Paratransit Survival Kit

It only took me how many years of riding paratransit to think of this?

Too many.

I mean, I always have my phone with me, which has books, music, and games on it.

And sometimes I bring my journal. 

Or a print book.

But today was the first time I brought what I'm calling the "Metro Access Activity Bag."

In a small, easy to carry bag, I put my journal, two pens, earbuds, phone, a word search book, and a box of colored pencils, because the word search book includes pictures to color.

My rides have been so long lately that i want a variety of activities with me to help me pass the time. If I'm too tired to read, or my phone is low on charge, i can journal, color, or do a word search. 

Being engaged is much better than staring at the traffic and the construction, wondering how long the ride will be.

Coloring and writing are a challenge sometimes because the bus can be bumpy. But there's always traffic, red lights, and loading and unloading passengers when the bus isnt moving.

Always trying to look on the bright side.

librarianintx 

The Oscars

I watched a few of the Oscar-nominated movies for this awards season.

But that isn't what I want to talk about. 

I want to vent about the acceptance speeches.

It's a 3 hour show, people.

If there's an important political or societal comment that you want to make - fine.

I'm not opposed to that.

But do it as briefly as possible. 

Be respectful of everyone's time - the viewers, as well as the winners in other categories.

Winners in some of the minor categories were "played off", but Adrian Brody was allowed to keep speaking, taking way more than his alloted time. I understand that winning an Oscar gives you a platform where you can speak out about issues that are important to you.

But other awards were handed out after his category. And the show was already running thirty minutes over.

In fact, Hulu's feed ended before the show was over, so viewers didn't get to see the presentation of the final two awards. 

The person who wins for sound editing or special effects should receive the same time and respect as the people who win the acting awards.

And if you want to speak on a particular topic, realize you might not have time to thank your agent, your parents-in-law, your college roommate, and your fifth grade teacher.

librarianintx