Entries this day: AM_train_pressure Airport_security Airport_waiting Bang! Janette

AM train pressure

12:12pm JST Friday 26 September 2003

On the way to Shibuya today, I got on a Hibiya line train, lightly sprinkled with people. Transfered to a full Tokyu line train, standing near the front behind a young woman against the front glass. I reminded myself of standing behind Britt at the Snow concert at UH back in the day. I blocked her from the crushing crowd behind us.

As the train became more and more packed, I felt it my civic duty to give her space, after the horrible stories I've heard of men pressing themselves forcibly against women in trains. I just wanted to correct all the wrongs in the world, possibly doing something uniquely positively surprisingly good for this woman, bracing myself against the wall and the window instead of against her.

My right hand against the glass, my left hand in my pocket so it wouldn't brush or be crushed gropingly against someone's booty, I stood resisting the crowd pressure behind me. Then the forces were shifted as the train descended a hill *and* slowed at the same time, shifting untold tons of silent sentient flesh against me and my protectee.

I couldn't keep off her, but I diverted as much pressure as I could to my feet and arm. After the train stopped and the pressure lessened, I said "gomen" under my breath. Took my left hand out of my pocket so I could use it as a brace.

The next descending stopping avalanche of pressure made me wonder if my arm might break through the glass against which I was diverting all the force. That would *suck*. Would people understand why it happened? That my altruistic moment had saved this woman (save for blood and glass on her face) from excruciating pressure at the expense of my arm? Maybe. okay, let's focus on the window staying intact instead.

Upon arrival in Shibuya, people poured out of the train on both sides, like carbonated spam might upon release. My well preserved friend joined the masses of robots. I never saw her face.

Airport security

12:40pm JST Friday 26 September 2003

I approached the baggage screening area.

"May I see your ticket?"

"Ummm."

"Are you meeting someone?"

"Yes."

"Okay, please come through."

Airport waiting

1:35pm JST Friday 26 September 2003

I think this is the same terminal where I initially arrived. Over there is the Meeting Area where DruDaddyG and I first met, except where we sat there is now a table with internet connected laptops on it.

An arriving passenger greeted her friend with a lei, and I almost cried at the idea of.... emotion? care? connection?

4:28pm

I was just beginning to think dreadful thoughts. I replaced them with happiness, then suddenly turned around to see janette smiling and resplendant behind a huge box carrying my bike.

Bang!

5:13pm JST Friday 26 September 2003

When trains zoom past one another on nearby tracks, it sounds like a bang rattarattarattaratta as the windows all vibrate. janette and I are on the train now and she jumps each time it happens. I've gotten used to them since I've lived here. She said it was thrilling.

Lots of thrills on the way home!

Janette

10:22am JST Saturday 27 September 2003

janette took Reece's Cups up to Olivia, whose squeal of thanks could be easily heard throughout the courtyard.

She brought a ton of cookies and chocolate!