Random Gloats # Whatever

[ed_rex]

My sweetie is off at a (dinner?) party to which I was pointedly not invited. I contemplated making calls, going out solo, doing something out of the ordinary, but ended up coming home with supplies (read: alchohol) for tomorrow's do at Heath's, and some free time on lj.

As happens quite often, I am reminded of one of the few lines of poetry I can quote:

Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

I don't like it that Laura so seldom invites me to come out with her friends; I do like it that she has a life of her own, that she doesn't need (or want) me to be with her in every situation.

I want to see her far more often than I do; I enjoy the fact our relationship gives me plenty of time to myself.

I trust her implicitly; I worry that she will change.

I want her to change; I don't want her to change too much (see above).

* * *

When cycling along Queen, I stop for traffic lights. I stop when a streetcar ahead of me folds open its doors. I wait until they close before doing my best to pass the goddamn thing.

Meanwhile, my "fellow" cyclists bomb through - the arrogant couriers, the poverty-stricken drunks, the students, the office-ladies - they all seem to care not a wit for the letter of the law - or even, for the comfort and safety of those dis- or embarking.

Am I noble, or just a fool, for stopping when (almost) everyone else charges on by?

I am a pedestrian, cyclist and driver - and I loathe all three of those categories. What the hell ever happened to manners?

* * *

I need a good deal more self-discipline than I have.

* * *

Despite my cynical post the other day, I think the human race has a bright future ahead of it. A little late, we're moving into Robert A. Heinlein's "crazy years", but there is light at the end of that long, brutal tunnel.

* * *

I'm on call this weekend. My pager just buzzed, but there is no message. Is God trying to sell tell me something?

* * *

Oh, nevermind. Time to add a few more people to my friends' list, who I will likely remove in a day or two.

Comments

[tyskkvinna.livejournal.com]

nah it just makes you a cyclist who still has both of your knees. :)

TO is a great place for bike vs. automobile accidents (As I discovered firsthand myself twice while living there).

[saoilsinn.livejournal.com]

Ah well, God may not be trying to say something to you but I will.
I dig the fact that you stop so that people on the streetcar can get out without injury. You are noble for stopping and screw folks who don't. I know we all have selfish moments, but it's not all me me me...Shouldn't be anyway. I love it when someone does something randomly nice, or even polite for me and enjoy it even better when I get to be the surprisingly nice one.

Wow, I'm ranting. What a surprise...

[blythesome.livejournal.com]

If those are the only two options: an absolute fool, to be sure. There really is nothing noble in following the rule of law on the road! My worry, though, is that you're depriving someone of a near-death experience, an excuse to swear, or a ranting LJ entry. If people are dodging bicycles, or even cars, as they disembark, someone might feel left out if they're not almost hit, too. Then they won't get to dive out of harm's way, yell something like "Asshat!" and continue on their merry way home to write about you in their online journal. Maybe every so often you can throw caution and courtesy to the wind and give some (un)lucky commuter a thrill.

[oddchild.livejournal.com]

hello Geoffrey. you have added me to your friends list.


may I ask why?

[amaaanda.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I hate drivers when I am walking, cyclists when I am driving, and walkers when I am cycling. Go figure. We all suck.

[offermeescape.livejournal.com]

I know your frustration, Geoffrey. When I'm waiting at a red light as a cyclist, sometimes I'll hear the distinct clattering of another cyclist behind me as he/she tries desperately to find a way around me. Realizing there's no way to get between the car and me, they are usually forced onto the sidewalk. They always make sure to give me a dirty look as they pass by.

Also, as a pedestrian, I have had many near misses with cyclists plowing straight through reds. And they have the nerve to give me a dirty look for crossing in front of them.

Manners apparantly don't exist anymore. At least not in this city.