November 11th, 2010

Why not feel good?

I’ve been reading various angry-making things in the newspaper–always a mistake to read the newspaper–and I had considered a long ranty post. But really, I’m about to jet off on a mini-vacation and the weather’s nice, and I’m not really in the mood to rant. So I offer this instead:

Yesterday I got on my bus at the end of the day and zoomed straight to the back, as I always do (because if I’m going to have to stand, I want to be knocked into by as few people as possible). When I got back there, I realized there were a couple seats technically free, but one was occupied by a big tough guy’s sweat-panted spread thigh, and the other by a tough teenaged boy’s backpack. I tried to catch either guy’s eye, both turned away, and I thought I wasn’t going to get into it. I reached for the pole as the bus started.

Another tough teen looked up in alarm. “There’s seats, there and there!” He pointed helpfully. The two-seat stealers shifted nervously.

“It’s ok, I don’t want to…”

Tough teen #2 leaped up as if electrocuted. “You can sit here! Sit here!” And then he went across the aisle to the big guy, shoved his knee aside and sat down.

My hero!

And in case you are not already cheered up, let me introduce you to Josey Kitten, my parents’ new roommate:

Yes, that is my toe–nothing if not a master of photographic composition, me. Josey’s in charge while I’m away.