WWJD? He Would Ride the Bus

My pastor gave a great sermon on Sunday. He spoke about justice and fairness in light of MLK Day. His sermons are amazing, but in this particular sermon- he referenced Muni! He said that he was watching a Muni diver reattach a fallen cable to the bus in order for it to go. He said we are like a Muni bus (huh?)- we need a little power to keep us going. A funny analogy for sure, but it made since in context. I was also very pleased to know my pastor also rides the bus!

(Old News) Fight on MUNI

Anytime I see I physical altercation I get a pit in my stomach. It just makes me sick. Fighting is just plain stupid, especially when it's over a seat on the bus. This video shows a fight between 2 adult women on Muni that went down back in Oct. You can also read a transcript of the argument, since much of it was in Cantonese. The worst part is that the driver did nothing. He didn't even call it in, as is policy. Apparently many of the other passengers were pushing the woman to fight, but there was one young lady that did her best to stop the fight after it got physical. Well-played!

Now I haven't been in a fight since the 8th grade (teenage-girl drama) but I'd like to think that I am more mature now. I have twice chased down peeps who stole from me, but never actually caught them. I would guess that in a fight or flight situation, I would fight. However, I don't think I would fight unless I was being attacked. I certainly don't think arguing over bus seat meets that criteria.

*Leila has yet to fight, but she will take down anyone who dares to touch her lollipop.

Again MUNI, really?

Looks like ANOTHER fare hike might be our future. This time the proposed increase is to my beloved F line. Grrr. The comments on the above link pretty much say everything. This city has got to straighten out MUNI. Continuing to cut service and raise fares is not the answer!

Big Girl Day

Next subway/ going anywhere: It seems like every time we go on the bus or train, we are in a hurry to make it to wherever we are going. I decided to have a special outing today and stick to Leila's pace. We walked to the underground train (without stroller or big diaper bag) at a nice leisurely stroll. Since we live close to the main Castro station, I let Leila pick which one she wanted to take, the underground trains or the historic F line train (my preference). She chose to go underground. We got down there and spent a good 10 minutes just watching trains come and go from the platform above. After the first few went by, she began a running commentary on the specific letters on each train, and where they might be going.

We ended up going downtown and hung out at the cable cars for a while, watching them turn around on the platform. On our way home, I picked a warm fat pretzel from the street vendor and Leila asked, "Is this a pretzel or a bagel?" I told her it was both. Upon returning to the station, I let her step on and off the escalator by herself and she beamed with pride. She also showed her "special ticket" to the agent when asked, and looked back at me smiling. I then let her sit in a seat across from me, not on lap as usual.

She seemed to realize I was giving her more responsibility today. While it's so hard for me to imagine her riding by herself one day, I think it's good for her to feel like she has some control when we are out and about. While most days consist of countless toddler tantrums, today we had none. Today was the best $4.50 ($2 train and $2.50 pretzel) I have ever spent.

2 Babes on the Bus

24 Castro/ going to music class: I DID IT! I took both girls with me on the bus all by myself! I had Norah snuggled away in the sling while Leila walked on and stood like a big ol' city kid. Of course I also had my gigantic diaper bag and umbrella stroller, so please realize that this adventure was no small feat. I was pretty damn proud of myself for getting on the bus without holding up the line or dropping anything (like the baby).

On the way home, I sat next to a kindly looking old lady. She began gushing over the girls (good start) and then began to ask questions (uh-oh). When I told her their names, she had trouble saying Leila (lay-la). "That name is no good. Why did you pick such a funny name?" I wanted to tell her that I am a mean mom who wants her child to suffer for the rest of her life as people butcher her name. Instead I stuck to the truth, that my husband is Iranian and Leila is a popular Iranian name. She was not pleased with this revelation and turned away from me. Ouch!

Mama's Resolutions

I know, resolutions are crap. But after last night's bitchin' Toddler New Year's Extravaganza, I am feeling the spirit of the new year.

Here goes:

1. Watch my efin' language. With a little girl who repeats everything, I gotta quit droppin' f- bombs.

2. Lose the baby fat. Me, not the baby.

3. Quit buying stuff we don't need. I need to stay off etsy and Amazon for sure.

4. Play more, clean less. OCD doesn't have to interfere with the fun of play time with my girls.

5. Ride the Bus with the girls. I know I can do it, I just gotta try!

6. Make a little time for my hubby. I ain't trying to make a 3rd baby or anything, but would be nice to go out sans the kiddos.

*Image is from the party last night in which Leila and her buddies all sported mustaches.

Inaugural Transit Trip

T line: going downtown: We went out for a family walk on Sunday afternoon. As we approached the subway station on Market and Castro, Leila insisted on going for a ride on the train. It's been months since she has been on the subway train, and Norah has yet to take a train ride. To be honest, I was still a little leary of exposing the wee one to germs and such. At the risk of a full on toddler tantrum, we caved and took a family ride on the train. Leila was elated and waved her train ticket liked it was golden.

Good news is that Norah did catch the hacking cough from the lady across from us or any other random illness. Maybe more buses and trains are coming soon!