The wheels on the bus go round and round...

Well, its official. I am the world's worst bus rider.

Today I started my first PT internship. I had mapped out the different bus routes, planned extra time for catastrophic events. I was ready. Or so I thought.

My bus stop is right at the end of my apartment building. So, I leave the apartment (making sure neither of the mischievious cats follow me out as I quickly squeeze through the door, not an easy task) to meet the bus at 6:45am. Thats right, 6:45am. But as I round the corner to the stop, I see a bus coming towards it. Could that be my bus? How could I be late? I had planned so well. So as I run like an idiot to beat it to the stop, I approach the doors out of breath, only to realize this was not in fact my bus. Smooth, Ryann. Really smooth. So, I have some informative words with a girl at the stop and realize she is waiting for the same bus, and going to the same stop. Sweet, someone to follow.

Oh, yeah, this might be a good time to tell you that I have never been on a public bus before. Continue reading.

The bus comes along, I have my exact change of $2 (just like the transit guide suggested) only to find out that the fee is $3. Darn you recent increase not mentioned in my month old guide!!! So far, not coming off as a regular bus rider. But I make it to my stop and eventually meet my CI and proceed to orientation. After orientation, I knew that I would need a monthly pass for the bus, which must be purchased at the downtown bus station. So I successfully ride the bus to the station, purchase the passes (at student discount, yes!) and return to the bus towards home.

Here is the catch. This bus I am on is the one I will need to take to work everyday, but it does not go back to my apartment. A change must be made at some point. I know where this change must occur, I have done my homework. But as we approach this stop, I start to realize I don't know if I am supposed to pull the cord to alert the driver, or will it stop automatically? I begin studying the moves of those exiting at stops prior to mine. Pull the cord, voice comes over the loudspeaker announcing bus will stop... no cord pulled, no stop. Okay, so I have to pull the cord. Easy enough. But now I am faced with the realization that unless the Gainesville roads look like straight purple lines like they do in the transit guide, I really have no clue when my stop is approaching and, therefore, no idea when to pull the cord. I am keeping my eyes focused, looking at every street sign, every identifying building we pass, when I hear, "Um, do you know what stop you are getting off at?" I look to the guy sitting next to me and say, "yeah, Shands hospital, why?" His reply..."cuz you look a little anxious." Great, I am not pulling this off at all. I give him some excuse that didn't make any sense and pull the cord in humiliation, waiting for the bus to stop so I can leave this embarassment behind me.

While waiting for the next bus to take me to my apartment, I become more and more determined to look like a pro in front of my new audience. The 35 bus comes toward me, I enter, flash my new month pass (only locals have these, I think to myself) and find a seat. I stare aimlessly out the window, making it seem as if I know exactly where I am, when in reality I am memorizing every inch of the road. I casually send text messages. Only someone who really knew the area would pay no attention to where the bus was at any given moment. Then, we turn onto my street (the inner dialogue was in overdrive as you can tell). Here is my moment. My turn to pull the cord. But I realize, without looking around, I can't remember how many stops there are before the one in front of my apartment. And now I am seated behind a giant wall on the bus and can't see down the street. So I let one go by. I bet its the next one. And if not, so what, I walk a block. So I pull the cord, so sure I made the right call. And then the bus stops. I get out and assess my decision.

WRONG!!!

Oh, well, so I begin to walk, following the exhaust of the bus I just exited prematurely. Just a block, I think I see my apartments already. They are at the top of that hill.

WRONG AGAIN!!!

But now, nothing looks familiar. And then a sign catches my eye. A sign that, strangely, doesn't have my street name on it. WHAT??? I'm not even on the right street. Did I overcompensate so much and try to be so cool that I am on the wrong street? I pull out my guide, while still walking, which makes me look like I am searching a treasure map down the streets of Gainesville. And now I realize my mistake. In order for the bus to get turned around and start heading back on its route, it has to pass my street and do a loop. Well, so what, I have to walk a little further to follow the loop.

An hour later, approximately three to four miles, I arrived safely, yet exhausted, to my apartment. Live and learn, people, live and learn.

However, I refuse to let this be a negative. For instance, I will definitely know where I should and shouldn't get off the bus tomorrow. Additionally, should I require furniture, dry cleaning, fake tanning, or the post office while I am here, I now know where these stores can be found.

With that, I bid you all good night, and hope that you have better luck with your new adventures.

P.S. Forgot to mention the guy sitting next to me who chose his bus ride as the perfect time to clip his fingernails. Yuck!