there are only 2 seats left because I make it a roomy and comfy ride for them.
3) Consideration
This is a tricky one. I am usually very considerate on BART, but I don't ever let others take advantage of me. I warrant a 7 out of 10 here. I get out of the way for people to enter/exit, I never let my belongings take more room than necessary, I don't take off my shoes, I don't eat on the train, I don't swing my umbrella in people's faces, and I ALWAYS cover my nose or mouth when I cough or sneeze...those are the good things.
On the other hand, if I get a good seat that is in the general seating area (non-handicapped), I stay in it. I don't want to give my seat up to any older person, unless they have a cane or look like they are limping. If it's just a gray-haired person who looks perfectly able to stand for 15 minutes, I am going to let my tired feet rest. I mentioned in one of the first blog entries that an older (not senior citizen) person can't just feel entitled to take anyone's seat- some have the guts to ask, but I don't think that makes it right.
Another slightly inconsiderate thing that I do is not give up my standing room next to a vertical pole because I need something to grab on without tiptoeing. There are bars on the top of the train that I cannot comfortably reach, so I am pretty stubborn about standing next to the vertical poles in the front. Hey, it's a matter of survival at this point. I don't want to fall on the ground when the train jerks!
4) Behavior
Again, I am 7 out of 10 here. I am a very normal person- I don't blabber to strangers, I don't read over people's reading materials, and I don't over-blast my iPod. However, I am guilty of looking at the "weirdos" a little too long and sometimes I even flash a look of disgust or annoyance when things get pretty bad (meaning when they specifically encroach on my comfort zone). But I am just a silent observer...I'm harmless.
Others who observe me, however, may think I'm a little anal. I have Purell to clean my hands as I exit the train. I also don't ever encircle the safety poles with my hands/palms. In fact, this is probably the weirdest thing about me, I hold the pole with 2 fingers: my index finger and my thumb, while the other 3 fingers flare out erectly to stay away from the germ-filled pole. Sometimes, when the pole is really sweaty and dirty (that you can see sweat left on there), my thumb takes the burden of balancing my entire weight during the ride. I press my thumb against the pole and swing my body back and forth to the motion of the train in a delicate manner...it's a tough balancing act that I've mastered. So yeah, I am a freak too....but I don't like the thought of transplanting someone's elses germs right into my palm.
Overall, I do think I'm a good BART "citizen"...10, 10, 7, 7 makes a nice 8.5 average.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
BART on rainy days
It's been raining hard the past couple of days, especially today! Rainy days are not pretty for BART commuters. BART is rarely able to keep up the schedule when it's pouring, and the train ride itself is much uglier when it's raining. For one, everyone is either carrying a dripping wet umbrella or a drenched raincoat, or just plain wet and stinky. Due to the delays, the trains are always over-packed! And due to the overcrowdedness, the windows fog up, the train gets uncomfortably warm with a layer of sweaty scent, since it is so hot inside the train. from too many bodies.
There is just nothing like walking into a completely foggy train....so foggy that you can't see through the windows at all. You will read all sorts of backwards writing (using a finger) from bored passengers inside the train. I can read "olleh", "em evas", or even "uoy kcuf". Occasionally, you'd see someone smart enough to write backwards so their immature message can be read by those of us lining up for the train.
Today was a miserably crowded ride with wet and grouchy people. Several people shook their excess umbrella water in the crowded train, and got my face all wet! After that, the person standing next to me kept his drenched raincoat on during the ride and invaded my space as the train got crowded and got my wool coat wet! Not to mention I was 5 minutes late to my new job due to the BART delays.
I sure hope it dries up soon!
There is just nothing like walking into a completely foggy train....so foggy that you can't see through the windows at all. You will read all sorts of backwards writing (using a finger) from bored passengers inside the train. I can read "olleh", "em evas", or even "uoy kcuf". Occasionally, you'd see someone smart enough to write backwards so their immature message can be read by those of us lining up for the train.
Today was a miserably crowded ride with wet and grouchy people. Several people shook their excess umbrella water in the crowded train, and got my face all wet! After that, the person standing next to me kept his drenched raincoat on during the ride and invaded my space as the train got crowded and got my wool coat wet! Not to mention I was 5 minutes late to my new job due to the BART delays.
I sure hope it dries up soon!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
New job, new BART stop.
I didn't mention this earlier since these entries are mainly about BART, but I did get a new job recently and I am starting tomorrow! This actually means a great deal for my roundtrip BART commute. I am now exiting at the Embarcadero station, which is 4 exits before the Civic Center station. Boy, the differences between the two stations are VAST! Embarcadero is by the water, with beautiful sweeping views of the Bay, in the heart of financial district, ideal location for shopping and dining, festive around holidays (outdoor Kristi Yamaguchi ice rink, beautifual Embarcadero Xmas lights, and red and green trimmings all over downtown), much cleaner all around, and with fewer homeless people near the station. I used to work near this station, so I know the benefits of working back in the Embarcadero area.
Getting off Embarcadero instead of Civic Center doesn't mean that I won't deal with delays, disgusting scents, strange stains, perverts, weirdos and other undesirable encounters, it does mean that I don't need to catch the company shuttle each day after getting off BART. NO MORE SHUTTLES! I will be able to walk out of the Embarcadero station, and walk right into my new building. Oh...how nice that will be. That cuts 10-15 minutes off my commute each way!!! Not to mention taxi expenses whenever I miss the darn shuttle.
There is one drawback, however, to my new BART commute. Embarcadero riders getting on the BART train back to the East Bay usually have no seats, if they can even find standing room at all!! I better get used to standing and smelling the person next to me, because by Embarcadero station pick-up, the train is usually jam packed. The advantage I have is that I'm relatively thin, so I don't need much space to stand.
Well, just wanted to share this news. I'm sure I'll have many "standing passenger" horror stories to write about.
Getting off Embarcadero instead of Civic Center doesn't mean that I won't deal with delays, disgusting scents, strange stains, perverts, weirdos and other undesirable encounters, it does mean that I don't need to catch the company shuttle each day after getting off BART. NO MORE SHUTTLES! I will be able to walk out of the Embarcadero station, and walk right into my new building. Oh...how nice that will be. That cuts 10-15 minutes off my commute each way!!! Not to mention taxi expenses whenever I miss the darn shuttle.
There is one drawback, however, to my new BART commute. Embarcadero riders getting on the BART train back to the East Bay usually have no seats, if they can even find standing room at all!! I better get used to standing and smelling the person next to me, because by Embarcadero station pick-up, the train is usually jam packed. The advantage I have is that I'm relatively thin, so I don't need much space to stand.
Well, just wanted to share this news. I'm sure I'll have many "standing passenger" horror stories to write about.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
An unofficial disclaimer
I've noticed that BART Musings has been added to a public transportation site in the BART blogs section (greetings new readers, and welcome!!)
Although I've created this blog to serve as a means to vent, and all entries, though true, represent my personal experiences and opinions about BART, its passengers, occasional delays, and the surroundings of my SF stop, it is time to reiterate that despite my unpleasant experiences on the train, I do want people to know that taking BART is way better than being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic! Or else, why would an L.A. native (meaning someone who never takes public transport, and valet parks wherever I go) like me bear all the unpleasantries to still take BART to work everyday? That's saying a lot!!
Although I've created this blog to serve as a means to vent, and all entries, though true, represent my personal experiences and opinions about BART, its passengers, occasional delays, and the surroundings of my SF stop, it is time to reiterate that despite my unpleasant experiences on the train, I do want people to know that taking BART is way better than being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic! Or else, why would an L.A. native (meaning someone who never takes public transport, and valet parks wherever I go) like me bear all the unpleasantries to still take BART to work everyday? That's saying a lot!!
Monday, November 21, 2005
What a good book can do for your BART ride
Yes, I know, I haven't written an entry in a quite awhile! You actually should be happy for me! I mentioned in my last posting that I've been reading a good book that has kept my attention away from the undesirable conditions on BART and around the Civic Center station. The book has kept me relatively BART complaint-free all last week (well, except for a 15 minute BART delay on Thursday which caused me to miss my shuttle...I had to spend an additional $10 on a taxi ride to the office! SUCKED!)
I've been reading Memoirs of a Geisha, and from the preface all the way to the last page of acknowledgements, I have just been completely captured by the story! It's so good that I actually don't even get the chance to lift up my head to check out the passengers around me. I still smell things, sure, but all I need to do is swing the book up and down to fan away the bad scents while keeping my focus on the book.
Unfortunately, I am now finished with the 400 page novel....now I'm in the hunt again for a good book that keeps me THAT enthralled or else my attention will be once again focused on my horrible surroundings on and off the train.
I can't wait until the Memoirs of a Geisha movie is out. I just hope they do justice to their beautifully written and emotionally stimulating book.
I've been reading Memoirs of a Geisha, and from the preface all the way to the last page of acknowledgements, I have just been completely captured by the story! It's so good that I actually don't even get the chance to lift up my head to check out the passengers around me. I still smell things, sure, but all I need to do is swing the book up and down to fan away the bad scents while keeping my focus on the book.
Unfortunately, I am now finished with the 400 page novel....now I'm in the hunt again for a good book that keeps me THAT enthralled or else my attention will be once again focused on my horrible surroundings on and off the train.
I can't wait until the Memoirs of a Geisha movie is out. I just hope they do justice to their beautifully written and emotionally stimulating book.
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