here's to more trolley stories

another semi-resolution for me is to start riding the trolley to work again everyday. i quit about 2 months ago because i was missing the trolley more than i was actually making it, resulting in dustyn driving a frustrated me to work. we had to purchase new tires when we came back to cali after Christmas, and on top of that, i could be saving an extra $60 a month because my work will pay for the trolley. i feel like i'm adult enough to be more careful with my time in the morning so i actually make the trolley....

yesterday morning was my first day back on the trolley. my first trolley ride before my transfer at the old town station went well. i was completely focused on reading my book and the ride passed quickly. i arrive at the old town station and take my seat on the next trolley. initially, i thought i would have my entire section to myself, but just before the trolley took off, a gentleman sat down across from me. he said hello, introduced himself, and asked for my name. i said, "hello. my name is magan." very simple. i turned my head back to my book and began to read again.

he's eating a hamburger at 7:45 in the morning. as soon as the trolley takes off, he realizes he forgot his coffee sitting somewhere. he releases a long line of expletives.

he pulls out his camera, reaches over to me, and shows me a picture. at this point, i'm not entirely sure if he's all there, but he does have a camera. homeless people typically don't have digital cameras. the picture is of an $800,000 car. he discusses how the car isn't street approved and the large size of the tires. he makes small talk and i try to pay attention, but really, i just want to get back to my book. i smile, maybe respond to a few questions, and look back down at my book.

just as i pick up where i left off, he decides to tell me how beautiful my eyes are. i look back up and thank him. my head goes back down, trying to find my place again. again, as i find my place, he tells me i have the most beautiful eyelashes. he then says, "wow, i never thought i would be commenting on someones eyelashes, but yours are perfect." i look back up, smile, and thank him again.

i delve back into my book and then the gentleman says, "honey, if you'll marry me, i'll buy you that $800,000 car." i laugh awkwardly and make a point to use my wedding ring hand to hold the book so he will spot the ring. i'm not very good at these situations; i'm not trying to be rude, but i want to know what's going on in my book. did i not start taking the trolley to give myself more time to relax and read on the way to work?

he allows me to read a few paragraphs before he starts speaking aloud about how much he hates california. i give up trying to read and ask where he's from.

he says, "New Orleans."

i respond, "Oh. I just moved here from Texas."

"Where in Texas?" he asks.

"Austin," is my simple reply.

"You'll hate this place soon enough and want to move home," was his remark. He then went on about how awful the people are and slowly, I began to focus my attention back on my book and tune him out.

He asks me another question or makes another remark. I look up, then glance immediately back down at my book. He then apologizes because he gets the point that I'm trying to read. However, this doesn't stop the one-sided conversation.

He continues making comments about my eyes. I look out the window and realize I'm almost to my stop. I begin to stand and walk to the exit door. I tell him, "Have a nice day. Nice to meet you."

His response was, "Take care of those beautiful eyes of yours."