What an eventful day! First of all I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for a new ad campaign for MTA. They are doing rider profiles that will be featured in various ads in City Paper and Nashville Scene among other locations. I am excited to be a part of the campaign to expand bus ridership in Nashville.
Well, I should have known it would be an adventure when I left my exam study session at Belmont to head to the Metro Courthouse for the photo shoot. I thought I was leaving in plenty of time at 11:50 to arrive downtown by about 12:20. Well, the bus needed to stop for several passengers and traffic was terrible. So, when I reached security at the Courthouse, I was already a little late for my 12:30 appointment. I had been told to bring as few things with me as possible so as not to be delayed by security, so I left my huge backpack at Belmont and only brought my lunch bag and a few essentials. What I had forgotten is that in my lunch bag is my pretty pink Pampered Chef knife that I carry to cut my food. Well, the Courthouse security personnel were all over it! When I tried to explain that it was just for food and asked if they could just hold it until I return shortly, they just informed me that my only option was to take it back out to my car! Well, that wasn't an option for me since I had ridden the bus there to do a photo shoot about riding the bus! So I had my $15 dollar knife confiscated. Oh well, the photo shoot was fun, but you know I asked again on my way out could I have my knife back! No success.
Then, later tonight on my way home from Belmont, I stopped to pick up a few things from Trader Joe's. As I walked from there to the bus stop at Hillsboro High School, I noticed a woman I've seen on the bus also walking to the stop, but she was struggling with several (eight, to be exact) bags of groceries. She is very small, about 5 feet tall and usually has several bags each time I see her. But tonight, she clearly needed help. So, together we carried the bags to the bus, for which she was very grateful and shared with me the sales and specials she had taken advantage of along the way. Then a little further on our way downtown, my 'spirit friend' boarded the bus. She and I share scriptures and encouragement each time we see each other. I hadn't seen her in awhile and it was good to catch up and know that she's doing well. After we had reached the depot and I was boarding the bus headed home, I saw my neighbor that I've been mentoring and tutoring as she reaches her goal of completing her high school diploma. She is closer than ever to realizing her dream of being able to enroll in college courses. We had the chance to talk over a couple of options she has as she approaches her testing requirements. It was nice to hear her express her determination and to be able to encourage her to keep at it.
I came home wondering what I would do without the opportunity to reach out to people that I meet on the bus. I don't think that life would not be near as eventful or rich.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Like a Family
Tonight I decided to ride my bike to the local pizza joint for a couple of slices and enjoyed the cool breeze along the way (ok, it was a little cold, but I kept moving). Anyway, on the way back with my pizza in tow, I decided not to ride my bike up the hill, so I walked it on the sidewalk instead. Behind me a heard a car horn toot, and as I looked around I spotted an MTA Access Ride Van. The van slowed down and pulled over at the top of the hill and put on the hazard lights to signal other vehicles to go around.
I was close to my house, but knew the van had stopped for me. So I approached the van and the driver asked, 'Does your bike have a flat, or did you just not want to take that hill?' to which I answered the latter. Then he asked about my missing helmet, which I usually wear but didn't since I was going a short distance and stayed on the sidewalk. But I was touched by his concern for my safety. He went on to ask how far I had to go and reminded me that people are 'drinking out here' since it's the weekend. I told him I was now right in front of my house, but thanked him for looking out for me. I told him that having the drivers and passengers look out for me and for one another makes me feel safer in this often dangerous world. He replied,'Be safe out here; God loves you!' And right then I thought, 'Yes, He does!'
I have stated before that the people we see practically every day on the bus become like a family. Sometimes, we interact with them more than we do our actual families! So, we look out for each other; even the drivers keep an eye out for passengers to make sure they are safe, even those not riding on their particular bus as my experience tonight demonstrates. We take care of each other, just like a family.
I was close to my house, but knew the van had stopped for me. So I approached the van and the driver asked, 'Does your bike have a flat, or did you just not want to take that hill?' to which I answered the latter. Then he asked about my missing helmet, which I usually wear but didn't since I was going a short distance and stayed on the sidewalk. But I was touched by his concern for my safety. He went on to ask how far I had to go and reminded me that people are 'drinking out here' since it's the weekend. I told him I was now right in front of my house, but thanked him for looking out for me. I told him that having the drivers and passengers look out for me and for one another makes me feel safer in this often dangerous world. He replied,'Be safe out here; God loves you!' And right then I thought, 'Yes, He does!'
I have stated before that the people we see practically every day on the bus become like a family. Sometimes, we interact with them more than we do our actual families! So, we look out for each other; even the drivers keep an eye out for passengers to make sure they are safe, even those not riding on their particular bus as my experience tonight demonstrates. We take care of each other, just like a family.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Helping Hands
This morning I enjoyed the warmth of my bed a little too long and we were running behind schedule. Add to that a grumpy pre-teen that insisted on lingering over a bowl of cereal, and we were literally running to catch the bus. A couple of blocks from the stop, I realized we might not make it, and I asked God why something so simple (getting to work/school) had to be so hard. Another block closer to the stop and I heard the bus coming and realized that even if I broke into a full sprint (with the sluggish, grumpy pre-teen a block behind) I wouldn't make it.
To my pleasant surprise, the bus stopped at the corner we were quickly approaching to let off another passenger; as long as I've been catching the bus there, I've never seen anyone else get on or off at that stop. The bus stopped long enough for us to get closer and for me to start yelling and waving my arms (what a sight) for the driver to wait for us. He started to pull away from the stop, but I could see the passengers gesturing to us and telling him we were coming. Thankfully, he stopped and waited for us; even my son, Mr. Pre-Teen himself grabbed his sagging pants and went into a full sprint to the bus. I thanked the driver profusely, and he pointed to the other passengers giving them the credit for noticing us. I waved a breathless thank you to them all.
The sweet part was when I found my seat I spotted a young man that is my son's age and who we know from past summer camps. He is now a thriving student at Hume-Fogg High School and is always a pleasure to speak with. He was the one who saw us running and asked the driver to wait. He said that he's seen times when passengers notice others running to catch the bus and don't alert the driver, but he didn't think that was the right thing to do. As I called my son over to also catch some of this young man's light, I couldn't help but be encouraged to know that there are still young people out there who care about more than themselves. I had asked God earlier why things had to be so hard sometimes; I feel like He answered by showing me that things aren't always easy, but with the help of others, it usually all works out.
To my pleasant surprise, the bus stopped at the corner we were quickly approaching to let off another passenger; as long as I've been catching the bus there, I've never seen anyone else get on or off at that stop. The bus stopped long enough for us to get closer and for me to start yelling and waving my arms (what a sight) for the driver to wait for us. He started to pull away from the stop, but I could see the passengers gesturing to us and telling him we were coming. Thankfully, he stopped and waited for us; even my son, Mr. Pre-Teen himself grabbed his sagging pants and went into a full sprint to the bus. I thanked the driver profusely, and he pointed to the other passengers giving them the credit for noticing us. I waved a breathless thank you to them all.
The sweet part was when I found my seat I spotted a young man that is my son's age and who we know from past summer camps. He is now a thriving student at Hume-Fogg High School and is always a pleasure to speak with. He was the one who saw us running and asked the driver to wait. He said that he's seen times when passengers notice others running to catch the bus and don't alert the driver, but he didn't think that was the right thing to do. As I called my son over to also catch some of this young man's light, I couldn't help but be encouraged to know that there are still young people out there who care about more than themselves. I had asked God earlier why things had to be so hard sometimes; I feel like He answered by showing me that things aren't always easy, but with the help of others, it usually all works out.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thankful for Service
Last night on the bus I watched an interesting exchange between two former Marines. One had on a cap with the Marine symbol and lettering on it; he was an older white gentleman who served in the Vietnam war between 1967-1971. The other gentleman was a bit younger, a black man who served in the early eighties and recalled his time in the Marines as 'one of the better things' he had done with his life.
What captured my attention was the way they greeted each other when the younger man boarded the bus. He said, 'Semper Fi' to which the older man automatically responded,'Do or die!' As they clasped hands, it was obvious that whatever paths their separate lives had taken since their time in the Marines, they shared a brotherhood that spans time, color and age.
They went on to recount their experiences, travels and memories in the 5 to 10 minutes we all rode together, while another passenger and I listened respectfully. As the younger man exited the bus, he said to the older, 'Once a Marine...' to which the older man promptly replied, 'Always a Marine!' They again clasped hands and arms quickly. The older man then turned to me and said,'It's like a fraternity, a brotherhood.' I replied how nice it was to see people come together in peace, and we both agreed how ironic that the very thing that brought them together was their shared experiences of war.
I couldn't help but think that whether or not we agree with the politics or issues that sent both of these young men to fight for a cause that may or may not have been their own, we can be thankful for people like them. As very young men, they made a decision to serve others, and despite their difference in age and background, they have their service in common and that service still gives them hope, courage, and a brotherhood many years later. Although I will always prefer peace over war and choose to serve in other ways, I was very thankful to witness that scene and for their willingness to share it with me. And as I exited the bus, I told him so.
What captured my attention was the way they greeted each other when the younger man boarded the bus. He said, 'Semper Fi' to which the older man automatically responded,'Do or die!' As they clasped hands, it was obvious that whatever paths their separate lives had taken since their time in the Marines, they shared a brotherhood that spans time, color and age.
They went on to recount their experiences, travels and memories in the 5 to 10 minutes we all rode together, while another passenger and I listened respectfully. As the younger man exited the bus, he said to the older, 'Once a Marine...' to which the older man promptly replied, 'Always a Marine!' They again clasped hands and arms quickly. The older man then turned to me and said,'It's like a fraternity, a brotherhood.' I replied how nice it was to see people come together in peace, and we both agreed how ironic that the very thing that brought them together was their shared experiences of war.
I couldn't help but think that whether or not we agree with the politics or issues that sent both of these young men to fight for a cause that may or may not have been their own, we can be thankful for people like them. As very young men, they made a decision to serve others, and despite their difference in age and background, they have their service in common and that service still gives them hope, courage, and a brotherhood many years later. Although I will always prefer peace over war and choose to serve in other ways, I was very thankful to witness that scene and for their willingness to share it with me. And as I exited the bus, I told him so.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Private/Public Phone Conversations
When I started this blog, I wanted to share my discoveries and adventures from riding the bus. My goal was to show the bright side of public transportation, hoping that more people in Nashville would appreciate the benefits. I wanted to share only the positive, thinking the not so positive perception is what most people have already.
But I'm appreciating that it is the people that ride the bus that makes the stories, the good, bad and indifferent, not just the positive experiences. So, I'm going to be sharing more stories that I find interesting in the hopes that you will, too. I don’t want to offend, but when dealing with the public, things are not always so pleasant.
Often on the bus everyone gets the chance to hear even the most private phone conversations of less discreet riders, whether you want to or not. This morning, one woman didn't mind everyone on the bus hearing about her drug treatment program. And she also didn't mind that we overheard her re-assuring her current lover about their contraceptive choices! Finally, she told him that she couldn't go into any further detail (thank goodness!) because there were children on the bus. Even the adults on the bus were embarrassed for her and collectively said a silent 'Thank you!' when she finally ended the phone conversation. I thought that her conversation would be a great public service announcement about the dangers of drug use; hopefully, the children and adults riding this morning took note.
Otherwise, the ride in was uneventful, and I actually made it to work earlier than my co-workers who drove and got caught in traffic. But, I bet their commute wasn't as eventful as mine! Enjoy your day.
But I'm appreciating that it is the people that ride the bus that makes the stories, the good, bad and indifferent, not just the positive experiences. So, I'm going to be sharing more stories that I find interesting in the hopes that you will, too. I don’t want to offend, but when dealing with the public, things are not always so pleasant.
Often on the bus everyone gets the chance to hear even the most private phone conversations of less discreet riders, whether you want to or not. This morning, one woman didn't mind everyone on the bus hearing about her drug treatment program. And she also didn't mind that we overheard her re-assuring her current lover about their contraceptive choices! Finally, she told him that she couldn't go into any further detail (thank goodness!) because there were children on the bus. Even the adults on the bus were embarrassed for her and collectively said a silent 'Thank you!' when she finally ended the phone conversation. I thought that her conversation would be a great public service announcement about the dangers of drug use; hopefully, the children and adults riding this morning took note.
Otherwise, the ride in was uneventful, and I actually made it to work earlier than my co-workers who drove and got caught in traffic. But, I bet their commute wasn't as eventful as mine! Enjoy your day.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Balance
Today on my way into work, I ran into my friend who I mentioned in a post over a year ago (Sacrifices Parents Make). He came from Ethiopia and worked very hard to make sure his children received the very best education possible so they would have opportunities available to him that he didn't have. He has worked without complaint for many years, and now his children are all doing well at various universities.
This morning I saw him, and to my delight, he told me that he is now in school! He changed his work schedule to work nights so he can attend Vanderbilt University during the day. I felt like a proud parent myself! I am so excited for him, that now after making sure his children can pursue their dreams, he can now pursue his own. Behind his almond colored skin and pure white hair were bright sparkling eyes as he got on the bus with his laptop bag in one hand and his lunch bag in the other. I am so happy for him.
The lesson I learned on my very full bus today is that is never too late to pursue your goals, even when you've spent many years supporting or helping others. Take time out for yourself. Generosity is vital to a happy life, but a very wise man once said, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'; the balance of those two loves is what my friend has found. I'm working toward that balance, too.
This morning I saw him, and to my delight, he told me that he is now in school! He changed his work schedule to work nights so he can attend Vanderbilt University during the day. I felt like a proud parent myself! I am so excited for him, that now after making sure his children can pursue their dreams, he can now pursue his own. Behind his almond colored skin and pure white hair were bright sparkling eyes as he got on the bus with his laptop bag in one hand and his lunch bag in the other. I am so happy for him.
The lesson I learned on my very full bus today is that is never too late to pursue your goals, even when you've spent many years supporting or helping others. Take time out for yourself. Generosity is vital to a happy life, but a very wise man once said, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'; the balance of those two loves is what my friend has found. I'm working toward that balance, too.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Walk, Bike or Bus
I have found my self walking more lately than ever. I still love the freedom and convenience of riding the bus, but if the distance to travel is less than a mile or two, I just start out on foot. I've found that walking or biking takes my mind off current worries or concerns, gets the heart and blood pumping, and gets me to my destination often faster than by car or even bus.
Yesterday, while walking a couple of blocks from work to grab a bite to eat, I met the owner and director of sales at Green Fleet Messengers. Really nice guys who have taken the concept of biking as functional and enjoyable and turned it into a bike courier business. They have set up shop in a really cool spot in Edgehill Village and will soon also have for sale those practical, functional accessories those of us who rely on our bikes as transportation can use. I'm looking forward to checking out their merchandise once they get it set up. Check out their website or stop by the shop when in the area.
And last but not least, MTA in conjunction with Miller Brewing company provided free and extended service yesterday on Oct. 29 to encourage holiday celebrators to not drink and drive. I've posted in the past how nice it is after an evening on the town to have MTA as a 'designated driver'. Many people chose to call a cab, but with a little planning and even less money, the bus is another great alternative.
So, whether you choose to walk, bike, or bus as an alternative to driving your car, give either option a try if not long term, possibly just once or twice a week. You will be surprised at the amount of time and money you save, and the mental and physical health advantages you will enjoy. More tips and ideas coming your way next time. And I promise not to let so much time lag between postings.
Yesterday, while walking a couple of blocks from work to grab a bite to eat, I met the owner and director of sales at Green Fleet Messengers. Really nice guys who have taken the concept of biking as functional and enjoyable and turned it into a bike courier business. They have set up shop in a really cool spot in Edgehill Village and will soon also have for sale those practical, functional accessories those of us who rely on our bikes as transportation can use. I'm looking forward to checking out their merchandise once they get it set up. Check out their website or stop by the shop when in the area.
And last but not least, MTA in conjunction with Miller Brewing company provided free and extended service yesterday on Oct. 29 to encourage holiday celebrators to not drink and drive. I've posted in the past how nice it is after an evening on the town to have MTA as a 'designated driver'. Many people chose to call a cab, but with a little planning and even less money, the bus is another great alternative.
So, whether you choose to walk, bike, or bus as an alternative to driving your car, give either option a try if not long term, possibly just once or twice a week. You will be surprised at the amount of time and money you save, and the mental and physical health advantages you will enjoy. More tips and ideas coming your way next time. And I promise not to let so much time lag between postings.
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