Monday, December 26, 2016

All I Got Was This Lousy. . .

Today is December 26, and for many of us, it's a day off.  Not that I knew that.  I  had to come to work today to find that out.  Whatever.  I finished up some immediate business and then left.  With my bike.

Yes, I'm riding my bike again which means I'm riding the bus again.  Unfortunately, in a city of 10 million people located in a state considered 7th in GNP, the Metro system is 3rd world.  That's because poor people ride the buses here, most of which have limited English speaking skills.  When I'm waiting nearly an hour for a bus my English language skills become limited to . . . think four letters, starting with an F.

So I got back on my bike at 8:05 am this morning and decided to stop at the 99 cents store on the block.  I call that store my happy place.  It's where all my dreams of cheap food and stuff comes true.  Everyday.  Sometimes several times a day.  When I signed up for a "Secret Santa" at my office, I asked for gift cards to the 99 cents store.  I'm into shopping there real deep.

I locked my bike to the front of the store and went inside, for less than 10 minutes. Seriously, it's a holiday.  They didn't get any deliveries and I was there are on Friday.  I needed some sundries and then I was ready for the road.

In less than 5 minutes, my bike was stolen.  Actually, just the frame and the back wheel.  What I didn't realize is that the front tire is quick release and it remained behind, along with my lock.  There's no cameras at the 99 cents store (hard to believe), so I limped my way to the bus stop, sad, mad, using my limited English language skills over and over again, schlepping one wheel, a bike lock and a helmet.

It took over an hour, two trains and one bus to get home.  I can't believe my stupidity, and I can't believe someone could steal what is not theirs.  I know this is a message from G-d, and my bike is a stand in for losing something far more important.  That's how I will console myself.  Those thoughts, and, of course, chocolate.