Martha

It happened today. It was only a matter of time really.

There is a group of "regulars" that ride the 7:45 express bus from my stop. They are always there. I used to ride this bus last year until my motivation to go in to work early (ok, somewhat early) dropped and I started being one of those bus riders that would catch a different bus every day. And then with 2 months of not riding the bus, I really fell out of the 7:45 circle. Well, I am back in. For the past week (and one day), I have taken this bus. Everyone in the group knows each other's names and they chat off and on the entire ride. I find it quite amusing to listen to, especially since I finished The Kite Runner. I have not been able to pick up another book since for fear that it just can't compare to this piece of literary genius. And I keep forgetting to charge my i-pod.

This morning as girl B was chatting to guy A...talking about her party this past weekend which was on 3 levels and featured hell, purgatory and heaven (she happens to live in heaven on the 3rd story)...I hear guy A mention the free taco bar at the Red Lion to girl B. Of course I know the free happy hour taco bar at the Red Lion. Callison is right across the street! I decided it was probably best to keep quiet as I wasn't sure if I was ready to commit to chatting every morning...even when the subject is free tacos.

Well, that didn't last long. A couple of minutes went by and guy A asks me if I get off at 1st and Marion. And there it happened. Just like that. I am finally in the club. We talk about the free taco bar. He seems impressed that not only do I know about this taco bar but I also know about the dollar taco bar at the Kort Haus. Doesn't take much to impress this guy. About halfway in to the ride, he asks me if my name is Martha. Apparently, he has a friend named Martha who looks very similar to me so that has been my imaginary name up until now. Imaginary name? Excellent! What a relief to know that I am not the only one who has imaginary names for people on the bus. I never had an imaginary name for this guy who is actually named Andrew in real life.

It's an exciting way to start off the week I must say. I am now officially part of the 7:45 express club. I have yet to know the true benefits of membership but it was free...just like the taco bar. And my name is no longer Martha. That is worth membership in itself.