So, last week just as work was letting out, my cell phone klunked out. A few weeks ago I noticed that the hinge on the flip part of the phone had a HUGE piece/chip missing. The phone still worked fine, so I thought nothing of it and got set to "serve my time" until I was eligible for a new phone. Well, last night when I opened my phone I discovered that the screen was blank. No amount of opening and closing the phone made the screen saver of me and Lionel magically appear. "Oh no. Not now.", I thought. I just bought "the boy" a brand new phone for his birthday in December. And since we weren't eligible at the time I paid a pretty penny for it. Needless to say, I was not ready to have to dish out more money for another phone so soon. Hoping for a break, I made my way to the AT&T store (my trip there was an event within itself - details to follow). When I got to the store I met with Jonathan and as I thought my phone truly was beyond resuscitation, was out of warranty and I had no phone insurance. As I said Last Rites, Jonathan explained my options. It turns out that "the boy's" plan was eligible for a new phone (i.e. renewing contract with AT&T) in Feb and they could override that date and do it now (of course) or I could buy a phone for full retail price - the cheapest being $150.00. After much (really, I'm sure Jonathan was like "make up your mind already") deliberation I finally decided to renew the contract and take advantage of the special they were having on LG phones. I settled on an LG VU Touchscreen phone. I am super nervous (of breaking it) so I got insurance this time and with the mail-in rebate it's almost free! Remember though that I am not technologically savvy so, it's taking some getting used to! I'll probably never figure out everything it does! And they set me up with FREE internet and TV for a month. Don't you just love how they do that - get you hooked!
Check it out:
Bus Riding
A while ago, a fellow blogger, Crazy Aunt Purl, wrote an entire entry on the The (bus) Passenger Bill of Rights. As a professional rider I can empathize with her plight to educate the witless riders of mass transit. I am subjected on a regular basis to objectionable smells (the very reason I make sure my coat is safely tucked away in the closet before I cook anything!), unwelcome contact with shoulders, arms, hips and knees (STAY on your side or the seat) and unsolicited conversation. These are just a few of the things I must endure in my quest to Save the Planet (well kinda...oh ok, I just don't like to drive and will avoid it at all cost - even putting up with witless, stinky, touchy-feely people)
Well, my ride last week to go get a new phone proved once again that there are some seriously clueless people riding around the Twin Cities. I was looking forward to my 45 minute ride, because I was at a really good part in the book I am reading (Timeline - Michael Crichton - I have been on a MC kick for the last few weeks and have read like 4 of his books). I took a window seat - my fav seat, second row from the front, right hand side (I told you I was a professional) - unzipped my parka, stretched my feet out and opened my book. My first clue that the ride was going to be eventful was the 8 college kids that got on soon after me. Between the 8 of them they were having 12 different conversations all at a decibel to rival a jet engine. It was all I could do to concentrate on each sentence. I finally gave up trying to read at all, waiting for their departure downtown - from their loud conversation I deduced that they were headed to a concert a few blocks away at First Ave. I also learned that someone named Kitty or Whitley or "some" ly was a little touchy feely with one of the girls at a slumber party in the 4th grade and that one of the other girl's mothers is a gossip. TMI! When they finally got off the bus, I resumed reading. The bus began to fill and soon someone sat next to me. Almost immediately upon sitting down he began to talk to me. I don't even remember half the things he was saying, just that every phrase ended in, "what'd ya think 'bout that, huh?" while nudging my shoulder. "Is this fool serious?", I thought to myself. "Does he not see my OPEN book and see me reading? He did not have a cane when he got on!" Obviously, this fool was completely oblivious to social cues i.e. if the book is open and the person seems to be reading it, then SHUT IT. A few times he just blurted out some doozies: "If you go 4 mph for 36 miles, it will take you 96 hours.", "You know the City Pages, yeah, I'm might join that club and get me a girlfriend." And don't forget that everything ended with "What'd ya think 'bout that, huh?" I mistakenly answered his first inquiry with a smile, a nod and a "uh huh" (BIG MISTAKE). So, after about 1/2 an hour of him nudging me and me shaking my head yes, I finally decided that I was gonna have to shed my Minnesota Nice and be blunt. When he broke out with "Wouldn't it be nice to be in a warm car and drive around in the cold. What'd ya think 'bout that, huh." (insert shoulder nudge) I pulled out the demons that I can usually keep locked away and in my most EXORCIST-like voice said "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO", For the next couple blocks I didn't hear a peep out of my seat buddy. Without a word he got up and moved into the seat in front of me. And do you know that a couple blocks later this fool lifted his behind up off the seat and farted loud as hell! I guess that was his retaliation for me not talking to him! EWWW!
My own additions to the Passenger Bill of Rights:
1. Do not lag when entering the bus. As soon as the bus stops, get on! That means, make sure all your kids are ready to board the bus, do not try to get in one last puff of your cigarette and have your money/bus pass ready.
2. Be conscious of your body. That means being aware of your body in relation to my body. We do not need to touch!
3. If you are in the outside/aisle seat and the passenger in the window seat needs to exit - GET UP! Do not remain seated and try to swing your legs out of the way. I will hit you with my bag or purse "accidentally"!
4. If in your rush to make the bus, you did not have time to thoroughly brush your teeth, please keep your mouth closed for the duration of the ride and breath through your nose or keep an emergency piece of gum or mint on hand.
5. When the bus empties out, it is NOT necessary to remain seated next to me. It makes no sense for there to be an empty bus and your ass is still cuddled all next to me (see #2). You will NOT hurt my feelings if you move to an empty seat.
6. If I am listening to music, reading a book or looking out the window, SHUT IT! If I am not engaging you in conversation, then take it as a clue!
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