Normally, watching three 1-California buses drive past would be a bit comically upsetting. With a cod filet in my purse (I sure hope that bag credit goes toward saving sea life), watching these sardine-packed (done with the fish jokes) munis pass by, just about gutted me (oops).

The truth is, that would not be the first time in the last 24 hours that muni has given me a run for my $2.25. The last seat on the bus yesterday was next to a lady who had lined the seat-back facing us with her bags of bok choy. Guarding each side of bags was a socked foot – her shoes I hoped to assume we’re under the seat in front of us. Nowhere for my thigh to go except right against hers, she continued to mumble under her breath, nudging me, her unrequited comrade. By the time I had reached my stop, I was laughing too and gave a little wave in her direction as she reclaimed her bench.

A duality in check: you can swim upstream, against the current, creating a lot more work for yourself or choose to enjoy the ride, catch a lift, and laugh a little at the eccentricities and encounters along the way. Just keep swimming, friends.