Standing on the corner

These days when I go somewhere I need to plan the route, transport, timing, and my energy level pretty carefully, or else I’ll end up humming some tune from the 50s for days on end afterwards.

Current tune in my head: Standing on the Corner (Watching All the Girls Go By). Initially, I was humming “standing on the corner” followed by “watching all the cars go by” because I wasn’t sure of the actual lyrics. I’m now a bit of an expert on the song because I keep thinking about it. Like when I first woke up this morning! I was trying to remember something that seemed a bit stuck in my memory and voila! It was this song OMG!

Anyway, one thing. After really getting to know the 1950s version, I don’t recommend listening to the Tom Waits version. It will really mess with your head!!

So, last week on the hottest day, I had 3 errands which is a very heavy day for me, and I made a mistake. I forgot to plan the details of the final leg home from an odd location during rush hour.

In the end I was fine but I was stranded for a long time on a busy street corner, in the shade, with my trusty sunglasses and earplugs, water and handkerchief, trying to decide if I should call a cab, walk across the street to the hotel and call a cab from there, or take the bus.

The thought process went something like this (quite calmly and relaxed): I could take the bus. No it’s too crowded. Then call a cab. I know, maybe from the hotel across the street; there are people waiting for cabs there. Maybe too busy. That bus that just went by was full. Is the bus stop on the next block? I can’t remember. The bus will be too crowded! Maybe I should call a cab. Oh look at those people crossing the street! They’re so interesting! Look at that cab go by. There’s another cab. Does it have anyone in it? It’s empty. Maybe I should call a cab. It’s so hot! The sweat is dripping down my face! I’m in the way of these delivery guys. I’ll move to this side of the corner. Oh there’s a breeze! There’s another cab! It’s full. I need more water. I should call a cab. Or, I could go to the hotel. I wonder if it would be faster? … Repeatedly, for almost an hour.

In the end, I did call a cab. Three times. By the 2nd call I was a bit perturbed but patient. My cab never arrived. 50 mins after my first call, I hailed a cab from the same company and cancelled my order (sheesh, stupid rush-hour streetside call procedures!).

I arrived home nearly 2 hours after leaving my appointment. 15 blocks away. $6 cab ride. And with this song imprinted in my mind, likely for life!!

Hahaha!!!

YouTube: Standing on the Corner by The Four Lads
Photo: Nostalgia Central