Adventures on Public Transit.

Today, I made the weekly 1 hour, 40 minute bus ride to campus for a robotics meeting (yeah, I'm a nerd and proud of it). After an hour or so, nobody had really shown up and we gave up for the day, forcing me to venture out into the heat--hey, 70 degrees is hot by Washington standards!--and endure another 1 hour, 40 minute bus ride home that would bore most city dwellers to tears.

But not I!

You see, up until ten months ago, I had never used the public transit system before. The wonders of a simple ride still fascinate me. The bus and I are kind of like newlyweds; the awesomeness that each of the two of us emanate is still a modern marvel to one another, for the magic that was created when we got together has not yes worn off. At least that's how I feel about the bus. But I'm sure it feels the same about me.

So I choose to view every bus ride as a life-changing adventure! I don't see creepy men, elderly folk, dirty floors and dirtier seats! No! I see the chance for enlightenment!!!

Today, however, was not incredibly enlightening, save for a small child, a boy of no more that four or five years. I'm pretty sure that whole dang bus was into what he was doing. Chatting to anyone he saw, squawking, and reveling about the great powers of trains. He even made a teen aged sk8er boi smile. Kudos! (And yes, that was an Avril Lavigne reference.) Plus, the women who appeared to be the boy's keeper was a redhead, and you know how us red heads stick together.

So thank you. Thank you little boy who made everyone on the 1 smile, even that skater.

And thank you, redhead women, for bearing said child of immense power (at least, I'm going to assume you did).

And sorry to the mailman, who just managed to complete his quest to delivering me my mail, even though I was wailing a Train song at the top of my lungs. I will remember to keep my front door closed from now on.

Art Schools Students.

It has come to my attention that art schools are funny things. While most art schools are very similar to "normal" schools, the way the two are viewed could not be any more different. At parties, the moment you mention you go to/went to an art school, the attitude towards you changes drastically. You are suddenly a celebrity, for better or for worse. You are now "The Art Student," and you will forever be remembered as such by your company. You must put up with numerous, outlandish questions about the school and how it did or did not prepare you for the "real world." In my past experiences, I have found that women are infinitely more affected by the presence of an art school student in the room than men. To men, people are people and thus should be treated equally. But to women, all newcomers must be judged based on all available information, and art school students are no exception.


When women encounter a female art school student, they react in one of two ways:

A.) They welcome the newcomer with open arms, complimenting her artsy clothing, hair and makeup, saying things such as, "I would have never thought to wear [insert articles of clothing] together," "I would never have the guts to [insert edgy fashion trend]," and "I'm not artsy enough to [insert art form]." They accept the other women in hopes that the attention she brings in their company will help them to stand out, and that she will share her artsy wisdom with them, as well as introduce them into the local hipster scene.

Or,

B.) They will shun the newcomer in envy while mocking her artsy clothing, hair, and makeup, saying things such as, "Can you believe she would...?!" "I can't believe she'd have the guts to...!!!"


However, when females encounter the elusive male art school student, they react in only one way: They glom on the the poor fellow, anxious to be the first female to be seen with him, laughing at his quirky humor that they don't quite understand, claiming to listen the music they've never heard of, and saying things such as, "Really?? I thought I was the only one who was into [insert strange art form]," "I've always appreciated the work of [insert artist or band's name]," and "When I was younger, I was constantly [insert art form -ing]."


In life, we all encounter art school students. Though the thought of approaching one of these strange creatures may seem intimidating, there are a few pointers that will help you steer clear of any uncomfortable situations:

-Do not try to act indie.
-Do not assume that all art school students are hipsters.
-Do not dwell too much on the subject of art.
-Do not claim to be an artist.
-Do not bring up Green Day.
-Offer the art student food and Arizona Iced Tea.

And always remember; art school students are people, too.