Lessons in Bus Riding

It was a day like any other... Woke up, got ready for work and ventured off to my bus stop bundled up in my jacket, boots, scarf, mittens and hat. I stood for about 5 minutes waiting for my usual bus the 134 express bus. As it approached, I noticed it was quite full, but not nearly enough that it couldn't squeeze in at least 10 more people. I climbed in and got cozy with my new companions that I would be getting close with over the next 15 or so minutes... If only I had known exactly how close we'd be getting.

As the bus stopped at its last stop and packed in another 10 people or so, I began to notice how toasty the bus was. Surely, with all these people in there coats about to burst like clowns out of a clown car we didn't need the heat on? I removed my hat and tried to cool down. But it was no use. This bus was slowly turning into a sauna. So, then I removed my scarf. Perhaps that would give me the breeze that was greatly needed. Again, my efforts were with out reward. At this point, I decided that despite the close quarters I was going to need to remove my jacket. Awkwardly I took it off.. hitting random people while i did so. At this point I had just about removed all I could while still maintaining the law and my decency. But, alas, the sauna bus just kept torturing me. And then it hit me... Oh. my. gosh.... I am going to faint. I tried talking myself out of it "Amy come on man... pull yourself together" Again, no use. My eyes became blurry and there became an echo in my ear. Yup, I was going down. On crowded bus in downtown Chicago. Super.

SO, being the polite person I am, I kindly looked at (or towards.. since I had no vision at this point) the person next to me and informed her "excuse me I think I am going to faint"

What happened after that I don't know. When I awoke, I was sitting/laying on a seat in the front of the bus. The man who had been sitting there was standing listening to his ipod... seemingly unfazed by the recent commotion. I had one woman and one man looking at me with concern. Another women stood near by also looking at me. The others either did not notice my drama or simply chose to give me the illusion that I had not been the mornings show and did not look at me.

There was a cold sweat running down my back and I had finally gotten the cool down that I needed. I sat there, confused and embarrassed, for the duration of the ride. Occasionally answering questions like "do you need water" "i have a banana" "will you be able to walk to your office ok" At last the bus stopped at my office. Slowly I got off as a sea of concerned eyes followed me. Stepped out into the cold morning air and proceeded with my morning, still feeling a little bit off and out of sorts.

So, in the end I learned.... It may be -10 outside... but its probably at least 70 on a bus.. and in a down jacket that can be down right sweltering!!