Breakfast of Champions

Insufficient Fare

D'oh. Why does my month Metrocard always expire on days I'm running late? I suppose it has something to do with me always running late. Maybe.

Where I get on the subway there's no booth or Metrocard machines. In order to get another Metrocard, I have to go back upstairs to street level, cross over 8th Avenue, and go back down another entry way. Not a huge effort, but an effort, and it wastes precious time.

Being a lazyefficient person, I try to carry a pay-per-ride Metrocard in my wallet. It's good for when I'm with a guest, since you can't use the flat rate card for two people. It's also good when I'm in a hurry, and my flat rate card has expired. Like right now.

I'm fumbling in my wallet, looking for the damn Metrocard. I've stepped out of the way, since there's only one entry gate. A guy comes down the stairs, in his late 20s maybe. Instead of heading for the entry gate, he steps aside too. He produces a can of "Old Milwaukee" beer, cracks it open, and takes a long, hard chug. He places the can down on the floor, and it's not empty mind you, wipes his mouth, and heads back up to the street.

This is at 8:30 in the morning.

That's some way to start the day.
posted 11:08 AM | link |