poeticsofdescription

bus ride. or lacking.

Today's funny story, or "nina incident".

My car is going to be in the shop until next weekend while they get the radiator and head gasket replaced (not my fault) and any other problems they uncover (and, inevitably, they will) so I have been hitching rides from friends and family all week. Sundays are busy days for everyone I know, so I decided this would be a good day to figure out how to use "RABA", Redding's bus system. I got out my phone book and looked it up since I had no idea where to even find it. The map was kind of confusing, but I got the information I needed.

The closest bus stop to the manor is a ways away toward Cypress and Hemsted, but a nice walk. I needed to go pick some stuff at my store, so I figured it would be pretty easy to get downtown. I got my backpack together (to carry all the stuff) and started my trek. It's been pretty nice all day, so I wore flip flops. Mistake number one. Not fun to walk long distances in.

I finally got to the bust stop and checked out the map. The number 5 goes right downtown so I was really excited and sat down on the little bench to wait, backpack on my lap. I sat. and I waited. I made some phone calls. And then I waited some more. And so I was staring at the bus stop sign, when I realized it said "Monday through Friday, 630am to 730pm. Saturday, 930am to 730pm."

And no mention of Sundays.

How on earth did I miss this little gem of information? I even looked in the frickin phone book.

So I kept on walking down the street, deciding I would go to a grocery store. I stopped at this great little Indo China market, and got some fun stuff I haven't seen since I lived in China, so I was really excited about that. Then I went to Raley's and got a bunch of groceries. Then I had to stuff them all in my back pack and carry them home. I got a lot of heavy stuff. It was a really long walk back. All in all humorous and not successful.

posted by nina @ 2:43 PM 1 comments

toygers.

go here. i have to get me one of these!

http://www.life.com/Life/article/0,26385,1588202,00.html

posted by nina @ 1:40 PM 0 comments

Journey home

Back from Chi town...

I could describe it all in one word: Bittersweet.

I am so glad I got away for awhile, and into a world that is completely not my own. It was good, and eye opening. I forgot how much I love living in cities, and I doubt it is something I will want to be doing when I am older, so I feel as if I should be taking advantage of that time now. Highlights from this trip include:

Seeing Josh and being able to hang out as our 8-years-later-grown-up versions of ourselves.
A city that doesn't shut down at 11pm.
I am so used to having nothing but microbrew selections here, I have never ever drank so much Miller in my whole life. And it was good, and it makes you dance a lot.
Beer that is better than Miller.
Going to Hangge-uppes to dance. I am guessing on that spelling.
Playing darts, pool and table shuffleboard.
Ransom. There are no words to describe this kid, except maybe toxiuricity. And managing to pour a whole beer on ourselves while dancing. Soberly, nonetheless.
Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums.
The Kings beating the Bulls. Norcal represent.
Beautiful Lake Michigan.
More games of "Music Scene It!" Then you can handle.
The Shins! It was a really fantastic show.
Not needing a car, and being able to walk or take a train or taxi everywhere.
Snow. lots and lots of snow.
Food. lots and lots of good food. Particularly the Steak Vesuvio at the argentinian steakhouse.
Good, honest conversation with a friend you know you'll be connected to forever.

Life is funny that way.
But I gotta say it... leaving 2 degree snowy Chicago was okay. Nothing beats flip flops and the California sunshine!

posted by nina @ 2:12 PM 1 comments

New Town

I am ready to move to a new city, and I am taking your suggestions.
What do you all think?

posted by nina @ 6:35 PM 3 comments