category: Philly

I want to quit the bus

March 8th, 2010 @ 9:46 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

The Erin Express was described to me a couple years ago as one of the best experiences of the describer’s life. The tale included a detailed account of finding her boyfriend by a Dumpster eating a bag of bread.

So what is the Erin Express? A free bus, sponsored by about 15 Philadelphia Irish bars, that runs in loop between all the bars for 5 hours.

I’m always up for a legendary experience but this was the first year my schedule allowed for shamrocking shenanigans. My sister and some of her friends met up with some of my friends in the Art Museum area for a day of debauchery. While it had all the makings of awesome, we quickly quit the Erin Express for a couple of reasons:

* Bud Light bottles at the first bar were $5. Sure, they were green, but they were Bud Light.

* The bus ride from hell. Yes, it was free. But we probably could have walked from Fairmount to University City quicker than the hour-plus we were trapped on the school bus. God bless the woman who had the unfortunate task of chauffeuring rowdy, green-clad, drunk people all around Philadelphia. I’m sure there was a specific route she had to take but that route did not make any sense at all, hence the hour long ride and the screaming match between the driver and a spoiled, drunk brat.

* I’m old. Age is just a number but I think there comes a point where you need to stop trying to drink as much as possible as early as possible. I’ve reached that point.

* Too many butt cheeks. Ladies, not a classy look at all.

So we quit the bus and made our own tour of Philadelphia. First up, hibachi. Then super cheap drinks at Tavern on Broad followed by more cheap drinks at Jolly’s piano bar.

At Jolly’s I figured out why I’m single.

I started talking about the exercise recovery benefits of chocolate milk and he mentioned that that’s probably a healthier (and safer) way to recover than his current recovery food.

Two raw eggs.

Because it was good enough for Rocky.

And then I almost fell off my barstool laughing.

It wasn’t until running along Kelly Drive this afternoon that I remembered I recently told a different guy I was thinking about going to law school.

Because of Legally Blonde.

Can’t stand the excitement

February 18th, 2009 @ 7:46 pm | Comments (1)
Filed: Inappropriate things people say to me, My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

I would update my blog more, but the only interesting story I can bring the fire circle is one about getting  into the shower after a good workout on Monday still wearing my sports bra. And it took me a second to figure out what didn’t feel quite right.

Other things of note:

  • I’m still car shopping but if Monday’s excursion to three dealerships is any indication, it’s going to be a loooong process. Two salesmen tried to sell me OTHER things - one on the idea of buying a house (which, if I am this indecisive about buying a $20,000 car, can you imagine what it’ll be like when I buy a $150,000 home?) and the other made a valiant pitch for his friend’s restaurant. The third salesman wasn’t even really a salesman but an intern. Gee, I wonder why the auto industry is struggling.
  • A woman who works for another company on my floor asked me in the bathroom if I’d had my baby yet. Um… no. Also? Ouch. We’ll just blame it on confusing me with my two recently postpartum coworkers.
  • Last night a group of us met at a friend’s condo in Center City Philadelphia. By the end of the evening the friend had 10-plus women coveting her amazing home which was not only an ultra-modern recently converted warehouse but was stylishly decorated and had amazing views of the city. To say it was beautiful is an understatement. What’s not beautiful is that her monthly rent is more than my bring home pay.
  • BlogHer rejected me as a volunteer for the upcoming conference. Is anyone going this year? I’m thinking about it if I can find a roommate.

I hope your weeks have been more exciting than mine…

It DOES Pay to Discover

January 15th, 2009 @ 12:45 pm | Comments (4)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags: , ,

Dear Discover Card,

I love you. Thank you for siding with me on the recent dispute I filed against the horrible transmission company that took my money and manhandled my car. Want to make out?

XOXO,

Pom

In my farewell to 2008, I forgot about the horror of dealing with my car’s transmission. I never believe my car was properly fixed, but a return trip to the transmission shop and a test drive by my father let me believe that it would be OK. The car still didn’t feel right and the gas mileage was in the toilet. I made an appointment at my favorite neighborhood repair shop for a tune up and Al said I only needed new spark plugs, the rest of the motor looked fine. For shits and giggles, he decided to take a look at my transmission. And then he said we needed to talk.

I paid to have my transmission rebuilt but Al said they just squirted in a bunch of silicon and spray painted a tray or pan or something. Basically, they did a $200 job and charged me $1,800. And Art still wouldn’t give back the $1,000 deposit he said he never received it in his bank account.

After Al and I talked, I tried repeatedly to call the transmission shop - no answer. I was fed up! I disputed both charges - the “deposit” and the repair bill.

Today I logged on to assess the damage from my holiday shopping and voila! Discover approved the dispute and credited my account $2,800.

Halle-freakin’-lujah.

According to Al, my car is a time bomb waiting to explode. I’ve been looking around for a new car and think I’ve settled on a Toyota Corolla but I’m interested to hear your opinion. Love it, hate it? Have another car you wholeheartedly endorse? Comments welcome!

Was Jessie with him?

January 6th, 2009 @ 11:07 pm | Comments (1)
Filed: Celebrities, I heart TV, Philly | Tags: ,

To quote Legally Blonde: The Musical, “OhMyGod you guys!” Slater, aka Mario Lopez, was in Philly yesterday and he ate lunch directly below my office.

The trials and tribulations of the gang at Bayside High were a huge part of my adolescence. Every Saturday morning, I cheered Slater delivered Mrs. B’s baby, was so-so-so scared when Jessie got hooked on energy pills, and (spoiler alert!) cried when Kelly and Zack got married. I was thisclose to meeting a childhood crush - had I gone out during lunch, I might have run into him on the street.

The article that recounts Lopez’s time in Philly raises a few questions:

  • I haven’t worked out in WEEKS! For I am a lazy, lazy slacker. But when i do workout, I prefer the climated controlled environment of the gym. It’s just too dang cold outside to run - it makes my nose and lungs hurt. Do you run outside in the old (or heat - who wants to sweat MORE?)?
  • Have you conquered the Art Museum steps? I’ve lived here for two years and haven’t yet. Boo! Must put that on my list of things to do in 2009.
  • Is Buddakan all it’s cracked up to be?
  • Can the 10! Show afford the Four Seasons? If so, how do I become a guest? And will they pay for me to spend the night 6 miles from my house? (Especially when I live within a mile of the studio.)
  • Who do you think is going to be in the Super Bowl this year? Do you care?
  • And most importantly: Zack, Slater or Screech?

Honored

November 25th, 2008 @ 10:46 pm | Comments (2)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

Moving to a new town by yourself is hard. Unlike college, there’s not a built-in group of people in the exact same situation as you to befriend. People are wrapped up in their own lives and I’ve struggled to forge new friendships. One of my saving social graces has been my sorority’s local alumnae chapter. With monthly happy hours, meetings and sisterhoods, it’s been a great outlet to meet awesome friends. I’ve had some amazing experiences with these women - from tailgates to baby showers to a World Series win, it’s the sisterhood that keeps on giving.

I feel like I’ve already gotten so much from the alumnae chapter and I’ve given relatively little in return. That’s why I was so shocked to win a prestigeous award last weekend at our Founders’ Day celebration.  Work’s been kind of rough lately, my family is falling apart, and my car’s about to die. When my name was called, all the negative things floated away and I suddenly felt loved, accepted and useful. I need to find a way to pay it forward because it feels really, really good to actually hear the positive things people think about you. I don’t think as a society we praise each other enough and I want to do my part to change that.

As if the award wasn’t enough, I went to the casino on the next floor up and won $40 playing Texas Tea. Something tells me I should donate that money to my sorority.

I’m cheap and dirty, too

October 28th, 2008 @ 5:20 pm | Comments (2)
Filed: Inappropriate things people say to me, My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

I returned from a several day-long business trip to find this on my computer monitor. At least I still have 2.5 years until I have to pass it on! (Unless someone slightly older than me joins the company before July 30, 2011.)

Which, wow. Two and a half years doesn’t really seem that far away, but 2011 does.

Thank you to everyone who voted in my poll and shared your favorite books. In case you’re wondering what I did, it was a combination of number one and number 4. I wiped it off, moved it toward my lips, paused to consider the possible ramifications, recapped it, and surveyed the internet. Then I sprayed it with antibacterial spray and used it a few days later. So far, so good.

But have you ever NEEDED lip balm/gloss and you don’t have any? My lands! That bus ride was one of the longest of my life. My lips were burning. I thought I had a back up tube somewhere in the dark recesses of my purse, but no amount of excavating unearthed it.

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for.

Will be posted soon. I’m waiting to hear back from the winner…

WWYD?

October 20th, 2008 @ 8:54 pm | Comments (12)
Filed: I heart TV, Philly | Tags: , , ,

Let’s say you’re waiting for your bus so you can go home after a long day of work and a tepid book club. You pull out your favorite, root beer-flavored lip gloss (and wonder why you’re still wearing flavored lip gloss at 27), uncap it, and promptly drop it on a dirty Philadelphia sidewalk, applicator down. What would you do?

  1. Pick it up, wipe it off with a semi-clean tissue and continue with your lip gloss applying.
  2. Retrieve it from the sidewalk, for you are not a litterbug, and promptly deposit it in the nearby trash can.
  3. Use it as-is. You’re not a germaphobe!
  4. Shove it back in your purse until you can poll the internet.

Earlier in the evening I attended my first book club meeting and it was… eh.

The book was not so good. I’m not a waster and I firmly believe in getting my money’s worth. Make a new meal that doesn’t meet my culinary expectations? Still going to eat it for lunch the next three days. Bought a shirt that wasn’t so awesome outside the store? I’m still going to wear it. So when I found this book painful from the first essay, I forced myself to power through until the end. But it’s still $20 I’ll never get back. (And that’s why I heart the library.)

A couple months ago I read Naked and loved it. It was hilarious! I LOLed several time, which earned me strange looks from my fellow bus riders. His stories were witty and it made me envious of his childhood adventures. These essays sometimes made me go, “Hmmm,” but never, “Hahaha.” And some of them were downright disgusting, like when he discusses his partner lancing a boil on his backside.

Maybe I’ll hold a contest; anyone want the newest David Sedaris book? Tell me your favorite book in the comments. I’ll pick a winner at noon on Friday.

I don’t know if the horribleness hindered our discussion or whether these women are just not very chatty. We dissed the book for a few minutes and then sat there looking at each other. I’ll give it one more shot and then reevaluate.

HIMYM is on… the night can only improve! Will Ted and Stella get married? I’m sure hilarity will ensue.

In the Newborhood

September 29th, 2008 @ 9:18 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: In Motion, Philly | Tags: , , ,

Saving kidneys at the Zoo

Why am I, the tallest person ever (or at least in this photo), standing on a curb? Am I not towering over the rest of the group enough?

This weekend was one of firsts: my first tailgate, my first championship baseball game (the Phillies, which I watched at a bar but it totally counts), my first hookah hit, my first trip to the Philadelphia Zoo to participate in my first Kidney Walk. The new continued today with my first day of the 30 Day Shred.

I’m tired.

What’s new with you?

Trashy Woman

September 28th, 2008 @ 8:40 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

Upon entering my friend’s “White Trash”-themed birthday party last night:

“Sweetie, we really appreciate you coming and all, but you’re wearing the exact opposite of white trash gear.”

Sometimes people say nice things to me.

PS - Go Phillies!

Come on and take a free ride

September 2nd, 2008 @ 7:44 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

Summer is officially over. How do I know? I was 20 minutes late for work.

A new bus schedule gives me options: leave a couple minutes earlier than usual and allegedly arrive at work at 8:19, or leave a couple minutes later than before and arrive at 8:28. Being the dedicated employee I am, I left a few minutes early and waited. And waited. The bus finally rolled up at 7:56. The doors open and… people start pouring out.

Someone upchucked on the bus.

The upside? The new driver didn’t make me pay.

The Mind Erasers weren’t mine

August 30th, 2008 @ 11:25 am | Comments (1)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags: , ,

Random observances from last night:

  • Rain makes my hair double in size. And there’s not much I can do in a bar to contain it.
  • Drinking three Mind Erasers in 20 minutes may make you want to stand on a chair.
  • Standing on a chair will get you in trouble.
  • If you get in trouble for standing on a chair, the odds that you’ll get escorted from the premises will quadruple. The rest of your group will continue to party without you.
  • I’m much better at playing rapid-fire Quarters than regular Quarters.
  • There are other people in Philadelphia who like country music! But I couldn’t convince any of them to see Brad Paisley with me tonight.
  • I’m not as young as I once was. The next day is more painful now.
  • Potbelly closes at 9. Eating dinner earlier would have been a great idea.
  • Hot guys in suits are excellent eye candy but they can make you want to gouge out your ears with a blunt knife if they sing karaoke.
  • If you break any of the karaoke rules posted by the karaoke stage, the Karaoke Troll will rush from the other side of the bar to yell at you.
  • There’s an unbroken umbrella in a bar, just waiting to be photographed for Katie. And of course it started raining, which reminded me that I forgot it.
  • Do you know what’s really funny? Seeing someone walk onto a Septa bus carrying a case of beer.
  • There’s scuttlebutt about a potential road trip Monday to see NKOTB on the Today Show.

Did you learn any life lessons last night? Please share! If not, make it a point to learn some during this fabulously long weekend.

Shiny New

July 17th, 2008 @ 9:19 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

Please tell me I’m not the only one that goes through weeks of boredom and then bam! There’s a week or so that’s fill with all kinds of shiny new THINGS that totally make you forget what a loser you were last week. Here’s what’s made my week sparkle:

  • Hersheypark on Tuesday with the nephew. He doesn’t get the concept of sitting down during rides. And he almost fell out of one of them. Whoops! We had so much fun on the water slides.
  • Things are going to be changing ’round these parts because I just won a superfab new blog design from the fabulous Jen at Jayesel. Thanks Janet for the heads up about the contest. I owe you!
  • I do have plans for this weekend now thanks to KTS. Her blog reminded me to volunteer for this weekend’s 20in24, a road race to benefit Philadelphia’s homeless. I recruited a couple sorority sisters and you can still help, too!
  • I had so much fun at happy hour last night that I came home and fell asleep promptly at 9:30. Do I know how to have a good time or what? For some reason I woke up at 3 a.m. and didn’t fall back asleep until 4:30. Did you know there’s nothing on TV at 4 a.m. if you don’t have cable? Is there anything on at 4 a.m. if you do have cable?
  • I went to a cool luncheon today with the founder of HelpAReporter.com. PR folks/journalists: Did you know about this service? Am I the last to the party, as usual? And speaking of last to the party, Peter inspired me to Twitter. Stalk Follow me at twitter.com/pomjob.
  • Today was my friend Mel’s birthday! (Happy birthday, Mel!) She invited me out on her family’s boat to celebrate. It was amazing! Tonight’s sunset was spectacular over the Delaware River. Raindrops were falling on our heads as we floated into port and mosquitoes swarmed as we said goodbye in the parking lot but it was awesome none the less. I might get to go along next week for her sister’s birthday. Whee!

What shiny new things did you do this week? Or tell me something fun you have planned for the weekend.

Boomer and the Bus

July 7th, 2008 @ 7:50 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: Philly | Tags:

I do what I can to minimize my impact on our favorite planet Earth. I recycle; I reuse the blank side of copier paper; I don’t eat (much) meat (although that has nothing to do with saving the Earth but why not count it in my favor anyway); I use a power strip at work for my cell charger, PDA charger and printer; I turn the thermostat up in the Summer and down in the Winter.

Since I moved to Philadelphia, I’ve taken public transportation to work. No only does it save me a minimum of $7 in parking fees, but I also have about two hours each day of reading time. I’ve had a few interesting experiences but today I had TWO Tales from the SEPTA Trenches.

First, we were about 15 blocks from my office when a truck tried to squeeze by the bus as it was stopped to allow people to safely board and depart the bus and somehow the driver’s mirror was shattered. Traffic was snarled for a few minutes but a couple other buses were in line to pick up the abandoned riders.

Around 4:45, I was engrossed in my book when a sweet Southern drawl caught my ear.

“I love you but I don’t want you to waste your money on me, God bless your soul,” said the Boomer as she pushed him from the token box.

I don’t know if the two riders were together or whether he just took pity on her soul and was going to pay the fare that she was refusing to pay.

Seniors can ride SEPTA for free, but I guess she didn’t have her Medicare card ready at the wait. Boomer and the Driver bantered back and forth, each politely jabbing at each other in a very humorous fashion. (I give them credit, usually these encounters quickly dissolve into name calling and threats of police intervention.) She sat down and shuffled through a menagerie of grocery club cards, gift cards and the like.

“I found it!” she said as she held up her fists in triumph, in true Philly Rocky fashion. The riders - their audience - broke out into applause and the driver cracked a wide smile. Boomer took her bow and order was restored.

A couple blocks later, she bid us adieu. “Goodbye Everyone,” she said to the enchanted crowd as she made her way down the steps. And to all a good night.

Fireworks are my favorite

July 6th, 2008 @ 12:12 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: I heart TV, Philly | Tags: , , ,

To commemorate the birthday of our great nation, four-fifths of my family came to visit me in the City of Brotherly love.

We drank Canadian beer*, saw John Legend sing, watched fireworks (not quite over the Art Museum) in the rain, walked a LOT with complaining, rode the Ducks, missed a bus by a second, ate Philly cheese steaks** and watched the entire first disc of How I Met Your Mother, Season One***. It was a great weekend but conversation kept circling back to the one who wasn’t there****.

We had a lot of fun and I learned a lot about my city like that one of the Three Stooges was from South Street and on Tuesday at noon I can see someone read the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall. Also? Philly residents hate the Ducks.

But the most important lesson was learned on the 32 bus: If you beep your horn first, you can totally run red lights.

How was your Fourth of July?

___________________________________________________

*How’s that for patriotism?

**Delicious bread, crappy service.

***You need to watch this show if you haven’t seen it. The PomFam wanted to steal my roommate’s DVDs to take home. Let\’s Go to the Mall

****Like the proverbial elephant in the room, I can’t ignore that she chose her new boyfriend over her son and family. I still don’t know how to get her the help I think she needs but I guess that’s the key: I THINK she needs it, she doesn’t.

Impressions at Night

June 13th, 2008 @ 11:49 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: Philly | Tags:

City lights at night can make or break a city. Dim lighting hides what is dingy, dirty and degraded during the day, making nighttime stroll through the city enchanting, endearing and engaging. The Philadelphia skyline is beautiful. Not too tall and interesting enough to keep you interested. It masks the homeless men, curled up on stoops and over grates. Neon lights beckon you to the neighborhood bar which might look skeevy on the outside but is actually quite charming beyond the front door.

I lived outside D.C. for nearly three years and some of my favorite memories took place after dark. The Vietnam Memorial should only be experienced after twilight, when the dark shadows mingle with the spotlights to make the statues even more haunting.

As for the show:

  • Hal Sparks should cut his hair. But he’s dang funny.
  • Chris Bonno isn’t very funny. The local guy who opened/hosted was way funnier.
  • $4 is highway robbery for Michelob Ultra.

Papa John’s whole wheat pizza crust is delicious. Especially after two drinks at T.A. Flannery.

Brought to you by the letter ZZ

June 13th, 2008 @ 6:02 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: Philly | Tags:

I’m off for a night on the town and to see Hal Sparks, who I’m sure will dazzle. I plan to indulge in a fizzy drink or two, perhaps one with a swizzle stick. I hope our seats aren’t on the mezzanine, but really, it’s a comedy club in Philly… doubt there is such a thing. Either way, I’m going to put a little pizaazz in the city of brotherly love with my littlest sister.

(This post is for you, Slice of Pink.)

Irony in Motion

April 21st, 2008 @ 8:20 am | Comments (0)
Filed: In Motion, Philly | Tags:

As I participated in the Dash for Organ Donor Awareness yesterday, my observant olfactory glands caught a whif of unpleasant second-hand smoke. Thanks for poisoning my lungs at a transplant fund-raiser, jackhole.

Before the 5K kicked off, the announcer wished a happy 21st birthday to a liver transplant recipient who’s had the liver for 19 years. I turned to my friend M and asked if liver transplant recipients celebrate that birthday in the traditional way.

PS-The “dash” was more like a crawl. It took me twice as long to complete the 3K walk as it did to run the 5K earlier that morning. But it was fun, and for a good cause.

New to Me

April 17th, 2008 @ 7:14 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

I would love to say it was because I was recuperating from the crazy awesome weekend I had that it took me so long to write a blog entry about it, but that would be a lie. I’ve just been kind of lazy. After the tumultuous previous weekend, I was due a little stress-free me time.

I had a fabulous weekend packed with new adventures that made me fall more in love with Philadelphia.

First up, a four mile run on Saturday along Kelly Drive on the banks of the Schuylkill River. As the wind blew threw my hair, I passed crew teams, babes in strollers (and in shorts, ba-dum-ching), dogs straining again their leashes, couples strolling hand-in-hand and groups of awkward high school track stars. The cherry trees are in full bloom and the sun kept slipping behind fluffy white clouds.

As a lifelong Presbyterian, I’ve been looking for a church near my burg that meets my needs: an atmosphere I like and social actives for people my age. That’s a tall order to fill among Presbyterian churches near me, I guess. One church I visited had at most 15 people filling the pews. I don’t think any was younger than 65. I ride past the First Presbyterian Church everyday and finally broke down and went downtown for a service and it was totally worth it! It’s a gorgeous building, complete with Tiffany windows, and there’s even a young adults group and coffee hour after with food!

I love a good museum so I finally headed to the Franklin Institute and did something new: I became a member. I’m looking forward to the promised young professional events and special member privileges. Plus I got to ride the skybike for free! I don’t think I got the full experience. There’s a Star Wars exhibit, complete with costumed characters on select days. Guess which day was selected? It was packed… good thing I can go back!

Then it was on to hear the utterly charming Jennifer Weiner appeared at the nearby library. She’s so witty and I can’t wait to read her new book.

A brand new Desperate Housewives rounded out my pleasure-filled weekend.

How was your weekend? Hope this one’s great!

Philly Findings

April 2nd, 2008 @ 7:14 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

Overheard on the bus this morning:

“I just started wearing a girdle.”

********************************************************

I told my family over Easter about Mayor Nutter’s plan to clean up the city. I must have phrased the plan in a way that made it seem like I was working directly with the Mayor on this project, so some minor teasing ensued.

Because I’m not going to be in town this weekend, I just cleaned up all the crap that blew into my postage stamp-sized back yard. It’s amazing how much junk accumulated in that corner, by the back door and chain link fence. There were empty cans of cat food, soda cans, paper towels, fast food cups, cardboard boxes, pieces of metal and tons of paper.

One piece of paper contained someone’s to-do list. Amongst the diapers to pick up and litter box to clean was a note about Bitter is the New Black by one of my favorite bloggers.
If you’re in Philadelphia this Saturday, help the Mayor and me clean it up! If you’re not in Philly this weekend, make your current location a little more beautiful by picking up litter. You never know where you’ll find reference to your blog.

Flip-Flopping

April 1st, 2008 @ 8:22 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

I couldn’t have clashed more today if I tried.

It was rainy this morning, so I wore my black and white polka dotted rain boots with my coral and white polka dotted dress (I love that dress, but my sisters asked me why I raided Minnie Mouse’s closet and my dad said it hurts his eyes. My family’s portrait is in Webster’s, right next to supportive.) to the bus stop.

Because Philadelphians can’t drive in drizzle, I was 15 minutes late to work. I set down my bags and reached for my shoes and… oops. They were sitting at home, right by the door.

So I had to wear the hot pink flip flops stashed under my desk from a summertime commute. With my coral polka dotted dress.  Luckily we don’t get many visitors in our office.

PS-Target has the cutest rain boots. They make me wish I didn’t have a pair.  Also? Wedding gowns. Seriously?

CloseTalker

March 11th, 2008 @ 9:36 pm | Comments (0)
Filed: My glamourous life, Philly | Tags:

I went to happy hour(s) Friday night with a group of friends. The bar was fabulous (Urban Saloon in the Fairmount section), and the company was awesome, although the name lies-no country music! There were swinging saloon doors, though. The bar area was packed, but we were able to get a table and ordered dinner and drinks. No one was brave enough to try the bacon burger with peanut butter, but the food was good… it even offered your choice of fries or tater tots!

One friend invited another couple of friends, one of which turned out to be someone’s a former coworker (details are a little fuzzy). The coworker was a close talker. He seemed nice enough, but I just wasn’t that into him, as the saying goes. Throughout our conversation I noticed he got closer, so I would inch back. He inched forward. I inched back. And so on. It wasn’t even that loud! Eventually someone distracted us which gave me an excuse to escape Close Talker. I ask: How do you politely discourage the close talker?