Taking The Bus Is Too Much Fun

Our car had to go into the auto shop for a few days and that left me without under home arrest. Yes, I could've gotten a loaner car from the dealer while they were working on the car. Just one small problem, among all the hustle and bustle of the New Year, I forgot to renew my driver's license. So, unless I was willing to risk having my car impounded or getting ticketed, I was stuck on the homestead for who-knows-how-long.

But, I know I wouldn't be able to keep my sanity very long if I didn't get out with TJ. It's just inhumane to expect a 3 year old boy to be stuck at home all day. And much more inhumane for the mother.

It just happens to be 50 degree weather right now where I live in Northern California. And for us weak bodied Californians, it might as well be 5 below freezing. So, I knew we couldn't last at the park for more than a while.

Hey! I know! Why don't we take the bus to a friend's house for a playdate! I could spend the whole afternoon at a friend's house, with TJ having a great time with his buddy, and me chatting it up with my mom friend!

Genius idea! I patted myself on the back. It'll be fun! TJ will love going on the bus. Hey, I know how to take the bus. After all, I took public transportation for four years to get to high school. Not to mention, I took the bus to work for all my summer jobs as a teen. I could identify all the bus routes needed to make a trip in 30 sec flat, even if it meant 3-4 transfers to get anywhere in or out of town! This is a pro you're talkin' to!

Trouble was, I didn't take into account:

1. I am traveling with a 3 year old, who doesn't like to wait at a bus stop for more than a few minutes.

2. A 3 year old doesn't understand that a bus runs on a schedule, and we do not have time to smell the roses or pick up sticks along the way to the bus stop.

3. Even though it might only be 20 minutes in between changing buses, it could really rain during that time.

4. 3 year olds find it intolerable that it could get cold and windy, and there is nothing to do except sit at the bus stop and count cars that go by.

5. It is very hard to hold an umbrella, while hugging your toddler close to you to avoid the rain, while your belly is 7 months pregnant (toddlers are squirmy, too!)

The good ending to this story is that Hubby was nice enough to pick me up from our playdate on his way home from work, and we didn't have to be the "human interest" story on the six o'clock news.. I could just see it now...

"Now, let's turn to Jennifer who's out on the street. Let's hear how the rain's affecting those taking public transportation...

(Jennifer) "Thanks, Rick. I'm here with Bonnie Gray, who is 7 months pregnant, who's been bracing herself and her toddler from the rain here, as she's waiting for her bus ride.."

As Hubby rang the doorbell to pick us up, I thanked my stars I didn't have to stand outside to wait for the bus. But not TJ. Poor TJ was teary eyed and disappointed that we didn't get to take the bus home.

On the ride home, all he could talk to Daddy about was how fun it was to ride the bus and how it started raining. "Then, Mommy and I got wet! AND, I got to hold the umbrella!" TJ squealed. It was high drama and all delight in the life of a three year old. (Sigh) Sure is nice to be three!