Woe: Soggy Commuters
Rainy days are a bummer for two reasons: first, they require me to take MUNI instead of bike commuting. Second, and relatedly, they bring out the worst behavior in my fellow commuters.
Easily ruffled by public displays of annoying behavior (e.g., sidewalk hogging, conducting loud phone conversations, whacking others with giant shopping bags), I've lately adopted a Zen approach to commuting. When weather forces me to take the bus, I remind myself that everyone on said bus is trying to get to work, just as I am. Then I pop a stick of Orbit Bubblemint, crank the volume on my iPod, and let my thoughts drift to non-transit situations.
Today, though, no amount of upbeat self talk could have made my commute sunnier. The F I took from Market/New Mong to my office was howlingly, shudderingly uninsulated; the car moved at a slug's pace; and the woman who plopped down beside me was a soggy commuter.
Having waited for some time in the rain, she was covered, top to toe, with raindrops. (Lest you feel bad that this woman got soaked, don't -- she was wearing a Longshoreman-style, floor length raincoat. Only her outer layer was soaked.) Moments later, I was too -- because this woman smushed herself into me. Not only that, she plopped her dripping totebag onto my left foot. Egads! At least she had the decency to remove the bag from my foot and mumble an apology.
Words of Wisdom: It will always rain in San Francisco, but don't let shitty weather turn you into a Commuter from Hell -- be polite! If bench space on the F is tight, stand! Place wet umbrellas on the floor (or under your seat)! Don't rub your wet garments up against other riders!
I'm toasty and dry now, but in T-2 hours, I'ma have to face the commute all over again. Pray for me, friends.