Can I Just Tell You…
So, yesterday I took a cab home from work because Dusty wasn’t all that fond of the train*. I walked through Harvard Yard to get to the taxi stand next to the subway station. As I approached the cab, the driver was on his cell phone so my first instict was to grab the one behind him. However, he flagged me down with a wave to go with him.
He took my directions then finished up his call as he was pulling away from the curb. Now, I should at first state that I have some strong opinions about the following:
1 – I believe taxi drivers are too aggressive and should be required to go through some sort of drivers education on an annual basis. I recall those movies from my drivers ed. that scared the shit out of me with all the blood and guts. I don’t think cab drivers have any fears on the road so they weave in and out, slam on the accelerator and brakes, and honk if they see a Dunkin Donuts cup on the sidewalk 100 feet away – just for the hell of it. Anyway, there must be ways of getting from point A to point B without nausea setting in.
2 – I believe cell phones should be banned from anybody behind the wheel of a vehicle**. Get one of those hands-free contraptions. And, if you’re a taxi driver, don’t have a conversation while you’re taking a fare!
Back to my story. After ending his call, he felt the need to explain why he was on the phone. Apparently, his mother died 3 months ago and things are still in probate. He said he was having issues with a loan his Mom took out at 12.99% because they were taking advantage of an elderly lady (he says he has as a similar loan at only 5.99%). To top it off, as he’s been paying the bills the past few months, the amount being paid towards the balance (versus interest) keeps changed drastically.
Instead of allowing me to take his word for it – he handed me all of his dead mother’s bank statements and asked me what I thought!!! It was the strangest thing. But it got more strange as he pointed out his mother’s old house which was conveniently on the way to our condo. I learned all about his wife who makes the real money in the family and how they live on the third floor of his mother’s triple-decker and they rent out the middle floor.
If you recall, I mentioned a few weeks ago that there was a man at a restaurant in the South End that befriended me at the bar and told me his life story, too. I don’t know what it is about me that people find so approachable lately. Maybe it’s the new contact lenses? Maybe Boston’s losing it’s snobby/unapproachabe image? In any case, I don’t like it. I miss being ignored.
*She was much better today, though.
**I also don’t understand people’s obsession with cell phones. I mean, if you’re that important that you need to be talking on the phone while ringing your groceries at Stop and Shop, then you should stay in your office to make your calls and have your hired help do your shopping.
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Belated congrats on the dog! You had me scared because I missed that it was an early birthday present. If i could attach a picture of Sasha dressed up as Lilly Poodlitzer I would, I’ll just have to find another way to subject you to that.
p.s. I’m all for multi-tasking, why not do business and pick out produce?
glad the pup is better, i was kind of worried for ya.
and amen! cell phone addicts piss me off.
I always find it so interesting how everyone just talks to Karl — I think he gives off a really friendly vibe and people just start talking to him. And he is so nice that he always responds and listens. I just ignore strangers. ?