The bus was fairly empty past noon. The passengers included a college student on one side, me on another side, and perhaps a couple of others in the back. I was headed back to work in my professional work clothes: a pink striped dress shirt, brown slacks, black dress shoes, and a coat that I didn’t need for that day. I placed my notepad with my scribblings on my lap as I leaned my body to the side of the bus. I sat there ruminating about nothing much in particular.
Several stops later, an elderly woman sat next to me. We sat there in silence for several moments. She couldn’t help but notice my open notepad.
“Are you studying?” She asked casually yet politely, waking me up from my contemplative stupor.
“Oh, not at all.” Her question threw me off guard. I’m still not used to people randomly conversing with me, but I continued the conversation, “I see people do that all the time in the bus and I don’t know how they can do that. I’d get dizzy! I just had my notepad open since I forgot to close it.” That prompted me to close my notepad.
She understood, yet she was still curious about me. “Are you a student?”
It’s a common question that I’ve gotten used to. Even when I’m wearing my work clothes and the glasses that I thought would make me look older, my youthful looks fool others to thinking that I am still a student. I have mixed feelings about my youthful looks, but I know I should enjoy it while I can.
She did not seem threatening, so I explained to her the nature of my work. She was intrigued by what I do and she inquired about my educational background. I explained to her how my job now deviates from what I originally intended to do when I chose my major in college. I told her that I’m from Los Angeles and that I’m still getting used to winters. She listened with much interest. She expressed that I must be happy with what I’m doing now and that my move from L.A. must have been a big change.
Before I knew it, I had to pull the cord to my bus stop. She told me that it was nice talking to me. I somewhat felt a little bit guilty since I didn’t get much information about her at all, but I cut myself some slack. I’m still getting used to small talk with random people in town anyway. It’s kind’ve like chat roulette. Only in real life. Huh.
I am not big on small talk, but once in a while you can really meet somebody nice on the train or bus or wherever…
Interesting story.
Hey, I’m in Iowa, too! Visiting my parents in Council Bluffs and I will be here through the end of December. It’s going to be hard to head back to Los Angeles after such a long stay her… looks like true fall weather may be upon us starting today! The weather has been unbelievable as of late.
Thanks! I told a group of people that I’ve never been the one to make small talk since I wasn’t used to it as much as how people do it here in Iowa. A native Iowa City girl was surprised of my description of folks in the city and my initial shock when people started talking to me when I don’t expect it.
Yay, Iowa! I’ve actually been feeling like I’m back in So. Cal. lately since I can’t figure out whether to wear cold weather clothes or not. I still absolutely love the changing color of the leaves of fall though.