the driver on the bus yells...

I've been taking the bus. Regional Transit runs right from my midtown apartment to campus, where I spend most of my money-making hours, so taking the bus makes sense in multiple ways. Mostly, I'm too cheap to buy a parking permit for campus- $150!- but I also like to think I'm doing my part for the environment. (Really though, if you offered me a free permit, I'd drive.) The bus, though, is a learning experience.
I haven't been brave enough to stray from the one line that takes me directly to and from school, I've never tried making a connection or a transfer. Buses are not scary because of the other passengers or because of the waiting or the bus stops, buses are scary because of the drivers.
Usually my bus drivers do not say a word. I offer "Good Morning!", and they nod and proceed to close the doors behind me and accelarate, propelling me into the first available seat. Even when a passenger asks something of the driver, say, how much change he needs to put in for a transfer, the driver rarely responds with more than one word. I can't blame them, they have to do this all day and it must get kind of monotonous. On the other hand, so does the guy at McDonalds and he never fails to offer me fries.
Today's driver was the most vocal I've ever seen. Before I'd taken 2 steps onto the bus he had taken the liberty to yell at me about how to signal a bus to stop. Thank you, bus driver man, without your kind words I'd never have learned my lesson. Was this all? No no. The driver continued to talk to boarding passengers at the stops after mine, although never to ask how their day had begun, more so to acknowledge their presence on his bus.
This driver was also not afraid - at all- to use his horn. I've never heard so much honking in all my life. My ride to campus is about 30 blocks. Takes about 10 minutes. This man honked at least 4 times! Each honk was a double honk (honk-honk!!!). I was sitting too far back to see what he was honking at, whether car or person, but I really think most of his honking was unnecessary.

I'm not suggesting that I am some kind of amateur bus driver critic, nor do I wish any bad karma to this driver. Honestly, he's the most sociable driver I've ever had the pleasure of riding with. People on the bus, though, are so much different from the people at the clubs. There must be some overlap, we are all living in the same city, wandering the same streets day in and day out, but I have yet to see any.

The bus will be the source of many new experiences in the city. Especially now that I've learned my lesson.
Thank you, bus driver man. Pleasant journeys.
L

Battle of the... DJs

Tuesday nights are probably good nights for some establishment in the downtown area, but the Powerhouse in Folsom has owned Tuesday's younger crowd ever since I can remember. I spent my 21st birthday there a few years ago, and Tuesday's have been their night long before and ever since. Usually DJ Rigatony runs the music on Tuesday, but tonight the Powerhouse hosted the DJ All Stars Battle. In a non-official report, I'll tell all.

Powerhouse only charges a 5$ cover, but the line out the door stretches at least 50 people at any time after 10:15pm. Guest lists, however, are easy to find and extremely easy to get onto. Having accessed one of these lists and arrived prior to 10:15, my friend and I find it easy to get inside the sticky dive-bar themed club. (Dive bar themed club. I know. But its true and I wouldn't lie.) There are already DJ battles underway. We find DJ Rigatony in the private upstairs area, judging the DJ battles. A shame, because this guy can spin harder than I can dance with 4 RedBulls in me, but these DJs aren't half bad themselves. B and I decide to give them each a chance and head to the dance floor.

The bar at Powerhouse (or Scarletts, if you are on the back patio) does a great Long Island, and they pour beer like a good bar should. Avoid the 'Adios Motherf*cker', no matter what the 21 year old next to you recommends. It is a lethal mix of sugar, booze, and disgusting that no grown person should willingly subject themself to. Trust.

I hate to admit this, but the DJs begin to blur into one another. I cannot tell the real personality behind each DJ, and I stop paying attention to the battle. My apologies to the DJs, but isn't it more important that I never stopped enjoying myself? I think that is the real accomplishment here. Nevermind the prize money.

I'll post an update with the winners soon- I don't want to misspell their names and I want to be able to give their upcoming events. If they were good enough to win Tony's vote, I think they deserve some low-key press from 'lil 'ol me.

In all honesty, as young as the crowd was at Powerhouse I still had a great night. I saw old friends, met some new ones, and found time in between to enjoy a beer and an hour of dancing it off.

One warning for the ladies: Beware the grabby hands. They like your ass, and they aren't afraid to tell you. They also aren't good with words.

Powerhouse, Tuesday night: 4/5. A good night is almost guaranteed.

But please don't quote me.

L

the headache

I've been single for 5 months.

I've been living in midtown for 1 month.

I've been out every weekend, and some weekdays, for at least 5 weeks.

And today I have a headache.

Over the past couple months I have perfected my social strategy. Go out early for happy hours, scope the scene, start finding out what everyone else is doing later that night. Check special events. Check with special people. Keep the drinks simple- beer, champagne, red wine- so that the energy stays up for later in the evening. Once you have plans for the night, stay aloof. Don't show up early. Have a drink in hand but keep it there- don't run out before another one is lined up, and keep a count. Always keep 10$ in your clutch for the cab ride home. Don't go home with anyone you don't want to go home with. Stay with your friends, but smile at everyone else. Especially the ones who are well dressed. Most importantly, don't take shots of anything but tequila. Trust that one. The next morning you'll thank me.

I know this drill! I've refined my knowledge and learned from the best. Now I'm on to learning the people, the important players, the important stuff about owning the city once the lights get twinkly. So why is it that I have had a horrible headache since 2am this morning? Because my body, tired as it may be every single day of the week, was confused. Confused as to why I was sleeping at 8pm and not getting into the shower and thinking about what to wear. Confused about why I was ignoring texts due to fatigue rather than due to inconvenience. Confused! I spent one night going to sleep early and I literally confused my body into a horrendous 20 hour headache.

And this headache is exactly why I need to go out tomorrow night.

Exactly why this caterpillar will eventually turn into that damn butterfly.

Welcome to my cocoon. Watch me grow.

L