Joe Bad the Nomad

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of taking a city bus to and from work. This isn’t the first time I’ve ridden the city bus, but it doesn’t happen that often. For the public-transportation-challenged I ride one of the bus lines from the suburbs, and from what I’ve heard, the Southwest buses are the best. But, I digress…

I’m sitting near the front of the bus on the way home and we’re still in downtown. I’m in one of those seats where your back is to the side of the bus. It was crowded and there was standing room only, and right in front of me was a “gentleman” probably in his late 40’s, a little disheveled looking, dark rings under his beady eyes, thinning hair, sunglasses and an army surplus coat.

As he’s standing there his phone rings. Normally, not a problem. Most people will turn off their cell phones at that point. They may or may not answer it, but most will keep the conversation brief and quiet. MOST will. But this nomad (we’ll call him Joe Bad the Nomad) was not most people.

He loudly answers his phone and begins a colorful conversation with what appears to be his dealer. Joe Bad wants the same “stuff” he bought from his dealer last month, and he wants his entire supply. Joe Bad relays the fact that he’s on the bus and heading over and will discuss the “details of the transaction” when he departs.

Before our 20 minute ride was over he had received no less than 4 more calls and they all appeared to be in the same vein as the first conversation. Such a colorful world.

Lyric of the Day:
“One little problem that confronts you
Got a monkey on your back
Just one more fix, Lord might do the trick
One hell of a price for you to get your kicks” – “That Smell”, Lynyrd Skynyrd