A Turtle's Day

This turtle is still learning about the bus system.

Each bus in the morning starts at a different place at Rosedale. Some start in the parking lot and others start at a little pavement island over at the "Transit Station." No matter where they start they also stop at the bus stop. So I could make it easy on myself by always heading over to the bus stop. But sometimes the morning bus is full and there aren't many seats left if I wait at the bus stop.

Today I wasn't really sure where the early bus started, so I waited at the bus stop. The bus was fairly crowded and I got a seat in the hub section that connects the two busses. This was fine until it was time to get off. When your stop is approaching, you're supposed to pull a cord to signal the driver that you want to stop. But there is no cord on the hub section. So I had to get up and walk while the bus was still moving.

Then I said, "Stop please!"
"Right here?" the driver answered.
"Yes."

And I got off and walked to the office.


The evenings are a challenge, too. Matching the bus schedule to what actually happens has been difficult. The busses run frequently enough that it doesn't matter most of the time. Typically I will head out early for one bus and actually manage to catch the earlier bus (which is running behind). Since I always have a book with me, I don't worry about having to wait for the bus.

But yesterday was the first time I had to catch a particular bus because of an obligation at home. I needed to catch the 5:15 so I could be at the Kindergarten Parents' Meeting at 6:00. The schedule says that the bus is supposed to be at 2nd & 7th at 5:15. I catch the bus 4 blocks later at 2nd & 3rd. I left my office at 5:10 and was approaching my stop at 5:12 when I saw the bus go by. It was early!!

Things would still be ok. I just needed to get on the 5:40 bus and I would be a few minutes late. But here confusion entered. I knew that there were busses that went to Rosedale and other busses that went to the Roseville OVAL. What was the distinction? 260 vs. 261 or 260 vs. 260B. I couldn't remember. A 260B came and I assumed it was the wrong bus. I was wrong and so I watched my 5:40 bus pass me by. So I sat at the bus stop until 6:10 and came home in frustration.

I don't mind the waiting. I am reading a good book and the time went by fast. But I had made a commitment and it is very frustrating to miss something that you have said you would attend. And I really wanted to be there!! How much more fun could there be than going to your little one's first school parent meeting!!

Oh well. Eventually I'll get it all figured out. In the meantime I'll just enjoy the ride!