Air time

I'm a busy girl. I'm going on another business trip next week. It isn't as glamorous or as far as LA, but I still have to get on a plane and fly somewhere.

This time it is to Columbia, SC.

I'll be gone for two nights... and did I mention it is NEXT week!!

So I'll be in the air a lot over the course of the next few weeks. Let's recap:

April 23 - April 25: Columbia and Charleston, SC
April 28 - May 1: Los Angeles, CA
May 9 - May 17: Seattle, WA and Alaska - at least this one is a vacation!
Sometime the week after I get back: Raleigh, NC.

Whew... I'm tired and it hasn't even started yet.

Beauty and the beast

Working in downtown Atlanta has its advantages. I can walk to many yummy restaurants. My building is right behind one of the most beautiful theaters in the country so I can take in a Broadway show, concert, or comedic act any time I want. I can ride mass transit at a discounted rate and save money on gas and wear & tear on my car. I can go up to the 32nd floor of my building and see a breathtaking view of the city along with miles and miles of Georgia landscape -- from Kennesaw Mountain to Stone Mountain. It is beautiful.

But what I can't stand are the stupid people that DRIVE through downtown. Or at least the ones that don't pay attention to pedestrians. And especially the one idiotic gray-haired gentleman in the dark blue Jeep Cherokee that DIDN'T stop at the stop sign and nearly mowed me down on my way to lunch yesterday.

Something in my head told me to not take that initial step across the street. And thank heavens I didn't!

But you know what REALLY pisses me off? I pointed to the stop sign as he flew passed me -- and he gave ME the finger!!!

I think I'll stay in my building today and not venture out...

You are crazy and you stink

Well, my trip home proved to be interesting today.

I got on the train at my normal stop and watched the other passengers board. There was one lady that caught my eye. She was a petite little lady with crazy, matted, dirty hair. She sat across from me and started emptying out her pockets and putting dollar bills in her purse. The entire time she was giggling up a storm. She had a vacant look about her but determined to get her bills just right and her wallet closed just right and her purse put back together just right. It was interesting to watch.

She got off the train in front of me. I got a whiff. Oh bless her - but did she ever stink! It was a mix of BO, pee, blood, dirt, sweat... you get it. It was bad.

I got around her and went upstairs to board the second train of my trip. The train wasn't due for a few minutes so I sat on a bench and took out my phone. I have games on my phone to pass the time.

As I was playing a guy came up to me and said something - I had my earbuds in listening to music - so I took them out and said "Pardon". He said "Hey, can I use your phone for a second? I need to call a friend of mine." I promptly told him "No. Sorry!" He got this look on his face - angry - and walked off. I felt bad, but this time of year? I can imagine coming home and telling Carl that I loaned my phone to a stranger at the MARTA station and he ran off with it. Yeah...

Anyhoo... as this exchange was taking place someone walked past to me and sat their bag behind me. Whoever it was opened a little present or package of some sort and squeeled with glee.I didn't pay much attention until I got a whiff. It was her. She was getting on this train, too.

I finished my game and walked to a little further down the platform. I didn't make it obvious - even though I don't think she would have realized I moved because of her.

I saw another gentleman pacing the platform. He was a short, portly gentleman with a Disney 25th Anniversary t-shirt on. He looked dirty but he also looked like he had just gotten off work.

My train came and I got on - hoping that stinky lady would get in another section. Unfortunately Disney dude got on and sat close to me. As much as I thought the lady stunk it was NOTHING compared to this dude. Pure, 100% body odor - as in hadn't had a bath in at least a year. It was bad. And he kept talking to himself and waving his arms around... or putting them on the back of his seat.

I swear by the time I got off the train I was nauseous. I kept my head turned like I was looking out the window but I couldn't escape.

Then walking down the stairs leaving the train they were BOTH in front of me. I didn't think I would make it out alive.

I hope I don't sound mean. I just wonder if crazy, homeless folks ever take baths. And will someone ever tell them that they smell? Thank heavens it wasn't summer! OMG!